Memphis Metro Land Bank Authority fires CEO following credit card misconduct investigation

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — This breaking news story will be updated:

The Memphis Metro Land Bank Authority (MMLBA) last week fired its CEO following an investigation into credit card misconduct.

The City of Memphis shared a resolution with ABC24 on Monday, Sept. 28, showing the Board of Directors of MMLBA voted to fire Michael O. Harris on Sept. 23.

MMLBA is a non-profit, quasi-governmental agency established by the Memphis City Council. The organization, which is funded by the city, operates a land bank and works to return vacant properties to productive use to help with economic development. While the non-profit is accountable to the city, MMLBA is a separate entity with its own board.

“We respect the board’s actions and will cooperate with MMLBA on any audit or investigation,” the city’s administration said. “We support a thorough and transparent review of the facts.”

According to the resolution, the investigation alleged that Harris “used an MMLBA business credit card to make personal purchases and charges that were not authorized business expenses of MMLBA and were not incurred in furtherance of MMLBA’s organizational mission or operations.”

The alleged actions violated Harris’ contract with the organization to maintain financial stewardship, according to the resolution. He became the non-profit’s CEO in September 2024.

The board voted 7-0 to terminate the CEO’s contract.