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BIOSBIOSPROGRAM PARTICIPANTS Albert G. EdwardsEric PinckneyRev. Sean SmithIngrid Thompson-Sellers, Ph.D.KEYNOTE: State Of Black Business Anna RoachShelton RussellRegional Leadership Outlook PanelModeratorHeather FatzingerPanelistsHon. Lorraine Cochran-JohnsonHon. Nicole Love HendersonStacey KeySteven ParkerRicky SmithINFRASTRUCTURE PanelModeratorDerrick Vincent PEPanelistsMichelle ArnoldYolanda BroomeErnest EllisKimberly A. KingKenyata SmileyPROCUREMENT PanelModeratorBruce BellPanelistsMichelle ButlerMaria L. RouxRocsean Spencer Jaliz Williams

ENERGY PanelModeratorTiffany Callaway FerrellPanelistsWalt FarrellJulia SettlesGlenda ThomasBIOSBIOSWORKFORCE & CAPACITYBUILDING PanelModeratorKeith ParkerPanelistsIrvin ClarkCorliss Davenport, Ed.S.Dr. Patricia FordNancy Flake JohnsonHeidi SchneiderDr. Victoria SealsGLOBAL TRADE: IMPORTS,EXPORTS AND TARIFFS PanelModeratorShaquana TeasleyPanelistsJennifer BarbosaRoosevelt GilesCarl HumphreySirDarryl Roundtree

BIOSBIOSPROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

Albert G. Edwards Albert G. Edwards is the Founder and Chief Executive Oicer of Corporate Environmental Risk Management, LLC (CERM), a regional engineering, environmental, and program management firm. As CEO, Mr. Edwards’ responsibilities include chairing CERM’s Management Committee and providing day-to-day leadership and strategic direction to the firm’s business management, project delivery, and client management functions. Mr. Edwards has more than 25 years of experience in the environmental and engineering industry assisting organizations in managing environmental, engineering, infrastructure, and capital projects throughout the United States. Mr. Edwards holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree in Technology Management from Southern Polytechnic State University, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Industrial Technology from Mississippi Valley State University, and has received specialized environmental, engineering, and business management training through various organizations to include Georgia Tech Research Institute and Dartmouth College (Tuck School of Business). Mr. Edwards also served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Quartermaster Oicer and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. Professional Ailiations  American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), Atlanta Chapter Member  Council for Quality Growth, Board Chair  Atlanta Business League, Board Chair  Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors  DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors, Past Chairman  Georgia Piedmont Technical College Foundation, Trustee, Executive Committee  U.S. Small Business Administration Regulatory Fairness Board, Board Member, Region IV, Workforce Development Chair

Eric Pinckney Eric Pinckney is a legacy principal for the Integral Group, an Atlanta-based real estate development and investment management firm. Eric has been with the firm for almost 30 years. Eric came to Atlanta as a student studying Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. It was in that capacity he found his calling as someone who is responsible for the development of sustainable communities. It started when Pinckney volunteered to help families at a nearby public housing project called Techwood Homes in 1980 and urged residents to reject offers from real estate developers. His personal experience in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston had showed him that community disruption often followed gentrification. He believed the best way to build sustainable African American communities was to maintain the sense of family and support that he had experienced growing up in a segregated Massachusetts community. But after meeting Egbert Perry, Integral’s Chairman & CEO, Pinckney learned that real estate development could recreate the economic diversity that had existed before the age of racial integration. He then changed his educational focus to make his passion for building functioning communities into a profession. He earned a master’s in City Planning from Georgia’s Institute of Technology. Integral hired him as a scheduling consultant, and he was soon promoted to a Project Manager. Eric held that position with the company when the Olympics came to town in 1996. Integral played a significant part in implementing Atlanta housing legacy program for that historic event. Pinckney returned to Boston for a short period before being called back to the Integral Group where he was given development responsibilities for major projects in Richmond, VA., Baltimore, MD., Washington, DC, Memphis, TN and Denver, CO. By 2002, he was the Vice President of Operations for Integral’s development division. He held that position for ten years. He was also beginning to see how

his dream of creating sustainable neighborhoods could become a reality for families and businesses all over the country. Eric credits mentorship by Egbert Perry, Renee Glover, former President & CEO of the Atlanta Housing Authority, and Dr. Norman Johnson, former special assistant to former President Patrick Crecine at Georgia Tech, for helping him and Integral create some of the most successful and transformative residential developments in the nation. Today Pinckney is the principal in charge of the Microsoft community development efforts located on its 90-acre, Atlanta Beltline adjacent site near the Bankhead MARTA Station.

Rev. Sean B. Smith joined Antioch Baptist Church North in September of 1988, under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. C.M. Alexander. He was licensed to preach on April 14, 1991 and subsequently ordained to the gospel ministry on April 11, 2001. Rev. Smith has served as the senior pastor of New Horizon Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA since 2001. He also currently serves as Mayor Andre Dickens’ Senior Advisor for Faith Affairs, contributing to efforts related to housing insecurity and affordable housing. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Rev. Smith is a graduate of Georgia State University with B.A. in Journalism. He holds a Master of Divinity from the McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University, where he was awarded an Outstanding Academic Achievement recognition and the recipient of the William Ollie and Nell Ray Key Excellence in Leadership Award. Throughout his ministry Rev. Smith has served both Church and community in a variety of capacities including: Minister’s Alliance President, Antioch School of the Bible Instructor, General Missionary Baptist Convention Magazine Publisher/Editor, Men of Antioch North Co-Chair, DeKalb County Small Business Council Advisory Council member, Walton House Board of Directors member, Hunger Walk Advisory Board member, M.L. King Merchants Association, the United Way’s Volunteer Involvement Program (VIP), and the NAACP. Rev. Smith organized and founded 3 Essentials, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to youth development and academic assistance. He remains deeply committed to improving the lives of those impacted by social challenges including housing and food insecurity. Rev. Smith continues these efforts through his involvement in Atlanta’s service ecosystem where he currently serves in various capacities including: Chair of the Atlanta Continuum of Care (CoC) Governing Council, InTown Cares Board of Director member, Islamic Speakers Bureau Advisory Council member, Cascade Ministers Fellowship, the Atlanta Ministers Union member, and served on the Ethics Committee for the Mayoral transition team. Rev. Smith is the father of two beautiful daughters: Zoe and Alexandria.

President Thompson-Sellers earned her bachelor’s degree in physics from The University of the West Indies (Mona Campus, Jamaica), a master’s degree in telecommunications from Iona University, and a doctoral degree in instructional technology from Georgia State University. She also holds a graduate certificate in analytics from Johns Hopkins University. Prior to joining the Trailblazer family, Dr. Thompson-Sellers served as president of South Georgia State College (SGSC), where she established new initiatives to increase enrollment, reduce expenditures and enhance the college’s technology infrastructure. Over the course of her diverse professional career, President Thompson-Sellers has served in an array of roles at Georgia State University as well as the former Georgia Perimeter College, now part of Georgia State University. She previously taught at her Alma Mater, Iona University in New Rochelle, New York. President Thompson-Sellers has received numerous awards and commendations, and was recently selected as one of “Atlanta’s Top 100 Black Women of Influence” by the Atlanta Business League (ABL). Dr. Thompson-Sellers is also a 2024 Excellence in Education Honoree by the MECCA Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. and a 2024 recipient of the Paragon Award for New Presidents by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK). She recently completed her term as a board of trustee with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and Iona University. Dr. Thompson-Sellers currently serves on the boards of the ATL Airport Chamber (SmallBusinessEducationCommitteeChair), the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors for the Metropolitan Regional Educational Service Agency (Metro RESA), and Advisory Board Member for the Higher Education Research and Development Institute (HERDI) South. A recognized leader, President Thompson-Sellers is a champion of faculty and student success initiatives; civic engagement; and experiential learning. She always puts students first and seeks to engage in strategic partnerships to advance the mission and vision of Atlanta Metropolitan State College. She is diligently working to transform our legacy as we mark our historical significance and contributions over these past 50 years, looking ahead to the future. AMSCPresidentialBio|Updated1.2025Dr.IngridThompson-Sellers has more than 30 years of experiencein higher education with almost her entire career spent in servicewith the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents ofthe University System of Georgia named Dr. Thompson-Sellers thefifth and first female president of Atlanta Metropolitan State College,effective Feb. 1, 2023.

