Bill Strickland

Extraordinary Community Leader

Through the power of his vision, the consistency of his purpose, and an undying belief in the goodness of human beings, Bill Strickland, President and CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corporation, restores our faith in ethical, accountable, and visionary leadership. His organizations have created a model for arts, education, training, and, most importantly, hope—and have reshaped the business of social change in America.

Bill Strickland’s accomplishments, though, are more than just social programs. They constitute a movement – one that turned a near bankrupt community training center in Pittsburgh into one of the most successful organizations in America. Building on that success, new centers have already been built in Cincinnati, San Francisco, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, and many more are planned across the country.

In the course of his remarkable journey he has won a MacArthur Genius grant, lectured at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, served on the Board of the National Endowment for the Arts, and received the “Coming Up Taller” Award, presented to him at the White House by former first lady Hilary Clinton. Strickland also founded the MCG Jazz series, the longest running and most successful jazz subscription series in America, which has produced over 1200 concerts and garnered three Grammys.

But his accomplishments as a leader and humanitarian are reflected not in awards or accolades, but in the thousands of people who have raised themselves out of poverty and into the world of full-time employment, through the organizations that Strickland built. One of the first to feature Strickland’s work was Fast Company magazine, whose founding editor, WIlliam Taylor, wrote, "Bill Strickland is quite simply one of the most inspiring human beings and one of the most mesmerizing speakers I have ever met. Not because he is brash or boastful, but because he uses his authentic personality to communicate a powerful message of change, hope, and making a difference. His voice is the right voice for these confusing and difficult times."

What Does Bill Strickland Talk About?

The Art of Leadership

Bill Stickland’s simple message – give people the tools they need, treat them with respect, and they will perform miraculous deeds – is as simple as it is profound.

From a sleeping bag on the second floor of a dilapidated building he built one of the most extraordinary organizations in America, employing and training thousands. His work has brought him a MacArthur Genius grant, a Grammy award, an invitation to lecture at Harvard University, and a seat on the board of the National Endowment for the Arts.

A compelling and powerful storyteller, he mesmerizes audiences, and brings them to their feet in appreciation. His simple message of believing in people and treating them with respect strikes a universal chord. Let Bill teach and inspire you to see the real person, and harness the power of believing in people.