Melvin J. Gravely II, Ph.D

Melvin J. Gravely, II is the author of Dear White Friend: The Realities of Race, the Power of Relationships, and our Path to Equity. Mel is also the CEO and Chairman of the board of a Cincinnati, Ohio based commercial construction company.

An active business and civic leader who has chaired the board of the Chamber of Commerce, served on the board of the United Way, was a founding board member of the regional economic development entity, and vice chairperson of the largest community arts fund in the United States.

He co-chairs a regional CEO organization of 100 middle market leaders working collectively toward meaningful civic action. He is also a board director of two other private companies.

Gravely graduated from Mount Union University and holds an MBA from Kent State University, and a Ph.D. from the Union Institute and University. He has received several awards and distinctions, including the Larry Albice Entrepreneurship Award, multiple IBM 100% Clubs, the Men of Honor Award, and the 2020 Carl H. Linder Award for Entrepreneurial and Civic Spirit.

He is married to Chandra Y. (Webb) Gravely, a physician with UC Health. They live in Cincinnati, OH and have three grown children and one granddaughter