By: Keyana Pratt
Introducing the new President and CEO of the Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC), Jeffrey D. Wallace. Dedicated to public service and uplifting his community, Wallace has served in several community leadership positions including: Director of Client and Community Service for the Gulf Coast Community Services Association, Outreach Program Administrator for Shell Oil and served as former President of the Altus Foundation.
d-mars.com had a Q&A interview with Mr. Wallace as he expressed his goals and aspirations in his new role as President and CEO of GHBC.
1. What about GHBC inspired you to take on the role as president and CEO?
The opportunity to drive progress in the black community in the area I feel that is paramount to that progress, which is business, is a blessing I am honored and energized to optimize. The capacity of the black business community is still, in many ways, one of the best kept secrets. It is time for the black community to come together and harness the collective power that exists in our community. I simply want to be a part of that charge and be a catalyst in creating access, eliminating barriers, and raising the profile of black business.
2. What excites you most about being the new GHBC President?
Having the tools to have a new conversation. Having worked as a professional in Houston for a while now, I have seen a consistent pattern of business protocol. A protocol that, at times, perpetuates barriers instead of yield opportunity. I look forward to being a part of the conversation that addresses accountability, the mobilization of community resources to create an environment where anyone with the drive and talent can thrive in business, and economic mobilization.
3. What are some things you look forward to implementing during your term as President and CEO?
There are a large number of items on my agenda that I want to have executed, but there are a few of those items that stand out such as being a chamber that responds to the reality of what Houston is: a local, regional, national, and global environment. The chamber needs to have intersecting services that deal with businesses on all of those levels and yet create opportunity in our services for a business to develop competencies to expand. There will be businesses that need “holding hands” support in improving their credit, there will be businesses that are looking to establish an international business exchange. Houston requires a Chamber that has the service latitude to address those needs. Additionally, the black community in Houston has got to be in the business of developing future business owners and business drivers. We have two wonderful historically black universities in the greater Houston area that do a great job of producing tremendous professionals. Investing in these institutions’ “valuable products” and making sure that more potential business owners as opposed to potential consumers will be a priority for the Chamber.
4. How do you see the organization changing in a year or so, and how do you see yourself creating that change?
I see the Chamber becoming a full service vehicle for business growth and consumer education that is a necessity and not an option. The Chamber is only as good as its active membership base. My job is to communicate the value proposition for doing business with the Chamber – and I do mean business. It is not a social obligation to be a part of any chamber. A sound Chamber provides it members with a return of investment that, if not completely quantifiable, is completely understandable.
5. What qualities do you think a good president holds?
I feel a good president listens, listens, and listens some more. Clearly, in my opinion, listening is the foundation. Being a primary driver for business in the black community is clearly not a one person show. The listening should be the catalyst for the strategic acquirement of resources, relationships, and the steering of the operation. Additionally, a successful president must have passion and a sincere belief in the mission the organization she or he represents is committed to. A leader with a lifeless spirit is the most formidable enemy of any mission or vision.
6. You served as the past president of the Altus Foundation and previously served as Chief Operating Officer for the Houston Area Urban League, Director of Client and Community Service for the Gulf Coast Community Services Association and Outreach Program Administrator for Shell Oil, how have some of these positions prepared you to hold the position of president and CEO of GHBC?
I have been fortunate to work under and report to amazing people. People I learned a lot from in different ways. Understanding how to be accountable – in prosperous and difficult times – as well as the importance of believing in what you do are powerful tools of success. If you don’t know anything about me, you will know I believe in the mission of GHBC and I am passionate about the Chamber and the black community reaching its potential.
7. Due to your past community-building experience, can you explain the importance of being active in the community and holding some of these leadership positions?
I have always felt the desired impact of community action and service should always be helping another entity to be self-sufficient. Whether you are involved in a disaster recovery effort, an adult literacy program, a food drive, mentoring, or a park cleanup the objective should be to enhance. Being truly active in the community replenishes your character, reestablishes the notion that you are a part of something bigger, and creates the humility necessary to develop a vested interest in that which you occupy and benefit from.
8. What legacy do you want to leave in the GHBCC?
Simply stated, at the end of my time with the Chamber, I want to look at it the way a proud parent looks at their child who has grown up. It is a corny analogy perhaps, but it underscores my thoughts about the legacy I want with the Chamber.
