ATLANTA — September 8, 2026 — Jazz 91.9 WCLK, an NPR member station licensed to Clark Atlanta University, announces the launch of The Leadership Exchange, a new monthly talk program featuring conversations with influential leaders who are helping shape the future of Atlanta and beyond.
Hosted by George T. French Jr., Ph.D., president of Clark Atlanta University, and Wendy F. Williams, general manager of Jazz 91.9 WCLK, The Leadership Exchange will spotlight prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, civic leaders, public servants and community influencers whose work is making a meaningful impact throughout Atlanta.
The inaugural episode, featuring Dr. Eloisa Klementich, CEcD, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta, debuts Thursday, September 10 at 6 p.m. on Jazz 91.9 WCLK. Following its premiere, new episodes of The Leadership Exchange will air on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.
Dr. Klementich joins the hosts for an in-depth conversation about economic development, investment, entrepreneurship, innovation and the opportunities shaping Atlanta’s future. As one of the city’s leading economic development voices, Dr. Klementich will share insights into the work of Invest Atlanta, the organization’s strategic priorities and efforts to create economic opportunities and strengthen Atlanta’s communities.
The conversation will also explore Dr. Klementich’s personal leadership journey, lessons learned throughout her career and vision for Atlanta’s continued growth.
The program goes beyond traditional interviews and headlines to explore the people behind the positions—examining each guest’s leadership philosophy, personal journey, defining challenges, accomplishments and vision for the future.
George T. French Jr., Ph.D., brings a distinguished perspective as a higher education leader and longtime champion of educational excellence, innovation and community engagement. Wendy F. Williams brings extensive experience in media, broadcasting, marketing, communications and community engagement to the conversation.
Together, French and Williams will create a dynamic exchange that examines not only what Atlanta’s leaders are accomplishing, but what motivates them, what they have learned and what they believe is possible for the city’s future.
“Leadership is about much more than a job title,” said George T. French Jr., Ph.D. “It is about vision, service, resilience, influence, and the responsibility to create opportunities for others. The Leadership Exchange provides a platform for us to learn from leaders across Atlanta and to explore the ideas and values that are shaping our collective future.”
“Atlanta is a city driven by visionary people who are creating opportunities, solving problems, and building for the next generation,” said Wendy F. Williams. “The Leadership Exchange gives WCLK an opportunity to sit down with these leaders and have meaningful conversations about their journeys, their leadership philosophies, and the work they are doing to move Atlanta forward.”
Each monthly episode will explore the guest’s organizational mission, strategic vision, industry trends, leadership lessons and perspectives on Atlanta’s continued economic, educational, cultural and civic growth.
The program will also connect WCLK listeners with valuable resources, programs, career opportunities, educational pathways and community initiatives offered by featured organizations. The goal is to provide listeners with information they can use while demonstrating how these opportunities can contribute to individual and community advancement.
In addition to the featured interview, The Leadership Exchange will include selected listener questions and a more personal look at each guest through conversations about favorite books, mentors, cultural influences, music and other experiences that have shaped their leadership journey.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Program: The Leadership Exchange
Hosts: George T. French Jr., Ph.D., and Wendy F. Williams
Inaugural Guest: Dr. Eloisa Klementich, CEcD, president and CEO, Invest Atlanta
Premiere: Thursday, September 10 at 6 p.m.
New Episodes: Second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.
The Leadership Exchange is part of WCLK’s continued commitment to providing programming that informs, inspires, educates and connects the Atlanta community.
With its unique blend of jazz, culture, public affairs and community engagement, WCLK continues to create platforms that bring Atlanta’s diverse voices and perspectives to its listeners.
For more information about The Leadership Exchange, upcoming guests and additional programming from Jazz 91.9 WCLK, visit WCLK.com.
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About Jazz 91.9 WCLK
Jazz 91.9 WCLK is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, member-supported NPR member station licensed to Clark Atlanta University. Founded in 1974, WCLK is the longest-running jazz station in the Southeastern U.S. and is committed to preserving and advancing the legacy of jazz through classic and contemporary jazz, gospel, public affairs, cultural programming and community-focused initiatives. For station information, programming details and streaming, visit WCLK.com.
About Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University is a nationally recognized, research-intensive Historically Black university formed in 1988 through the consolidation of Atlanta University, founded in 1865, and Clark College, founded in 1869. Atlanta University was the nation’s first institution to award graduate degrees to African Americans, while Clark College was the nation’s first four-year liberal arts college to serve a primarily African American student population. Today, CAU is the largest institution in the Atlanta University Center Consortium and the largest UNCF member institution in the country. Classified by Carnegie as an R2 doctoral university (High Research Activity), CAU enrolls more than 4,000 students across more than 40 areas of study. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit cau.edu.
Media Contact:
Ray Cornelius Cobb
Director of Marketing and Communications,
Special Events and Community Engagement
Jazz 91.9 WCLK
(404) 880-8017
rcobb@cau.edu