Adam Dickson is a relationship manager and servant-leader. For more than 20 years, Adam has utilized his strengths in community engagement, networking, and public service to further the concept of community in the Appalachian Highlands (northeast TN and southwest VA). His professional experiences include local government, community development, higher education and the nonprofit sector. Adam currently works for the City of Johnson City, TN as Multicultural Engagement Manager at the Langston Centre (Langston), a facility promoting multicultural awareness. Langston Centre sits on the site of the former Langston High School, Johnson City, TN's black high school from 1893-1965.Langston seeks to accomplish three objectives. First, Langston preserves the history of Langston High School and Johnson City's African-American community. Second, Langston creates artistic and educational programs for students to learn, have fun, and develop necessary life skills. Third, Langston serves as a "community hub" for innovative ideas to address serious social problems and to promote community engagement. From 2013-2019 Adam was the Regional Community Development Coordinator at Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union (ACFCU), a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that covered eastern KY, southwestern VA, and northeastern TN. In this role Adam was responsible for maintaining healthy, mutually beneficial relationships with nonprofit organizations, foundations, industry partners, and other strategic partners. Adam is an Adjunct Instructor of Political Science at East TN State University. For 16 years he has taught the course “Black American Political Thought” which examines black political ideology and the role of race in American political development. Adam currently serves as Vice-Mayor for the Town of Jonesborough, TN, and he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Carson-Newman University. He received a Master of Public Administration degree from East TN State University in 2004. Adam Dicksonadamgdickson@aol.comcn.alumnus@gmail.com(m) 423-676-5547