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Celebrating Womens History Month

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On today’s broadcast, we featured a dynamic panel of 3 all-star woman business leaders that covered the issues surrounding being a double minority threat in the current corporate market. Mary Parker can dedicate an entire wall in her office to the number of awards and accolades she has garnered for both her work in the community and her entrepreneurial work. Mary is the President and CEO of ALL(n)1, a multi-million dollar international enterprise, the President of ABD Contracting, and the Immediate Past Chair of the Atlanta Business League, as well as a board member to a handful of other prestigious councils. Indigo Triplett– Founder and CEO– and Tammy Davis– Director of Operations– from Careers in Transition also joined us. Their company has been recognized as one of America’s Fastest Growing Companies for the last 3 years in INC magazine, and has assisted everything from Fortune 500 companies to the Federal Government itself. Indigo Triplett, the Founder at Careers In Transition, is also a renowned speaker on the subject of career advancement and leadership. Tammy Davis has 15 years of success in HR and operations, as well intimate knowledge of Federal and Defense relations. Join us in exploring the executive suite of minority business women in Atlanta business, past, present, and future!

Dr. Indigo Triplett / Careers in Transition LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Dr. Indigo launched Careers In Transition as an independent consultant in 1995, which quickly parlayed into a successful venture resulting in the company becoming incorporated in 1997. Initially, the company provided career transitional assistance during a period when many companies needed to downsize, but ultimately changed its focus to performance management. In 2012, 2013 and 2014, her company was recognized as one of America’s Fastest Growing Companies by INC. Magazine. Stateside to abroad–from Tucker, Georgia to Shanghai, China–she delivers a message and philosophy that is insightful; thus, resonating with people at every tier of their career or within an organization. As the author of Playing by the Unwritten Rules I: Moving from the Middle to the Top and Playing by the Unwritten Rules II: From a Job Defense to a Career Offense, she is a leading authority on career and performance management. Noted for “making the implicit explicit” and injecting humor into her subject matter, she is called upon by nationally recognized magazines, newspapers, television and radio outlets. She recently Founded Indigo Insights a nonprofit that is changing the conversation from mental illness to mental wellness.

Mary Parker / ALL(n)1 Security Services

Mary Parker, President & CEO of ALL(n)1 Security Services, Inc. has more than 30 years of experience in the security industry. ALL(n)1 Security is the country’s nationally certified African-American female owned full service security firm in the United States. These services include Security Personnel, Security Technology, Background Checks and Traffic Control Management.

In 2001, Mary Parker founded ALL(n)1 Security in the kitchen of her home, with one employee, herself. Today, ALL(n)1 consists of a staff of more than 200 employees. From a small home office in Atlanta, Georgia, ALL(n)1 has evolved into a multi-million dollar enterprise with offices in Alabama, Mississippi, and Africa. ALL(n)1 serves markets in the Southeastern, Eastern, Midwestern, Southwestern, and Western Regions. Her company has even worked side-by-side with the Secret Service to protect the First Lady and the President when each delivered commencement speeches in Atlanta. Mary Parker is also the President of ABD Contracting, LLC, a five‐year old female and minority‐owned full service concrete and asphalt paving company located in Atlanta, Georgia. ABD Contracting, offers a full range of milling, construction, installation, coating, striping, restoration and maintenance services. ABD has the resources and experience that meet or exceed federal specifications. The company operates as a general sub‐contractor in the States of Alabama and Georgia.

She is the Immediate Past Chair of the Atlanta Business League and is one of its 100 Women of Vision. Mary has participated in ABL’s Student Business Shadow Program since its inception. Through this program, she seeks to identify participants to award a scholarship from the Mary Parker Foundation Annual Back to school event.

She has been featured in Black Enterprise, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Atlanta Woman Magazine, Atlanta Daily World, Atlanta Tribune Magazine, to name a few. She is the recipient of the 2014, KLEANCollar Spirit of Excellence in Entrepreneurship, 2013 Concerned Black Clergy of Metropolitan Atlanta 2013 Salute to Mothers Business Award, 2012 Trumpet Awards Business, 2012 National Women Business Enterprise STAR Award, 2012 Enterprising Women Award, and 2010 National Minority Supplier Development Council – CLASS II Award.

