BEST CAREER MOMENT SO FAR
My selection as CEO of BBBSCA. The board wanted a dexterous and dynamic leader to usher this agency into its next 50 years of youth mentoring. This mission is personal to me, and I am honored to lead.
HOW I KNEW THIS WAS MY PASSION
I lived a life that was way beneath my potential until my mid-twenties. I survived, and I don’t want another young person to experience that level of personal mediocrity. I am a prime example of how relationships can shape lives.
MY FIRST JOB AND WHAT IT TAUGHT ME
I was a bagger at Jerry’s Produce in southwest Little Rock. It taught me patience and customer service skills.
NONPROFIT I WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT
That’s an easy question. I wish more people understood more about our evidence-based youth mentoring model and the impact that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas can have on our community.
WHAT KEEPS ME COMING BACK TO MY JOB EVERY DAY
The vision of every young person having access to what they need to thrive in school, career and life. I know that the next generation needs me to show up BIG every day to help them reach their full potential.
BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN MY CAREER
I’m currently facing the biggest challenge of my career. I’m the leader of an organization right after a pandemic challenged us to our core and completely changed how we do business. The strange thing is, I love a BIG challenge.
A SKILL I NEVER EXPECTED TO USE IN THIS FIELD
My customer service skills that I picked up working entry-level jobs in my twenties. Those skills have come in handy as I train my team how to provide world-class volunteer customer service and raise money to support our mission.
ONE PRACTICE I USE TO MAINTAIN MY MENTAL HEALTH
I create time and space just to be without an agenda or task. I also try my best to have child-like fun at some point throughout my day.
BEST ADVICE I EVER RECEIVED
To advance further professionally, I should learn as much as possible as fast as possible at every level.
ONE THING I WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT MY COMPANY
I wish people understood the full scope of our service delivery model which includes evidence-based youth mentoring and the coordination of wrap-around services that develop the
whole child.
WHAT KEEPS ME MOTIVATED
The future I can give my wife and the children I’ve committed my life to empowering if I become the best version of myself. I’m also motivated by the responsibility to provide my team with jobs they can depend on.
THE FIRST THING I DO TO COURSE CORRECT WHEN I HIT A WALL
I take a step back to reflect, pray and seek the wise counsel of my mentors and my employees.
IN THE DETAILS
Hometown: Little Rock
Last Local Purchase: Loblolly Creamery
Natural Talent: Interpersonal communication
How I prepare on Sunday for the week ahead: I review my schedule for the week while envisioning a successful week.
Favorite Local Dish: Pickle fried tacos from Heights Taco & Tamale Co.
Hobbies: Basketball, tennis and tabletop games
501.680.5179
bbbsca.org
1201 W. Third St.
Little Rock
Instagram: @raymondomarlong
Linkedin: Raymond Omar Long
