Discover the driving force behind the National Black Master Business Association by meeting our esteemed board members. Get to know the visionaries shaping our organization’s direction, their expertise, and their commitment to empowering black-owned businesses nationwide. Explore their backgrounds, accomplishments, and aspirations as they lead the charge towards economic empowerment and community advancement. Join us in celebrating the diverse talents and perspectives of our board members as we work together to foster growth, innovation, and prosperity within the black business community.
Annual membership contract, paid in monthly installments with automatic renewal Service begins as soon as your initial payment is processed. You will be charged 1/12 of the annual membership fee at the time of purchase, every month for the duration of your annual contract. Your membership contract will renew automatically, on your annual renewal date, until you cancel your membership in writing no later than 30 days prior to your annual renewal by contacting membership support. Renewal rates are subject to change, but you will be notified at least 30 days prior to your annual renewal date if your renewal rate will change. Should you cancel before your one-year term has expired, you will be charged 100% of your remaining contract obligation and your service will continue until the end of until the end of your contracted term. Cancellations can be made any time by contacting membership support in writing. Annual prepaid membership contract, with automatic renewal Service begins as soon as your payment is processed. You will be charged, immediately in full, the annual membership fee at the time of purchase. Your contract will renew automatically, on your annual renewal date, unless you cancel your membership in writing by no later than 30 days prior to your annual renewal date by contacting membership support. Renewal rates are subject to change, but you will be notified at least 30 days prior to your annual renewal date if your renewal rate will change. Should you cancel before your one-year term has expired, your payment is non-refundable, and your service will continue until the end of your contracted term. Cancellations can be made any time by contacting membership support in writing. Activation of Membership Memberships will become active upon processing of all materials at National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) headquarters. Existing Lifetime and Associate Lifetime Members The Lifetime or Associate Lifetime membership is no longer offered. Existing Lifetime or Associate Lifetime members who have paid in full are active for the duration of his or her lifetime, from their membership activation (see activation of membership). Lifetime or Associate Lifetime members are no longer eligible for any other membership type. Student Members Student memberships are active for 12 consecutive months, beginning at activation (see activation of membership). You will be considered a student member as long as you are actively enrolled in a recognized undergraduate or graduate degree program. Your membership should be upgraded to a Professional or Associate membership upon the expiration of your current membership, subsequent to graduation. You are required to submit proof of your current enrollment. The following items will be accepted as proof of current enrollment: • Letter from the registrar acknowledging your current enrollment status • Copy of your tuition bill • Class schedule reflecting your current enrollment. Should you fail to submit proof of current enrollment within 60 days, your membership may be terminated, and your payment will not be refunded. You will then need to reapply for membership. Refund Policy The NBMBAA will only provide refunds for the following reasons: • Verified duplication of billing • Verified overcharges • Submission of incorrect member type resulting in one of the above Refunds will be provided as follows: • Credit card payments will be credited to that same credit card. • Cash and check payments will be credited by NBMBAA check after 30 days, and only after initial payment has cleared our financial institution. * Refunds will be issued only upon request of the individual. The NBMBAA will vigorously defend itself against credit card charge backs. In the event that your credit card company requests a credit for charges, we will comply only to the extent that the request meets the requirements of the refund policy. (See above). Recurring Payments If you choose a recurring payments option to automatically renew your membership, you are responsible for canceling it prior to annual recurrence to avoid charges. Once charged, your membership will not be refunded. Notice of Photography and/or Videography As a condition of membership, individuals grant the National Black MBA Association an irrevocable nonexclusive license to use their name, image, voice and likeness for the purpose of advertising and promoting NBMBAA events, activities and products without any further approval from you or payment to you. It is the NBMBAA’s right to make visual and audio recordings, and still images of its members (collectively “Photography”) and to use the Photography and member’s name. However, none of the above shall be deemed as an endorsement for any NBMBAA product or service. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, members agree that the rights granted hereunder shall include the perpetual, worldwide right of NBMBAA to edit, telecast, rerun, record, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise exploit, in any manner and in any medium or forum, whether now known or hereafter devised. Terms and Conditions are subject to change without prior notification. Revised: April 5, 2017. NBMBAA®
Leslie Coleman
Board of Directors, Chair
Executive Consultant, Inclusive Consulting
Leslie Coleman, a Global Human Resources Leader, has provided support for major corporations over two decades. Leslie’s work in Human Resources spans over 57 countries and 8 business sectors from around the globe. Coleman is also the Founder and Owner of Resume Executive, a career coaching and development organization designed to support individuals at all levels of their career.