BIOSBIOSKEYNOTE: State Of Black Business

Anna Roach is Executive Director & CEO of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), whose vision is to create One Great Region through its mission to foster thriving communities for all within the Atlanta region through collaborative, data-informed planning and investments. As Executive Director & CEO, Ms. Roach manages the agency’s $104 million operating budget and leads a talented team that works with local governments and community partners to improve life in the Atlanta region. ARC’s portfolio includes regional transportation planning, aging services, community development, water resources management, workforce development, and homeland security coordination. In addition to her role as CEO, Roach is a member of the Atlanta Rotary Club, the International Women’s Forum Georgia, and the Women’s Transportation Seminar. She also serves on the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, the Leadership Council of the Board for Drawdown Georgia, the Executive Committee of the Board for Learn4Life, the board of the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, and the board of Council for Quality Growth. Roach has been named one of the 100 most influential Georgians by Georgia Trend, one of the 500 most powerful Atlanta leaders by Atlanta Magazine, and is one of Engineering Georgia’s top 100 Most Influential Women in Georgia Engineering.

Prior to joining ARC as its first female CEO in the 75-year history of the organization, Anna Roach served as Chief Operating Officer for Fulton County Government. Her earlier career as an attorney included roles in both the private and public sectors. Roach is a member of the Rotary Club of Atlanta and the American Bar Association. She serves as an advisory board member at Tyler Technologies, as well as Avenu Insights and Analytics, and is a past board chair of the Atlanta March of Dimes. She holds a Juris Doctor from St. John’s University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the State University of New York, College at Cortland. Roach resides in the City of South Fulton with her husband and four children.

Shelton Russell is the Owner and publisher of American DBE Magazine. He has been engaged in the development of minority, women, and small businesses for more than twenty years in the local government, aviation, and the highway transportation industry. Prior to MBE/WBE development activities, he owned a landscape company and worked as a commercial credit analyst and mortgage officer in the banking industry. Specialties: Minority and woman-owned business development, executive management and general business training development, D/M/W/SBE program administration, government purchasing, event coordination/management, and loan program administration.

BIOSBIOS REGIONAL LEADERSHIP OUTLOOK Panel

HEATHER FATZINGER President & CEO Full Circle Communications, Inc. Heather A. Fatzinger is President and CEO of Full Circle Communications, Inc. Full Circle Communications, Inc. Ms. Fatzinger has worked in the Communications field for over 20 years, with career experience in such areas as political campaign management, grassroots organizing, environmental justice, small business and motivational workshops and community engagement. Mrs. Fatzinger also serves as a trainer for the Anthony Robbins Organization and is a certified keynote speaker and executive life coach. Heather has a BA in Psychology from Spelman College (’95), and an MS in Human Services Administration/Non-Profit Management from Spertus College in Chicago, IL (’98). A patron of the arts, Heather also has six years of classical vocal training. She toured with an international touring company for two years and was a member of the Spelman College Glee Club. Ms. Fatzinger is very active in her community and has a passion for service. She donates her time to such programs as the Atlanta Business League (board member), Women in Transportation (D&I Co-chair), National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA – Corporate Advisory Committee), the Maynard Jackson Youth Foundation, Metro Atlanta Kiwanis Club (Past President), the League of Women Voters (Past Board Member), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., People TV (Past Board Member), West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, and many other service, environmental, and professional organizations. heather@fcc360.com

CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson Lorraine Cochran-Johnson is originally from Greenville, Alabama, and a twenty-five-year DeKalb County, Georgia resident. Lorraine attended Troy University, where she received a B.S. degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice; an M.S. in The Administration of Criminal Justice; and received an M.P.A. in Public Administration with a concentration in Economic Development and Grant Writing from Auburn University before attending John Marshall Law School. Lorraine holds a business certificate from Harvard University in Delivering Public Services: Eiciency, Equity, and Quality. Lorraine has over two decades of experience in print media, mass communications, and management. A seasoned grant writer, Lorraine has developed state and federal proposals resulting in the procurement of millions in CDBG funding for state and local entities through the Auburn University Economic Development Institute. Lorraine strongly supports public education and is a past PTA president of Pine Ridge Elementary, Chapel Hill Middle School, and Martin Luther King, Jr. High School. As the former Super District 7 Commissioner, Lorraine has donated over $1 million in discretionary funds to support public education and youth programs, donating $250,000 in 2020 for COVID relief to ensure the safety of educators and students. As the former moderator of DeKalb’s PDS-24 television show Engagement Now, Lorraine worked with show producers to develop content crafted around issues relevant to modern education. Lorraine was the Parent Council President for Agnes Scott College in 2021-2022, where she served as the oicial parental ambassador of the college. Lorraine strongly supports positive initiatives in economic development, public safety, and home ownership. As a professional, Lorraine spent over a decade at Creative Loafing Newspaper. An entrepreneur, Lorraine founded Salons Unlimited Magazine, a publication that started with 5,000 print issues in Atlanta and grew to a 56,000 circulation in 31 U.S. cities in three years before being sold in 2010. In 2009, Lorraine became a founding member of United Front Media, a premier film and visual media

company specializing in content development, where she produced commercials for the City of Atlanta, MARTA, KIA, and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. In 2015, Lorraine joined Real Times Media as the General Manager of the Atlanta Daily World Newspaper and Associate Publisher of Who’s Who In Black Atlanta. She was the VP of Business Development for RTM Properties – AtlantaDailyWorld.com and Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, before resigning to pursue public service full-time during her 2018 campaign. Lorraine was elected DeKalb County Commissioner of Super District 7 in 2018 and proudly serves over 780,000 residents. She spearheaded the Boxed Store Ordinance requiring mandatory distance requirements to stop the proliferation of Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, and Dollar General in DeKalb County – now used in nine states. She authorizes the DeKalb Video Surveillance System Ordinance requiring mandatory video surveillance at gas and service stations. She is the founder and visionary of EMBARC Youth Farm, a $10 million urban farming project incorporating hydroponics, greenhouse growing, bee farming, a hen house, and entrepreneurship activities to connect youth and community to nature and ensure healthy living. As the Chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, Lorraine has successfully allocated over $1.4 billion in revenue, the highest dollar amount overseen in the history of DeKalb County through any standing committee leader. She has required mandatory audit of all contracts above $3 million resulting in over $92 million in revenue savings to DeKalb County taxpayers and is the 2023 Elected Oicial of the Year by the American Public Works Association; the 2023 Champion of Housing by Georgia ACT; and is a recipient of The Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden in 2024. Lorraine made history on June 18th when she received a majority vote in 174 out of 191 voting precincts to garner 60% of the vote to become the first Black woman elected CEO in DeKalb County, Georgia, in a runo election and 320,572 votes in the General Election. Since taking oice in 2025, Lorraine has: • Successfully delivered a$1.8 billion balanced budget in 15 days • Led the largest infrastructure investment in Dekalb County history with a 10-year rate increase that will generate $3.8 billion for water and sewer remediation. • Invested $300,000 in an organizational assessment to evaluate departments and ensure best practices. • Funded a pay-in-class study to ensure all DeKalb County employees are properly compensated for their work.

Nicole Love Hendrickson was elected chairwoman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners in 2020 and reelected in 2024, making her the first African American to hold this position in Georgia's second-most populous and most diverse county. As the Commission Chair, she leads the Board in setting the direction and formulating policies for Gwinnett County Government, overseeing the creation and adoption of a more than $2.67 billion budget, ensuring Gwinnett’s superior services for its nearly 1 million residents. Since taking office, Chairwoman Hendrickson has led efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive Gwinnett by prioritizing transportation and enhancing mobility for all through the creation of a new transit development plan; advancing housing affordability through the creation of the affordable housing development fund; restoring and reinvigorating a thriving economy that delivers economic security for small and minority businesses; and directly engaging with residents to make local government more responsive, transparent, and accountable. You can watch Chairwoman Hendrickson review past years’ achievements and her vision for Gwinnett in her  State of the County addresses. Chairwoman Hendrickson was instrumental in rewriting Gwinnett County’s mission, vision, and values statements to emphasize the principles of accountability, transparency, equity, inclusivity, and innovation. In practice, she has championed the development of Gwinnett’s historic Equity Action Plan and the Gwinnett Place Mall Equitable Redevelopment Plan, both serving as guiding principles to ensure investments and service delivery center the voices of the community. She also oversaw the investment in and launch of the Gwinnett Entrepreneur Center and the initiation and expansion of the Police Mental Health Collaboration pilot program. Chairwoman Hendrickson is active on several local, regional, statewide, and national boards, including the Atlanta Regional Commission, Metropolitan North Georgia Water District Board, Gwinnett Board of Health, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Association County Commissioners of Georgia. She serves on the ACCG Policy Steering Committee and in her role with the ARC chaired the Local Leaders Housing Action Committee, a group charged with developing a regional plan to address metropolitan Atlanta’s housing affordability challenges. Chairwoman Hendrickson also serves in leadership roles with the National Association of Counties as vice-chair of the Large Urban County Caucus and vice-chair of the workforce development subcommittee of the Community, Economic and Workforce Development Committee. She is vice-chair on the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau Board as well.

