What if achieving true economic equity isn’t just a dream, but an urgent national priority that could transform our society? As our nation rapidly shifts toward a majority of people of color, this question becomes more critical than ever. Dr. Michael McAfee became President and CEO of PolicyLink in 2018. He brought results-driven leadership and deep knowledge about building sustainable organizations. His devotion to serving underserved populations made him the perfect choice.
He took over from Angela Glover Blackwell, who transitioned to founder in residence after 20 years of service. Under his guidance, PolicyLink advances economic equity and social justice for all Americans.
The organization focuses on creating inclusive participation and shared prosperity. It addresses urgent issues like poverty and structural racism that affect over 100 million people.
McAfee’s work ensures the concept of equity remains meaningful rather than becoming just another catchphrase. His leadership drives structural changes for racial and economic equity across the country.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Michael McAfee became PolicyLink’s CEO in 2018 with extensive experience in economic development
- He leads efforts to advance economic equity and social justice nationwide
- PolicyLink addresses critical issues affecting over 100 million Americans
- The organization focuses on creating inclusive economic opportunities
- McAfee’s leadership prevents equity from becoming just an empty buzzword
- His work targets structural racism and poverty through sustainable solutions
- The nation’s demographic shift makes this work increasingly important
Early Career and Path to PolicyLink Leadership
Before leading national equity efforts, this visionary leader built his expertise through diverse experiences serving communities. His journey demonstrates how practical experience shapes effective leadership for social change.
Military Service and Educational Foundation
His career began with service in the United States Army. This experience instilled discipline and strategic thinking that would later inform his approach to community development.
He pursued advanced education to deepen his impact. He earned a Doctor of Education in human and organizational learning from George Washington University.
His academic journey included Harvard University’s Executive Program in Public Management. He also served as Dean’s Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Community Development Work at HUD
At HUD’s Chicago Regional Office, he served as senior community planning and development representative. He managed a substantial $450 million portfolio focused on housing and economic development.
His work generated impressive results through partnerships with local leaders. These efforts created over 3,000 units of affordable housing and generated 5,000 jobs.
He ensured access to social services for more than 200,000 families. This hands-on experience addressing housing needs and poverty shaped his understanding of systemic challenges.
Philanthropic Leadership in Kansas City
As director of community leadership for The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, he demonstrated remarkable fundraising ability. He raised $121 million from individual donors to support community initiatives.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy recognized this achievement as the highest among community foundations in America. This success showed his ability to mobilize resources for social good.
His board service with organizations like Independent Sector and North Lawndale Employment Network further demonstrated his commitment. He focused on creating opportunity for economically insecure people throughout his career.
These diverse experiences built his expertise in economic development and serving underserved populations. They directly prepared him for his eventual leadership role advancing equity at the national level.
Michael McAfee’s Transformative Leadership at PolicyLink
Stepping into a role previously held by a pioneering founder requires both respect for legacy and vision for the future. This leadership transition marked a significant moment for the organization’s continued growth and impact.
Becoming President and CEO in 2018
In 2018, Dr. Michael McAfee assumed the role of President and CEO at PolicyLink. The selection committee recognized his exceptional qualifications for this critical position.
His proven track record in results-driven leadership made him the ideal candidate. Deep organizational knowledge and unwavering devotion to underserved populations were key factors in his appointment.
This transition represented a strategic choice for the organization’s future direction. The CEO brought fresh perspectives while maintaining core values.
Continuing Angela Glover Blackwell’s Legacy
McAfee embraced the important task of continuing Angela Glover Blackwell’s transformative work. He honored her two decades of service while advancing the mission forward.
His leadership focused on realizing the full promise of equity as just and fair inclusion. This concept ensures all people can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential.
The transition to founder in residence allowed Blackwell to continue contributing strategically. Meanwhile, new leadership infused the organization with innovative approaches.
Securing Promise Neighborhoods as Permanent Program
One major achievement under this leadership was securing Promise Neighborhoods as a permanent federal program. This ensured long-term support for community initiatives across the nation.
The program’s permanence represents a significant victory for equitable policy. It provides stable funding for neighborhoods facing concentrated poverty.
These efforts directly improved outcomes for over 300,000 children nationwide. The impact demonstrates tangible results in youth development and opportunity creation.
Leadership facilitated billions of dollars in investments targeting areas of greatest need. This economic development addresses disparities through strategic resource allocation.