Coleman earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources with a minor in Psychology at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Graduating with honors from the University of Memphis, she secured a Masters in Psychology and Research and has a published article titled “Self-Theories”. Ms. Coleman served as former President of National Black MBA Association –Memphis Chapter and serves in a number of other national Board roles to include: National Black MBA, 4-H, YWCA, Tennessee State University, Stillman College, TAG and The Orpheum.
Leslie has spent the majority of her career mentoring and loves every aspect of serving her community as well as educating her clients, cohorts and associates on the importance of personal and professional development. Leslie’s community efforts expanded to her embarking on a grassroots initiative entitled, “Operation Resume Rescue,” September 4, 2005. Leslie created this non-profit organization to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina obtain gainful employment. As a business professional, Leslie, accompanied by other business professionals, understood the importance of providing an employer with a snap shot of previous work experience and organized efforts to meet the victim’s needs by providing career coaching/counseling at shelters, churches and completing on-the-spot resumes and job searches at no charge. Leslie and her twin sister, Lori, recently created, “The Lannie R. Swanigan Scholarship Fund,” geared towards supporting first year college students seeking a four-year degree.
Leslie has two sons, Luke and Lane Coleman and currently resides in Memphis, TN. Leslie’s motto: “Forward to the possibilities,” has served her well and continues to be the ground swell for her success!
Michael McNeil
Board of Directors
Senior Vice President, Global Chief Information Security Officer
McNeil is responsible for enhancing and overseeing McKesson’s information and operational technology security strategy program, as well managing information security governance. He also ensures the execution of McKesson’s cybersecurity strategy across the enterprise.
McNeil has an extensive background in cybersecurity and significant experience in the healthcare industry. Most recently, he served as the Global Product & Security Officer for Royal Philips, where he deployed consistent processes across the entire portfolio of healthcare products and services. He has also held senior leadership positions at Medtronic, Liberty Mutual Group, Pitney Bowes, and Reynolds & Reynolds.
Michael holds several board and executive member positions, including MedCrypt, Healthcare and Public Health Sector Coordinating Council (HSCC) Executive Committee, the Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center (H-ISAC), the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). He has also provided expert testimony before Congress on matters concerning cybersecurity and data privacy.
Michael holds an MBA from Northwestern University, J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Illinois, Gies College of Business. Michael and his wife, Devita, are the proud parents of two children and are doting grandparents. Michael is an avid listener of Smooth Jazz, and he loves traveling to jazz festivals in his spare time.
Christine Simmons
Board of Directors
Founder and CEO
Alis Volat Propriis, LLC
Christine Simmons has 20+ years’ leading transformational change for icons including Academy of Motion Pictures, LA Sparks, NBCUniversal, Disney, and Magic Johnson Enterprises. This C-suite strategist and impact maker founded her firm Alis Volat Propriis, which works with clients including National Lampoon, Cedric the Entertainer, and Emmy-nominated Joslyn Rose Lyons.
Simmons, the first woman and Black person to serve as the COO of the Oscars, created the first-ever, Office of Representation, Inclusion, and Equity. As President/COO of the LA Sparks, Christine led business operations including ticket and sponsorship sales, service, marketing, game operations, community relations and finance. Under her leadership the team saw an increase in ticket sales, doubled ratings, sold out Staples Center annually, and won a championship.
Simmons speaks globally and is an adjunct professor at the University of Miami’s Law School, teaching Social Impact in Entertainment and Sports.