She refined her approach to leadership by completing leadership development programs, including Leadership Gwinnett and the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Regional Leadership Institute, to name a few. As a purpose-driven leader, Chairwoman Hendrickson has been recognized among Engineering Georgia’s 100 Most Influential Women in Georgia, the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Power 100 Most Influential Atlantans, and Georgia Trend’s 100 Most Influential Georgians. She received Congressman Hank Johnson’s Trailblazer Award and the Gwinnett Chamber’s Public Service Award. Chairwoman Hendrickson earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia. She resides in unincorporated Lilburn with her husband, Keverne, and their son, Kaden.

1 STACEY J. KEY Stacey Key is the Chief Executive Officer and president of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council(GMSDC), Georgia’s leading authority on supplier diversity and minority business development. Supply chainpartnerships facilitated by the GMSDC transact more than $10 billion in revenues annually and havecontributed tens of thousands of jobs to Georgia’s economy. Under her leadership, the GMSDC has grown to beone of the top performing councils in the NMSDC network, receiving numerous community awards for theirefforts to create jobs and drive economic growth. Today, the GMSDC serves more than 1,200 Minority BusinessEnterprises and over 400 corporate members. As a seasoned corporate executive, Key has more than 25 years of experience driving sales, marketing, operations and customer service at global brands like IBM, AT&T, Schlumberger and Samsung Telecommunications. She is also an accomplished entrepreneur, with more than 15 years of experience at the helm of a successful family business. Key is actively involved in the community and serves on numerous boards of directors, including the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, Georgia Department of Transportation, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Midtown Alliance, Emory University Center for Ethics Advisory Board, Metro Atlanta Chamber Advisory Board and the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame.

Steven Parker Chief of Staff As Chief of Staff, Steven Parker serves as a top advisor to the CEO, assisting with leading strategic planning, key executive projects and decision-making, and representing the CEO with board members, elected and community stakeholders and the public. He is responsible for overseeing a variety of organization-wide projects and initiatives, with a focus on key performance indicators, identifying areas of improvement across the organization and making actionable recommendations. He also works closely with the C-Team to ensure that the authority’s goals and objectives are met. Additionally, Mr. Parker manages the Department of External Affairs, which includes directing the authority’s strategic government affairs, public engagement, communications and marketing efforts. Mr. Parker has 25 years of progressively responsible community, legislative, legal and policy development experience. He joined MARTA in 2024 as the Assistant General Manager of External Affairs, and most recently served as the Interim Chief of Staff. Prior to joining MARTA, he worked for the Department of Homeland Security as the Chief Innovation Officer for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), where he and his team worked to enhance TSA’s innovation capacity. Mr. Parker previously served as Deputy State Director for U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, overseeing the senator’s state outreach initiatives. He also served as Political Director for the Ossoff for Senate Campaign; Community Specialist for the City of Raleigh, North Carolina; Community Affairs Manager for Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan; and Field Representative for California State Senator Herschel Rosenthal. Mr. Parker’s legal career includes working as an attorney at the law firm of Balch & Bingham, LLP, the City of Atlanta as a real estate transactional attorney and as General Counsel at Story Brand, a major brand and marketing company representing Fortune 500 companies. He earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from North Carolina Central University School of Law and a Bachelor of Art in Political Science from California State University Northridge.

Ricky Smith As General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest and most efficient airport, Ricky Smith oversees governance, strategy, and operations for a global hub serving over 108 million passengers annually and generating more than $750 million in revenue. Previously, Smith served as Executive Director and CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA), managing Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), Martin State Airport, and regional aviation across Maryland. Under his leadership, BWI achieved five consecutive record-setting years for passenger traffic, earning titles like Best Airport in North America for Customer Service (Airport Council International) and numerous awards for capital development and marketing, including Emmy Awards. With over 30 years in aviation management, Smith is known for fostering cultures of performance, customer service, safety, and innovation. He launched BWI’s LaunchPad program for minority-owned businesses and the Youth Initiative to introduce Baltimore City youth to aviation careers. His leadership has earned him recognition throughout his career, including the Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association’s Best State Executive for Minority Business Enterprise (2022), Airports Council International’s Leon C. Watkins Guardian Award (2020), and Crain’s Magazine’s Most Influential CEO in Northeast Ohio.

BIOSBIOSINFRASTRUCTURE Panel

Derrick Vincent holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Auburn University and a Professional MBA from Georgia State University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer registered in Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. He has a 24-year engineering career centered around various areas of transportation including: airport design, traffic studies, interchange design, heavy highway construction, project management and now sales. Derrick served as the project manager for the first managed lane in Georgia along I-85. He was also the Deputy Project Manager for the Top End 285 Express Lanes project. He is currently a Vice President in the Atlanta office and serves as the Client Account Manager for Georgia Transportation. Derrick is also a global leader in the Jacobs Harambee Network where he co-chairs the Recruitment, Retention, and Engagement Committee. He is a graduate of Leadership Cobb 2015 and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Cobb Chamber. He is also the Vice President for the Atlanta Chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). Derrick is passionate about kids. He has consistently served on the Cobb Youth Leaders committee. In his free-time, he enjoys golf, billiards, and music. He is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Michelle Arnold, AICP, PE Division Director of Pre-Construction, Gwinnett County Department of Transportation Michelle Arnold oversees the delivery of transportation projects from concept to final plans under Gwinnett County’s 2017 and 2023 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) programs. She joined the department in 2022 as a senior engineer, contributing to transportation planning, grant management, and traic impact analysis. Michelle holds bachelor’s degrees in environmental science and civil engineering from Calvin University and Florida State University, and a master’s in urban and regional planning from Florida State University. She is a licensed Professional Engineer in Georgia and Florida and a certified planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners.

YOLANDA BROOMEBIOYolanda Broome currently serves the City of Atlanta as Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Watershed Management. She leads the oces of Procurement Planning and Strategic Sourcing, Policy and Intergovernmental Aairs (Legislation), and Records Management and supports the administrative section of the Oce of Linear Infrastructure Operations. Before joining the City of Atlanta, Yolanda served as Director of Contracts and Procurement for the City of East Point, Georgia, Manager of Contracts and Compliance for a private engineering and survey firm, and retired from the DeKalb County Purchasing Department. Prior to her procurement career, Yolanda graduated from Cumberland School of Law and practiced with a major Southeastern law firm for over six years. Two years ago, she joined the City of Atlanta as the Director of Procurement Planning and Strategic Sourcing for the Department of Watershed Management and has worked tirelessly to strengthen DWM’s vendor base, thereby increasing competition for improved pricing and quality in support of the Department’s operational activities including the production of drinking water, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management. After 16 months, she was promoted to Interim Deputy Commissioner of Administration for Watershed Management. Yolanda’s career experience also includes Human Resources, consulting, and she is a United States Marine Corps veteran.Yolanda is an Associate Member of the Institute of Leadership and Management, a world-wide leadership training organization and has earned many procurement certifications to include CPPO (Certified Public Procurement Ocer), CPP (Certified Purchasing Professional), CPPM (Certified Professional Purchasing Manager), Lifetime – GPP (Green Purchasing Professional), and NIGP-CPP (National Institute of Governmental Purchasing – Certified Procurement Professional – Hall of Fame). She serves as Chair of the NIGP Publication and Editorial Committee seeking to provide guidance on global best practices in procurement and to expand procurement knowledge through informative white papers and articles. Yolanda’s voluntarism and memberships has included Junior League of DeKalb County (Membership Chair), DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce (Membership Chair), Georgia Chapter of NIGP (Vice President), Governmental Purchasing Association of Georgia, and forty years of service in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is currently completing the certification requirements for Records Management and the Harvard Business School’s Strategic Execution Certification Program.

