Leading in a Nonprofit Sector that Needs Change with Deke Cateau
- S1
- 29:43
- October 25th 2021
Today on The Change Maker: Deke Cateau. Deke Cateau assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at A.G. Rhodes Health & Rehab on February 1, 2018. A.G. Rhodes is one of Atlanta’s oldest nonprofit organizations; they provide therapy and rehabilitation services, short-term recovery and long-term care at three metro Atlanta nursing homes. Cateau has 15+ years of long-term care industry experience to his position, and has previously served in various leadership roles with A.G. Rhodes – including Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Strategic Implementation, and Administrator of the organization’s flagship location near Grant Park. Deke is a change making leader in this organization, which is currently orienting itself, and serving as an influence for the Nursing Home community, towards new methods of senior care that transcend historic "medical" models.
A native of Trinidad, which is often referred to as a “plural society,” Cateau was born into a culture of diversity. Sometimes known as a “rainbow island” or, more fondly, a “callaloo” (a dish prepared by blending a variety of ingredients), diversity is the status quo in Trinidad. In his new role, Cateau not only represents that diversity, but also leads a workforce of approximately 600 employees serving more than 1,100 seniors each year – all of whom reflect all walks of life and a wide range of ethnicity and culture.
Deke Copenhaver and Deke Cateau (D.C. & D.C.) work together as our host currently coaches Mr. Cateau in leadership. The 2 are good friends and enjoy their conversations together. Listeners will see how 2 Dekes with very different backgrounds end up having a lot in common as Change Making Leaders.
To find out more information and to connect with Dov: DovBaron.com Find him on Social Media and Youtube: @Dov Baron To find more information on this show: AugustaPodcasts.com/thechangemaker
The Change Maker
The Change Maker is hosted by Deke Copenhaver. When Deke took over as mayor of his hometown of Augusta, Georgia, the city’s politics were broken and riven along racial lines. No group trusted any other group, so nothing got done.
From 2005 through 2014 Deke was a catalyst in helping to transform Augusta, attracting businesses to spur economic development, implementing social programs that impacted the lives of Augustans on a daily basis. He focused effort on communities that had been neglected for years.
No serving as the Principal of Copenhaver Consulting, Deke remains committed to being a Change Maker while helping others realize their potential to impact their communities for the better. For his work, he’s been recognized on multiple occasions by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians.
Deke currently authors a monthly column on leadership published by the Georgia Municipal Association. Deke earned a BA in Political Science from Augusta College and is a graduate of Leadership Georgia and the Mayors’ Institute on City Design.
A passionate athlete, Deke has completed five Ironman 70.3s and several half marathons. He and his wife, Malisa, reside in Augusta with their dogs Sarah Bet, Buddy, and Johnny.