Meet Arriell | The Answer Is Arriell

Arriell Gipson Martin with Calvin Martin

Arriell - the Clerk that's ready.

Arriell Gipson Martin is a wife, eldest daughter, friend, believer, trusted leader, connector, born and raised Memphian, and strategist committed to transforming communities through collaboration, civic engagement, and innovative problem-solving. With a career spanning government, community development, business management, client services, fiscal responsibility, corporate partnerships, and advocacy, she has dedicated herself to bridging gaps between organizations, industries, and residents to create lasting impact.

As someone who has worked on the executive team for the Shelby County Clerk's office, Arriell is day one ready to lead by serving the residents who call Shelby County, TN, home.

Arriell's mission is to deliver a modern, people-centered Clerk’s Office that eliminates barriers, reduces wait times, and treats every resident with the respect their time deserves.

As Senior Program Manager for Shelby County Government under the Mayor's Administration, Arriell manages complex initiatives that increase civic participation, strengthen resource accessibility, and drive meaningful community engagement. Her expertise in building partnerships has allowed her to develop programs that serve thousands of residents, ensuring that government and organizations work together to meet the needs of the people.

Arriell’s leadership extends far beyond Shelby County. As an alumna of Leadership Tennessee NEXT Class VIII, she has made it a priority to stay connected with leaders across the state, serving on both the planning and selection committees to cultivate the next generation of changemakers. Her work has taken her from Memphis to Knoxville, Chattanooga to Clarksville, where she has built relationships that support economic growth, civic engagement, and social progress.

Her impact has been recognized on both the state and national levels. She was honored with a resolution and proclamation from Tennessee State Senator London Lamar during 2024 Women’s Day on the Hill, recognizing her contributions to equity, leadership, and community advancement. Nationally, she was featured on PBS NewsHour for her work with Starts With Us, where she played a key role in co-creating five policy proposals that engaged 30,000 Tennesseans, demonstrating her ability to facilitate solutions in difficult conversations and unite people across perspectives.

Arriell’s influence is also seen in her board leadership. She serves as a Board Member for Serenity Recovery Centers and Junior Achievement of the Greater Mid-South Young Professionals Board, supporting work in addiction recovery, economic education, and youth empowerment. Through these roles, she is helping to shape programs that give individuals and families the tools to overcome challenges, build financial independence, and access better opportunities.

Arriell Gipson Martin is more than a leader; she is a visionary who sees the power of connection as the foundation for progress. Her work continues to influence policies, strengthen communities, and cultivate the next generation of leaders, ensuring that Tennessee remains a place where people, businesses, and organizations thrive together.

Street Cred (a.k.a. Receipts):

Memphis Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 honoree
Tennessee Democratic Party Chair’s Rising Star Award
Mentor, organizer, and speaker across Shelby County
Leadership Tennessee NEXT alumna
Memphis Grizzlies GameChageHER Awardee
Shelby County Democratic Executive Committee
Serenity Recovery Center's Board of Trustees
Junior Achievement of The Greater Mid-South
- Young Professionals Board
Member of Tennessee 11 with Builders
New Memphis Alumna
Leadership Memphis Alumna
Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement Alumna
Leaders of Color Alumna
LEE Member
Organizing for Action Alumna
Civic Tennessee Organizer
Mayor Lee Harris' Young Professional Council Alumna
Mayor Paul Young's Professional Committee Co-Chair
Memphis Shelby County Schools' Facility Ad Hoc Committee