As North Carolina progresses towards higher levels of success in the areas of economic growth, academic achievement, and civic accomplishments, leadership will need to provide a sense of direction by infusing creativity, energy, optimism, and cooperation in order to meet these goals. Lenny McAllister, a unifying voice for civic growth and enhancement, is a leader that will guide with a strong sense of civic perspective, growth, and responsibility. Lenny has espoused the values of ethical, educational, and civic strength throughout his life. The oldest of three children, Lenny has built upon the foundation his parents provided as they upheld the values of academic excellence, civic responsibility,  church involvement, and fearless pursuit of advancement  throughout his youth.  The son of a steel mill eletrician and the late Carol McAllister (a retired daycare provider), Lenny excelled as a three-sport athlete throughout his scholastic days as well as an academic leader.

Lenny applied his athletic and leadership abilities by leading various teams to multiple championships as an all-star pitcher, point guard, and quarterback. Often he was situated as the first African-American serving in said leadership capacities in the organizations for which he played.  After earning high academic marks and five varsity letters at Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, PA (http://www.shadysideacademy.org), Lenny enrolled at Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina (www.davidson.edu). At Davidson, he participated as a pitcher on the varsity baseball, a contributing writer for The Davidsonian, and as an active member of the Black Student Coalition. He received an ACES Academic Award during his academic career and was elected as social chairperson during his tenure. During this time at Davidson College, Lenny played an instrumental role in aiding the process of procuring nationally-renowned Alpha Phi Alpha on Davidson’s campus, the first historically Black fraternity established on the College’s campus. Lenny graduated from Davidson College with a degree in History. He remains an active alumnus, working to aid students in their post-Davidson development as a mentor and participant in the College’s DBAN organization.

Lenny has involved himself in the personal, economic, and civic development of his communities throughout his career. After witnessing the moral decay and the demise of several neighborhoods in his hometown, Lenny embarked upon a campaign to engage at-risk youths. Through his involvement with the Hill House Association and MEN At Work, Lenny led initiatives to train the unemployed, create safer neighborhoods, and encourage urban economic development.

Upon returning to Davidson in 2000, Lenny continued his service of the community, promoting the understanding that stable jobs, quality education, safe neighborhoods, and economic development fuel the ability for all to obtain the American dream.  Lenny has served as a tutor/mentor for the Boys and Girls Club of Our Towns and the After School Program at the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson. Over the past 24 months, Lenny has been a mayoral appointment to the Mecklenburg County Domestic Violence Advisory Board and the Davidson Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Lenny also serves on the Events and Outreach Committees of Succession, a Mecklenburg County-based service organization currently leading a golf outing to benefit Levine Children’s Hospital.

Politically, Lenny is very active, working to improve the conditions that affect lives in Mecklenburg County and North Carolina. Lenny is an active member of the North Carolina Republican Party Executive Committee, the 12th District Republican Executive Committee, and the North Carolina New Majority Advisory Council. In March 2006, Lenny and Lannie McAllister  participated as guests of US Senator Elizabeth Dole (NC) in the African-American Leadership Summit that was co-sponsored by US Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and Rick Santorum. This appearance came 18 months after Lenny appeared as an invited speaker before the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Judicial Committee concerning inconsistencies in child custody laws and court proceedings. He has also served as a participant in the Citizens’ Task Force on Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in December 2005. In addition, Lenny serves as an appointee to the United Way Community Advisory Board in the Lake Norman region. Most recently, Lenny leads the Lincoln-Cheatham Council of Mecklenburg County, serving as president of this organization since winter 2005. He is a frequent contributor to The Charlotte Post, The North Carolina Conservative, and other regional publications. Lenny continues to promote fostering economic growth, civic enhancement, and community development, knowing that enlightened minds, safe homes, and empowered citizens are the key components to a successful North Carolina.

Lenny as "Daddy" to daughter Alicia and son Peace