Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Dr. Reginald Porter Jr., President and CEO of Leadership Memphis and Volunteer Memphis, who highlights the nonprofit organization that has been training, connecting and mobilizing leaders to make a difference in Memphis since 1979. Porter shares his background as a native Memphian, who returned to the city after working in different cities and institutions, including Shelby County Schools and FedEx. He discusses his experience with Leadership Memphis, including his participation in the program and his subsequent role on the board for 9 years, including 2 years as chair. Porter explains the organization’s two main programs: the 10-week FastTrack program for mid-career individuals and the Executive Program for higher-level executives, which cover various aspects of civic engagement and community development.
Porter explains that the FastTrack program concludes with a civic engagement plan, while the Executive Program focuses on leadership pathways and mentorship opportunities. Porter outlines plans to activate the organization’s nearly 4,000 alumni through smaller group gatherings and increased volunteerism, and described Volunteer Memphis’s work connecting organizations with volunteer opportunities and upcoming service events including 9-11 Days of Service and combined Leadership Memphis-Volunteer Memphis Awards on September 24th.
Porter provides important deadlines, with the Executive Program application due August 2nd and FastTrack program accepting applications until September 19th, though the fall cohort has a stricter cutoff. Porter emphasizes that the programs are open to residents of Memphis and surrounding areas, including Arkansas, Mississippi, and even Nashville, as these regions affect each other.
Porter discusses how his experience in the 2013 Leadership Memphis program changed his perspective on solving city problems and navigating complex issues as a community champion. He emphasizes the program’s role in bringing different leaders together to break down barriers and facilitate important conversations. Porter highlighted that Leadership Memphis serves as a conduit to create awareness and ensure all sides are represented at the table.
Porter expresses excitement about the future of Leadership Memphis and Volunteer Memphis, particularly highlighting their pilot AI leadership institute. The program involved 24 leaders participating in a civic engagement laboratory where they learned AI tools and worked in groups to develop solutions and 90-day pilot proposals for city or county issues. Porter emphasizes how the initiative brings leaders together while helping them think creatively about how to use AI technology for community benefit.
Porter discusses ways for the community to support Leadership Memphis and Volunteer Memphis, including volunteering, nominating participants, and donating. Porter mentions plans for the organization’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebration in less than two years, which will involve bringing back past participants and hosting a significant event across the city. Porter directs listeners to visit leadershipmemphis.org for more information on how to get involved.
Visit https://www.leadershipmemphis.org to learn more and get involved with Leadership Memphis and Volunteer Memphis.
