Kay Ellen Ivey, is the 54th Governor of Alabama in 2017, is committed to raising the quality of life for all Alabamians. A native of Camden in Wilcox County, she embarked on a career of public service to benefit her fellow Alabamians.

From Air Force Captain to leading voice in communications and entrepreneurship, Stacia Robinson has been appointed to the Governor's Cabinet to be the Director of the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs. Currently serving as the Agency Principal of BeneChoice Companies, LLC, a benefits and financial choices company that invests in businesses and organizational development focusing on boosting employee loyalty and retention, the Denver, Colorado native is a dedicated servant of her community.

Community development and economic development are a strong focus of Kenneth W. Boswell’s career in public service.
Boswell has served as director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs since May 2017, when Governor Kay Ivey asked him to put his skills and knowledge to work in her administration’s mission to move Alabama forward.

As ADECA Director, Boswell serves in the Governor’s Cabinet, oversees a staff of 150 and manages an annual budget of hundreds of millions of dollars. The agency has the broad responsibility of guiding dozens of grant programs with the purpose of creating jobs, strengthening the state’s economy, and improving the lives and welfare of its residents. Under Boswell’s direction, ADECA has taken on multiple roles including broadband expansion, electric vehicle infrastructure, and a successful 2020 Census count for Alabama.

Boswell was serving his fourth full term as mayor of Enterprise, Alabama when he was selected to lead ADECA.

Dr. Carlos E. Alemán is the CEO of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (HICA), Alabama’s leading community development and advocacy organization for Latino and immigrant families in Alabama. He is also the President of the Camino Loan Fund, HICA’s emerging CDFI. In August 2020, Dr. Alemán was elected to Homewood's City Council, becoming the first Latino elected to public office in Alabama. He serves on the boards of the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA), the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, REV Birmingham, the Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund, and Red Mountain Park. A former faculty member at Michigan State, Agnes Scott College and Samford University, Dr. Alemán taught history and Latin American Studies. He is passionate about education, community development, and creating opportunities for others. An immigrant from Nicaragua, Dr. Alemán grew up in San Francisco. He received his BA from UC Santa Cruz and his PhD in History from Michigan State University.

Michelle Lemelle works as a Broadband Program Specialist and Federal Program Officer in the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives (OMBI) within the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). OMBI administers the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot (CMC) Program which funded 93 HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs with over $263M to improve internet access and adoption nationwide. Michelle also manages communications and engagements for OMBI coordinating outreach between HBCUs, TCUs, MSIs and industry stakeholders and NTIA staff. As a Federal Program Officer, Michelle manages a portfolio of nearly 20 CMC award recipients with a total funding of $53.

Before joining NTIA, Michelle worked at the Small Business Investor Alliance as the Member Services and Engagement Manager, coordinating outreach with SBIA stakeholders (private equity investors) and small businesses in need of financing. Prior to SBIA, worked at the National League of Cities, serving as their Conference Coordinator and Legislative Assistant covering a range of issues including Community and Economic Development, Transportation, Energy, IT and Communications. Michelle began her career working for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for a dozen years.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Dr. Calvin Briggs, a 1994 graduate and past trustee of Clark Atlanta University, is the Founder & CEO of the Southern Center for Broadening Participation in STEM. A veteran educator in mathematics & education leadership, with more than 23 years of experience, Dr. Briggs has instructed at the secondary, undergraduate, and graduate levels. Dr. Briggs seeks to “Create New Possibilities in STEM college and career pathways for all Students, “specifically, minoritized, first-generation students. In his role with the Southern Center, Dr. Briggs seeks to “build capacity” across higher education institutions and their stakeholders, increasing student success at HBCU’s, MSIs, HSIs, and TCUs. The Southern Center is committed to closing the performance gap by advocating for targeted policy, funding, and visionary leadership.

David Hooks is a senior business executive with a unique range of expertise in economic development, investment banking, real estate, public finance, and politics. Hooks currently serves as the Executive Director of The Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority. Hooks also serves on the State advisory boards of AHEC, the HBCU Authority, the East Alabama Regional Board of WIOA and the Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation. Prior to his current role David served as the Director of Innovation at The Edge of Chaos, a “thought and innovation” collaborative, established by the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. David has previously served in as Director of Capital Structure and Investment for Jefferson County, Alabama, Senior Manager of Industrial Recruitment for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and as Director of the Alabama Department of Economic Development and Community Affairs (ADECA) the Governor’s Cabinet position responsible for the economic growth and social well-being in Alabama. He has also served as City Councilman in two different Alabama Cities and as Chairman of the Finance and Administration Policy Committee (FAIR) with the National League of Cities. David Hooks has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a specialty in Municipal Finance from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His undergraduate degree is from The University of Alabama and he is a graduate of The Public Finance Institute of the University of Michigan. Hooks is also a published author. His book, The Wisdom of Solomon Ancient Teachings for Modern Business, explores the Biblical teachings of ethics in business

Charisse D. Stokes is president of Tidal IT Solutions, LLC, an information technology consulting company in Montgomery, Alabama, a position she has held since 2017. In this role, she supports government and commercial industry clients providing tech, innovation and business development consulting services. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director for The Alabama Collective and TechMGM, organizations focused on exposing and enhancing tech and innovation initiatives. She holds a bachelor of science degree in Ceramic Engineering from Clemson University and a master of business administration in Finance from Auburn University Montgomery. She previously served in a variety of leadership roles in the United States Air Force and for small business information technology firms managing multiple, large scale IT projects worldwide.

She currently serves on the board of Alabama Power Company; in addition to roles on the Business Council of Alabama, Alabama STEM Advisory Council, Computer Science Task Force, and the Armed Forces Communication and Electronics Association (AFCEA) International, AUM College of Business, Trenholm State Community College Computer Information Systems and Saint James School Boards. As the past Director of the Education Foundation for the Montgomery AFCEA Chapter which provided STEM initiatives to the local community, she founded EduWerx, a nonprofit organization exposing minorities and young women to STEM.

Her greatest joy is spending time with her son, Dylan.

Michael, Co-Founder & Chief Business Development Officer at Indelible, led the firm's growth to $70M revenue in 2022. A strategic thinker, he oversees diverse teams and supports government initiatives at all levels, emphasizing service to under-served communities.

Nick Moore serves as the director of the Governor’s Office of Education and Workforce Transformation (GOEWT) under the leadership of Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. Moore is focused on aligning Alabama’s education and workforce programs, implementing Alabama’s state longitudinal database system, establishing Alabama’s non-degree credential quality and transparency system, and curating a competency-based education and skills-based hiring system in Alabama.

Under Nick’s leadership, the GOEWT is working to establish a learning and employment record, a skills-based job description generator, and a human-centered public workforce system designed to assist Alabamians with overcoming benefits cliffs and other barriers to entering the workforce.

Nick holds a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University Extension School and a Master of Public Policy from Cornell University.

Moore is a native of Enterprise, Alabama. He served as a Teach for America corps member in Lowndes County, Alabama where he had the privilege of teaching secondary social studies, government, and economics at Central High School. After completing his tenure in Lowndes County, Nick received a Teach for America Capitol Hill Fellowship. During and after his fellowship, he covered education, health care, and workforce development in the Office of Representative Martha Roby (AL-02). Nick later served as Senator Luther Strange’s Legislative Assistant for healthcare, education, and labor. Nick and his wife, Emily, live in Montgomery, Alabama.

