The crowd surrounding Michael McMillan never ceased to smile at a private reception at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis headquarters on September 12 to welcome him as the organization’s new president and CEO.
“We are all just thrilled,” said board member Melanie DiLeo. “He is the right person for the job.”
The Thursday evening event was open to board members and invited longtime supporters, but board chair Debra Denham said the Urban League will host a community-wide reception soon.
McMillan took over from James H. Buford, who stepped down after 28 years of leadership, after having brought the organization’s annual budget from $2.5 million to more than $23 million and seeing it certified as the only Five-Star Urban League affiliate in the nation.
McMillan resigned as license collector for the City of St. Louis to accept the position. He previously was alderman of the 19th Ward. He has become the seventh president of the 95-year-old agency, recognized as “the top affiliate in the Urban League movement nationally” by national President Marc Morial.
As the former alderman of the 19th Ward, McMillan has been able to bring new resources to the organization, Denham said
“He has already been doing a fantastic job,” Denham said.
Many Urban League board members and city and county dignitaries attended the private reception.
Board member Michael Burns said McMillan, 41, brings new energy to the organization.
“He has always been a strong leader in the community,” Burn said.
