Atlanta Episode 235 - Dr. Rashad Richey - Transactional vs. Transformational Leadership

Dr. Rashad Richey's aggressive and opinionated on-air style led him to being voted "Best Talk Radio Personality in Atlanta" by readers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for his weekly midday show on News and Talk 1380-WAOK. Rashad is also the Political/Social Commentator for The People's Station V-103, the nations' largest urban station. When Rashad is not on radio, he's on television as the Political Analyst for CBS 46 News and Peachtree TV Atlanta, where he provides insightful commentary, special reporting and breakdowns of local and national news. Rashad was nominated for an Emmy Award for his riveting television news coverage of a small Georgia town still dealing with the very real effects of racism and systemic segregation.

Rashad is also a regular commentator on MSNBC and Fox national news, providing insightful commentary on social and political matters. Beyond broadcasting, Rashad serves as the Chief Editor-At-Large and Sr. Writer for Rolling Out Magazine, which has a national millennial readership of 2.2 million and is the largest free print urban publication in America. Rolling Out is also home of the popular podcast, Sucka Free with Rashad Richey and Friends.

Recently, Rashad was named Top 40 Under 40 by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and one of Georgia's most influential people. Rashad also landed the cover of Atlanta Business Journal's commemorative edition titled, "Top 25 Most Extraordinary Atlantans"

Before becoming a media juggernaut, Rashad was the Political Director and Chief Strategist for the Democratic Party of Georgia. Rashad became their first African-American lobbyist where he successfully lobbied for increased educational funding for GA schools, common-sense criminal justice reform and anti-human sex trafficking laws. Rashad continues to utilize his lobbying expertise as the Chief Lobbyist for the Clayton County Sheriff's Office and multiple law practices.

Rashad is a noted entrepreneur and investor. His consulting firm, Richey and Richey Consulting, LLC provides policy related services and solutions to a wide array of clients. In addition to his politically focused business operations, Breaking Ground USA, where Rashad serves as Principal, owns and manages multiple companies that total over one-million dollars in asset value.

As a teenager, Rashad experienced life as a foster child growing up on the tough streets of Atlanta. During those years he encountered true despair, that's why today he tirelessly advocates to improve the lives of those who are less fortunate. This passion sparked the flame that created The Rashad Richey Foundation, Inc., an organization dedicated to mentoring at-risk youth. This philanthropic work led to Rashad being honored by President Barack Obama with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. Rashad has also received various recognitions and awards from Fulton County, City of Atlanta, GA Secretary of State, The Rice Awards and many others for excellence in broadcasting and community leadership.

Rashad serves on the Board of Directors for Recover Consultants of Atlanta (a federally funded drug treatment center and medical clinic) and Children's Rights (a policy and legal advocacy organization dedicated to the rights of children). Rashad is also an active volunteer with STAND, Inc., Liberty Church Mentoring Program and Fulton County CASA.

Rashad finished his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Beulah Heights University and completed studies in Executive Leadership from Cornell University through their SC College of Business. Rashad earned his doctoral degree from Scofield Graduate School where his qualitative research focused on The Global Affect of Western Religion on Politics, Policy and Government. After his dissertation was successfully defended and published, Rashad accepted a professorial position at Beulah Heights University in Atlanta, GA where he teaches courses in Business and Leadership Studies. Rashad is a noted college lecturer and now matriculating at Clark Atlanta University obtaining his second doctorate, this time his research core includes policy and political analysis of federal higher education legislation.

Rashad strives daily to utilize his platforms to leverage equity for others and is a proud member of the Atlanta Press Club, American Association of University Professors, National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Atlanta NAACP as well as various civic groups. Through the years, Rashad has dedicated his life to ensuring that everyone has a voice, regardless of class, race, age, gender, religion or sexual orientation. He also advocates for others who may not have always made the best decisions, but strive to be better people each day. Through political activism, mentoring, community involvement, leadership development and the power of media, Rashad has seen lives change for the better, including his own.