Mack Weaver named new Memphis in May leader, looks to guide fest into 'next chapter'

Bob Mehr, Memphis Commercial Appeal
·2 min read

Longtime Memphis in May executive Mack Weaver has been named the organization’s new president and CEO.

Last week, the Memphis in May board voted to have Weaver — who has been with Memphis in May for 25 years, most recently as executive vice president and CFO — take over the role, succeeding outgoing Memphis in May head James Holt, who retired at the end of January.

Weaver was set to take over on Feb. 1 in an interim role, but the Memphis in May board moved to make his permanent hiring official on Jan. 25.

James “Jim” Holt, left, and Mack Weaver, right, smile for a photo with Holt’s Beale Street Note. Holt, who is retiring after leading the Memphis in May International Festival for 25 years, was honored during a ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at Rum Boogie Cafe in Downtown Memphis, Tenn.
James “Jim” Holt, left, and Mack Weaver, right, smile for a photo with Holt’s Beale Street Note. Holt, who is retiring after leading the Memphis in May International Festival for 25 years, was honored during a ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at Rum Boogie Cafe in Downtown Memphis, Tenn.

In a statement announcing the move on Thursday, Al Gossett, chairman of the Memphis in May board, said the organization was “fortunate to have the right person already on staff to step into the role of President.”

Gossett added Weaver’s “intimate knowledge of the organization and extensive experience producing large-scale events makes him ideal for the position and we’re confident in his leadership because we’ve already seen him in action for 25 years.”

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In the same statement from Memphis in May, Weaver said he looked forward to “guiding the festival into the next chapter.”

“We are in good shape financially, have a respected and world-renowned brand, experienced team, and dedicated volunteers,” Weaver said. “We are going to do what we do best, just as we have for the past 46 years.”

A lifelong Memphian and Northside High School alum, Weaver graduated with a degree in mathematics from South Carolina State University, where he played football and was an All-MEAC Conference and All-American defensive back.

In addition to his years with Memphis in May, Weaver has served on the board of directors of the Hattiloo Theatre, Memphis Tourism and the Memphis Rock-N-Soul Museum, where he was board chairman from 2022-23. Weaver is an active member of Greater Community Temple Deacon Board since 1998, also serving as board chairman.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis in May names new president and CEO: A look at Mack Weaver