Eric Madkins
Regions Midwest Community Affairs Manager; Assistant Vice President
Regions Bank
Born: St. Louis, MO
High School:
Riverview Gardens Senior High School
College & Degree(s):
BS, Political Science-emphasis Public Policy, University of Missouri
MA,Communications and Business Management, Webster University
RBC Young Professionals
Urban League Young Professionals
Graduate of CLD, Consortium for Leadership Development, Board of Directors[JDK1] , Webster University Alumni Association
Equity issues like fair housing and fair lending seem to trend strongly in your career. What role do you hope to play in creating equity, and what progress do you see?
One of the greatest roles we can serve is creating greater awareness and sharing more education of the fair housing and fair lending opportunities that are available for people in the areas we serve. As a member of the Board of Directors for the St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council, we see many cases in which resources or opportunities may be within reach for many people, but often, people do not realize what is possible. This creates a need, both in my professional role and in my nonprofit support roles, to consistently be involved in the community, build relationships in the community, and utilize those relationships to spread awareness of resources that strengthen neighborhoods by providing economic empowerment and greater equality for those who live there.
You’ve dedicated significant time to the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis—both as a former employee and now as a member of the Board of Directors. Tell us more about that commitment.
My commitment to the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis runs deep. The saying, “once an Urban Leaguer, always Urban Leaguer” resonates, because the opportunity to serve continues. Serving as a member of the Board of Directors is truly an honor. My passion remains: affordable housing and community and economic development. Helping people achieve their goals economically, whether it is first-time homeownership or helping someone keep their home through foreclosure intervention when possible, are issues that are close to my heart.
Your nominator describes you as a “servant leader”. Do you think this is true of your personal philosophy?
Yes. Serving others has always been my primary focus. Throughout my career, I have always looked to lead by example and lead from where I stand. As a Servant Leader, it is always about the greater good and helping others achieve their goals and pursuits. When the focus shifts from your own self-interest to what is important to your community, your team, and your company, people achieve more collectively, and one becomes a conduit for growth and success.
What is the most valuable professional lesson you’ve learned to date?
The greatest professional lesson I’ve learned to date was from Sharilyn D. Franklin, Ph.D, Executive Director of the Consortium for Leadership Director. The lesson is to always know your competitive advantage, which also speaks to “Creating Shared Value.” What can one bring to an organization or team that creates value for others and distinguishes you from your peers? The answer is that we all have unique qualities, and it is up to us as individuals to discover what competitive advantages and values one can deliver to a team, organization andor community. And lastly, never stop learning.
