Age: 45

Hometown: McDonald, Pa.

Residence: Indian Hill.

Years in Cincinnati: One.

In current position since: 2003

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

Leadership style: You've got to have a task and a plan - and you've got to go about it, and get it done. People learn better when they know you care about them and what they are doing and how they are doing it.

What can African-American leaders learn from white leaders? Black leaders have learned all of their lives from white leaders. The difference with a black leader is that they have worked their way from the ground up.

What can white leaders learn from African-American leaders? A black leader is more willing to take risks. You don't always get the ideal position. So, you are more willing to go out on a limb. You can't fear failure.

What did you learn from your mother, a nurse practitioner, and your father, a steel mill supervisor, about being a leader? I learned about hard work and the delegation of time. My mom not only raised a family, she worked. At the same time, my dad worked on a rotating schedule at the mill. We always had one parent at home.