Mary Parker holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and a Master’s Degree in Security Management from Stafford University. In Addition, she is a graduate of the Tuck Executive Leadership Program at Dartmouth, The Georgia Governor’s Mentor Protégé Program, Atlanta Economic Alliance Academy, Small Business Development Center, and Leadership Atlanta.

She is a sought after speaker for Criminal Justice students throughout the United States. She mentors youth, many women, new business owners, and aspiring security professionals. She believes that God chose her to go through many challenges and obstacles before allowing her to succeed. Her motivation is faith, commitment to change, and the responsibility to give back.

Mary Parker is the founder of the Mary Parker Foundation non-profit organization that is committed to uplifting humanity. The foundation aims to foster those imperative and principal fundamentals that are essential to lifelong learning. Signature programs include education, entrepreneurship and re-entry. Each program has been strategically designed to ensure all participants are placed on an assured and measurable pathway to success. A curriculum and program guide has been developed that empowers, enriches and motivates each participant, positioning them to attain key results. We are committed to “Raising Other Generations”. Mary Parker truly understands that to whom much is given, much is required.

Mary Parker is an ordained Minister. She is the mother of one daughter, Chana and 3 adorable granddaughters, Amber, Essence, and Jada.

 

 

Joseph Hudson with Hudson Strategic Group

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One of GMSDC’s original founders, Mr. Joe Hudson, joined us for a hallmark day at our studios in Atlantic Station. We could not have been privileged with a more appropriate guest on the morning of our Annual Meeting at The Coca-Cola Company headquarters. In this interview, Mr. Hudson recants the history of Georgia minority, the tribulations and the obstacles to market experienced. We engage in a healthy discussion of the needed resources for Georgia minorities from the perspective of a key player in the history and in the materialization of the MBE vision for supplier diversity in Georgia. Tune in!

 

Joseph Hudson / Hudson Strategic Group Facebook

“My focus is to work with small black businesses. God has prepared me to help people and I want to help my community. My experience is unique and it has evolved in ways most people don’t have a chance to experience” he explains. “Black businesses organizations, and the entire Black community get short changed for a variety of reasons. Some of that has to do with the views of black business- which are generally negative. Those views are also an extension of opinions many have about black people. The only way to change those negative opinions is through an education involving changing from a social discussion to an economic one.

Joe has recently written a book entitled: CITIworks and The 5% Solution Strategy. This book provides a strategy and method to involve Black businesses in the revitalization of inner city communities. It is a result of his over 40 years of community involvement experience. He is former head of the Interracial council for Business Development, founder and former President of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, former President and current Vice Chair for Public Policy of the Atlanta Business League. Additionally, he is a nationally recognized expert on corporate Supplier Diversity development and former columnist on Small Business.

 

 

Black History Month – African American Enterprise in Georgia

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LTSBYou have never heard two different success stories than that of Sylvester Hester from ARD Logistics (and several other notable companies), and Orlando Lynch, from Peachtree Movers. These MBEs came to us for our February 17th, 2015 show to talk about their struggle in building successful minority business enterprises for Black History Month, and there could not have been a better pair to talk about the real issues to both their success, and their journey. Covered are the critical issues that matter most to businesses starting out: finances, health, perspective, and dedication, and although the poised Mr. Hester, and the perpetually outgoing Mr. Lynch could not be more different as people, there is a genuine empathy and real outpouring of support from one entrepreneur to the other, that is palpable in the room. This show will leave you inspired. And we will leave you with a couple of quotes from our esteemed guests:

“What got you here, won’t keep you here, and won’t get you THERE.” Sylvester Hester

“You have to be [as a minority business] twice as good, and half as bad.” Orlando Lynch

Sylvester Hester / ARD Logistics, LLC

Sylvester Hester is Vice Chairman and Chief Operations Officer, Global Automotive Alliance (GAA). The enterprise is comprised of five manufacturing and logistics companies with eleven U.S. operations, and 1,400 employees. Since stepping into this role in 2008 Hester’s focus on operational excellence and sustained growth has resulted in a corporate acquisition, entré into new markets, an increase in facilities, innovation in product and service delivery and enhanced national and global relationships. GAA companies are: ARD Logistics, Global SQ, Grupo Antolin Wayne, Key Logistics and Vitec.

