Current Boards & Committees

Board of Director & Audit Committee Chair- Amplify Credit Union / Board of Director - Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation

What is the last book, podcast, article, or show you watched that really stuck with you?

Talent is Never Enough by John C. Maxwell. This book stuck with me because, I will never forget the day I tried to walk into my AP Chemistry class late after being the high scorer from the basketball game the night before. Doris Richardson (I will never forget), stopped me at the door and said to me exactly, "Lem, you are talented but that talent will only get you so far". I did not think anything about it during that time, but when I got to undergrad, I struggled a bit in math classes because I did not have to study as hard previously. And, it made even more sense during my professional career. I always found myself working harder than the next person, but there were attributes I needed to improve to help take my career to the next level, such as: Learning and Development, Certifications, Communication (verbal and non-verbal). Still to this day, I remind myself, my talent in specific areas of my life will only take me so far...

Coffee or tea?

Tea with a Blueberry Muffin!

If you could give yourself advice on your first day as a board member, what would it be?

Assess before you stress! You may not contribute on day one and that is okay. You were selected as a board member for what you will add to the organization as time goes on. Be available to ask lots of questions to other board members and the executive team, so you can get a sense where your time is and will be best spent.

What's the most memorable trip you've ever taken?

I have yet to visit Australia and the poles (which I will pass), but my favorite country which is the U.S. neighbor is Canada. I have been all over Canada, even the remote parts but the thing I adore about Canada, Canadians are just plain nice. Even when they get upset. If I have to be specific, Vancouver is number one, Calgary is number two (because of the GST which is their tax - low), and number three is Toronto.

From your perspective, what are some key traits that the most effective board members possess?

1. Being able to disagree with fellow board members in a respectful and professional manner
2. Listening fast and speaking slow
3. Having the ability to communicate verbally and non-verbally
4. Providing grace and mercy at all times. No one is perfect and we all make mistakes
5. Last, showing humility. Being a board member is a responsibility not to be taken lightly

If you could instantly become an expert in any skill or subject, what would it be?

Underwater basket weaving. I like to use that in many analogies I use

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?

Invest in yourself!

What's the most interesting or unusual job you've ever had?

I was once a bagger at Winn-Dixie, and we could not accept tips!

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

I would want to have dinner with Frederick Douglas. I would sincerely apologize to him for not knowing he had more than several Federalist papers, he has over 100. I learned this during my time studying a seminar at The Aspen Institute. And, I would ask him what he thought of this country today based upon his writings.

What's your favorite way to relax and unwind?

I enjoy traveling to new and even, frequent cities. I like to workout. Being a former college athlete basketball player, being an athlete will always be intertwined within my DNA. I am an avid reader of books. Leadership, faith-based, and autobiographies. Lastly, I get giddy when I talk about Presidential Libraries. I have visited 9 of them to-date!