Cassius Johnson is co-founder of Perceptist, a social impact consulting firm that provides solutions to non- and for-profit social impact leaders on strategy, innovative operational systems, and change management. Cassius is a purpose-driven strategic leader who finds great joy and meaning in developing strategies that advance solutions that improve the life outcomes for the most vulnerable people and communities in our society. He has developed his diverse skills through a career that includes leadership roles in government, philanthropy, and nonprofit and for-profit national organizations focused on increasing impact in education and transition to the workforce
Cassius has worked in philanthropy and public policy. He held the position of Director of Government Affairs and Policy at Year Up, Inc. He was also a program officer at the Carnegie Corporation of New York conducting grant making to advance national education reform and new school designs. Prior to that he was Associate Vice President at Jobs for the Future where he worked for almost eight years, launching the organization’s DC operations and directing national and federal policy activities. In 2010, Cassius testified before the United States Senate HELP Committee. He began his policy career in the Texas State Legislature where he was Chief of Staff for a member of the House of Representatives.
Cassius has a master’s degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a Barbara Jordan Scholar. He is a graduate of the inaugural Black Modern Elder Academy. He resides in Florida and is actively involved in numerous community organizations and issues. He was named one of the Palm Beach County 100 Most-Influential People for 2023 and 2024.

Ms. Stacy K. Vaughn is an accomplished business leader in GovCon industry. She is Managing Partner of D-Unity Group LLC & Bid2Win, both companies she has founded. With over 20+ years of experience as a Business ownership, Federal contractor for the Department of Defense and a former Government Service (GS) Employee, Mrs. Vaughn has a wealth of knowledge in compliance, contracts and teaming opportunities.

Crystal M. Allman, hailing from Birmingham, AL, is a proud University of Alabama alumna with a B.A. in Marketing from the esteemed Culverhouse College of Commerce. Roll Tide! In her current role as Operations Manager for the global COO of Enterprise Strategy at Deloitte, Crystal leverages her extensive background in marketing, strategy, and executive sales, gained from her tenure with Fortune 500 giants like MTV Networks, Microsoft, and Universal Pictures (United Kingdom). She holds a Master of Management (Global Business) to complement her expertise. She's a published researcher and a dedicated community activist. In her leisure moments, you'll find her with family and friends, engrossed in a good book, staying active, or creating modern vegan delicacies. Crystal's leadership is driven by her strategic vision and innovative spirit, making her a true trailblazer.

Dalain is the Data & Insights Lead on the Central Product Inclusion and Equity team. In this role, he focuses on capturing and analyzing internal and external data across key Dimensions of Diversity, such as race, gender, age, and language to name a few. Prior to Google, Dalain was a Technical Program Manager responsible for leading Intel’s SSDs Business Intelligence Team. He co-founded a LegalTech startup, and worked as a Software Engineer at several startups such as Elevate Credit, Black Knight Financial Services, and FilesAnywhere.

Dalain has a MBA from Prairie View A&M University. He earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from The University of Alabama. Dalain was selected as a 2023 Computer Science Distinguished Fellow for the University of Alabama.

He holds a certification in Artificial Intelligence from University of California Berkeley and studied at Beijing Foreign Studies University and Tongji University.

Ralph Zottola, PhD is the AVP for Research Computing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham since 2018, where he is partnering with researchers across campus and the region to lead the growth and development of advanced research computing and data services. Dr. Zottola is formally trained as a biochemist and feels fortunate to have been able to combine his passion for science and his interest in computing into 28+ years of executive IT experience building partnerships and developing programs to support research and education. He is currently PI for an NSF-funded project to develop plans for a stated research and education network and a statewide research computing consortium.

Prior to UAB, Ralph served as CTO for Research Computing at the University of Massachusetts Office of the President where he helped lead the effort to develop the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center and Consortium. Before that, Ralph created both the academic and research computing groups at his alma mater, UMass Medical School. He served a key role in UMass Medical School’s Clinical Translational Science efforts, leading the strategy and implementation of systems to support translational research.

Dr. Olivia Janay Cook serves as the President/CEO of Olivia Cook Enterprises LLC, which is a minority woman-owned company founded in July 2020 and based in Birmingham, AL that provides strategic consulting services on topics such as leadership development, economic development, and entrepreneurship to institutions, nonprofit organizations, and government entities. Over the span of her career, Dr. Cook’s leadership has contributed significantly to the advancement of women in leadership and entrepreneurship through her scholarly publications, public speaking engagements, and premier grant writing skills. As a direct reflection of her impactful work, she secured the funding and led the establishment of the Miles College Women’s Business Center located in Fairfield, AL through a grant made possible by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Dr. Cook, a native of Auburn, AL, and a tri-alumna of Auburn University, holds a B.S. in Polymer and Fiber Engineering, and a minor in Spanish, a MPA (Master of Public Administration), and a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Public Policy.

Dr. Damian Clarke has been a dynamic and innovative technology leader in the education sector for the last two decades. In his most recent position as the VP of Technology at Alabama State University (ASU), Damian has delivered groundbreaking, scalable strategies and solutions for large-scale infrastructure deployments. As a senior member of the leadership team, he actively participates in major IT decisions, leading the infrastructure strategy and deployment for the campus, managing a fluctuating staff of up to 25 people, and an annual operating budget of $4M. His responsibilities include overseeing the university's network and communications infrastructure, Academic Information Technology, Enterprise Resource Planning system, and other IT services that support all levels of research, learning, and teaching. Damian has also built consensus with federal and state stakeholders and directors of multiple research disciplines to drive new strategic programs. Furthermore, he oversees project development, budgeting, and road mapping. Before serving as the VP of Technology at ASU, Damian held the positions of CIO at Meharry Medical College, Alabama A&M University, and South Carolina State University. He also served as Chief Data Officer at Tennessee State University. Throughout his tenure, he ensured the highest quality of service and system availability for over 15,000 students, faculty, and staff. Damian identified opportunities for enhanced efficiencies, directed high-profile projects, and led cross-functional project teams.

Before joining NTIA, Michelle worked at the Small Business Investor Alliance as the Member Services and Engagement Manager, coordinating outreach with SBIA stakeholders (private equity investors) and small businesses in need of financing. Prior to SBIA, worked at the National League of Cities, serving as their Conference Coordinator and Legislative Assistant covering a range of issues including Community and Economic Development, Transportation, Energy, IT and Communications. Michelle began her career working for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for a dozen years.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Madinah S. Ali is the President and co-founder of SafePC, is a leading Information Technology provider that is focused on application development, cloud computing, and IT security compliance as it relates to the NIST Framework and CMMC. Our areas of focus are solving some of the most challenging IT problems and creating solutions that improve the Return on Investment (ROI) for our clients. Over the past few years, we have created the SafePC Cloud division which focuses on data-backup solutions which involve developing a strategy for multi-cloud hybrid solutions. We also have created the SafePC EdTech division to provide IT training and Microsoft-related certifications to bridge the digital divide among women and minorities.

