After nearly two decades, former Missouri State University football standout Michael Chatman has returned to the Ozarks to head philanthropy marketing and outreach efforts for the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Chatman earned a post-graduate degree in entrepreneurship from Harvard Business School’s Executive Education program and found his niche in corporate giving during a 14-year stint with Anheuser-Busch. He also produces a weekly online radio program for the Wall Street Business Radio Network.
CFO Addition “The Community Foundation of the Ozarks has a rich history of promoting philanthropy through endowment building, through grant-making, through community leadership and collaboration. My role is to work with donors and philanthropists in Springfield and the region to really inspire giving. Everybody can be a philanthropist regardless of age, income or status. Anyone who gives anything – time, money, experience, skills, networks, in any amount – to create a better world is a philanthropist in my book.”
Springfield Calling “I found it very intriguing to come back to the area because I was very impressed with some of the initiatives – one being the philanthropy initiative. To really spread the spirit of generosity and giving throughout the Ozarks tied into my brand (as) host of ‘The Michael Chatman Giving Show.’ When I found out about this position and what I would be doing, I jumped on the opportunity. … I think people do appreciate the fact that I have an attachment to Springfield and the Ozarks region. I played here for four years, and I still have a lot of relationships from college buddies and those I played sports with, and it does help in the role.”
Niche Building “When I went to work for Anheuser-Busch through their corporate responsibility division, I worked a lot with schools – that was my role as the national education advocate. I actually spoke to more than 3 million people on behalf of Anheuser-Busch. I noticed that when I worked in partnership with Anheuser-Busch to engage in corporate responsibility, I ended up meeting a lot of private families and really got excited about philanthropy. …That gave birth to me establishing a brand in the area of philanthropy. There are very few people who operate within the philanthropy media space, and I am one of them.”
The Giving Show “I actually went to the (radio) network and asked them if they would be open to the idea of doing a show on philanthropy. I said that I was very impressed with the work that Anderson Cooper was doing with CNN Heroes. That was just an annual thing that they were doing, and I felt there needed to be a continuation of the conversation where we brought to the radio ordinary people giving in extraordinary ways. That launched the show, and since doing the show I entered into a strategic alliance with the Council on Foundations, which is (a) trade association and think-tank organization for private foundations.”
Maverick Philanthropists “(During) a regional speaking tour, we are going to be working with one of our initiatives, the Youth Empowerment Project, which deals a lot with the next generation of philanthropy. We’re going to be taking the message into schools and college campuses that you don’t have to be an Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates or Warren Buffet to give. You can give your time, talent or treasure. We are broadening that message not to include just money. Also, (I’ll utilize) social media. As a result of hosting the show for only one year, I’ve generated more than 45,000 followers on Twitter [@MichaelChatman].”[[In-content Ad]]
The former Kmart store on the grounds of the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is slated for demolition, according to a permit on file with the city of Springfield.
