Dorsey Hopson

Dorsey Hopson is a Partner at City Fund, where he works with local leaders to improve student outcomes, enhance K-12 ecosystems, and strengthen state and local conditions to ensure all students have access to high-quality schools. In his role, Dorsey draws on his extensive leadership experience to drive sustainable, community-centered educational reforms.

Before joining City Fund, Dorsey served as Superintendent for the Memphis City and Shelby County School Districts, leading the largest school merger in U.S. history. During his tenure, he prioritized early literacy, expanded high-quality school options, and fostered authentic community engagement. He also worked with the school board and philanthropy to grow the district’s non-profit school sector and develop reform-oriented policies. Under his leadership, the district managed a $100 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and launched the I-Zone, one of the nation’s most successful school turnaround models.

Earlier in his career, Dorsey served as General Counsel for multiple school districts, including Memphis City Schools, where he led a landmark funding lawsuit that secured a $57 million judgment for the district. He began his career as a corporate defense attorney in Atlanta, serving as lead trial lawyer and arguing cases in federal and state appellate courts.

Dorsey holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis and graduated magna cum laude from the Georgia State University College of Law. He serves on the boards of several education organizations, including the Georgia Charter Schools Association and the Memphis Education Fund. Hopson lives in Memphis with his wife and children.