7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Building 11, Suite 201 Sandy Springs, GA 30328 404.601.7611 P http://www.FS 360.com 2020 • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ATLNEXT. Awarded: Maynard H. Jackson Leadership Award 2019 - 2024 • Associated General Contractors. Awarded: Safety Excellence Award Prior to founding FS 360, Ernest successfully launched and/or grew multiple companies in the telecommunications industry. Most recently, Ernest served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Telecom Compliance Services, LLC (TCS). In 2006, TCS was purchased by Thomson Reuters’ Tax and Accounting Division and Ernest assumed the role of Vice President, Business Integration where he was responsible for the successful integration of acquired companies into the Thomson organization.

Kimberly A. King is the Equal Employment Opportunity Director for the Georgia Department of Transportation. Since joining the department in December 2012, Kimberly has worked hard to brand the EEO division as a professional, knowledgeable and responsive unit to the Agency. Tasked with oversight for all aspects of the Agency’s civil rights function, it has been an important part of Kimberly’s mission to ensure that EEO and civil rights considerations maintain a “seat at the table” in terms of the overall Agency function. DBE, under Kimberly’s leadership, had become a vital Program with significant and consistent engagement throughout the Agency. Both professional services and construction firms are considered and assisted in the program and are identified for participation opportunities. An attorney by trade, Kimberly has more than 20 years of experience in the practice areas of employment law, labor relations, collective bargaining and appellate practice.

Kenyata D. Smiley’s BIOAs an accomplished Transportation Planning Director in the HNTB Atlanta oce, Kenyata Smiley provides project and program management and oversight for multi-modal transportation projects and federal grant programs. Her key responsibilities include strategic planning, preliminary engineering, capital program development, equity analysis, and project prioritization.Kenyata has twenty years of experience in the transportation industry and has spent the last five years leading a multidisciplinary team of transportation planners, engineers, data scientists, economist, and project managers in developing innovative infrastructure solutions that enhance transportation mobility for all. Being a seasoned collaborator and excellent communicator, Kenyata is adept at identifying and cultivating relationships with the communities she serves, elected ocials, and local partners. She is involved in both civic and industry organizations across Atlanta’s metropolitan area. She currently serves as the President of the Conference of Minority Transportation Ocials (COMTO) Atlanta. She is an active member of WTS Atlanta serving on the scholarship committee and serves on the Chaplain’s Council with her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Outside of work and Sorority, Kenyata is a licensed minister, and her greatest joy is being a chief servant and caretaker for mother.

BIOSBIOSPROCUREMENT Panel

Bruce Bell is a native Atlantan. He received his B.A. degree in Business Administration from Talladega College and his Master’s of Science degree in Sport Management from Troy University. Bruce dedicated his entire professional career to the City of Atlanta and its Supplier Diversity programs (commonly known as the Equal Business Opportunity & Small Business Opportunity Programs). During his 39 years of service to the city, he served under the past seven Mayor’s administrations (Young, Jackson, Campbell, Franklin, Reed, Bottoms, and current mayor, Andre Dickens). Although Bruce retired from the City of Atlanta in March 2020, he returned to duty in June 2020, as a consultant to serve the City of Atlanta as the Director of the Mayor’s Oice of Contract Compliance. After completing his final assignment with the City of Atlanta, Bruce founded Atlanta Business Consulting Group, LLC, a professional services consultancy that specializes in Government Contract programming and Sports and Entertainment. His firm has already won multiple contracts in both areas of concentration after their first year in business. Bruce was the recipient of the National Association of Minority Contractors' (NAMC) Business Development Award in 2021 and was also selected by the Atlanta Business League as a member of the 2023 Men of Influence cohort along with eleven other well-deserved award winners. Lastly, Bruce was an accomplished NCAA Division I College Basketball referee. He oiciated over 1500 college basketball games during his 33-year career. Bruce also worked seven years for the National Basketball Association (NBA) in its Referee Operations Department.

Michelle Butler Michelle Butler currently serves as the Chief Procurement Ocer for the Purchasing and Contracting Department in DeKalb County, Georgia. She plays an essential role in overseeing procurement operations and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. As a procurement professional, she is committed to excellence and implementing strategies to optimize procurement processes and deliver maximum value for stakeholders. Her leadership initiatives are currently focused on sta foundational skills and continued procurement professional development. She’s also focused on fostering collaborative partnerships between departments to achieve organizational objectives. She and her sta are committed to promoting transparency, fairness, and accountability in public procurement, fostering trust among stakeholders and vendors alike. Ms. Butler holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Psychology from Georgia State University. She also holds a Juris Doctor degree from Cumberland School of Law. This legal foundation has equipped her with a deep understanding of the importance of the legal rule of law as well as compliance issues crucial to the procurement profession and process. She is a licensed attorney, admitted to practice law in both Alabama and Tennessee, further reinforcing and enriching her understanding of legal complexities. Additionally, she holds certifications as a Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM), NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP), Certified Public Procurement Ocer (CPPO), and holds specializations in construction and cloud procurement. These procurement certifications exemplify her dedication to professional development and adherence to industry standards. With a professional career spanning over 21 years, Ms. Butler has accumulated extensive experience in both private and public sectors. These experiences have allowed her to leverage her legal expertise and procurement proficiency to endeavor to enhance operational eciency and drive strategic initiatives.

Maria L. Roux, CPPB, GCPM Chief Procurement Officer Georgia Department of Transportation Maria Roux currently serves as the Chief Procurement Officer for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Office of Procurement. In this role, she oversees procurement operations across the Department’s Operational, Right of Way, and Engineering and Design functions, as well as ensures procurement compliance. She also provides strategic guidance and training to local governments that utilize Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funds for Engineering and Design procurements. With more than 25 years of experience in training and development and over 17 years in government procurement, Maria brings a unique and impactful blend of expertise to her role. Her professional background includes serving as the Training Supervisor for the State Purchasing Division, where she led the development and delivery of statewide procurement training. Under her leadership, training initiatives were successfully deployed to prepare agency staff for procurement certification and to support the professional growth of Georgia’s procurement workforce. Maria’s work has earned her the opportunity to present procurement and training content to professionals and suppliers across the country and throughout the state of Georgia. Her dual expertise in procurement and instructional design

Rocsean Spencer, MPA, MCA, is the Contract Compliance Director for the City of Atlanta, where she leads efforts to promote equity in public contracting and expand opportunities for small, minority, and women-owned businesses. A passionate advocate for inclusive economic growth, she and her team are committed to upholding the City of Atlanta’s standard of excellence in diverse participation. Prior to joining the City of Atlanta, Spencer served as the inaugural Chief Diversity Officer at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, where she led comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and oversaw signature programs like the Mentor Protégé Program and the Morial Award. She also led the Small and Emerging Business (SEB) Program, managing a team focused on advancing supplier diversity and supporting small and disadvantaged business enterprises. Spencer began her public service career at the City of New Orleans’ Office of Supplier Diversity, where she rose through the ranks from an unpaid intern to Director. Over the course of her tenure, she held key roles including Certification Officer, Compliance Officer, and Certification Coordinator. In her leadership capacity, she managed both the certification and compliance functions for the State and Local Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SLDBE) program, overseeing a portfolio of public and private contracts valued at over $1 billion. Her work ensured meaningful participation for minority- and women-owned businesses and strengthened the city's commitment to supplier diversity. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Southern University at New Orleans, a Master of Public Administration from Southern University A & M College, a Master in Contract Compliance from the American Contract Compliance Association in partnership with Morgan State University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Spencer is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy at Southern University A & M College. In addition to her professional achievements, Spencer is actively engaged in the small business community. She previously served as a committee member on the SLDBE Appeals Committee, the Business Alliance Procurement Council and as Vice-President of The Middleburg Institution Board of Commissioners. Beyond her professional endeavors, Rocsean is a devoted Christian, the wife of 30 years to Mr. Duane Spencer, and the proud mother of three adult sons.

Jaliz Williams’ Short Bio Jaliz Williams is a procurement professional with over eighteen years of experience. She has been in the public sector of procurement for 8 years as the Deputy Chief Procurement Officer with Clayton County, GA. She is a Certified Public Procurement Officer from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council.

