Rooted & Resilient: A Celebration of Black Social Sector Leaders: Bo Kemp, CEO, Southland Development Authority

In this episode of Rooted & Resilient, Bral Spight, Senior Consultant, joins Bo Kemp, CEO of Southland Development Authority, to discuss the organization’s role in spearheading economic development across southern Cook County and nearby areas. Founded just before the pandemic, the Authority uniquely integrates a land bank with significant funding initiatives aimed at local investment.

Bo reflects on his extensive career across finance and municipal management, emphasizing the strategic evolution of non-profit operations to meet modern challenges, particularly in a hybrid, grant-dependent model. He highlights the necessity of building strong networks and institutions for sustained racial equity and community progress.

Offering advice to future leaders, Bo advocates for personal and professional growth that attracts and influences others positively. This episode serves as a potent reminder of the power of resilient leadership and strategic innovation in the non-profit sector.