The Phillis Wheatley Center has named a new Chief Operating Officer
- Charles Reams
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
Meredith Walker comes with impeccable credentials and a winning way.
For openers, Walker has a Bachelors in Communications from Columbia International University, 2012, and a Masters in Intercultural Relations from Columbia International University, 2015.
Beyond formal education, her particular experiences make her a good fit to operate an organization. Walker was immersed in ministry with an organization called the World Race. She trekked through 11 countries in 11 months as the squad leader for a young rambunctious crew of 50, all eager to help anyone they encountered in Central America, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
Her best friend and husband, Daniel Walker, is a Chaplain Resident of Spartanburg Regional Hospital.
You have to respect anyone who maintains a tight marriage with a busy husband, cares for two kids, and exerts quiet energy to help many others. Their two children are Henry and Olivia.
Anyone who, at age 8, recognizes her mission in life is to serve others, cannot easily be stopped.
Walker has served as a foster parent and a mentor for those who aged out of foster care.
Guess who guided them to find lodging, education, and work? If you’re thinking I need Walker to talk to my 40-year-old son who lives in my basement, you know where to find her. There are no guarantees she will be available for extra duty like that. And don’t mention my name. You’re entirely on your own.
In Walker’s new position at the Phillis Wheatley Center, she finds her life goal: to serve the underserved. Her forte is raising funds, organizational development, and helping the staff to learn how to maximize inherent and newfound synergies.
“We have a great space at the center to host youth development and help them hone a keen sense of community while finding joy,” Walker said.
What results from this youth development? Leadership, Walker said.
How was she selected for the position?
The center leadership discovered Walker while she was still in Florida, eager to return to the Upstate. A four-man committee interviewed her via Zoom.
The committee created a role for her based on her skill set to provide fundraising and support. She will be putting in place some project management to support the executive director.
There was a real cultural alignment with Walker and the center. We stand for truth when it comes to diversity and inclusion, Walker said.
At age 8, Walker became prematurely responsible. She developed the good habit of writing down her prayers and expressions.
Personal trials solidified her grit. She found herself angry with the world in the wake of a stillbirth in 2019. But instead of succumbing to her inclination to isolate herself, she and her husband worked through their deep grief and became, not bitter, but better.
Walker finds solace in travel and helping others.
What surprised her the most about the center?
After having lived near Daytona Beach, Florida for 8 years, Walker relishes the sense of tranquility that permeates the center. There is a special joy to be with the seniors and children we serve from the community, she said.
Of the Phillis Wheatley Center, Greenville Mayor Knox White once said, “It was the place you gathered at a time of tragedy and at a time of celebration, and it was a place you gathered to solve problems in the community.”
What most excites you about the center?
To play a small role to help carry on the legacy of Hattie Duckett, the center's founder. That was 106 years ago, and the center is still thriving and progressing.
What is the biggest surprise at the center?
In a fragmented and polarized world, to step into the center and experience the level of staff acceptance. I came in as a total stranger, but they welcomed me with open arms. How quickly I felt accepted.
What can the participants expect from you?
“I am willing to listen to members of the community and find creative ways to partner with others for the success of all,” she said.
Walker insisted on my posting her email address with the warm appeal for the community to reach out to her with their concerns, questions, and ideas, so we can continue to help one and all who enter these doors.