BIOSBIOSWORKFORCE & CAPACITY BUILDING Panel

KEITH T. PARKER, a seasoned execuve with a rich history of board service and CEO experience, is the President and Chief Execuve Ocer (CEO) of Goodwill of North Georgia (GNG). GNG, one of the largest retail and nonprot organizaons in the southeast, operates across a 45-county territory with 69 stores, 49 aended donaon centers, and 14 career centers. Parker’s leadership has been instrumental in GNG’s success, employing over 3,000 team members who play a direct or supporng role in the organizaon’s operaons. Annually, GNG serves more than 7 million shoppers and, through the revenue generated in its stores, trains and connects tens of thousands of North Georgians to employment annually. This has established GNG as the #1 Goodwill in the naon for connecng people to jobs among its 158 aliates. Before his tenure at GNG, which began in October 2017, Parker served as CEO of the largest transit systems in several cies, including San Antonio, Charloe, and most recently, Atlanta. His ve-year leadership at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) transformed it from a beleaguered transit agency with major budget decits and public image issues into a scally sound, award-winning organizaon. Parker’s leadership roles have not been limited to execuve posions. He has a long history of service to nonprot, charitable, and corporate boards. He remains acve and engaged with the Rotary Club of Atlanta, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Atlanta Fire & Rescue Foundaon, Atlanta Community Food Bank, the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, Learn4Life, and Atlanta Convenon and Visitors Bureau. On a naonal level, Parker serves on several prominent boards including The Eno Center for Transportaon while having served on Naonal Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC), to which he was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016. On the corporate side, Parker serves on the Fih Third Bank Advisory Board as well as the VHB Architecture and Engineering Board of Directors. Recently, Parker began his tenure on the board of Directors at Wellstar Health System, a hybrid corporate and nonprot board. Parker’s commitment to his alma mater, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), is notable. He received the VCU Alumni Star Award in 2015, followed by successive appointments to the VCU Board of Visitors by Governor Terry McAulie (2016) and Governor Ralph Northam (2020). More recently, Parker was unanimously elected Rector and Chairman of the VCU Board of Visitors, further highlighng his board leadership experience. Throughout his career, Parker has received numerous awards and accolades as a transformaonal leader and transportaon visionary. He has won mulple CEO awards in mulple states and was recognized as the naon’s Outstanding Public Transportaon Manager by the American Public Transportaon Associaon (APTA) in 2015. In 2023, Parker was selected to be added to the Titan 100 Hall of Fame. Parker and his wife are naves of Virginia and have 3 children. He holds an MBA from the University of Richmond.

Irvin T. Clark III, Ed.D. Workforce development stands at the forefront of Southern Crescent Technical College’s (SCTC) mission. Since assuming the presidency nearly three years ago, Dr. Irvin Clark has dedicated himself to advancing this mission through strategic initiatives and impactful partnerships. By actively collaborating with community leaders and industry stakeholders, Dr. Clark has positioned the College to secure vital support through public-private partnerships and philanthropic contributions. Dr. Clark’s extensive experience as an executive in community and technical colleges has been instrumental in his leadership. His diverse skill set includes academic program development, fundraising, community engagement, strategic planning, economic and workforce development, accreditation, enrollment management, grant writing, and fostering public-private partnerships. These competencies have laid the foundation for his transformative impact at SCTC. Dr. Clark’s academic background further underscores his expertise. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Relations and a master’s degree in Adult and Continuing Education from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. He went on to earn an Ed.D (Doctor of Education) in Higher Education from Morgan State University, an R2/High Research Activity institution in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition, he completed a research fellowship at Morgan State as part of the Goldseeker Fellowship program, highlighting his dedication to research in higher education. During his tenure, Dr. Clark has achieved remarkable milestones, including the establishment of key apprenticeship programs, the launch of three Small Business Entrepreneurship Centers, and the upcoming opening of the RAAME (Robotics, Automation, Advanced Manufacturing, Economic Development) Center. These initiatives address the demand for high-growth career fields and have contributed to an impressive 23% increase in enrollment since he took oice.

Corliss Davenport Director, ATL Workforce Programs Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Corliss Davenport serves as the Director of Workforce Programs in the Administration Division at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), where she leads the airport’s workforce initiatives and talent strategy. With over 20 years of experience in administration and executive leadership, Ms. Davenport has been instrumental in advancing workforce innovation, operational excellence, and community engagement at ATL. She led the 2016 Economic Impact Study and oversaw ATL’s Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention campaign from 2020 to 2022. Most notably, she founded the first-ever ATL Workforce Program Business Unit, establishing a comprehensive framework that addresses internal staff development, youth engagement, career readiness, teacher externships, and apprenticeship opportunities. Ms. Davenport also serves as the facilitator of Eno AirMax, ATL’s premier internal leadership development initiative. Now in its second cohort, the program has expanded to include participation from major U.S. airports including Denver International (DEN), Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), Philadelphia International (PHL), and Atlanta (ATL). Under her leadership, the program has supported the promotion and recruitment of multiple participants into key leadership roles at airports nationwide. The ATL Workforce program also launched ATL’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs, which will celebrate a major milestone in early 2025 with the hiring of its first certified welders. Ms. Davenport developed the airport’s first year-round district-wide 10th Grade Careers in Aviation Tour with Clayton County Public Schools’s creating an educator’s resource guide that incorporates lesson plans to support the tour using the Georgia Standards of Excellence to develop the learning objectives, activities and

Patricia Ford, Ed. D. Dr. Patricia Ford has been involved in education for over 28 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Claflin University. She later pursued further studies in the Education Program at Cambridge College and received her educational leadership certificate and earned her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Jacksonville State University. Dr. Ford earned both her Educational Specialist and Doctorate of Educational Leadership from Argosy University. Dr. Ford taught Mathematics and served as the department chair for five years at Salem Middle School in in Lithonia, Georgia. She subsequently became the Project Administrator of Small Learning Communities with Atlanta Public Schools in Atlanta, GA. During her tenure at South Atlanta High School the school was selected as the Career and Technical Education principal of the year. Dr. Ford also monitored the only Emory Pipeline mentoring program through Emory Medical School to provide at-risk youth with exposure to the medical field and the community to increase their likelihood to obtain a profession in a medical field. Dr. Ford is a dynamic and resourceful teaching professional with a genuine interest in students’ cognitive and social growth. She is actively involved in all areas of education including curriculum development, teacher mentoring, student career preparation, and community work. She combines strong passion for academics and diversified teaching expertise to motivate and inspire children, creating a fun and challenging learning environment. Dr. Ford is a self-driven leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills who effectively collaborates with all levels of staff members and fosters quality relationships with students ages K-12. Dr. Ford has been involved with many professional memberships, including the Association of Career Technical Education (ACTE), Member of National Education Association (NEA), Member of Georgia Association of Educators (GAE), Member, National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Member of Girls’ Basketball, Head Coach and Career Education Principal of the Year (2012) Dr. Ford believes that all children can learn but each learns in a different way and at different rates. She believes that with hard work and perseverance we can touch each child in a special way. Keeping the atmosphere positive is the key to success as well as keeping the lines of communication open among staff, students, and parents. Dr. Ford feels that teamwork is the ultimate way a school can be successful in reaching the goal of helping a child attain his or her full potential. Dr. Ford is a very visible principal and she states that the best part of her job is visiting the students in all areas of the school. She gets to know every student and every student gets to know her. Dr. Ford’s motto is "Stay positive, maintain communication, and do the right thing."

