Brent Hooks, MBA, PMP, PMI-CP, CDT
Vice President
Cornerstone Engineering
Memphis, Tenn.
AGE: 36
EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration, Vanderbilt University Owens Graduate School of Management
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leading the firm’s expansion across the Southeastern U.S., focusing on key growth markets such as Memphis, Birmingham, and Atlanta
From 2013–2024, was Chief Administrative Officer with Allworld Project Management, a construction management firm
Has been recognized by Forbes Next 1000, Top Young Memphian by the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce, and Top 40 under 40 by Memphis Business Journal
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, PMI and AIA
Has served on the board of Urban Land Institute
Active participant in the ACEC Tennessee PE Leadership Cohort, a statewide mentoring and support organization
Former board member of the Blight Authority of Memphis, where he supported efforts to combat vacancy, stabilize neighborhoods, and create opportunities for equitable redevelopment
OFF THE CLOCK
Serves on the board of New Ballet Ensemble and School, helping to promote inclusive arts education and leading strategic planning related to the redevelopment of the historic Humes School
Serves on the City of Memphis Film and Television Commission, helping to advance economic development through creative infrastructure
Member, Brooks Museum in Memphis
Lifelong basketball fan and nature lover
Avid reader of biographies and histories
SECRET LIFE
A native Memphian, Brent says he comes from a line of pioneers who used education, culture, and justice to break barriers and open doors for others (his great-great-grandmother, Julia Britton Hooks, was the first Black woman to attend Berea College; and his great-uncle, Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks, was Tennessee’s first Black criminal court judge)
WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
“‘Leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about creating space for others to rise.’ [This advice] reminds me that the real measure of leadership is not just what you accomplish personally, but what you enable others to accomplish alongside you.”
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
“My single biggest professional achievement has been receiving two national recognitions, with this honor being the third, that speak to what is possible for my city, my state, and the next generation of leaders.”
