Todd Gray: Working, Living and Owning His Purpose

If we are fortunate, our profession and passions intersect to create a life of balance for the greater good of others. Todd Gray is the embodiment of a balanced professional who is living his purpose through his work, organizational involvement and desire to improve the communities where he lives and plays. Gray serves as the director of Supplier Diversity for Grady Health System, the fifth largest public academic health system in the U.S.

“I’m inspired by community and engagement. From a bike ride through the city, to a festival in the park, to engaging in dialogue and discourse on social initiatives, I get a sense of fulfillment when connectivity happens among people. In the workplace, I’m inspired by my calling and passion to drive policy that creates unity on the business and social side of community,” shares Gray.

As a Metro Atlanta native, Gray is an active participant in civic and state-level initiatives impacting diversity and community. Gray has partnered over the last decade as a mentor through the state of Georgia’s Mentor–Protégé program for small business development. He also supports youth minority entrepreneurship through his partnership with the Greater Atlanta Economic Alliance Construction Skills Development Institute.

“If you are a leader and the greater good of social progress isn’t important to you, then you should reassess your leadership and whether you should be in that role. It’s easiest to sit idle and make judgments. But to be a true servant leader, there must be a sense of accountability. If not me, then who? I can’t simply sit behind a desk and run a robust supplier diversity program and not get out and work in the communities I’m supporting,” he adds.

Gray continues his leadership by serving as the vice chair of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council’s board of directors, business opportunity committee chair on The Atlanta Business League board of directors, and board co-chair of the Villages at Carver Family YMCA. Gray also serves on the City of Atlanta Board of Ethics.

Effortlessly, Gray navigates the terrain of being a diversity professional while prioritizing the organizations he gives his time to as an extension of his passion. Humble and self-aware, he credits others for his development and success to date.

“My colleagues in diversity and inclusion continually inspire me to reach the greatest heights of professionalism. Sonya Dukes, former senior vice president of Supplier Diversity for Wachovia Bank’s Real Estate division showed me what it meant to be a servant leader. Leaders like Tommy Dortch and members of the 100 Black Men are inspiring examples of people who are working to create change in the lives of young people.”

Selfless, driven and determined, Gray’s commitment to causes greater than himself serves as an example of the impact that a proper work life balance can create.

“I hope to encourage and inspire others to own their purpose and share their gifts with society in whatever they do.”