Wayne A. I. Frederick, MD, MBA
Board of Directors
Interim Chief Executive Officer
American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
Wayne A. I. Frederick, MD, MBA is the interim CEO of both the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). In this role and alongside the organization’s Board of Directors, he guides both organizations – and their more than 3,000 team members and 1.3 million volunteers – toward a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Also president emeritus of Howard University, Dr. Frederick served as the institution’s 17th president from 2014 to 2023. Under his leadership, Howard University made significant strides in student opportunity, academic innovation, public service, and fiscal stability.
Dr. Frederick remains a practicing cancer surgeon at Howard University Hospital, where he continues to see patients and perform surgeries. He was recently appointed by the Howard University Board of Trustees as the distinguished Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery.
Dr. Frederick graduated from Howard University’s dual BS/MD program at age 22. He later earned an MBA from Howard University’s Business School in 2011. His academic career began as the associate director of the cancer center at the University of Connecticut.
Jon C. Walls
Board of Directors
Chief Financial Officer, PayRx
Jon C. Walls is a senior finance executive possessing over 30 years of experience with Fortune 500 companies and small to mid-sized businesses. Jon began his career at Lehman Brothers where he served as a Senior Vice President of Investment Banking until 2000 with an industry specialization in Financial Institutions. While at Lehman, he developed his deep expertise in delivering complex M&A, equity and fixed income solutions to sophisticated clients. Over a span of eight years he successfully executed more than 30 transactions totaling over $16 billion in mergers and acquisitions and over $5 billion in debt and equity financings.
Jon’s most recent experiences include his roles as CFO of an early-stage investor-backed B2B healthcare finance and analytics company, Managing Director at a boutique investment banking firm, and Co-Director of a Los Angeles-based Entrepreneurship Center. Prior to that, he spent over 8 years leading a professional staff as President of an insurance brokerage he acquired with private equity and property management partners. In addition, for more than ten years, Jon was the instructor of S&P Global Market Intelligence’s Fundamentals of Bank Valuation, a seminar he designed which was offered throughout the country. Jon has also held senior leadership roles at a mortgage bank and a technology start-up. Jon holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, a JD from Harvard Law School (Cum Laude) and a BA from Yale University.
Renee Horne
Board of Directors, Treasurer
Chief Marketing & Experience Officer, Chase Auto
Renée Horne is the Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at Chase Auto, overseeing marketing investments and experience initiatives across auto manufacturer private label captive finance partnerships, a network of 12,000 dealerships, and 80 million consumers.
Previously, Renée was Head of Consumer Lending Products and Experiences at USAA Federal Savings Bank and held various leadership roles at FedEx.
Renée earned an MBA from Saint Louis University and a BS in Business Administration from the University of Missouri – Columbia. She is a Mizzou Track & Field Letterwinner, previously recognized as PR Week’s 40 Under 40, and Auto Finance News Executive of the Year nominee. Renée is a member of the JPMorgan Chase Black Executive Forum and serves as the Executive Sponsor for the BOLD Texas business resource group. She serves on the Board of the National Black MBA Association and is a longstanding member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Jason Campbell
Board of Directors
Vice President, Operations & Ops System Support, FedEx
Jason Campbell is a versatile Fortune 100 executive with over 22 years of experience at FedEx. Currently, he is the Vice President of Operations and Ops Systems and Support at FedEx Custom Critical. Jason is responsible for asset management, safety and compliance, operational workforce planning, internal and external customer-facing quality, and internal control functions. He is accountable for the execution of strategic and tactical business plans supporting revenue growth, improving margins, and managing the contractor, internal and external customer, and team member experiences.
Previously, Jason was the Director of IT Strategy for FedEx Services and was responsible for the advancement of the global IT strategic goals by creating an environment for successful engagement across all divisions of the FedEx enterprise. Specific responsibilities included: FedEx’s global IT modernization strategy, IT cultural programs and engagement, IT executive leadership development, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion strategy and implementation, all CIO technology benchmarks, and executive engagements with other Fortune 100 companies.