Nancy Flake Johnson - Bio Nancy Flake Johnson became President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta in 2008. She is an advocate, educator, coach, collaborator, strategist, and champion for closing the racial wealth gap. She is dedicated to advancing the Black community through promoting civic engagement, improved race relations, and equity for all people. In her tenure, Nancy has more than tripled the size of both the staff and financial capacity of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, bringing life-changing opportunities to thousands of individuals and families each year. She inspires and guides League programs that promote workforce development, entrepreneurship, education and employment for youth and young adults, housing/wealth building, and social and racial justice. Under her leadership, the League launched a Financial Empowerment Center, an integrated economic mobility model developed by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to close the racial wealth gap. In response to the COVID pandemic, the League also created a fund to provide emergency financial assistance and renamed its center as the Financial Empowerment & Emergency Relief Center (FEERC). Nancy has raised $6 million to provide rent, mortgage payments, utilities, food, and other urgent needs to families, and technical assistance and grants totaling $365,000 for small businesses. She is Co-Chair of the US Export/Import Bank Small & Minority Business Advisory Council, and serves on the Fifth Third Bank Advisory Board, WorkSource Atlanta Board, City of Atlanta Youth Entrepreneurship Council, the Business for America Advisory Council, the Racial Equity Advisory Council for the National Skills Coalition, the LISC Equitable Small Business Recovery Taskforce, and the MAX Workforce Provider Council, among others. Highly awarded every year, her most recent honors include recognition among the 100 Most Influential Georgians for 2024. In 2023 she received a Woman of Power CEO of the Year award from the National Urban League, and the National Urban League Award for Exemplary Service in Housing and Homeownership. In 2022, she was honored by the State of Georgia Martin Luther King Jr. Advisory Council as the 2022 Rita J. Samuels Community Service Honoree, and Georgia Trends Magazine as a 2022 Notable Georgian. Nancy graduated from Howard University and DePaul University with degrees in accounting and taxation respectively. Updated 01/04/2024

Heidi SchneiderDeputy Program ManagerGresham SmithAs part of a new initiative for Gresham Smith, Heidi Schneider has led the development of the Workforce Development Academy (WDA) business plan. WDA is developing partnerships with specific technical and community colleges to create a pipeline of potential hires after graduation. WDA is targeting underfunded, underserved students and institutions that have programs that are tangentially relevant to architecture, engineering, planning, and/or program management careers. Gresham Smith partners with the learning institutions by oering to advise on curriculum, providing learning opportunities through mentoring and guest lecturing, and/or providing new course(s) material with an instructor. Thereby, the students will have the opportunity to gain experience, develop new skills, and pursue career paths that they may not have previously considered. WDA is a win-win scenario for the students, the institution, the industry, and Gresham Smith. The initiative is currently working with colleges in Georgia and Tennessee to build a pipeline of talent for our clients.Ms. Schneider has over 24 years of experience with transportation-related projects. She is a Deputy Program Manager for Gresham Smith’s GDOT Trac Operations and Safety program. She has served as consultant to GDOT through the supporting roles of Project Manager trainer, senior project manager, project manager, and NEPA/ecologist. Ms. Schneider has a unique viewpoint as program manager, as she is focused on training, education, and development in her role, leading an educational program for Gresham Smith’s program management team, but also leading Project Management Bootcamp for GDOT’s Oce of Program Delivery. Many of the new hires for the Project Management role have tangent skills that are transferable to managing GDOT’s projects. However, the individuals do not possess any knowledge or background in transportation or engineering. The training program that Ms. Schneider has developed is a type of workforce development. She provides knowledge and

support to individuals who may not otherwise have been able to pursue a career in transportation project management. Ms. Schneider is a member of the Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS) and American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) in Georgia. Ms. Schneider has served as the Chair for WTS’s Transportation You mentor program and Hospitality Chair for the WTS Scholarship Luncheon. Transportation You provided mentorship to high girls at Grady High School to encourage STEM careers. The WTS luncheon provides scholarships to high school and college students to assist them in following their STEM related career path. Ms. Schneider also participates in the ACEC STEM events as well as the STEM Work Force Task Force. Furthermore, she volunteers for college student/young professional workforce development events that are hosted by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Ms. Schneider has served in various board and chair positions for the Georgia Association of Environmental Professionals (GAEP) as well as Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Professionals (PAEP). Ms. Schneider earned dual B.S. degrees in Environmental Resource Management and Wildlife & Fisheries Science from the Pennsylvania State University. She later earned her master’s degree in the Art of Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh. In Ms. Schneider’s spare time, she is the Board President and active volunteer for a non-profit cat rescue called Pippi’s Place Pet Rescue. She enjoys spending time with her furbabies and traveling with her husband.

BIOSBIOSGLOBAL TRADE: IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND TARIFFS Panel

Grow your skills, define your future! Shaquana “Shaq” Teasley, MSLR, CCS, DBS International Trade & Customs Expert Founder & CEO, Agate Solutions, LLC Agate Solutions provides consulting and education in International Trade, Customs, Supply Chain & Logistics. With 20 years of industry experience, Shaquana is widely known for her expertise in international trade policy, regulations, operations, U.S. Customs compliance and import / export duty-tariff recovery of over $30M. Prior to establishing Agate Solutions, Shaquana played a leadership role for major global importers and exporter including Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky Aircraft, The Home Depot, Mizuno, Arch Chemicals and Yellow Transportation. Shaquana is highly sought after globally as a vibrant expert speaker and educator specializing in Tariffs, Trade Agreements, Supply Chain, U.S. Customs, Duty Optimization, Import and Export Strategies to increase profit margins. Agate Solutions in person workshops has proven successful globally. Agate Solutions partners with U.S. Government and agencies on to advise on international trade policy, regulations and the advancement of bilateral trade initiatives. Shaquana collaborates with leading global trade organizations and partners with institutions such as the University of Georgia (UGA) and the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) to foster trade education and Customs compliance programs. Shaquana has played a key role in International Trade Missions comprising of India, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica and Barbados. As a lead instructor for Export Tech under the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration / U.S. Commercial Service, she has equipped businesses with the knowledge to expand into global markets. Shaquana holds a Master of Science degree from the University of New Haven and is a Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) and Certified Duty Drawback Specialist. She serves in key executive international leadership roles, including VP of International Chapters for the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) Executive Board, International Co-Chair to the National Business Legue Conference, International Trade Lead for the Atlanta Black Chamber – Global Opportunities Committee, Leader of the Atlanta Chapter of the International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA), and a Board Member of the Africa Global Chamber of Commerce. 504 Fair St SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | Office: 888.331.3090 | info@agatesolutionsusa.com | www.agatesolutionsusa.com

Jennifer J Barbosa Jennifer J. Barbosa’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial prowess. Raised by immigrant parents from Cabo Verde Islands in the United States, Jennifer learned early the value of hard work and perseverance—values that would fuel her rise as a business leader and changemaker. As the sole provider for her three children, Jennifer’s ability to balance family responsibilities with the complexities of building a business is nothing short of inspirational. Her unwavering commitment to her goals, deeply rooted in her heritage and the lessons of grit imparted by her parents, has shaped a career defined by impact and innovation. Jennifer’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to found International Supply Partners, LLC (ISP), which she has grown into a leader in the supply chain sector—serving U.S. government entities, healthcare systems, and Fortune 100 companies, including a groundbreaking initiative with Amazon. Her leadership has been recognized through her selection to represent Georgia’s small businesses at a roundtable with the SBA and U.S. Department of the Treasury, further cementing her reputation as a significant voice in the business community. Jennifer’s influence is increasingly global. In 2025, she represented ISP on Atlanta’s mayoral delegation to South Africa for the Atlanta Phambili launch, forging economic ties and laying the groundwork for future delegations. She participated in a historic all-Black entrepreneur trade mission to Colombia in 2023, exploring an ISP office in-country and signing an MOU. As Co-Chair of the Atlanta Black Chambers Global Opportunities Committee since 2024, Jennifer has led delegations and business matchmaking in South Africa, Colombia, and Zimbabwe—driving an ambitious goal to facilitate $100 billion in global transactions among GOC members over the next decade. Her expertise and story have been featured widely in the media: • Cover feature in AcknowledgeMINT Magazine (Winter 2024) as a “Global Supply Chain Champion,” spotlighting ISP’s growth and her insights on diversity in the sector. • Profiled in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2025) for guiding clients through international trade challenges and tariff changes. • Featured multiple times on WSB-TV Channel 2 News (Atlanta) discussing trade tariffs and their impact on local businesses.