Ms. Ali received her Master of Applied Economics degree from Cornell University. She is a Magna Cum Laude Graduate of Florida A&M University. Ms. Ali is currently a member of the Cybersecurity Tech Accord - which promotes a safer online world by fostering collaboration among global technology companies that are committed to protecting customers and users against malicious threats, and currently serves on the Paris Call Working Group 3 which focuses on “Advancing the UN negotiations with a strong multistakeholder approach for Cybersecurity.”
Over the past two years, Ms. Ali has received awards for her community efforts in bridging the digital divide in 2019, she received the Susan L. Taylor Distinguished Community Partner for the University of Parents Program. In 2020, she received the Pathways to Success STEAM Sponsor from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Oakland Bay Area Chapter. She is currently the WIT Network Lead for Atlanta, which is one of the leading global Women In Technology organizations in the world.

Brad Fricks is the Executive Vice President and Vice President of Instructional Services at Trenholm State Community College. He has spent 20 years in the Alabama Community College System as a faculty member, institutional accreditation liaison, and system-level academic administrator. In his role at Trenholm State, Brad leads the instructional and workforce development functions of the college along with his other responsibilities. He is a passionate advocate for community colleges and how they can be the engines for individual, social, cultural, and economic development. Brad holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Spanish education and a doctoral degree in higher education administration from the University of Alabama.

Dr. Jon Gant leads the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives (OMBI) within the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Dr. Gant takes charge of NTIA’s and OMBI’s work to engage Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges & Universities (TCUs), and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), as well as collaborating with all NTIA’s “Internet for All” grant programs, including the BEAD and Digital Equity programs. Dr. Gant’s team at OMBI administers the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot (CMC) Program which funded 93 HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs with over $263M to improve internet access and adoption nationwide. Dr. Gant shares his vast experience through his digital inclusion work at North Carolina Central University, where he served as the Dean of the School of Library and Information Sciences, the only accredited graduate program in the information field offered by a HBCU in the US. Jon served as the founding director of the Center for Digital Inclusion (CDI) while a professor at the School of Information at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is considered a thought leader on models for university-led partnerships to bridge the digital divide and advance digital equity to advance economic growth, workforce development, and innovation.

Dr. F. Alex Feltus received a BSc in Biochemistry from Auburn University, served two years in the U.S. Peace Corps in the Fiji Islands, and then completed advanced biomedical training at Vanderbilt (PhD) and Emory (postdoc). He has performed research in artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, cyberinfrastructure, high-performance & cloud computing, systems biology, tumor genomics, medical genetics, crop genetics, genome assembly, systems genetics, and paleogenomics. Feltus has published numerous scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, released open source software, completed multiple NSF grants, and trained BS, MS and PhD students in bioinformatics, biochemistry, genetics, biomedical data science, and computer engineering. Currently, Feltus is Professor in Clemson University’s Dept. of Genetics & Biochemistry and co-founder of Praxis AI LLC. Through Praxis AI, Feltus is extending 28 years of bioscience research experience to scale computational biology skilling to thousands of learners via deep-dive experiential training: virtual courses with digital badging, biohackathons, podcasts, and facilitating digital learning solutions worldwide.

Fitzgerald Washington has served as Secretary of the Alabama Department of Labor since 2014. During his tenure, the Department has launched a statewide marketing campaign, initiated a new job fair initiative that brings available jobs to Alabamians, and has participated in a new alignment of workforce regions that allows for better distribution of state workforce resources.

Washington currently serves on the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) Board of Directors representing Region IV and is a member of the National Association of Government Labor Officials (NAGLO).

Washington is a member of the Alabama Workforce Council, the Alabama Small Business Commission, the State Workforce Development Board and the Alabama Bicentennial 200 Commission.

Prior to his appointment as the Secretary of the Alabama Department of Labor, Washington worked for The Buffalo Rock Company for 15 years, serving as Corporate Marketing and Sales Director handling the company’s multicultural marketing initiatives before being promoted to General Sales Manager in 2002.

Washington has served as a past Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, where he helped create the Minority Business Council to foster growth and competitiveness of minority-owned businesses in West Alabama. Other community involvement includes the Druid City Business League, Black Warrior Council Board, BB&T Bank Advisory Board, Board of Visitors for the University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies, and DCH Health Systems Foundation Board of Directors.

Washington, his wife Peggy, and their two children Karla and Fitzgerald reside in Tuscaloosa.

Consultant on small and minority business issues to federal, state and local governments. PhD economics, Georgia State University, JD Harvard Law School

Dr. Brock has a broad background in infectious diseases. Dr. Brock’s research has extended from the basic molecular biology, pathogenesis, diagnostic development, and prevention and control of both bacterial and viral diseases. In particular, Dr. Brock has contributed to the characterization of several viruses closely related to hepatitis C virus. Dr. Brock’s current research projects involve the development of anti-CD47 therapy for cancer, rapid detection of bacterial pathogens in urine by biosensors, detection of mosquito-borne viruses in Alabama. Dr. Brock is interested in many aspects of the current pandemic such as biosecurity and virus transmission.

Reginald D Smith is a seasoned finance professional dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and cultivating sustainable businesses. With twelve years in the financial sector, he holds influential roles, including Managing Director at Sabre Finance and leadership positions at BBVA Compass and BB&T. Reginald's expertise spans loan structuring, underwriting, and business operations.

In his four-year tenure at Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), he played a pivotal role in fostering business growth. Reginald excels in building strategic relationships across Alabama, connecting with non-profit, public sector, private sector, and utility agencies. His proficiency in navigating complex regulatory environments and deep understanding of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance set him apart.

Reginald D Smith's track record showcases his commitment to business success, making him a sought-after speaker. Whether discussing loan strategies or regulatory nuances, he brings valuable insights and a unique perspective. As a strategic leader with a passion for fostering thriving businesses, Reginald is an impactful speaker in the finance and business community.
Dr. Darrell Ezell joined HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in 2020 as its Director for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. He is a native of Huntsville and holds professional interests in diversity in science and technology with a focus on cross-cultural relations. Prior to HudsonAlpha, Darrell held several appointments spanning academia as V.P. for Academic Affairs and Dean at Claremont Lincoln University scaling a new graduate university, and on faculty at Shaw Divinity School and Louisiana State and Tulane Universities. He has additional service in the non-profit sector with time at the William J. Clinton Foundation and Interfaith Center of New York, and in government at The U.S. Department of State. He earned his Ph.D. in England at The University of Birmingham (Great Britain), M.A. from Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University, and B.A. at Alabama A&M University. He is active in the community a member of Innovate Alabama’s Council on Outdoor Recreation, Schmidt Futures Task Force on Synthetics Biology and the Bioeconomy, and with Leadership Greater Huntsville Flagship Class #36. Darrell is the founder and principal of Heritage Solutions LLC, a management consulting firm delivering services to support industry clients accelerate cross-cultural relations through strategy and increased organizational performance.
Graduate of Morehouse College, Bachelor of Arts
Graduate of Georgia State University - J Mack Robinson College of Business, Executive MBA
Head of Operations, Southern Center for Broadening Participation in STEM
Program Manager, Amazon.com

Carlos Javier grew up in a loving family in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He attended the University of Puerto Rico where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he completed a Master of Science in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at Vanderbilt University. Alabama serves as foreground for his career spanning over 20 years of service in community outreach, higher education, clinical training, public health administration, philanthropy, and federal government work. Before joining ¡HICA! as Director of Programs and Community Partnerships, Carlos worked for the Census Bureau as the Alabama Statewide Latino Partnership Specialist for the 2020 Census Decennial. In that role Carlos spearheaded the work to capture the growth of our Hispanic Community from 3.9% of the Alabama’s population to 5.3%. Before holding that post, he worked as a Senior Program Officer for the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham managing a portfolio that included food systems, green space, and the built environment. Carlos previously worked for 11 years at the Jefferson County Department of Health in Alabama and is a strong advocate for systems change.
John A. Oliver, Ph.D., Project Manager, Charlotte’s Inclusive Tech-Innovation Program (CITIP) @ Johnson C. Smith University.

