Ciara Neill, LPI Memphis
Ciara Neill’s journey into marketing and real estate has been anything but conventional. With degrees in geology, history, and economics, plus a master’s from Tulane, Ciara’s early career took unexpected turns. But it was her passion for Memphis and its communities that led her to LPI Memphis, where she now serves as Vice President of Marketing.
On Episode #16 of Just Bluffin’, Ciara shared how her diverse background and love for Memphis drive her to transform properties like Overton Square and create opportunities for local businesses.
Ciara’s role at LPI Memphis is never boring, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. “There’s no typical day,” she says, overseeing a small but mighty family-owned real estate team managing properties and serving tenants all over Memphis. With just 22 people on the team, LPI is a hands-on operation that handles everything from property management to marketing, and Ciara plays a key role in making sure everything runs smoothly. From the lively streets of Overton Square to the growing energy of Broad Avenue and Highland Row, Ciara’s juggling everything from marketing and event planning to supporting local businesses with her expertise and creativity. Whether it’s brainstorming the next big community event or making sure a new tenant is getting the most out of their space, Ciara’s all in. “We’re jacks-of-all-trades here,” she laughs, describing her multifaceted role. “You’ve got to be versatile.”
Ciara’s path to real estate and marketing was anything but linear. With a BS in geology, BAs in history and economics, and a master’s degree from Tulane, she didn’t start out thinking she’d end up in marketing. “I thought I’d be an economist, then dove into grad school to dodge a job hunt,” she says. After teaching environmental science and calculus, Ciara found her way to ANF Architects, then AIA Memphis, and finally to LPI in 2016. “My geology background taught me to see the big picture, and my economics degree gave me empathy for the tenants,” she says. Now, she’s applying those lessons in her work at LPI, whether designing posters for Overton Square or helping a new tenant create their first sign. Her role spans far beyond typical marketing duties; she’s constantly moving between tasks, all while keeping a close eye on the big picture and ensuring that LPI’s vision aligns with the growth of Memphis.
What sets LPI apart is its heart for community. “When our tenants succeed, we succeed,” Ciara shares. Google Alerts keep her updated on every mention of their 460 tenants, and she makes sure to cheer them on via social media. “It’s small, but they love knowing we’re watching.” Overton Square is one of the prime examples of LPI’s commitment to revitalizing spaces with love and care. “We saved Overton Square from demolition and revitalized every corner,” Ciara says, proud of how the area has grown into a vibrant community hub with free weekly events for Memphis. “It’s not about profit—it’s about love for the city,” she adds. From movie nights and dance parties to holiday bashes, LPI’s commitment to the community shines through every event and interaction.
Ciara’s favorite part of the work? “Graphic design—total creative control.” She’s been sneaking the same Overton Square landscape into Christmas posters for seven years, and she’s loving every minute of it. As much as she’s balancing property management and event coordination, Ciara’s heart lies in the creative process that lets her contribute to the city’s vibrant cultural fabric.
Ciara’s Memphis memories are rooted in community, with one in particular standing out. “Sunset Symphony at Memphis in May,” she recalls fondly. “Dad was in journalism, so we’d pile in—me, my siblings, parents—and soak up the riverfront, the skyline, the music. It was community.” Now, she’s planting those same seeds of connection in her work with LPI, showing that small teams can make a big impact—one tenant, one event, one hug at a time. From her role at LPI, Ciara is an example of how blending passions with purpose can result in real change for a city.
Want to join the fun? Check out Overton Square at overtonsquare.com and get the scoop on all the events happening in this heart of Memphis!
To listen to our full conversation with Ciara, click here. To listen to all of our conversations with Memphis leaders, subscribe to Just Bluffin’ wherever you get your podcasts. You can learn more about the team behind the mic on our podcast page.
