meet la sonya hall

For more than two decades, I’ve had the privilege of serving the people of Memphis and Shelby County.

In my current role as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, I help manage a $1.6 billion operating budget and a $150 million capital improvement budget while working alongside leaders at every level of government. Over the years, I’ve led in C-Suite roles across Public Works, Human Resources, Workforce Development, and even as Interim Director of the Health Department during the COVID-19 pandemic—always focused on solving problems and delivering results for our community.

Service is personal to me.

My husband, Dr. Alfred L. Hall, and I have been married for more than 30 years, and we chose to make Whitehaven our home over 20 years ago. Together, we raised our two daughters in the Shelby County School system, and for 20 years I also served as First Lady of Philadelphia MB Church in Oxford, Mississippi, where I supported families and worked to strengthen our faith community.

I come from a family that taught me the value of hard work and service. My father was a Vietnam veteran and retired police officer, and my mother was a trailblazer in the manufacturing industry—the first female forklift driver and shipping and receiving manager in Clinton, Mississippi. Their example inspired me to pursue higher education, where I earned three degrees, including a Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi and my B.S. from Jackson State University—and to dedicate my career to serving others.

Beyond government, I stay deeply engaged in our community. I currently serve as Chair of the Jackson State University Development Foundation, as a Board Member of Memphis in May, and as Vice President of the Banneker Estates Association. I am also proud to be a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and an active member of the NAACP, the Rotary Club of Memphis, Democratic Women of Shelby County, National Council of Negro Women, National Women's Political Caucus - Tennessee, and several national leadership organizations.

Everywhere I’ve served, I’ve worked to bring people together to strengthen neighborhoods, expand opportunity, and build a brighter future for families across Memphis and Shelby County.