Dr. Oliver is a versatile thought leader with over 20 years of experience promoting and increasing effectiveness of key programs. He is passionate about managing and overseeing implementation of daily operations that build partnerships between educational institutions and communities. He thrives at connecting aspirational ideas to attainable and sustainable outcomes.
John has convened hundreds of dynamic leaders and skilled facilitators in cross sector learning exchanges centered on solving complex educational and social issues. He has expertise as Educator (K-12 to University); Professional leadership development; Experience on national policy advisory committees and councils; Innovative research; national presentations, and publications in referred journals and edited books; Dynamic mentor; Leading teams of highly talented, holistic, interdisciplinary thinkers and cross-sector catalytic actors in pursuit of institutional and social change.

Dr. Oliver was born and raised in Lansing, MI, graduate of Lansing Everett High School, Morehouse College (BA), Marygrove College (MAT), and Michigan State University (PhD). Most importantly, he is the proud father to daughter Joelle and adoring husband to Dr. Michele Oliver.

Samantha Elliott Briggs has a doctoral degree in Instructional Leadership and a master’s degree in Women’s Studies from The University of Alabama, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Clark Atlanta University. A native of St. Louis, MO, Dr. Briggs has over 30 years of experience in education as an urban school teacher, adjunct professor, curriculum writer, consultant, and director of non-profit education programs. Dr. Briggs is the Vice President of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, leading the Institute’s education, curation, archives and exhibitions departments. A part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, BCRI is a cultural and educational research center that promotes a comprehensive understanding for the significance of the civil rights developments in Birmingham.

Dr. Darrell Ezell joined HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in 2020 as its Director for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. He is a native of Huntsville and holds professional interests in diversity in science and technology with a focus on cross-cultural relations. Prior to HudsonAlpha, Darrell held several appointments spanning academia as V.P. for Academic Affairs and Dean at Claremont Lincoln University scaling a new graduate university, and on faculty at Shaw Divinity School and Louisiana State and Tulane Universities. He has additional service in the non-profit sector with time at the William J. Clinton Foundation and Interfaith Center of New York, and in government at The U.S. Department of State. He earned his Ph.D. in England at The University of Birmingham (Great Britain), M.A. from Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University, and B.A. at Alabama A&M University. He is active in the community a member of Innovate Alabama’s Council on Outdoor Recreation, Schmidt Futures Task Force on Synthetics Biology and the Bioeconomy, and with Leadership Greater Huntsville Flagship Class #36. Darrell is the founder and principal of Heritage Solutions LLC, a management consulting firm delivering services to support industry clients accelerate cross-cultural relations through strategy and increased organizational performance.

Graduate of Morehouse College, Bachelor of Arts
Graduate of Georgia State University - J Mack Robinson College of Business, Executive MBA
Head of Operations, Southern Center for Broadening Participation in STEM
Program Manager, Amazon.com

Carlos Javier grew up in a loving family in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He attended the University of Puerto Rico where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he completed a Master of Science in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at Vanderbilt University. Alabama serves as foreground for his career spanning over 20 years of service in community outreach, higher education, clinical training, public health administration, philanthropy, and federal government work. Before joining ¡HICA! as Director of Programs and Community Partnerships, Carlos worked for the Census Bureau as the Alabama Statewide Latino Partnership Specialist for the 2020 Census Decennial. In that role Carlos spearheaded the work to capture the growth of our Hispanic Community from 3.9% of the Alabama’s population to 5.3%. Before holding that post, he worked as a Senior Program Officer for the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham managing a portfolio that included food systems, green space, and the built environment. Carlos previously worked for 11 years at the Jefferson County Department of Health in Alabama and is a strong advocate for systems change.

John A. Oliver, Ph.D., Project Manager, Charlotte’s Inclusive Tech-Innovation Program (CITIP) @ Johnson C. Smith University.

Dr. Oliver is a versatile thought leader with over 20 years of experience promoting and increasing effectiveness of key programs. He is passionate about managing and overseeing implementation of daily operations that build partnerships between educational institutions and communities. He thrives at connecting aspirational ideas to attainable and sustainable outcomes.
John has convened hundreds of dynamic leaders and skilled facilitators in cross sector learning exchanges centered on solving complex educational and social issues. He has expertise as Educator (K-12 to University); Professional leadership development; Experience on national policy advisory committees and councils; Innovative research; national presentations, and publications in referred journals and edited books; Dynamic mentor; Leading teams of highly talented, holistic, interdisciplinary thinkers and cross-sector catalytic actors in pursuit of institutional and social change.

Dr. Oliver was born and raised in Lansing, MI, graduate of Lansing Everett High School, Morehouse College (BA), Marygrove College (MAT), and Michigan State University (PhD). Most importantly, he is the proud father to daughter Joelle and adoring husband to Dr. Michele Oliver.

Before joining NTIA, Michelle worked at the Small Business Investor Alliance as the Member Services and Engagement Manager, coordinating outreach with SBIA stakeholders (private equity investors) and small businesses in need of financing. Prior to SBIA, worked at the National League of Cities, serving as their Conference Coordinator and Legislative Assistant covering a range of issues including Community and Economic Development, Transportation, Energy, IT and Communications. Michelle began her career working for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for a dozen years.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Samantha Elliott Briggs has a doctoral degree in Instructional Leadership and a master’s degree in Women’s Studies from The University of Alabama, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Clark Atlanta University. A native of St. Louis, MO, Dr. Briggs has over 30 years of experience in education as an urban school teacher, adjunct professor, curriculum writer, consultant, and director of non-profit education programs. Dr. Briggs is the Vice President of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, leading the Institute’s education, curation, archives and exhibitions departments. A part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, BCRI is a cultural and educational research center that promotes a comprehensive understanding for the significance of the civil rights developments in Birmingham.

Ollie J. Davison is an experienced political leader and currently serving as the Legislative Affairs Specialist for the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations at the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington D.C. Mr. Davison served as the Deputy District Director for Congresswoman Terri Sewell of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, based out of Birmingham, Alabama. Prior to that role, he served as the first Chief of Staff for the Historic City of Selma, Alabama (Mayor's Office). Ollie was born and raised in an underserved community in Mobile County, Alabama, where he learned the fundamentals of politics.
Ollie has been involved in political affairs for over 13 years and he believes that all politics are local. He has applied this philosophy to the entirety of his political career. Ollie truly has a servant's heart and will dedicate his life to help provide resources for all people, but especially those in need, as well as teach communities tools to create a better quality of life for themselves. He was most recently awarded the Presidential Management Fellowship in 2022. Lastly, Ollie is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the Delta Leadership Institute Network, and the Congressional Black Associates.

