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Orlando Ashford Named Interim CEO of National Black MBA Association

Orlando Ashford Comes Out of Retirement to Lead National Black MBA Association as Interim CEO

ATLANTA (February 10, 2025) – The National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) today announced the appointment of Orlando Ashford as its Interim Chief Executive Officer. A highly respected C-suite executive and board director with over 30 years of experience at Fortune 500 companies, Ashford is stepping out of retirement to lead the organization, driven by a deep passion for its mission.

Ashford brings a wealth of leadership experience to the NBMBAA, having most recently served as Chief People Officer for Fanatics, a global digital sports platform. During his tenure, he oversaw all aspects of human resources, guiding the company through significant growth and transformation. His responsibilities included talent acquisition, employee and organizational development, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and internal and external communications. He also spearheaded the development of the Fanatics Foundation and innovative programs like the Athlete Immersion Program.

Prior to Fanatics, Ashford served as president of Holland America Line, where he revitalized the brand and transformed the corporate culture. His extensive background also includes leadership roles at Marsh & McLennan Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, and Motorola Inc., where he honed his expertise in human resources, talent management, and organizational development

“Orlando’s exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and deep commitment to empowering Black professionals make him the ideal person to lead the NBMBAA during this important time,” said Leslie Coleman, NBMBAA Board Chair. “His impressive track record in both the corporate world and community engagement speaks volumes about his dedication to our mission. We are thrilled to welcome him aboard.”

Ashford’s decision to come out of retirement underscores his passion for the NBMBAA’s work. “I am honored and excited to serve as Interim CEO of the NBMBAA,” said Ashford. “This organization plays a critical role in developing future Black business leaders, and I am deeply committed to advancing its mission. I look forward to working with the board, staff, and members to build on the NBMBAA’s strong foundation and create even greater opportunities for Black professionals.”

As Interim CEO, Ashford will provide strategic and operational leadership, serving as the primary spokesperson and strengthening connections with members, chapters, and corporate sponsors. He will also play a critical role in the planning and execution of the NBMBAA Annual Conference and Career Fair, a premier event for networking, professional development, and career advancement.

About the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA)

The National Black MBA Association is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) member-based professional organization which leads in the creation of educational, wealth building and growth opportunities for Black students, professionals and entrepreneurs. Representing more than 11,000 active members, 40 professional chapters and more than 300 corporate, academic and non-profit partners, NBMBAA is dedicated to developing alliances that create intellectual and economic wealth in the Black community through its five channels of programming: career, education, entrepreneurship, leadership and lifestyle. To learn more about NBMBAA, please visit nbmbaa.org. Follow the Association on social media at LinkedInInstagramFacebook and X.

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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®

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