Joyce Avery currently reigns as chair of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners. She was first elected to serve the residents of District 4, Position 1 in September 2002. Her tenure has been monumental. On October 26, 2009, Joyce Avery made history as the first female to be sworn in as mayor of Shelby County. Avery took the reins of county government upon the departure of A C Wharton, Jr. who resigned to become the mayor of Memphis. For 45 days Avery served as the acting chief executive officer for the largest county in Tennessee. She resumed her role as chair of the Board of Commissioners on December 10, 2009 when Joe Ford was sworn in as interim mayor to complete Mayor Wharton's remaining term.
Joyce Avery attended the University of Arkansas and worked at the University of Tennessee Dental School. Civic organizations have been a large part of her life including positions held at the Memphis Chapter of the American Liver Foundation, National Association of Remodeling Industry, Shelby County Republican Women, Tennessee Federation of Republican Women, National Federation of Republican Women, Shelby County Republican Party former Vice Chair, as well as working on many campaigns, including Dole-Kemp, Jayne Creson, John Willingham, Bush-Cheney, and Lamar Alexander. Joyce is owner of Pandora's Box, an antique and interior design shop.
During her tenure as County Commissioner, Joyce Avery has severed as chairman of the Hospitals and Health Committee, vice-chairman of the Community Services Committee, and member of the Budget and Finance, Land Use, Conservation, General Government and the Delinquent Tax Parcel committees. She was appointed in 2007 to the Regional Medical Center Board of Directors
Avery became chairman of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners on September 14, 2009. As chair, Avery is responsible for leading meetings, overseeing commissioners' support staff and appointing committee chairmanships.
Joyce Avery's integrity, commitment to civic duty and gracious demeanor have made her one of the most respected and revered elected officials in Memphis and Shelby County.
Mrs. Avery is the wife of Charles Avery and is a member of Cordova Presbyterian Church.