Tate Wilson is the CEO of the Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation, where she leads the foundation’s mission to strengthen families and invest in thriving neighborhoods in Memphis. Tate’s career has centered on using philanthropy as a catalyst for long-term, community-led change – bringing together nonprofits, civic leaders, and investors to tackle complex challenges such as health equity, educational access, and neighborhood revitalization. Tate brings a systems-level perspective shaped by hands-on experience in grantmaking, impact investing, and collaborative community development. Before joining the Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation, Tate founded and led Eliza Tate Event Design, an event planning firm based in Memphis.
Living and working in Memphis is central to Tate’s identity. She is a proud Memphian – one who loves her city and its rich culture, creativity, and resilience. Tate is an Echols Scholar graduate of the University of Virginia. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four boys, exploring Memphis neighborhoods, and supporting the city’s arts and music scene. Tate serves on the boards of the Association of Infant Mental Health in Tennessee, Baptist Women’s and Children’s Hospital, The Brooks Museum, Memphis Delta Prep Charter School, Tennessee Career Academy, and University of Tennessee’s Population Health Consortium.