Global Automotive Alliance began as an automotive supplier in 1999 and today has the reputation for providing quality manufacturing and exceptional logistics management to aerospace, automotive, food & beverage, government and retailers. Hester led the aerospace expansion, including two new logistics operations in Charleston, SC, and in 2013 Global SQ, a logistics company providing quality inspection services for Toyota in Georgetown, KY was acquired.

His lengthy career in the automotive parts manufacturing began in 1985 as an engineering technician for General Motors Advanced Engineering. He quickly moved up to project engineer/project manager at Regal Plastics in Michigan before moving into account management at Tredegar Molded Products and Woodbridge Inoac. In 1993 Hester returned to Regal Plastics as Vice President where his success prepared him to initiate and launch ARD in 1998 when chairman and CEO, William Pickard selected him as president of ARD near Atlanta, Georgia. In 2003 he was named president of GAA’s newest acquisition, Key Logistics and today Hester is president of four GAA companies including Global SQ, and Grupo Antolin Wayne.

In addition to serving as president of GAA’s Advisory Board of Directors Hester is Vice Chair of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council transportation and logistics committee, and is a board member for the Southern Region Minority Supplier Development Council and past board member of the Atlanta Business League. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

Hester is completing a Master of Science in Administration with concentration in Leadership at Central Michigan University, and has a Bachelor of Science in Plastics Engineering with an emphasis in Polymer Chemistry from Ferris State University. He has completed the Advanced Minority Business Executive Program (AMBEP) at Dartmouth College Tucks School of Business and the Kellogg School of Management Advanced Management Education Program (AMEP) at Northwestern University.

Orlando Lynch / Atlanta Peach Movers

Orlando Lynch established Atlanta Peach Movers, Inc. in Atlanta, GA in 1998. A relocation service company that offers commercial and residential relocation services locally in the Metro Atlanta area, nationally and internationally the company has garnered a reputation of quality and reliability among the Atlanta real estate community, mortgage brokers, home builders and national corporations.

Moving and storage service with an emphasis on customer service and quality. Gaining knowledge about the relocation industry and thinking of ways to create business have been a driving force behind the success of the company. Utilizing the Marketing degree from Arizona State University and the information gained from both Kellogg’s and Tuck’s CEO Management programs, Atlanta Peach Movers now boasts a fleet of 39 trucks and 4 tractor trailers.

Atlanta Peach Movers has received awards from Consumers’ Choice, Supplier of the Year – Tier II, 2010 from the Georgia Minority Supplier Diversity Council (“GMSDC”) and has designations for Corporate Plus ® status through the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council (“NMSDC”), Certified Pro-Mover through the American Moving and Storage Association (“AMSA”) and GSA Advantage listed.

In addition to his duties as President, Mr. Lynch also is an integral part of the firm’s marketing and business development. Heading a company in itself can be a stressor, coupled with the fact that moving is one of the top five most stressful things people can do in their life, Mr. Lynch exudes the “Sense of Urgency” he demands from his staff.

Mr. Lynch sits on the Board of Zoo Atlanta and is active in supporting several non-profit organizations including Hosea Feed the Hungry, the Warrick Dunn Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and the Nicholas House.

Mr. Lynch is married to Kaihra Lynch and has 3 children, Taylor, Tiffani, and Orlando James Lynch.

