USAE
THE WEEKLY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF ASSOCIATIONS, CVBs AND HOTELS
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APRIL 24, 2026
Clarence E. Anthony, CEO & Executive Director, National League of Cities; Phyllis Dickerson, CEO of the African American Mayors Association (AAMA); and Eric Kearney, President & CEO, Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce, discussed leadership during Leading in Turbulent Times: City Leaders on Navigating Policy Impacts.
Exploration of Civic Leadership Featured at NCBMP Summit
By Todd McElwee
preted locally—and what that means for workforce development, capital What type of leadership is needed deployment, and public-private collaboration. The J.W. Marriott Clearnow? Eric Kearney, President & CEO, water Beach hosted the summit from Greater Cincinnati & Northern Ken- April 22–24. Panelists stressed the importance tucky African American Chamber of Commerce, posed that question to of civic leadership and the necessity Clarence E. Anthony, CEO & Execu- of separating the policies of cities and their governments from tive Director, National Leaders have federal and state agenLeague of Cities, and das. Finding local allies Phyllis Dickerson, CEO to establish a with similar mindsets, of the African American Mayors Association connection with their goals and agendas pro(AAMA); during “Lead- staffs, stakeholders motes powerful partwithin destinaing in Turbulent Times: and the community nerships tions, they noted. City Leaders on Naviwhile also having Dickerson highlightgating Policy Impacts.” Held on April 23, the clarity of purpose, ed how resiliency and innovation have beopening plenary session Anthony said. come paramount for of the National Coalitoday’s leaders. She tion of Black Meeting Professionals’ (NCBMP) inaugural noted the rise in younger mayors and Kermit J. Hall Leadership Summit how developing leaders must have explored how federal policy is inter- thick skin and be able to “take a lick.”
Anthony emphasized that this is not a time for weak leadership. Leaders have to establish a connection with their staffs, stakeholders and the community while also having clarity of purpose, Anthony said. He shared a story of putting on noise canceling headphones to block out a crying child on a flight and urged attendees to block out the noise and focus on their missions and goals. Understanding power was a theme throughout. The panelists discussed the changing dynamics of power and how hierarchical structures are becoming outdated. Today’s CEOs and leaders need to recognize that power has to be intentionally and thoughtfully distributed to be truly influential and impactful, they said. Panelists also urged summit participants to own the social, intellectual and economic power they possess. That notion aligns with the event’s theme of “Stand. Lead. Deliver.”
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Inside
A Welcome from Visit St. Pete-Clearwater Page 4
USAExchange: Jason Dunn, CEO, National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals Page 5
Say Hello to Upcoming NCBMP Annual Conference Host Destinations Page 8
My Tampa: Nadia Colimon, Public Relations Coordinator, Visit Tampa Bay