Board Member Spotlight: Roland Myers, CAE

TNSAE Board of Directors Spotlight Series

As part of our 2026 TNSAE Board of Directors Spotlight Series, we’re excited to continue highlighting the leaders who are helping elevate and connect our association community across Tennessee. Through this series, we’ll introduce you to members of our board and share a glimpse into their professional journeys, passions, and what inspires their service.

Roland Myers, CAE

President & Chief Executive Officer
Tennessee Retail Association

Years in the association profession: 31 
Years involved with TNSAE: 20
Board Position: Director

Tell us a little about your current role and the association or organization you serve?

The Tennessee Retail Association (TRA) serves as the voice of the retail industry at the state Capitol, representing thousands of Tennessee retailers and their employees before the General Assembly and the executive branch.

What has been one of the most meaningful or rewarding moments in your association career?

As legislative victories go, the 2014 passage of the law permitting wine sales in grocery stores came after seven years of sustained, determined effort. As a member of the team behind that success, I gained lasting lessons in perseverance, coalition-building, and grassroots advocacy—principles I continue to apply in my work at the TRA.

I reached two significant leadership milestones by serving as chair of the Council of State Retail Associations (CSRA) in 2014 and TNSAE in 2017. CSRA is a national organization representing retail associations across all 50 states.

What advice would you give to someone newer to the association profession?

Communicate early, often, and with purpose across your members, board, colleagues, and broader audiences. Don’t assume your value is understood - you have to clearly show what you’re doing on their behalf and consistently reinforce the association’s impact.

How did you first get involved with TNSAE?

When I joined the TRA, the executive assistant, Virginia Raffield, encouraged me to join TNSAE. She described it as a network of association professionals who would support my growth and help me develop as an executive director - and she was absolutely right.

What inspired you to serve on the TNSAE Board?

Serving on the TNSAE Board, especially chairing the Board, was a privilege. I appreciated the opportunity to serve my colleagues. I felt great professional pride when my colleagues put their trust in my leadership.

Tell us about your family, pets, and where you call home.

My family is originally from East Tennessee, but I consider Memphis my hometown. Growing up, I lived in Memphis, as well as Florida, North Carolina, and Kentucky. After college, I moved to Washington, D.C., where I worked on Capitol Hill before lobbying for the credit union industry - an experience that also marked the start of my career in associations.

What is one app you rely on regularly, either professionally or personally?

Waze. Before it, how did I ever get anywhere - let alone on time?

What is something people may not know about you?

I’m a certified barbecue judge and have the privilege of judging at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest - widely known as the “Super Bowl of Swine.”

Are you involved with any other nonprofits or volunteer efforts that are meaningful to you?

I serve as a volunteer and board member of Scouting America (Middle Tennessee Council). Scouting gave me so much as a young person, and I’m committed to ensuring today’s youth have the same opportunities to learn, grow, and enjoy the outdoors.