In his time with FedEx, Jason has made a number of strategic contributions in Sales Solutions, Marketing, FedEx Freight, Customer Identity, Revenue Services, and Fraud and Cyber Security. During his 15 years in management, he has led several large scale initiatives: two Sales force rationalizations, the development of FedEx’s fraud remediation strategy, and the development of FedEx’s global IT strategic roadmap. For his efforts, Jason is a two-time Five Star Award recipient (the highest honor awarded at FedEx).
He is a Board Member of Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South, a member of the University of Memphis Business Information and Technology Advisory Council, the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, and the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA). He has been a member of the NBMBAA since 2016 and was a panelist in the Memphis’ Chapter Harvard Business Review in 2017. Additionally, he has been an attendee and participant in the NBMBAA conference several times: Speaker in 2017 and 2018, and a Scale-Up Pitch Challenge Judge in 2022 and 2023. Jason holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, and a Masters of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Memphis.
Kevin Wright
Board of Directors
Vice President, Finance, Aeris Inc.
Kevin D. Wright is the Managing Partner of Aeriis Insights, a human capital development consultancy hyper-focused on solving just three imperatives for their clients:
Elevate Leadership Accelerate Performance Thrive in Tomorrow’s Workforce
With over two decades of leadership across three Fortune 100s, Kevin leverages lessons learned via roles like Internal Consultant of think tank responsible for $500million incremental net revenue annually, Bank of America (MBNA), and Head of Six Sigma, Financial & Retail Services, Target. He’s also been Global Head Emerging Markets & Private Client – Product Development, Segmentation & Strategy, US Bank.
Kevin is an active board director of the National Black MBA Association and CentSai, with past board experience at NorthPoint Health and Sunrise Banks. He holds a BS (Delaware State) and MBA (Pennsylvania State, Smeal College of Business) and is an Executive Education Faculty Guest Lecturer at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Michael Hamilton
Board of Directors
Strategic Partnership, Sams Club
Michael leads the Upstream Sourcing Partnership team. In this role, he drives the development of strategic business initiatives aimed at creating collaborative partnerships for suppliers and merchants by being a catalyst for transparency and removing cost from the supply chain while creating additional shared value for both parties. Prior, Michael spent the 3 years as a member of the Walmart International Strategy team supporting our global markets and the International Leadership Team.
Previously, Michael co-founded Signature Health, LLC, a professional nurse staffing agency focused on reducing the cost of care for clients while improving overall outcomes for patients. As Chief Executive Officer, Michael was responsible for day-to-day operations, and drove company expansion into three states. He successfully exited this business in 2020.
Before Signature Health, Michael was Vice President – Corporate Strategy with Principal Financial Group® — he led corporate development for the $16 billion revenue corporation with 4 global business units and 15,000 employees operating in over 70 countries.
Prior to joining Principal®, Michael served as owner and principal of Hamilton Consulting International — advising clients on the exploration, qualification and execution of strategic planning, sales and marketing efforts in the United Kingdom, Switzerland and the United States. Before starting his firm, he was Director of International Business Development for John Ryan Performance, Inc. in London, where he focused on delivering sales and marketing strategies to the global retail banking market. Michael has also held various sales and corporate development roles at Carlson Companies, Target Corporation and Honeywell International.
Michael is a current Board Member as well as Lifetime Member of the National Black MBA Association® and a member of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC). He currently serves on the Board of Directors for The University of Northern Iowa-College of Business. He has previous Board experience with Variety-The Children’s Charity® of Iowa, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Minnesota®, the Twin Cities Chapter of the National Black MBA Association, and the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts.
