Name: R. Jeep Bryant
Leadership Charlotte (LC) Class: 15
Title/Company: President, Arts & Science Council
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Education: Graduate of South Mecklenburg High School and UNC Chapel Hill
Current personal or leadership goals: I recently moved back to Charlotte after 20 years, so I am reconnecting with old friends and establishing new relationships with community leaders, partners and supporters of ASC. My goals include leading the ASC to a sustainable, rewarding future — creating a more vibrant ecosystem for arts and culture to flourish in the region.
Favorite nonprofit or community organization in Charlotte and why.
Well, it won’t surprise you that my answer is the Arts & Science Council. Here’s why: As a kid growing up in Charlotte, I benefitted from the ASC’s support. I was in productions at Children’s Theatre and Theatre Charlotte. During my career at First Union, I helped raise money every year for the ASC campaign. The ASC has a rich, 60-year history of investing in arts, science and history – and we are now at a crossroads. It is an honor to be leading a committed team of staff members, board leaders and cultural partners who are determined to create a bold new future for the organization.
What would you like to see Leadership Charlotte alumni get involved in and why?
I hope to see every alum of Leadership Charlotte supporting the proposed quarter-cent sales tax in Mecklenburg County this November. This vote will be critical to improving the quality of life in neighborhoods across Charlotte-Mecklenburg, driving vital investments in our parks, arts and culture, and education. Alumni can volunteer and help spread the word to family, friends and colleagues. Check out the website at www.bettermecklenburg.com.
Greatest personal accomplishment and why.
The moment that comes to mind is when I received the results of an employee engagement study at BNY Mellon in New York. The division that I led had the highest engagement scores across a global company of more than 50,000 employees. The scores were based on an extensive evaluation of the work environment, diversity, teamwork, alignment of strategy and staff development. It stands out in my mind because I think one of the most enduring aspects of leadership is how we treat the people we hire. It meant a great deal to me to know that my leadership team and I had created an environment where each person had the ability to succeed and were valued for their contributions.
How has your life after Leadership Charlotte surprised you and why?
I’m surprised by how my career took me away from Charlotte for such a long period of time. I had the opportunity to join PNC in Pittsburgh as the bank was expanding beyond its regional roots. And then my move to The Bank of New York led to more than a decade of rewarding experiences in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors in Manhattan. It feels like my career has now come full circle. It’s great to be back home.