These actions build powerfully on PolicyLink’s core mission of transforming communities. The work benefits marginalized populations through concrete, measurable results.
This leadership connects directly to broader goals of racial and economic equity nationwide. Sustaining these programs prevents dilution of the equity concept into mere buzzwords.
The transformative approach leverages past experiences to drive meaningful policy changes. It represents a new chapter in the organization’s movement toward justice.
Advancing Racial and Economic Equity Initiatives
Corporate America faces a critical moment to address systemic inequities that have persisted for generations. New frameworks now guide businesses toward meaningful change rather than superficial diversity efforts.
Corporate Racial Equity Framework Development
PolicyLink created the first comprehensive tool for private companies to assess equity across their entire value chain. This framework helps organizations integrate fairness from hiring practices to supplier relationships.
Companies use this guidance to examine their operations thoroughly. They identify areas where bias may exist and develop concrete plans for improvement.
The framework represents a growing body of work that moves beyond traditional diversity programs. It addresses deeper structural issues within corporate systems.
Addressing the 100 Million People in Poverty
Over 100 million Americans live in or near poverty, with the majority being people of color. Targeted policies aim to lift these communities through economic development and opportunity creation.
These efforts focus on creating pathways out of poverty through education, job training, and affordable housing. The approach recognizes that different communities face unique challenges requiring tailored solutions.
Strategic investments help build wealth in neighborhoods that have historically been excluded. This work addresses both immediate needs and long-term systemic barriers.
Redesigning Systems for Structural Change
True equity requires redesigning the fundamental rules that govern our society. This means creating systems where everyone can participate fully and prosper equally.
The focus extends beyond individual programs to transform entire structures. This includes reforming policies that perpetuate racial and economic disparities.
Healthy communities of opportunity emerge when systems support rather than hinder progress. An equitable economy benefits all people by unlocking previously untapped potential.
Combating Dilution of Equity Concepts
As equity gains popularity, there’s risk of the concept becoming watered down into meaningless buzzwords. Strong leadership maintains the original vision of just and fair inclusion for all.
This requires well-planned campaigns that coordinate efforts across multiple sectors. Transformative solidarity brings diverse groups together around shared goals.
The movement works to free America’s democracy from oppressive blends of patriarchy, capitalism, and racism. Collective action charts a course toward winning on equity through structural changes.
Thought leadership in publications like Stanford Social Innovation Review reinforces these concepts. This ensures equity remains a powerful force for genuine transformation rather than empty gestures.
Conclusion: Lasting Impact and Ongoing Legacy
Michael McAfee’s legacy extends far beyond PolicyLink’s organizational walls. His work builds transformative solidarity with others to collectively achieve equity wins across the nation.
Beyond his professional efforts, he maintains balance through off-road hiking and yoga practice. Living in Oakland with his wife and their dogs keeps him grounded in community values.
As a sought-after speaker, he extends his influence on economic development and racial equity topics. His thought leadership appears in prestigious publications including Stanford Social Innovation Review.
This visionary leader continues fighting for the 100 million economically insecure people in America. His sustained campaigns ensure equity remains an actionable concept rather than empty rhetoric for future generations.
FAQ
What is the main focus of PolicyLink under Michael McAfee’s leadership?
The main focus is advancing racial and economic equity across the nation. This involves redesigning systems to ensure all people, particularly the majority of people of color, can thrive in a just society.
How did Michael McAfee’s early career prepare him for his role at PolicyLink?
His career included military service, community development work at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and philanthropic leadership. These roles provided deep experience in service, economic development, and addressing structural inequities.
What significant achievement did McAfee help secure for the Promise Neighborhoods program?
He played a key role in the effort to establish the Promise Neighborhoods program as a permanent, federally funded initiative, ensuring long-term investment in community-led solutions to poverty.
Why is the “100 million people in poverty” statistic a central part of PolicyLink’s work?
This figure, representing the number of people living in or near poverty in America, underscores the scale of the challenge. It drives the organization’s urgency to redesign our economy and democracy to include everyone.
What is the Corporate Racial Equity initiative?
It is a framework developed by PolicyLink to guide companies in moving beyond statements to concrete actions. It helps businesses audit practices, set goals, and invest in closing racial wealth gaps.
How does PolicyLink work to prevent the dilution of the term “equity”?
The organization champions a clear, actionable definition of equity—a just and fair inclusion into a society where all can participate and prosper. They challenge efforts to soften the concept and keep the focus on structural change and outcomes.
