Five Questions with Dr. Landon B. Mason

Dr. Landon B. Mason, executive director of the Economic Improvement Council, openly admits that he is a hard-working man. But, he says, “It would surprise people to know that I really enjoy having a good time in all areas of life. When it is time to work, I give it 110 percent and when it is time to exhale, I give it 110 percent.” Learn more about Dr. Mason in this Five Questions with a Community Action Leader feature.

What do you think are the biggest challenges currently facing your agency?

I think the biggest challenges that are currently facing our agency are employment vacancies, affordable housing, and transportation.

What’s the best present you’ve ever received?

The best present I have ever received was to see the tremendous impact on children and families during the EIC Community Resource Fairs. I have personally witnessed the promise of community action come alive because we are changing lives, embodying the spirit of hope, improving our communities and we are making America a better place to live. This is huge because the counties that we serve are the most economically challenged in the state.

What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing low-income people today? I believe the biggest challenge facing low-income people today is the lack of insurance coverage and poor access to services.

If you could bring back any TV show, what would it be and why?

The show that I would bring back is Good Times. The theme of Good Times centered around evictions, gang warfare, financial problems, mugging, rent parties, and discrimination. This TV show speaks to our current realities and challenges us to find a way out of no way.

What’s the biggest misconception people might have about your job?

The biggest misconception people might have of my job is the amount of oversight that goes into the day-to-day operations. Since I am a servant leader, I go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the Board of Directors, staff, customers, and community stakeholders are aware of our mission and the mandate of the agency.