Written By JR Robinson

Shelby County is entering a fresh season of dialogue, collaboration, and problem-solving as Commissioner Dr. Charlie Caswell, Jr. launches a new round of his Tuesday Stakeholder Meetings—a series designed to connect residents directly with leaders who influence the health, safety, and prosperity of our communities.

Kicking Off with Insight from MLGW

The first gathering of the season will take place Tuesday, August 12th, from 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM, and will feature Doug McGowen, President and CEO of Memphis Light Gas & Water (MLGW), as the special guest speaker. This opening conversation offers residents a rare opportunity to gain firsthand information about Memphis’s utility services, upcoming improvements, and ways MLGW is working to better serve the public. Attendees will also have a chance to ask their own questions—making this a truly interactive forum.

Multiple Dates, Multiple Voices

Following this kickoff event, Commissioner Caswell’s Tuesday Stakeholder Meetings will be held on the 2nd Tuesday at noon and the 4th Tuesday at 6 PM each month. While McGowen’s appearance is exclusive to the season opener, future sessions will bring in different featured guests—including state legislators, City of Memphis officials, nonprofit leaders, and other community influencers.

The next evening meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, August 26th at 6 PM, will welcome State and City of Memphis elected officials, giving residents another chance to speak directly with the people making decisions that impact their neighborhoods.

Why These Meetings Matter

Commissioner Caswell’s stakeholder meetings aren’t just “information sessions”—they’re a living example of his ongoing mission to make Shelby County safer, healthier, and more prosperous. By offering flexible meeting times and a rotating lineup of topics and speakers, Caswell ensures greater accessibility for residents with different schedules, priorities, and concerns.

Caswell, known for his leadership in social justice, youth empowerment, and trauma-informed community initiatives, has long championed open dialogue between citizens and decision-makers. His work in fostering collaboration has earned community honors and built a reputation for putting people at the center of policy conversations.

Spotlight on Doug McGowen

The season’s first guest, Doug McGowen, has spent his career helping shape the future of Memphis. Before leading MLGW, he served as Chief Operating Officer for the City of Memphis, where he guided key efforts in infrastructure modernization, public safety improvements, and government efficiency.

As MLGW’s President and CEO, McGowen has focused on upgrading critical utility systems, improving storm readiness, promoting sustainable energy solutions, and ensuring transparent communication with customers. He has placed a strong emphasis on listening to community needs and driving changes that directly improve reliability, equity, and affordability of services for Memphians.

From repairing aging infrastructure to developing long-term resilience strategies, McGowen’s leadership at MLGW reflects a commitment to both the city’s present needs and its future growth.

Looking Ahead

With the launch of this new season of Tuesday Stakeholder Meetings, Commissioner Caswell continues to create meaningful touchpoints between residents and the leaders who shape their daily lives. Whether it’s utilities, public safety, education, or local development, these sessions provide a platform for information, accountability, and empowerment.

As Caswell often says, “Together, we’re making our communities safer, healthier, and more prosperous.” Through open dialogue, informed questions, and shared solutions, Shelby County moves forward—one conversation at a time.