At Cycurion, Eric Singleton has been pivotal in building customer relationships, business development, and leading the corporate security practice. He is renowned for developing and implementing robust cybersecurity strategies, focusing on risk management, operations, and compliance frameworks. His expertise extends to next-generation security solutions, integrating cyber with other business lines for efficient and scalable solutions.
Previously, Eric Singleton held significant roles at Axxum Technologies, where he managed teams of penetration testers and cybersecurity analysts, delivering security assessments in line with industry standards and best practices. His technical acumen spans a wide array of cyber applications and tools.
Eric Singleton holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Northeastern University and is a Certified Authorization Professional (CAP). He is trained in Incident Response & Threat Hunting, Cyber Defense, Cloud Security, and various other cybersecurity domains, reflecting a commitment to continuous learning and excellence in the field of cybersecurity.

She currently serves on the board of Alabama Power Company; in addition to roles on the Business Council of Alabama, Alabama STEM Advisory Council, Computer Science Task Force, and the Armed Forces Communication and Electronics Association (AFCEA) International, AUM College of Business, Trenholm State Community College Computer Information Systems and Saint James School Boards. As the past Director of the Education Foundation for the Montgomery AFCEA Chapter which provided STEM initiatives to the local community, she founded EduWerx, a nonprofit organization exposing minorities and young women to STEM.

Her greatest joy is spending time with her son, Dylan.

Dion Hawkins is a FOA and Bisci certified IT profession. After working as a lead technician for over 10 years, he formed his own IT company, DTIT Services, LLC. Centrally located in Clanton, AL, DTIT Services, LLC is a full-service IT communication company that has established itself as an expert in providing commercial IT installation, repair, maintenance, and upgrade services throughout the United States. As a minority business owner, Mr. Hawkins is committed to providing adequate training and sustainable employment opportunities through his company. Towards those efforts, in December of 2023, DTIT Services, LLC was awarded the Alabama Workforce Stabilization Program (AWSP) grant. As the driving force of his company, Mr. Hawkins credits DTIT Services, LLC success as being rooted in prompt, professional customer service, well-organized and meticulously documented worksites, and proven knowledge and expertise in the IT industry.

Erica Iheme (e-ham-a) is the Co-Executive Director for Jobs to Move America. She is an educator, organizer and strategic researcher. Erica earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Urban Planning from Alabama A&M, a Historically Black University (HBCU) based in Normal, Alabama.

Erica spent the past 17 years building unions as an organizer all over America in several industries including hospitals, public sector, head starts, higher education, and homecare. During her time in academia, Erica focused her energy on university administration and research. Outside of organizing and research, Erica is a mother, artist, and community builder.

Almost four years ago, Erica decided to return to the South to further her career and be a part of the spirit of organizing closer to her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. Erica has an extensive history of organizing, training, and development in both union and community-building environments.

Under Nick’s leadership, the GOEWT is working to establish a learning and employment record, a skills-based job description generator, and a human-centered public workforce system designed to assist Alabamians with overcoming benefits cliffs and other barriers to entering the workforce.

Nick holds a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University Extension School and a Master of Public Policy from Cornell University.

Moore is a native of Enterprise, Alabama. He served as a Teach for America corps member in Lowndes County, Alabama where he had the privilege of teaching secondary social studies, government, and economics at Central High School. After completing his tenure in Lowndes County, Nick received a Teach for America Capitol Hill Fellowship. During and after his fellowship, he covered education, health care, and workforce development in the Office of Representative Martha Roby (AL-02). Nick later served as Senator Luther Strange’s Legislative Assistant for healthcare, education, and labor. Nick and his wife, Emily, live in Montgomery, Alabama.

April L. Golson, B.S.

Director, Office of Digital Health and Office of Billing Compliance and Integrity
Alabama Department of Public Health

In 2008, April started her career with the Alabama Department of Public Health as a clerk at the Lowndes County Health Department. She then moved to Central Office and worked for the WIC Program in several different capacities before transitioning to the Office of Telehealth in July 2018. She was promoted to Director of Telehealth in January 2020 and the Director of Billing Compliance and Integrity in January 2024. She is a graduate of the University of South Alabama.
Cassius has worked in philanthropy and public policy. He held the position of Director of Government Affairs and Policy at Year Up, Inc. He was also a program officer at the Carnegie Corporation of New York conducting grant making to advance national education reform and new school designs. Prior to that he was Associate Vice President at Jobs for the Future where he worked for almost eight years, launching the organization’s DC operations and directing national and federal policy activities. In 2010, Cassius testified before the United States Senate HELP Committee. He began his policy career in the Texas State Legislature where he was Chief of Staff for a member of the House of Representatives.
Cassius has a master’s degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a Barbara Jordan Scholar. He is a graduate of the inaugural Black Modern Elder Academy. He resides in Florida and is actively involved in numerous community organizations and issues. He was named one of the Palm Beach County 100 Most-Influential People for 2023 and 2024.

Amelia Thomas is a distinguished wealth management professional with a niche focus on advanced wealth and tax planning solutions tailored for minority business owners. By leveraging strategies traditionally reserved for the top 1%, Amelia dedicates herself to creating robust legacy-building frameworks and sustaining generational wealth.

Leading a proficient “money team”, Amelia collaborates closely with seasoned attorneys, certified public accountants, and other wealth & tax experts. Her team operates cohesively, ensuring integrated strategies to both amplify and safeguard client assets.

Amelia holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a focus on Finance from Alabama State University, complemented by an M.S. in Financial Planning from Kansas State University. With an impressive arsenal of 11 licenses, her capabilities include crafting and managing alternative investment portfolios, as well as overseeing the financing of large-scale ventures including stadiums, toll bridges, and initial public offerings.

Moreover, Amelia actively works to eliminate the “illusion of inclusion” in local government and corporate contracting.

Dr. Gary Somers has over 40 years of experience in higher education as a faculty member, academic advisor, research associate, and consultant. He has a passion for promoting student success through evidence based methods.

Lorie Crawley is the Member Support Coordinator and Retention Consultant for the Best and Brightest Initiative. She was born and raised in Decatur, Alabama and after graduating from Austin High School, she traveled and lived all over the United States. When it came time to settle down and raise her family, she knew that Decatur would always be home.

Lorie graduated from Athens State University with B.S. degrees in Behavioral Science and Sociology, with the intention of working in geriatric case management. However, God brought her to The E-Center in 2016.

Lorie enjoys serving in her church and in the community, spending time with her grown children and family, but her greatest joy is spending as much time as she can with her grandchildren, Aubree and Boston.

Dalain has a MBA from Prairie View A&M University. He earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from The University of Alabama. Dalain was selected as a 2023 Computer Science Distinguished Fellow for the University of Alabama.

He holds a certification in Artificial Intelligence from University of California Berkeley and studied at Beijing Foreign Studies University and Tongji University.

