Message from New Nehemiah President – Harry Hawkins

Big Shoes to Fill

I am usually not at a loss for words, but I’ve started and restarted this piece a few times now. How do I start? Where do I start? Let’s start with the basics.

As of May 1, 2025, The Nehemiah Board, based on Dr. Gee’s recommendation, approved my appointment as the new President of Nehemiah. Dr. Gee is now President Emeritus and the Nehemiah Board Chair.

Whew! Ok, now that we got the technical details out of the way, you might have a few questions. Like where is Dr. Gee going? Who am I? Why was I chosen to replace Nehemiah’s Founder and President of more than 30 years?

First, let me express my deep gratitude for Dr. Gee’s leadership. During a time of transition in my employment status (having been fired for the first time in my life) I talked with Dr. Gee about a business idea I had. I was hoping to get some referrals from him to vouch for my abilities as a consultant. Well, he had other ideas, and in November of 2016, I was introduced into the orbit of Nehemiah, and in March of 2017, I joined the team as a full-time employee!

Dr. Gee gave me an opportunity to prove myself when no one else would. I struggled to get an in-person interview with several Madison employers, despite having a Bachelor’s degree, multiple leadership awards, and a decade of experience. He gave me the first opportunity I had experienced in my life to show up to work with my whole self. For that and a host of other reasons, I have a debt of gratitude to him that I can never repay directly but hope to pay forward by investing in other leaders, forging new partnerships, and stewarding the vision entrusted to me.

So how do I feel?

Well, I am humbled, excited and nervous about my new role. All at the same time.

I’m excited because I get to continue the work I’ve helped to shape and uplift over the last eight years. Before working at Nehemiah, I had a desire to do something of value for the community but couldn’t find my path to impact. As a matter of fact, I didn’t even know if my skills were useful in a non-profit context. But Dr. Gee gave me a chance to prove myself, and a little over eight years later, I again find myself humbled by my inclusion into this work.

I’m thrilled because I get to work with one of the most talented teams of my motley career. As I contemplated my new role, there were a few times I began to panic. Could I really do this work? Was I able to fill the “big shoes” of an amazing and dynamic visionary leader who has successfully served the community and transformed the face of leadership? What calmed me was the simple fact that I wasn’t doing this alone. Never have I been so surrounded by a team that is passionate about this work, skilled in their fields of expertise, and absolutely committed to achieving the mission gifted to us by our founder.

I’m humbled because this is a big job. As I see it, the title doesn’t capture the reality of the position. “President” doesn’t describe the responsibility of stewarding a community asset, a grassroots non-profit, that has stood the test of time and challenge for over 30 years. Either way, I am humbled by the fact that Dr. Gee, the Nehemiah Board of Directors, and the staff trust me to do this work and to continue the legacy of serving the community. 

I’m nervous because it seems to be easier for other people to believe in me than it is for me to believe in myself. I see all my flaws, experience all my fears and taste all my doubts. I tend to focus on my failures more than my successes and move from one achievement to the next with barely a moment to pause. So, I’m trying to take it all in and enjoy the trust and faith those around me have bestowed by placing me in this leadership role.

And for those wondering about Dr. Gee’s involvement, I wouldn’t call his new relationship with Nehemiah a retirement, but a transformation. As part of his evolving relationship with Nehemiah, Dr. Gee will continue to be an active mentor for me, help us with legacy supporters, and conduct quarterly training sessions with our staff. Nehemiah and the community have been fortunate to have such a dynamic and transformational leader guide us as President for over three decades, and now doubly blessed to have his influence and wisdom made available to us as we grow into the next season! 

As a leader shaped by his work and dedication to building other leaders, I accept my new role as President of Nehemiah with grace and determination to empower the Black community, rebuild systems, and transform the face of leadership!Together building,

Harry H. Hawkins, III