Arkansas breakthrough: Mahlon A. Martin heads Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation

Ebony, August, 1989

ARKANSAS BREAKTHROUGH

Mahlon A. Martin heads

Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation

SEATED in a comfortable chair in his airy office, oak floors and Oriental throw rug under his feet, Mahlon A. Martin is attempting to convince visitors that he has acquired one of the most sought-after jobs in Arkansas by "being in the right place at the right time." It isn't working.

A quick glance at Martin's resume and a few minutes of casual conversation are enough to convince anyone that the new president of the Winthrop Rochefeller Foundation brings an uncanny mix of the right qualifications to his position. He was the first (and only) Black city manager of Little Rock, and most recently, the first Black to head the Department of Finance and Administration for the State of Arkansas. Both times he ws recruited and both times he was "shocked" that he actually got the job. "I've been extremely lucky and blessed to have some opportunities come to me," he says in a self-effacing, friendly sort of way.

As president of the foundation, Martin is responsible for managing an endowment from the Winthrop Rockefeller charitable trust and an annual giving program of about $3 million. He is also responsible for foundation grant-making activities which focus on economic development, education and civic affairs. He is only the second president of the foundation that was founded in 1975 as legacy to Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller's exceptional philanthropy. (The governor died in 1973).

At 44, Martin has 13 years of experience as a public administrator. The Little Rock native -- who has an easy, pleasing manner that radiates honesty and concern -- received a degree in business administration at Philander Smith College in his hometown and took continuing education courses at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government and at Cornell University. "I do really care for people," he concedes. "I don't know that I've ever had in mind a very structured plan or career path."

The reason Martin failed to map out his career is because he had his heart set on becoming a professional baseball player. He received a scholarship to Grambling State University in Louisiana and was set to go when his grand mother became seriously ill. The oldest male in a household that included a younger brother, his mother and grandmother, Martin, an honor student, decided to stay closer to home.

The hand of cards that life dealt Martin may be a little different from the one he would have dealt himself, but a trump is still a trump. Prior to his selection in April as president of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, he was part of a pool of 100 applicants of all races who were being seriously considered, according to John L. Ward, chairman of the foundation board of directors and director of information at the University of Arkansas. "We were looking for a president who had a great understanding of Arkansas, who had the ability to interact with all people--from the highest to the lowest, if you will," says Ward. "Someone who understood the mechanics of government and who might enable us to interact on a more positive basis with government. He just fit all those criteria for us."

In spite of his enormous popularity (Gov. Bill Clinton still refers to him as the most "well-liked" member of his administration), Martin appears stumped when asked what qualities he brings to his position. "I hope I bring a reputation of honesty, integrity and credibility," he says. "And, finally, I hope I bring an image and background of being able to deal with people of all backgrounds and races, particularly those the foundation is most concerned about empowering -- the poor and powerless citizens of the state."