• Appeared on NPR Radio in Georgia (2024) to discuss international trade challenges. Jennifer is also a sought-after thought leader and mentor. She has served as a panelist and mentor at the Supply & Scale Lab Accelerator Workshop during Atlanta Tech Week 2025 at RICE, co-hosted the sold-out “MayDay: Tactics to Thrive in Trade & Tariffs” summits, and was a featured speaker at the 2024 Go Global Conference & International Trade Expo. She regularly publishes practical guides on topics like navigating tariff increases and procurement compliance, and mentors entrepreneurs through the Atlanta Black Chambers and GOC programs. Her leadership extends to boardrooms and beyond. Jennifer was appointed Co-Chair of the Atlanta Black Chambers GOC in late 2024, continues to serve on the Boston College Wall Street Business Leadership Council and the Atlanta Black Chambers’ Executive Leadership Board, and has been nominated for an “Entrepreneur of Impact” award. Her past board service includes the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council and March of Dimes Young Professionals. Central to Jennifer’s mission is community empowerment. She has launched workforce development programs to train individuals from marginalized groups for skilled supply chain roles, actively mentors young professionals, and champions greater inclusion and diversity in the industry. Her vision is to connect small businesses to global opportunities and empower the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs to “think bigger.” Jennifer’s story is a vivid tapestry of professional and personal triumphs, inspiring women to step forward as leaders. Her ability to bridge international business gaps and her efforts in community empowerment highlight her as not just a business leader, but a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Chronicle of Accomplishments Global Trade & International Outreach: • Represented International Supply Partners (ISP) on Atlanta's mayoral delegation to South Africa (Atlanta Phambili launch, 2025), forging economic ties and laying groundwork for future delegations. • Participated in an all-Black entrepreneur trade mission to Colombia (2023), exploring an ISP office in-country and signing an MOU. • As Co-Chair of the Atlanta Black Chambers Global Opportunities Committee (GOC) since 2024, has led delegations and business matchmaking efforts in South Africa, Colombia, and Zimbabwe,

aiming to facilitate $100 billion in global transactions among GOC members over the next decade. Media Features & Press Highlights: • Cover feature in AcknowledgeMINT Magazine (Winter 2024) as a "Global Supply Chain Champion," highlighting ISP's growth and her insights on diversity in the supply chain sector. • Profiled in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2025) for guiding clients through international trade challenges and tariff changes. • Featured on WSB-TV Channel 2 News (Atlanta) multiple times (e.g., May 2025) discussing trade tariffs and their impact on local businesses. • Appeared on an NPR Radio affiliate in Georgia (2024) to discuss international trade challenges. Industry Events, Panels & Thought Leadership: • Served as a panelist/mentor at the Supply & Scale Lab Accelerator Workshop during Atlanta Tech Week 2025 at RICE. • Co-hosted sold-out "MayDay: Tactics to Thrive in Trade & Tariffs" summits with Agate Solutions (2023 & 2025), providing strategies for navigating trade policies. • Featured speaker at the 2024 Go Global Conference & International Trade Expo, discussing global business expansion for Black entrepreneurs. • Publishes practical guides on topics like "Navigating Tariff Increases" and "Procurement Compliance" and mentors entrepreneurs through the Atlanta Black Chambers and GOC programs. Leadership Roles, Awards & Recognitions: • Appointed Co-Chair of the Atlanta Black Chambers GOC (late 2024), driving global trade initiatives. • Continues to serve on the Boston College Wall Street Business Leadership Council and the Atlanta Black Chambers' Executive Leadership Board. • Nominated for an "Entrepreneur of Impact" award (2024) and recognized as a "Global Supply Chain Champion." • Past board service includes the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council and March of Dimes Young Professionals. Personal Mission & Ongoing Impact: • First-generation Cape Verdean American, single mother of three, embodying resilience and tenacity.

• Focuses on community empowerment through business, launching workforce development programs for marginalized communities. • Actively mentors young professionals and advocates for greater inclusion and diversity in the supply chain industry. • Aims to connect small businesses to global opportunities and empower the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs to "think bigger." Contact: info@isp-biz.com | 202-425-0819

Roosevelt Giles has gained global recognition as an authority in Business Transformation and Digital Strategy. He brings over 30 years of experience in managing, strategic and operational problem-solving complex Operations, Business Transformation in various channels such as: Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing, Automotive, health care and Technology. A successful entrepreneur, Giles is the Founder of EndPoint Consulting Group, LLC a holding company with investments in over 12 companies with oices in 5 cities on 3 continents. As the President & CEO of EndPoint, Roosevelt companies oers Cyber and Digital transformation services to DoD, as well as Fortune 1000 companies in areas such as: Insurance, Manufacturing, Health Care, Financial Services, Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Cloud Adoption, Mobile and Social Media transformation,: Giles holds several board positions including Chairman of the Board of Atlanta Life Financial Group, Inc., Former Chairman of the Board of Herndon Capital Management asset Management Firm,, Chairman of the Board Herndon Foundation, Tech Bridge Georgia, Former Board Member Georgia Research Alliance, and former board member of Leadership Atlanta, and Visiting Nurses Hospice Atlanta where he serves on various Board committees such as Audit, Risk and Governance, Technology and Compensation. Giles sits on the Nasdaq Corporate Governance task force for corporate governance. Giles was featured in Forbes magazine's August 2020 issue. Giles delivers speeches to various organizations and businesses around the world as an international speaker in areas of Cyber Security , emerging technologies, and disruptive shifts in technology that can impact a company’s double bottom line. Giles holds a BS degree in business administration and has studied at the University of South Carolina, Limestone College, with advanced management courses from Harvard and MIT. He is a bestselling Author of two books published by McGraw-Hill; one on Network Design and the other Cisco CCIE Engineering Certication. Roosevelt is currently writing a new book that features a collection of: “saying” collected from his travels to over 80 countries... He has received extensive recognition from industry and private groups, including the Ernest and Young Entrepreneur of the Year nalist award and being honored to give the commencement address at Clayton State University in 2013. Giles has run over 267 marathons including running the 50 states 3 times, the 8 continents (including Antarctica, twice) the Abbott World Marathon Majors 3 times, and a marathon in 53 countries at the request of his only brother James Giles before he transitioned in 2013.

Carl Humphrey - Entrepreneur and Business Strategist Carl Humphrey, an Atlanta native hailing from Dekalb County, Georgia, comes from a distinguished lineage of entrepreneurs and pioneers in various business ventures. His family boasts more than 40 years of experience in transportation, logistics, and mail and print services, providing Carl with a strong foundation in business from an early age. Growing up, he was deeply immersed in his family's business activities, fostering an early passion for entrepreneurship alongside his love for basketball. Carl pursued his academic interests at North Carolina A&T State University, majoring in Psychology and Entrepreneurship. His early professional journey included significant roles in non-profit work and as a promoter in the entertainment industry, which laid the groundwork for his future entrepreneurial pursuits. Carl's entrepreneurial journey took a pivotal turn when he began exploring opportunities in Southeast Asia. His frequent travels led to the establishment of robust import-export partnerships and a comprehensive supply chain network, enabling the import of diverse commodities into the United States. In 2007, Carl expanded his business horizons by relocating to Shanghai, China, while maintaining a strong presence in Atlanta. There, he launched Departure 10 Ultra-Lounge (D10), one of the first themed entertainment venues locally owned by a foreigner in Shanghai, which successfully operated for seven years. Carl's expertise in global trade has facilitated partnerships with major corporations such as Aflac and Coca-Cola, as well as numerous small and medium-sized enterprises. His eorts were particularly impactful during the pandemic when he leveraged his supply chain to provide essential supplies to hospitals and healthcare facilities across the United States. Currently, Carl has shifted his focus towards the food commodities sector, expanding his business both domestically and internationally. In addition to his professional endeavors, Carl's interests include sports, technology, travel, and a newfound love of writing, reflecting his dynamic personality and diverse passions.

SirDarryl D. Roundtree Professional Overview SirDarryl D. Roundtree is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur with over 25 years ofleadership experience in global supply chain, operations management, strategic sales, andenterprise growth. He is the President and CEO of Zip Ship, Inc., a rapidly growing third-partylogistics (3PL) firm headquartered in Atlanta, GA. Under his leadership, Zip Ship has expandedfrom a modest 3,000 sq. ft. warehouse in 2019 to operating 100,000+ sq. ft. facilities, servinghigh-profile clients such as Meta and other e-commerce and retail partners. Education & Certifications Executive & Industry Expertise SirDarryl’s professional focus includes: Scaling warehousing and fulfillment operations. Implementing cutting-edge WMS platforms such as Logiwa, Netsuite, D365, Manhattan, and SAP. Driving multimillion-dollar revenue growth through customer-first strategies. Building strong, tech-enabled ecosystems. Leading teams through Kaizen events, ERP deployments, and enterprise system implementations. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Anheuser-Busch, Inc., and later at Avon Products, Inc., where he served as Regional Engineering Manager, overseeing operations across four U.S. distribution sites. Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma – Villanova University Project Management Professional (PMP) – PMI certified These credentials underpin his proficiency in continuous improvement, operational excellence, and cross-functional project leadership.