 

 

Small Business Week and MBEs

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Georgia declares its first official Small Business Week! Our February 10th, 2015 show featured Ms. Mary McClanahan, Georgia’s Director of Entrepreneur & Small Business Development for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. The kick-off event at Georgia Tech for Small Business Week on Monday will highlight some of Georgia’s most innovative businesses in their “Rock Star” award series luncheon, so come prepared to get inspired by some of Georgia’s true path-blazers in some of the hottest sectors. As a precursor, however, tune in to find out what changes we can expect in 2015 for small enterprises, and mine the wealth of priceless information and resources Ms. McClanahan reveals will be the key to success in 2015 for small businesses. To find out more about Georgia’s first official Small Business Week kick-off at Georgia Tech, the amazing programs for 2015, and to get up to speed on some of the best resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses, please visit: http://www.georgia.org/business-resources/small-business-resource-directory/georgia-small-business-week/.

Mary Ellen McClanahan / Georgia Department of Economic Development LinkedIn Twitter 

As Director of Entrepreneur & Small Business Development for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Mary Ellen helps find solutions and effective ways to build an enabling environment and support small business through mentoring, professional development, strategic planning, processes and resource awareness. She also connects with Georgia’s business and community associations so that thousands of businesses, local leaders and practitioners are aware of resources and opportunities. She also directs any sized businesses to the specific resources they need.

Mary Ellen is also an Existing Industry Project Manager within the Metro Atlanta region. She calls on growing companies making them aware of state resources and incentives and provides assistance with their growth plans and decision-making process. Mary Ellen also works closely with the local economic developers with their economic development efforts.

During her 16 years with the department, she helped develop and grow its regional economic development program, the “Entrepreneur Friendly” Initiative and acted as legislative liaison. Prior to that, Mary Ellen was the economic developer and president of two rural South Georgia chambers of commerce in Dodge and Sumter Counties.

Originally from Erie, PA and in Georgia since 1973, Mary Ellen serves on the boards of GEDA (Georgia Economic Developers Association), GACCE (GA Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives), Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection, Advisory Council for the Edge Connection and the DeKalb Workforce Investment Board.

She is a 1997 graduate of Institute for Organization Management, Leadership Georgia and a 2000 graduate of EDI (Economic Development Institute).

 

 

MBEIC Kickoff and Tier II Opportunities

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Our Let’s Talk Small Business show on February 3rd 2015 featured Mr. Sylvester Johnson, Senior Manager Supplier Diversity of Home Depot, and Ms. Sylvia Nealy-David, the Principal Managing Consultant for Human and Technology Capital Advisors, LLC, and chair of the MBEIC. This show announced the MBEIC Kickoff event where Mr. Johnson will be the keynote speaker discussing the importance of Tier II opportunities in the corporate supply chain. Bringing more than 17 years of corporate experience at Home Depot, he shares a comprehensive view on the current minority business landscape in Georgia and identifies strategies for success with Tier II opportunities. This year the MBEIC focus will be on educating all MBE’s on the importance of Tier II , and how to maximize resources for growth and capacity building. Please join Sylvia and the entire MBEIC leadership for an exciting meeting as they kick off the year on February 16th, 2015 from 9-11 am at Georgia Power. We look forward to seeing you there, and helping you “Realize Tomorrow.”

Sylvester Johnson / The Home Depot LinkedIn

Sylvester Johnson leads The Home Depot’s efforts to tap into small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. He drives internal processes and functions as the external liaison to ensure The Home Depot forms mutually beneficial partnerships with small and diverse businesses. This allows The Home Depot to deliver innovative products and services and superb customer service, which ultimately increases shareholder value.

Sylvester joined The Home Depot in 1997 and has served in a variety of positions during his 17 year career at the company including Manager for Home Depot Tool and Truck Rental, Sr. Manager Inventory Planning & Replenishment, Sr. Manager Multi- Channel Integration and eBusiness Inventory Manager in the HD.com organization. He has also held key roles in Strategic Finance, Logistics Finance and Supply Chain. Prior to beginning his corporate career Sylvester spent several years working in The Home Depot stores as a Department Manager.

