Young Black Leadership Alliance has elected Assistant County Manager Anthony Trotman as its board chair and Todd Pipkin, former Head of School for Rocky Mount Prep, as its first-ever executive director.
The organization is working to transform students into tomorrow’s leaders through leadership training, college and career advising and community service. Founder and CEO John Martin says Trotman and Pipkin will bring new vitality to the 13-year-old nonprofit.
“We are extremely grateful to have such distinguished leadership in operations and direction,” Martin said.
Pipkin, who began on July 15, returns to Charlotte after serving as the founding Head of School for The Male Leadership Academy of Charlotte, an all-boys Christian school.
He brings his leadership from one of North Carolina’s oldest charter schools. As Head of School at Rocky Mount Prep, he bolstered the education standards and practices, developed a strong coalition of community support, established the school’s first cafeteria, and strengthened the school’s financial status.
“Our first-ever executive director has phenomenal experience in the education and enrichment of young people and taking the helm of our invaluable board of directors is an executive who brings 30 years of collaborative, results-oriented leadership to YBLA,” said Martin.
Trotman has served on the YBLA board of directors since 2017. As assistant county manager, he brings the experience of overseeing a $300 million annual budget that includes supervision of 2,700 employees serving 1.1 million residents of Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
Last year, the organization rebranded itself as YBLA after merging its Young Black Men and Young Black Women leadership alliances.
Pipkin says the organization plans to expand beyond Mecklenburg to neighboring counties within the next two to five years.
“Our long-range goals include bringing our tested leadership model to high school and college students, as well as young professionals across the country,” Pipkin said.
