Michael A. Brown

Material Storehouse Clerk
Norfolk, Virginia

Leadership is not a spectator sport for Mike Brown. He fills a need in his community in a very real way through his favorite pastime, baseball. A Portsmouth, Va., native, Mike graduated from Craddock High School in 1970 where he played baseball and was involved in band. In 1976, Mike received a bachelor's degree in communication from Norfolk State University. His son is a certified firefighter and EMT, and his daughter works for Norfolk Southern as a claims agent in Birmingham, Ala. As a respected and experienced baseball umpire, Mike calls leadership as he sees it.

How did you get involved in your community?

I began coaching Little League baseball in 1976 as an assistant coach to my own Little League coach, Phillip Moore. I enjoyed working with kids so much that a year later, I was the head coach of my own team. In my community, there was no baseball program for young teens, so I helped form a junior and senior league program. It was a way to give boys in the community something to do to keep them out of trouble. The programs were very successful.

What motivates you to get involved in your community?

Everyone wants to live in a safe and clean community, a community where young and old can feel safe in their homes and on their streets. Working with young boys and girls and trying to set a good example for them is my way of helping my community.

Do you lead in your workplace as well?

Certainly. I am currently a member of the safety committee here in Norfolk. I realize it is my responsibility to raise the level of awareness of safety in our workplace. I take it personally. Getting hurt can change your quality of life. Doing things like swinging a golf club or rolling a bowling ball or just bending down to pick up your child to give him a hug can all be changed by getting hurt.

Who, in present or past society, do you consider a great leader?

I am a sports-minded person. Jackie Robinson was a great African-American leader. He had to lead by example. There were many times that, because of the magnitude of racism during that era, he could have lost his composure. However, he knew he was breaking ground. He endured great hardships and personal humiliations so that he could open the door for others to walk through.

What makes someone a good leader?

A good leader is not always the one who wants to be "in charge," but someone who can motivate people and bring out the best in them. To lead by example is the greatest leadership of all.