Robert Samuel White II (Bobby) is the Founder and President of Concretize Strategies, LLC.
Bobby White brings experience, relationships, and skills he has developed in his roles as chief of staff for a mayor, district director for a member of the U. S. Congress, community relations manager for the leader of a major religious organization, and chief policy officer for a chamber of commerce.
Bobby’s introduction into crisis management dates back to his college days in Atlanta when he was personally recruited by then Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson to convene student leaders in efforts to restore calm in the wake of the renowned Rodney King verdict. This verdict famously led to the 1992 Los Angeles Riots. Since this introduction, Bobby has spent years shaping crisis communication, earning a reputation for his ability to navigate the situational realities that frame public sector initiatives, politics, and community affairs.
With reference to project development and his experience with government and non-government organizations at varying levels, Bobby’s abilities and professional dexterity are easily seen in the diversity of projects with which he has shown leadership. They include his leadership in Memphis’ engagement with the White House on a number of projects including a national forum on youth violence prevention; his role in the 2012 partnership agreement between Memphis and France to support economic exchange; his efforts in Memphis City Government’s policy and business practice shift toward facilitating the contracting of companies that hired ex-offenders (a move that helped boost blight reduction numbers by over 500%); and his advocacy for the Church of God in Christ, Inc. in securing millions in funding for a upcoming housing development around the denomination’s world headquarters in Memphis.
In 2015, Bobby White was personally responsible for negotiating terms with the executor of the estate of the musical icon B. B. King which resulted in the remains of Mr. King being brought to Memphis – a stop not originally planned – where countless thousands of fans were able to pay their final respects in a day dedicated to the artist. Bobby convened and led the team responsible for the overall planning of the day’s events which were viewed by millions on television and online.
In 2012, Bobby led the Office of the Mayor’s coordination of the overall effort to offer local citizens the option of Memphis Public Library Photo identification cards as valid identification in accord with the newly-implemented State of Tennessee law requiring photo ID at polling places. Challenged in court by the Tennessee Secretary of State, the use of these library photo identification cards as acceptable photo ID was upheld by the Tennessee Court of Appeals and later the Tennessee Supreme Court, clearing the way for cardholders to use this particular identification in the November 2012 Presidential Election.
Add to this Bobby’s penchant for problem solving and ease in establishing relationships of all sorts, and it’s little wonder why Concretize is a firm investment for clients seeking support.
A graduate of Atlanta’s Morehouse College, Bobby White is husband to Stephanie Nerissa White of Memphis, Tennessee. They are the parents of a nine-year old son, Robert Samuel White III (“Sam”).