Age: 43

Hometown: North Redland, Texas.

Residence: Pleasant Ridge.

Years in Cincinnati: Two.

In current position since: 2002

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

Leadership style: It resembles the way I used to DJ music at my children's carnival - knowing the right mix, finding those songs folks shared in common to make them all pat their feet together. Then you can introduce new tunes. People say, "We liked the others, let's give the new ones a shot." It's freeing them to take a risk and dance to a new song.

What can African-American leaders learn from white leaders? Be more comfortable in their own skin.

What can white leaders learn from African-American leaders? Be more collegial, build support within your organization.

What did you learn from your mother, a school custodian and cafeteria worker, about being a leader? She was strong in a quiet way, a quiet noise. Non-judgmental, but with very, very strong standards.

What did you learn from your father, a laborer, about being a leader? He was loud. He was a character. Very funny. People liked him. But he was no Cliff Huxtable.