Age: 44

Hometown: Cincinnati.

Residence: Downtown.

Years in Cincinnati: First 25 in the West End and Avondale. Returned in March after 19-year absence.

In current position since: March 1

Cincinnati's leadership is, in a word: Focused.

Leadership style: Strategic.

Leadership role model: Ken Blackwell.

What can African-American leaders learn from white leaders? To put their money where their principles are.

What can white leaders learn from African-American leaders? Broader compassion.

Roadblocks you have encountered as an African-American leader: Suspicions from whites and blacks. If I succeed, white colleagues think I did it because of affirmative action. African-Americans think I'm selling my soul or selling out the community.

What did you learn from your grandmother - who helped raise you, along with your great aunt, and "fixed up houses and sold them. In one four-year period, we moved 10 times" - about being a leader? Responsibility and compassion. She taught me you have the responsibility and the right to step up and help people.