Study Scholar) and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. After graduating residency, she was recruited to stay on as an Assistant Professor in the Department of PM&R at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). There, she diagnosed and treated individuals with strokes, neuromuscular disease and spine and musculoskeletal disease/injury with the goal of restoring function, independence and quality of life. Dr. Clark-Brown also served as Consult Director and began her research career with an overarching focus on healthcare systems science and the intersection of disabilities and healthcare disparities. In December of 2022, Dr. Clark-Brown transitioned from UAB and now works for the Alabama Department of Public Health as a Medical Officer in the Bureaus of Health Provider Standards, Home and Community Services and Health Equity. She remains grateful and excited for this new opportunity operate in her God given gifts as a physician priest and healer on a larger platform and thereby help many more people live higher qualities of life and achieve freedom in their health.

Prior to UAB, Ralph served as CTO for Research Computing at the University of Massachusetts Office of the President where he helped lead the effort to develop the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center and Consortium. Before that, Ralph created both the academic and research computing groups at his alma mater, UMass Medical School. He served a key role in UMass Medical School’s Clinical Translational Science efforts, leading the strategy and implementation of systems to support translational research.

Currently, Greg serves as Chief Innovation Officer for Vertiv. Greg leads a team of internal technology scouts and business experts who identify, evaluate, and assess the future potential of new technologies, business models, and processes to address evolving business, economic and social trends for Vertiv and its customers. Among his career highlights at Vertiv, he led the global advanced analytics group for the services team, specializing in real-time data and connecting Vertiv’s nearly 1 billion IoT sense devices to the Vertiv cloud. Greg participates in international technology standards bodies, has multiple industry-article contributions to his credit, and advises technology incubators. Greg serves on the boards of several startup companies and represents the industry in four academic organizations and teaches Innovation in the graduate school of the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Additionally, Greg holds seven patents in IoT and data center systems.

Greg’s educational background includes a Doctorate ABD at Liberty University, focusing on Agile project management of IoT and Big Data projects; an MBA from the University of Phoenix; and undergraduate degrees in Applied Mathematics and Information Technology. Greg was named 2020 Technology Executive of the Year in Comspark’s Central Ohio Tech Power Player Awards. He is a 3000 hour licensed commercial pilot and an avid cyclist.

John K. Pierre has devoted his career to molding lawyer leaders and being a champion of innovation. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Southern University in 1980, a master’s degree in tax accounting from Texas Tech University in 1982, and a juris doctor degree from Southern Methodist University School of Law in 1985.
After graduating from law school, from 1986 to 1990, Pierre served his country as a Judge Advocates General Corps Officer, or JAG, for the United States Army. In 1990, his next assignment led him to the classroom as he began serving as a faculty member at the Southern University Law Center. In 2006, he transitioned to a leadership role within the institution becoming the vice chancellor of institutional accountability and the evening division. Currently, he has been serving as the Law Center’s chancellor since 2016.
Pierre has earned numerous awards for his leadership, innovative strategy, and tireless efforts within the legal and professional realm, including Educator of the Year from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders from The HBCU Campaign Fund.

Before joining NTIA, Michelle worked at the Small Business Investor Alliance as the Member Services and Engagement Manager, coordinating outreach with SBIA stakeholders (private equity investors) and small businesses in need of financing. Prior to SBIA, worked at the National League of Cities, serving as their Conference Coordinator and Legislative Assistant covering a range of issues including Community and Economic Development, Transportation, Energy, IT and Communications. Michelle began her career working for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for a dozen years.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

John Joseph IV is Executive Director of The E-Center business incubator, which has received #1 statewide rankings. He is a national Truman Scholar who has been named a “Mover and Shaper” by Business Alabama magazine and also Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year. John graduated from the Alabama Leadership Initiative. After accepting a scholarship to the University of Mississippi, he served as student body president and was inducted into the University Hall of Fame. John attended law school at the University of Alabama, earned his law degree/license, and later completed the Birmingham Venture Club’s Entrepreneur Accelerator Program. As Director of Decatur Corridor Development, John led creation of the first incentive package in the country for STEM young professionals, the nationally recognized Best and Brightest Initiative. He serves as regional co-chair of the Entrepreneurship Pillar of Launch and on boards including GeneCapture at Hudson Alpha, a Nashville healthcare company, and local nonprofit boards. John is a member of Huntsville's Committee of 100. His writings have been published by the Kauffman Foundation, and presentations include the national TVA Economic Development Forum, national Chamber of Commerce convention (ACCE), Fortune 500 companies, and the Tennessee Valley Corridor National Summit.

Ms. Ali received her Master of Applied Economics degree from Cornell University. She is a Magna Cum Laude Graduate of Florida A&M University. Ms. Ali is currently a member of the Cybersecurity Tech Accord - which promotes a safer online world by fostering collaboration among global technology companies that are committed to protecting customers and users against malicious threats, and currently serves on the Paris Call Working Group 3 which focuses on “Advancing the UN negotiations with a strong multistakeholder approach for Cybersecurity.”
Over the past two years, Ms. Ali has received awards for her community efforts in bridging the digital divide in 2019, she received the Susan L. Taylor Distinguished Community Partner for the University of Parents Program. In 2020, she received the Pathways to Success STEAM Sponsor from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Oakland Bay Area Chapter. She is currently the WIT Network Lead for Atlanta, which is one of the leading global Women In Technology organizations in the world.

Mr. Rodney Granec serves as the Executive Director of the University of West Alabama’s (UWA) Office of Sponsored Programs, Research, and Outreach. He has over twenty years’ experience with externally funded contract and grant projects received from the public and private sector submitted by and awarded to educational entities, municipalities, and non-profit organizations. His passion is serving and sharing his expertise and knowledge to rural underserved regions, such as Sumter County where he resides and serves on numerous non-profit boards. Mr. Granec also serves as the Program Manager for UWA’s NTIA Connecting Minority Communities grant award program. This grant funded by NTIA under the US Department of Commerce provides technology to underserved municipalities in Sumter County and digital literacy educational sessions to the towns and rural communities within. His email signature line states “Partnership and collaboration in rural areas is not an option, it is necessary for sustainability and growth.”

Alissa Nash spent more than 25 years as a Learning and Development professional in the financial services industry. Over the course of her career, she enhanced her core educational background in instructional design with advanced training on understanding and influencing the dynamics of interpersonal communications and effective change management theories, as well as how to consistently integrate DEI-inclusive practices into curriculum design and facilitation projects. A background she found personally useful when facing a mid-career pivot to entrepreneurship after becoming legally blind in 2014.

The realization that she would have to create her own professional opportunities after facing multiple barriers to reentering the workforce led Alissa on the path to entrepreneurship. Following the advice of trusted mentors, she became involved in an association for local minority business owners. With their help, she learned how to transition her skills and experiences as a learning strategist into providing essential strategic marketing services to small business owners and founded ThatIsWhatIDo.com in 2018. After learning about the potential represented by government contracting, she joined DTIT Services, LLC in 2021. Currently a junior partner, she functions as the Administrative Officer, with a focus on obtaining MBE certifications and securing government contracts for this Alabama-based traditional and fiber optic cabling company.

