St. Louis
Chapter
LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Chapter Executive Board (CEB)
- Ken Franklin, MBA – President
- Desiree Adeboye, MBA, CSM, PMP – VP of Administration
- VP of Operations -- Open
- Robert Lee, MBA – VP of Finance
- Gail Taylor, M.S. – VP of Communications
- Tracy Blue, MBA – VP of Records & Correspondence
Committee Leadership Team
- Community Development – Gail Garnett, M.A & Summer Richardson, M.A.
- Corporate Partners/ Development – Candice Hill, MBA
- Entrepreneurship – Veronica Coleman, MBA & Lynette Watson, MBA
- Fund Development – Vallory Clardy-Stokes, MBA & Linda Tate, MBA
- Governance – Paula Southerland, M.S. & Trisha Gordon, MBA, MHRM
- Career Development – Olivia Walls, B.S., Thesina Adams, MBA
- Leaders of Tomorrow – Kasandra Hodge, B.S. & Gina Covington-James, MBA, MAT, Ed.S
- Membership – Tera Roberts, MBA
- Professional Development – Gina Covington-James, MBA, MAT, Ed.S
- Public Relations - Kasandra Hodge, B.S.
- Scholarship - L. Renee Graves, MA, MBA
- Student Affairs - OPEN
Advisory Board
- Jesse Swannigan - 2nd Past President, - NBMBAA-St. Louis Chapter
- Jerry Holiday, 4th Past President - NBMBAA-St. Louis Chapter
- Kelvyn Moore, 6th Past President - NBMBAA-St. Louis Chapter
- Sam Gradford, 7th Past President - NBMBAA-St. Louis Chapter
- Jacqueline Vick, 10th Past President - NBMBAA-St. Louis Chapter
- Gisele Marcus - Vice Dean, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Olin Business School, Washington University
A MESSAGE FROM OUR IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Greetings to all!
It is my distinct privilege to assume the role of President for the NBMBAA - STL Chapter.
Like many organizations, the Covid-19 pandemic really affected the momentum of this team. As the world continues to re-open, we are more committed than ever to continue the mission and spirit of this wonderful organization. It is my commitment to continue to lead this chapter on the successful course it has been on for over 30 years. We are in a re building phase right now and my goal for this fiscal year is to present professionals with events and program that are focused around our 5 pillars; education, career, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle. While focusing on enhancing our marketing and membership recruitment/retention efforts. In addition, we are looking for new leadership, directors, mentors, and volunteers.
With your support, we will continue to foster the growth of the NBMBAA St Louis Chapter. It is your commitment and dedication to this chapter and organization that allows us to continue to be an organization that leads in the creation of economic and intellectual wealth and the organization of choice for the African American St Louis professional.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for all of our meetings, events, Leaders of Tomorrow and Scholarship Programs please contact any member of our leadership team if you would like to become a proud sponsor of the NBMBAA St. Louis Chapter!
On behalf of the St Louis Chapter, I would like to welcome you to the National Black MBA-St. Louis Chapter!
Thank you!
Greetings,
It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as President of the NBMBAA St. Louis Chapter during this incredible milestone in our history.
For the past 40 years, the NBMBAA St. Louis Chapter has been a cornerstone of the local community—championing the growth and development of Black business professionals through impactful programs, meaningful outreach, and signature events. During this time, we’ve proudly hosted 20 Professional Career Fairs, 16 Golf Tournaments, and 5 Entrepreneur Think Tanks, along with our acclaimed State of the Black Professional event, which continues to draw an impressive audience year after year.
These initiatives, along with our fundraising efforts, have allowed us to award over $325,000 in scholarships to deserving high school seniors and undergraduate and graduate students pursuing higher education.
Our commitment to developing future leaders is especially evident in our award-winning Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program, which has positively influenced students’ lives for more than 16 years. We are especially proud to be a four-time national winner of the LOT Case Competition, a testament to the strength of our mentorship and the excellence of our students.
The NBMBAA St. Louis Chapter’s legacy of leadership and service continues to thrive through our unwavering focus on education, career advancement, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. Each milestone strengthens our resolve to transform lives and build a brighter, more inclusive future for the St. Louis region and beyond.
With sincere gratitude and in service,