John Threadgill to Retire After More Than 20 Years Leading Bartlett Area Chamber
A Career Focused on Bartlett’s Business Community
John Threadgill, president of the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce, will retire effective Jan. 31, 2027, concluding more than 20 years leading the organization and working to strengthen Bartlett’s business community.
The Chamber announced his retirement Oct. 20. Threadgill plans to help the board recruit and onboard his successor and will continue in an advisory role after stepping down.
Before joining the Bartlett Chamber in 2005, Threadgill spent 16 years with the Greater Memphis Chamber, where he served as chief administrative officer and led international economic development efforts. Earlier in his career, he worked with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, helping attract foreign investment to the state.
During his time in Bartlett, Threadgill helped give the Chamber a stronger economic development focus, working to attract new companies, support existing businesses and build relationships that encourage investment and job creation.
He also played a key role in forming the Greater Memphis Medical Device Council and the Shelby County Chamber Alliance, while fostering a close working relationship with the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis & Shelby County (EDGE).
One of the industries that caught his attention early in his Bartlett tenure was medical devices. Threadgill recognized the concentration of medical device companies in the area and worked to support the industry’s continued growth.
He has also seen significant changes in Bartlett’s industrial development prospects. In a recent interview with The Daily Memphian, Threadgill noted that more than 500 acres of developable industrial land are now available in the city, including property in Bartlett Corporate Park and the planned Bartlett Innovation Park.
That inventory provides opportunities for companies considering new locations as well as businesses looking to expand their operations.
Threadgill said he remains proud of Bartlett’s accomplishments and the companies that have grown in the community, including Memphis Record Pressing, Brimhall Foods, Lincotek, Olympus and Arch Medical.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many talented and dedicated people and to serve the businesses and individuals who make this community such a special place,” Threadgill said in the Chamber’s retirement announcement. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to supporting the Chamber and its continued success during this transition.”
Bartlett Mayor David Parsons also recognized Threadgill’s role in the city’s economic development, including efforts to bring manufacturing businesses to Bartlett.
Michael Patrick, chairman of the Chamber’s board, said Threadgill’s influence extends beyond the organization through his advocacy for business, economic development and job creation.
Chamber Begins Search for Successor
The Chamber plans to begin the search for its next president, with the goal of having a successor selected ahead of Threadgill’s retirement. The new leader is expected to officially begin Feb. 1, 2027.
Threadgill will assist with the transition and remain available to the organization in an advisory capacity. He has also hinted at a future economic development-related project he hopes to pursue after leaving the Chamber, with more details to come as the idea develops.
His retirement marks a leadership transition for an organization that works closely with businesses, public agencies and regional economic development partners to support Bartlett’s continued growth.
Sources: Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce retirement announcement; The Daily Memphian, Oct. 21, 2026; Memphis Business Journal, Oct. 20, 2026.