Abraham George serves as the new Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Tuskegee University since May 27th 2022, bringing over 25 years of experience in information technology and systems management to campus. Abraham started his career at Tuskegee University in various roles, eventually serving as the Director of Networking Services and Academic Computing prior to his move to Columbus State University (USG) in 2004 first serving as the Director of Operations and Infrastructure and eventually serving as the Vice President and CIO of Columbus State University, leading the development of multiple strategic plans for the Information Technology division and initiating the development of a campus wide data warehouse to advance recruitment, retention, progression and graduation initiatives. These projects catalyzed the advancement of data-driven decision-making across campus, driving student enrollment from 5400 in 2004 to over 8600 in 2015 influencing greater student success. Abraham also led the development of business intelligence dashboards for managing admissions, financial aid, and the university budget. Other technology initiatives Abraham led included the LMS migration from Blackboard to Canvas, the upgrade of campus-wide fiber optic networking, and the completion of 100% wireless networking across campus. Prior to his appointment as the CIO of Tuskegee, Mr. George served as the consulting CIO at Gwynedd Mercy University, Philadelphia, PA focusing on stabilizing the IT organization, developing IT strategic plan, and modernizing the data flow and data quality for enrollment and marketing. He worked in consultant roles at Valdosta State University and Kennesaw State University.

Dr. Kevin Harris’ decades long year career encompasses diverse experiences both in information technology and academia, protecting organizations infrastructure and data in positions ranging from Systems Analyst to Chief Information Officer. During this time, he developed cross functional teams implementing solutions to effectively address business challenges through innovation and security. He continues to make system improvements to support student success and learning as a Technology Strategist supporting Googles HBCU Cybersecurity Center. Dr. Harris has delivered instruction in several disciplines including business, cybersecurity, computer science, and computer networking, with particular interest in information security and computer forensics to both undergraduate and graduate students of diverse backgrounds.

The positive impact of technology inspired a mission of ensuring benefits of education and technology advancements can be embraced by all. It is a goal he pursues as the President of the Mid-South chapter of Cyversity and designee to the Public interest Technology University Network (PIT-UN), a collaboration of universities and colleges working to build out the field of public interest technology within academia. For Dr. Kevin Harris, inclusivity in the tech sector is both a moral and business imperative as it ensures we have a workforce pipeline that reflects the needs and values of the global public.
Melissa Johnson is the Managing Director of State Strategies at National Skills Coalition, where she leads the organization’s efforts to advance workforce policy solutions at the state level. Melissa oversees the development of NSC’s state policy agenda and works with the organization’s network of state coalitions and partners to provide strategic guidance for policy development, advocacy, advancement, and implementation.
Melissa’s publications, policy expertise, and engagement with local community organizations, workforce boards, business leaders, and workforce advocates have helped educate state policymakers and shaped state workforce policy solutions that continue to make a meaningful impact for workers, businesses, and communities.
Dr. Kevin Harris’ decades long year career encompasses diverse experiences both in information technology and academia, protecting organizations infrastructure and data in positions ranging from Systems Analyst to Chief Information Officer. During this time, he developed cross functional teams implementing solutions to effectively address business challenges through innovation and security. He continues to make system improvements to support student success and learning as a Technology Strategist supporting Googles HBCU Cybersecurity Center. Dr. Harris has delivered instruction in several disciplines including business, cybersecurity, computer science, and computer networking, with particular interest in information security and computer forensics to both undergraduate and graduate students of diverse backgrounds.

The positive impact of technology inspired a mission of ensuring benefits of education and technology advancements can be embraced by all. It is a goal he pursues as the President of the Mid-South chapter of Cyversity and designee to the Public interest Technology University Network (PIT-UN), a collaboration of universities and colleges working to build out the field of public interest technology within academia. For Dr. Kevin Harris, inclusivity in the tech sector is both a moral and business imperative as it ensures we have a workforce pipeline that reflects the needs and values of the global public.
She holds a J.D. from Emory University School of Law, as well as an MBA and bachelor’s degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Melissa is based in Atlanta and Washington, DC.

Washington currently serves on the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) Board of Directors representing Region IV and is a member of the National Association of Government Labor Officials (NAGLO).

Washington is a member of the Alabama Workforce Council, the Alabama Small Business Commission, the State Workforce Development Board and the Alabama Bicentennial 200 Commission.

Prior to his appointment as the Secretary of the Alabama Department of Labor, Washington worked for The Buffalo Rock Company for 15 years, serving as Corporate Marketing and Sales Director handling the company’s multicultural marketing initiatives before being promoted to General Sales Manager in 2002.

Washington has served as a past Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, where he helped create the Minority Business Council to foster growth and competitiveness of minority-owned businesses in West Alabama. Other community involvement includes the Druid City Business League, Black Warrior Council Board, BB&T Bank Advisory Board, Board of Visitors for the University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies, and DCH Health Systems Foundation Board of Directors.

Washington, his wife Peggy, and their two children Karla and Fitzgerald reside in Tuscaloosa.

Dr. Urban Wiggins is the Vice Provost for Decision Science and Visualization at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering Technology. He serves as Chairman of the Board for the Minority-Serving CyberInfrastructure Consortium.
He has served as the Director of Institutional Research and Data Analytics and Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems at Jarvis Christian College. He was an associate with the Louisiana Technology Council and EMP Task Force for National and Homeland Security. He previously served as the Director of the Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research office at Southern University.
He was previously employed in industry at Telcordia Technologies in the Broadband Networking Division. He has served as Network, Server, and Customer Integration Engineer at the Intel Corporation.
He has been an active member InfraGard, a public/private partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigations. In 2014, he was awarded the Louisiana Governor’s Technology Award for Outstanding Leadership in Technology for his work in the area of Cyber Security and Education.
He received his doctoral degree in Computer Science from Louisiana State University and his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Southern University in Computer Science and Mathematics respectively.

Melissa Johnson is the Managing Director of State Strategies at National Skills Coalition, where she leads the organization’s efforts to advance workforce policy solutions at the state level. Melissa oversees the development of NSC’s state policy agenda and works with the organization’s network of state coalitions and partners to provide strategic guidance for policy development, advocacy, advancement, and implementation.
Melissa’s publications, policy expertise, and engagement with local community organizations, workforce boards, business leaders, and workforce advocates have helped educate state policymakers and shaped state workforce policy solutions that continue to make a meaningful impact for workers, businesses, and communities.
Prior to joining National Skills Coalition in in 2017, Melissa was a Senior Policy Analyst at Georgia Budget and Policy Institute where she led the organization’s research on several issues, including gender economic equality, affordable childcare and workforce development. Earlier in her career, she worked in policy analysis and legal roles for the Administrative Office of the Courts of Georgia and in the private sector as a management consultant.
She holds a J.D. from Emory University School of Law, as well as an MBA and bachelor’s degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Melissa is based in Atlanta and Washington, DC.

Lloyd Sirmons received his Associates Degree in Computer Science from Columbus State University 1998. He immediately began his IT career working with TSYS of Columbus, GA where he worked as a mainframe programmer. He worked a number of years with Columbus Regional as a System’s Analyst before entering into full time ministry where he served in pastoral leadership for nearly fourteen years before joining the GPT team in August of 2010 as the BTOP Project Director. He completed his BS degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University in 2009. With over thirteen years of experience in the Telehealth field, Lloyd brings a sound knowledge of IT solutions, along with strong leadership and communication skills as the Director of the Southeastern Telehealth Resource Center.

Lloyd Sirmons received his Associates Degree in Computer Science from Columbus State University 1998. He immediately began his IT career working with TSYS of Columbus, GA where he worked as a mainframe programmer. He worked a number of years with Columbus Regional as a System’s Analyst before entering into full time ministry where he served in pastoral leadership for nearly fourteen years before joining the GPT team in August of 2010 as the BTOP Project Director. He completed his BS degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University in 2009. With over thirteen years of experience in the Telehealth field, Lloyd brings a sound knowledge of IT solutions, along with strong leadership and communication skills as the Director of the Southeastern Telehealth Resource Center.