Vision and Values SirDarryl's leadership is defined by his belief in intentional development, access creation, andstrategic growth. He envisions building intergenerational wealth through logistics innovation andstrong client partnerships. His strategic mindset, combined with a deep commitment to service,continues to position him as a trusted voice in both the logistics industry and the broader businesscommunity. Entrepreneurship and Community Impact SirDarryl is not only a business leader but also a community builder. He is a majority owner ofZip Ship, Inc., and has built the company on the pillars of innovation, service excellence, andcommunity. His advocacy work includes: Mentorship of Black professionals and entrepreneurs. Volunteer service with Hands On Atlanta, Boy Scouts of America, Children’s Restoration Network and the Atlanta Food Bank. Board candidacy with the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), where he champions workforce development, supplier diversity, and equitable access to business opportunities.

BIOSBIOSENERGY Panel

TIFFANY CALLAWAY FERRELL VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas Tiffany Callaway Ferrell serves as vice president of operations for Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas Companies where she is responsible for day-to-day operations, including safety, compliance, operational excellence and financial performance, for more than 700,000 customers. Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas are subsidiaries of Southern Company Gas which serves more than 4.5 million utility customers in seven states. Most recently she was the General Manager of Shared Services, Georgia Power Company where she was responsible for leading several statewide organizations under the shared services umbrella, including Cable Locating, Geographical Solutions and Services, Land Engineering, Metering Services, and the Repair Shop. Previous roles held by Ferrell in the energy industry at Southern Company Gas and Atlanta Gas Light, include director of regional operations; Metro Atlanta, regional manager, Central Georgia and automated meter reading; asset

protection manager; operations manager of liquid natural gas facilities; and senior Federal Energy Regulatory Commission advisor. Ferrell also served as fleet operations manager for Southern Company Gas, which led to her gubernatorial appointment to the Commission for a New Georgia Fleet Task Force. Prior to joining Southern Company Gas, Ferrell held roles in logistics and engineering with General Mills Inc. Ferrell was a member of the 2005 inaugural L.E.A.D Atlanta class and Leadership Macon 2010 and Leadership DeKalb 2013. She currently serves on the Atlanta Business League Board of Directors, Chair and is an officer on The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Incorporated, Metropolitan Atlanta Board of Directors. She is an active member of the community and was honored in the 2012 issue of “Who’s Who in Black Atlanta for Corporate Brass.” She was honored as one of the 100 Most Influential African- American Women in Atlanta in 2017 by the Atlanta Business League and received the prestigious League Leadership Award in 2016. Ferrell received her chemical engineering degree from Vanderbilt University and was awarded the Gertrude Vanderbilt Scholarship. She earned a Master of Business Administration at Robinson School of Business, Georgia State University, where she was selected as a Nita Robinson Scholar and served as an adjunct professor. Tiffany and her family live in Atlanta. She spends her free time with her family and is actively engaged in her community through her church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.

Walt Farrell is president and chief executive officer of Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas. In this role, Farrell oversees all aspects of operations for the two southern region natural gas utilities, which serve approximately 1.8 million customers between the two states.Formerly, Farrell served as vice president of economic development for Georgia Power Company (GPC), where he led a team dedicated to recruiting new businesses and fostering job and investment growth in Georgia. In 2024, under Walt’s leadership, GPC was named a “Top Utility in Economic Development” by Site Selection magazine for the 26th consecutive year and by Business Facilities magazine for the third consecutive year. Prior to joining GPC, he also served as a director of the advanced manufacturing team at the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), where he was responsible for recruiting domestic and international companies to Georgia, leading tax incentive negotiations on Georgia’s behalf and directing the state’s industrial site certification program. He also worked in community and economic development for both Electric Cities of Georgia and MEAG Power.Walt is a Georgia Trend magazine “40 Under 40” recipient and a graduate of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2015 and the Young Game Changers Class of 2017. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University and a Bachelor of Science in marketing from Clemson University.© 2025 Southern Company Gas. All rights reserved. SOPs-23565Walt FarrellPresident and Chief Executive Officer

Julia Settles Diversity Business Manager Transmission & Distribution, Atlanta Burns & McDonnell Julia the Southeast Region Business Diversity Manager with two decades of experience in the electrical transmission and distribution industry, working both for power providers and utility consultants. As a project manager, she cultivates stability for her clients and communities while delivering strategies and effective solutions. She has worked in engineering and project management, supporting fiber-optic networks, SCADA management and deployments, and other power delivery projects. She also specializes in supplier diversity within the utility sector, bringing fresh and underrepresented voices to the table to strengthen communities and project outcomes. Julia effectively manages her team to keep projects running within scope, time and budget constraints. She has a proven track record in utility project and program management, including oversight of more than $70 million in project work. She is an advocate for energy efficiency solutions, working with power companies and applicants to craft effective programs. Currently, she is helping manage a major grid modernization program for a large utility. In 2018, she was selected for a fellowship in the Urban League’s Inclusion by Design Executive Leadership Program, which builds a pipeline of leaders oriented toward community needs, diversity and inclusion. Julia is an active participant in numerous professional organizations, including the Project Management Institute, the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) and the Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals (WINUP). She is active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She has served in leadership roles in and advocated for employee resource groups at each organization where she has worked because she believes they elevate corporate culture to perform at its best. She is currently instrumental at Burns & McDonnell in establishing a business diversity program that aims to serve the entire Southeast region and develop long-lasting partnerships with diverse suppliers.

Glenda S. Thomas is a trailblazing leader who shattersindustry stereotypes, positioning herself at the frontlines ofinnovation in the energy sector. As the esteemed Presidentand CEO of Electra Grid Solutions and Electra Lines, Glendabrings over two decades of indispensable experience fromher tenure leading supplier diversity and sustainabilityprograms at Southern Company, one of the Southeast'slargest utility firms. She has worked tirelessly to increase thecompany's presence in communities by engaging small,diverse suppliers and assisting them with businessdevelopment, succession planning, innovation, and utility bestpractices. Her strengths and key competencies include:Contract sourcing and negotiations, project and programmanagement, strategic planning, supplier sustainability,solution development and supplier diversity leadership. Keeping People ConnectedEducationGeorge Washington UniversityAlabama A&M UniversityBachelor of ScienceMajor: AccountingMinor: Computer SciencesMaster of Science in ProjectManagementAwardsGlenda S.ThomasPresident & CEO Electra Grid Solutions, LLC2023 MogulConTrailblazer AwardAffiliationsWorld Games 2022Southern Region MinoritySupplier Development CouncilWBEC SOUTHThe American Association ofBlack in EnergyEEI Executive BusinessDiversity CommitteeIn her role as CEO, Glenda radiates servant leadership withthe highest standards of integrity and ethics. Hercommitment to nurturing and uplifting individuals is not just aduty but a joyous calling. To those around her, she is not justa leader; she embodies "The Light," inspiring others to shinetheir brightest.Mission(205) 538-0717teamrmc@Rebirth.marketingFor Media Request

ContactElectra Grid Solutions (EGS) is a minority/woman-ownedutility contractor focused on providing sustainable, high-quality solutions to support the U.S. power delivery market.EGS commemorated the one-year mark of field execution onNovember 9, 2023. In the inaugural year, EGS emerged as apremier utility contractor, expanding its footprint across 16states throughout the United States. While the primaryoperations flourish in Alabama and Georgia, EGS’ reachextends far and wide as a testament to its dedication toexcellence and client satisfaction. EGS has ventured into thedynamic realm of clean transportation, spearheadinginnovative EV services. In the coming year, EGS will expand itsnewly formed subsidiary, Electra Lines.Keeping People ConnectedEGS is the ideal partner for utilitycompanies, offering a broad rangeof essential, strategic services toserve customers best.(866) EGS-2022electragridsolutions.comSafety-FocusedEGS also prides itself on a culture centered around safety,measuring its success by how well it protects its people,customers, the public, and partnering subcontractors. T R A N S M I S S I O ND I S T R I B U T I O NR E S T O R A T I O NL I G H T I N GE V C H A R G E RI N S T A L L A T I O N SM A T T I N G S E R V I C E SV E G E T A T I O NM A N A G E M E N TCAPABILITIESPartnerships

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