Michael is a Sloan Fellow having received his Master of Science in Leadership and Strategy from the London Business School. He also holds an MBA in operations management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Bachelor of Science degrees in both Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Orlando Ashford
NBMBAA Interim CEO and Board Director
Orlando Ashford is a C-suite executive, Board Director, and Interim CEO of the National Black MBA Association, with a 30-year career spanning leadership roles at several Fortune 500 companies. Most recently, Ashford served as Chief People Officer for global digital sports platform Fanatics until his retirement in December 2024. During his time there, he oversaw all aspects of human resources as the company grew to 22,000 employees and expanded into new lines of business. This included professionalizing and standardizing past HR practices and overseeing a digital systems transformation for Human Capital Management.
In addition to leading talent acquisition, employee and organizational development, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and internal and external communications for Fanatics, Ashford also spearheaded the development of the Fanatics Foundation and Fanatics’ first-of-its-kind partnership with Make-A-Wish. In becoming the wish-granting organization’s official sports partner, Fanatics supported nearly 400 wishes in less than one year. Ashford also developed and launched Fanatics’ Athlete Immersion Program, which provides professional athletes with skills-building and networking opportunities to prepare them for a career after their playing days have ended.
Before joining Fanatics, Ashford served as president of Holland America Line, where he led the award-winning cruise line’s brand and business, including its fleet of premium vessels spanning all seven continents. In this role, Ashford also oversaw the company’s sales and marketing, revenue management, deployment and itinerary planning, public relations, hotel operations, and strategy. Ashford was widely credited within the cruise industry for re-energizing the Holland America brand, innovating the guest experience, and transforming the corporate culture to embrace inclusion, diversity, and creativity.
Prior to this, Ashford was at Marsh & McLennan Companies, where he served as president of the Talent Business Segment for Mercer, the global consulting leader in talent, health, retirement, and investments, as well as senior vice president, chief human resources and communications officer of Mercer’s parent company, Marsh & McLennan Companies. Before this, Ashford was group director of human resources and vice president, Corporate Center human resources and cultural transformation for The Coca-Cola Company, with a global team spanning 90 countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Previously, he was vice president of global human resources strategy and organizational development for Motorola Inc., where he helped modernize the human resources function for the global tech leader.
As Interim CEO of the National Black MBA Association, Ashford provides strategic and operational leadership to drive the organization’s mission of advancing educational, career, and economic opportunities for Black professionals. He serves as the primary representative and spokesperson, strengthening connections with members, chapters, and corporate sponsors. Ashford also oversees the planning and execution of the NBMBAA Annual Conference and Career Fair, ensuring it remains a premier event for networking, professional development, and career opportunities. His leadership is focused on expanding the organization’s reach, fostering meaningful partnerships, and driving transformational impact within the Black business community.
Ashford’s most recent book, How Did You Get That Job?, takes a personal look at the “rules and tools” he has seen, used, and experienced in navigating corporate America, sharing perspectives and advice for those managing their own journey. In his first book, Talentism, Ashford examines how technology and human networks can help bridge the skills gap, improve business performance, and lead to the betterment of society at large.
Ashford currently serves on the board of directors for Perrigo, Array Technologies, and Syndio, as well as the national board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He has also served on various boards prior to this, including ITT, Inc., Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company, the Seattle Chapter of the Positive Coaching Alliance, Virginia Mason Medical Center, and Year Up, a year-long intensive training program for underserved young adults. He also previously served as a strategic advisor for Sycamore Partners in New York. In 2018, he completed a two-year term as board chair for the Executive Leadership Council (ELC).
Recognized as a thought leader in diversity, human resources, and management, Ashford was selected by Seattle Business Magazine for their 2019 “Executive Excellence Award,” honoring the best leaders within Washington-state business and community. In 2017, Black Enterprise magazine named Ashford to their “Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America” list, and in 2016, he was awarded a Travvy Award for “Most Innovative Executive, Mid-Sized Cruise.” Ashford was also named to the “Directorship 100” of the National Association of Corporate Directors in 2013 and 2014, and since 2012, has been named to Savoy magazine’s list of the “Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America.”
Ashford holds a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership and Industrial Technology, both from Purdue University. He is a Purdue University School of Technology Distinguished Alumnus and splits his time between Potomac, Maryland and Florida.
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