Dr. Apon is a Program Director in the Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure at the National Science Foundation. She is on leave from Clemson University where she holds a position as Professor of Computer Science. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from Vanderbilt University and has held several leadership roles in academia.

Lorie graduated from Athens State University with B.S. degrees in Behavioral Science and Sociology, with the intention of working in geriatric case management. However, God brought her to The E-Center in 2016.

Lorie enjoys serving in her church and in the community, spending time with her grown children and family, but her greatest joy is spending as much time as she can with her grandchildren, Aubree and Boston.

Dalain has a MBA from Prairie View A&M University. He earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from The University of Alabama. Dalain was selected as a 2023 Computer Science Distinguished Fellow for the University of Alabama.

He holds a certification in Artificial Intelligence from University of California Berkeley and studied at Beijing Foreign Studies University and Tongji University.

Eric M. Nettles Sr. stands out as a distinguished regional major account manager, showcasing an impressive career spanning over two decades in sales and marketing. With a proven track record of success, he has skillfully navigated the complexities of business-to-business sales, account management, and marketing, consistently achieving annual revenues of up to $3 million. His commitment to excellence shines through in his role as a National HBCU account manager, fostering collaborations with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide.

Beyond the corporate sphere, Eric serves as a beacon of resilience and inspiration. Through the ``Keep Pushing`` campaign, he transforms personal experiences into a powerful platform, sharing his journey of redemption and emphasizing the importance of mental health, therapy, and self-care. Dedicated to being a guiding light, especially for men, Eric's commitment extends to local and international service.

Despite his significant impact, Eric remains grounded in principles instilled during his youth – treating people with kindness and integrity. His motto, ``We are stronger together than apart, and always do things with excellence and integrity,`` underscores his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the world. Eric Nettles exemplifies the transformative power of resilience, compassion, and the pursuit of excellence in every facet of his remarkable journey.

Prior to UAB, Ralph served as CTO for Research Computing at the University of Massachusetts Office of the President where he helped lead the effort to develop the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center and Consortium. Before that, Ralph created both the academic and research computing groups at his alma mater, UMass Medical School. He served a key role in UMass Medical School’s Clinical Translational Science efforts, leading the strategy and implementation of systems to support translational research.

Dr. Ryan Vega serves as the Chief Health Officer for Vantiq and is the former Chief Innovation Officer for the Veterans Health Administration where he led enterprise innovation efforts across the largest integrated health system in the United States. He work has spanned large-scale digital modernization efforts, design and deployment of innovative care and payment models, and early design and development of healthcare software focused on improving health care delivery and experience for patients and providers. Dr. Vega also currently sits as the Physician in Resident for the Digital Medicine Society and holds academic appointments as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Administration at Georgetown University as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at George Washington University. He is the recipient of many awards for his work in healthcare innovation and has published numerous articles on the topic.

Greg’s educational background includes a Doctorate ABD at Liberty University, focusing on Agile project management of IoT and Big Data projects; an MBA from the University of Phoenix; and undergraduate degrees in Applied Mathematics and Information Technology. Greg was named 2020 Technology Executive of the Year in Comspark’s Central Ohio Tech Power Player Awards. He is a 3000 hour licensed commercial pilot and an avid cyclist.

I have been in sales and executive sales management for 30+ years. Currently I am and ICF certified PCC business coach as well as have my own consulting practice. I have been working with UC San Diego for several years to help promote the Student Activity Hub to educational institutions across the country.
After graduating from law school, from 1986 to 1990, Pierre served his country as a Judge Advocates General Corps Officer, or JAG, for the United States Army. In 1990, his next assignment led him to the classroom as he began serving as a faculty member at the Southern University Law Center. In 2006, he transitioned to a leadership role within the institution becoming the vice chancellor of institutional accountability and the evening division. Currently, he has been serving as the Law Center’s chancellor since 2016.
Pierre has earned numerous awards for his leadership, innovative strategy, and tireless efforts within the legal and professional realm, including Educator of the Year from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders from The HBCU Campaign Fund.

Before joining NTIA, Michelle worked at the Small Business Investor Alliance as the Member Services and Engagement Manager, coordinating outreach with SBIA stakeholders (private equity investors) and small businesses in need of financing. Prior to SBIA, worked at the National League of Cities, serving as their Conference Coordinator and Legislative Assistant covering a range of issues including Community and Economic Development, Transportation, Energy, IT and Communications. Michelle began her career working for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for a dozen years.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Bryn currently manages implementation of the University's strategic plan including oversight of the assessment and strategic analysis processes. She has over 15 years of experience in data management, research, and evaluation for higher education, non-profit, and governmental organizations. Bryn has been instrumental in leading the development and implementation of systems and processes to support continuous improvement and achievement of outcomes.

Ms. Ali received her Master of Applied Economics degree from Cornell University. She is a Magna Cum Laude Graduate of Florida A&M University. Ms. Ali is currently a member of the Cybersecurity Tech Accord - which promotes a safer online world by fostering collaboration among global technology companies that are committed to protecting customers and users against malicious threats, and currently serves on the Paris Call Working Group 3 which focuses on “Advancing the UN negotiations with a strong multistakeholder approach for Cybersecurity.”
Over the past two years, Ms. Ali has received awards for her community efforts in bridging the digital divide in 2019, she received the Susan L. Taylor Distinguished Community Partner for the University of Parents Program. In 2020, she received the Pathways to Success STEAM Sponsor from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Oakland Bay Area Chapter. She is currently the WIT Network Lead for Atlanta, which is one of the leading global Women In Technology organizations in the world.

I am an Associate Professor of Physical Therapy, and I have experience as an educator and researcher. My teaching expertise and broad background are primarily in Health Disparities, Cultural Competence, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, Professional Development, Professionalism /Professional Issues, Psychosocial Development, and Career Planning. With over 20 years of experience in academia, I have also extensive experience in student mentoring and advising. I have successfully managed several grants as the Project Director or Assistant Project Director. I have served as the PI/Advisor for several university research projects.

As the Dean of the College of Health Sciences and member of several Professional/Interprofessional Associations, I collaborate with other health-related disciplines in teaching and research.

Dr. Curry is a professor in the nanoengineering department at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering at North Carolina A&T State University. He earned his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Alabama (2004) and a B.S. in chemistry from the University of West Alabama (1999). He is a highly cited researcher with over 30 journal publications, 6 US patents and pending US patent applications, and has delivered many invited technical and non-technical presentations. His research focuses on developing bio-inspired materials that can replace petroleum-based products to reduce their negative environmental impact. Dr. Curry's passion for STEM and STEM diversity has earned him many honors, such as the 2021 NOBCChE HBCU Pioneer Award, the 2025 American Chemical Society Henry and Camille Dreyfus Award nominee, and a Black History cover feature in Exeleon Magazine as the Most Transformational Black Leaders to Watch in 2023.

As the Dean of the College of Health Sciences and member of several Professional/Interprofessional Associations, I collaborate with other health-related disciplines in teaching and research.