Executive Profile
Name: Kevin Patterson
Title: Meetings and Conventions Chairman
Organization: 100 Black Men of America
Location: Atlanta
Birthplace: Buffalo, New York
Career History:
• Director of Worldwide Sales, IBM (1977–2008)
• National Board of Directors, 100 Black Men of America (2000–present)
When Kevin Patterson volunteered to lend a hand during the national conference for 100 Black Men of America, he had no idea that offering his assistance would soon put him in charge of the nonprofit organization’s meetings and conventions for more than two decades.
“I’d become a member of The 100 chapter after moving to Charlotte, North Carolina,” Patterson said. “And at the national conference, the current chair was lifting boxes. So, I started helping him with that, and he said ‘Oh, great! We want you to be on the meetings and conventions committee.’”
Conceived of in 1963, 100 Black Men of America started in New York City, with a group of African American men exploring ways to improve conditions in their community. Membership and chapters grew over the next two decades, and The 100 was established as a national organization in 1986, with the goal of mentoring boys and girls aged 8 to 18. Today, the organization has about 100 chapters with more than 10,000 members who strive to improve the quality of life in their communities and enhance the educational and economic opportunities for African Americans.
Patterson grew up in Buffalo, New York, before attending Lincoln University, a historically Black university in Pennsylvania, and embarking on a 31-year career with IBM.
“My dad went to Lincoln, and I just loved the school,” he said. “I was always good at math, so I chose that, and also political science because of political consciousness and a desire to try to make a difference in the world.”
When asked about his duties as chairman, Patterson laughed.
“A better question would be what don’t I do? I’m responsible for the entire process from beginning to end, from site visits for any of our national meetings. And then I’ll also help out with district needs as needed, our board of directors meeting, leadership institutes, board retreats. The executive committee makes the final decision on site selection based on my recommendations. And then, at the meetings and conferences, I’m responsible for logistics, A/V, room, food and beverage — it’s a lot.”
Patterson acknowledged the workload but is still happy to volunteer.
“I do it primarily for our youth, for our kids. It’s my way of giving back because I’ve been so blessed in life. And, fortunately, I learned a good bit of event planning through my time at IBM before I got my director’s job.”
When choosing cities, Patterson and The 100 look for a hotel that can accommodate the national conference’s need for flexible meeting space, as nearly all the programs and events (for up to 2,000 people) are conducted on property.
“I also like one point of contact,” he said. “If I’m working on a project, I want to have one person I go to. I don’t care if it’s a team of 1,000 people, I want one person who’s responsible.”
When he’s not traveling for The 100, Patterson and his wife, Charlene, enjoy exploring the world, most recently visiting Colombia and Panama.
Tips from Kevin Patterson
• Do your homework and know your client before meeting with an organization.
• Be flexible — not necessarily bending the rules, but listening and figuring out what the “yes” answer can be.
• If you make a mistake, be willing to own up to it and say, “We messed this up. Here’s a solution.”