Sylvester is a graduate of Alabama State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance. He currently serves on the advisory boards for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, and the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council. He is also a member of the NMSDC Retail Industry Group and the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Corporate Brain Trust.

Sylvia Nealy David / Human & Technology Capital Advisors, LLC LinkedIn

Sylvia Nealy David is the Managing Principal with Human and Technology Capital Advisors, a premier Human Capital Management consulting and solution implementation firm, specializing in the implementation of human capital management strategy utilizing technology. She is an International HR Executive with over 20 years of experience in human capital management. Sylvia has led international and national HR organizations in North America, South America, Southern and Central Europe for profit and non-profit organizations. She has experience in higher education, financial services, and the healthcare industries. Her expertise includes strategic human resources leadership and evaluation, total rewards management, workforce planning & diversity implementation, mergers & acquisitions, corporate compliance, leadership development, talent management, performance management and organizational design & development.

Sylvia is a pioneer in Human Capital Management. She developed an HR Capabilities Model. This model has established standard competencies for measuring HR effectiveness and efficiency. Sylvia has held several leadership roles with in human resources management. Prior to Human and Technology Capital Advisors, Sylvia was the Vice President for Human Resources for Morehouse School of Medicine, Global Vice President of HR at Habitat for Humanity International, and various leadership roles with Emory and Synovus Financial Corp.

Sylvia serves on the Board of Director, (HR Committee) for the Girls Scouts of Greater Atlanta, and is a Mentor for Pathbuilders, Inc. In addition, she serves as the Chair of (MBEIC) Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee for the NMSDC Georgia Affiliate Council, a member of the Board of Directors for the NMSDC Georgia Affiliate Council, and an appointee of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Advisory Council. Sylvia is also Chair of the Small Business Council Community Committee.

 

 

GMSDC 2015: Realizing Tomorrow

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In honor of GMSDC’s 40th anniversary, we invite you to join us in the discussion of looking back and moving forward with the exciting new initiatives GMSDC has in store for the upcoming year. Our theme for the New Year is Realizing Tomorrow! At GMSDC we want to unlock your potential as a minority business owner, and cover how GMSDC plans to help its members realize a more successful tomorrow in 2015. Sylvia Nealy David with HTC Advisors, chair of the Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee, and a minority business owner herself, joins us to talk about the new minority business enterprise (MBE) opportunities, and the cutting edge programs we can look forward to in 2015.

Sylvia Nealy David / Human & Technology Capital Advisors, LLC LinkedIn

Sylvia Nealy David is the Managing Principal with Human and Technology Capital Advisors, a premier Human Capital Management consulting and solution implementation firm, specializing in the implementation of human capital management strategy utilizing technology. She is an International HR Executive with over 20 years of experience in human capital management. Sylvia has led international and national HR organizations in North America, South America, Southern and Central Europe for profit and non-profit organizations. She has experience in higher education, financial services, and the healthcare industries. Her expertise includes strategic human resources leadership and evaluation, total rewards management, workforce planning & diversity implementation, mergers & acquisitions, corporate compliance, leadership development, talent management, performance management and organizational design & development.

Sylvia is a pioneer in Human Capital Management. She developed an HR Capabilities Model. This model has established standard competencies for measuring HR effectiveness and efficiency. Sylvia has held several leadership roles with in human resources management. Prior to Human and Technology Capital Advisors, Sylvia was the Vice President for Human Resources for Morehouse School of Medicine, Global Vice President of HR at Habitat for Humanity International, and various leadership roles with Emory and Synovus Financial Corp.

Sylvia serves on the Board of Director, (HR Committee) for the Girls Scouts of Greater Atlanta, and is a Mentor for Pathbuilders, Inc. In addition, she serves as the Chair of (MBEIC) Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee for the NMSDC Georgia Affiliate Council, a member of the Board of Directors for the NMSDC Georgia Affiliate Council, and an appointee of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Advisory Council. Sylvia is also Chair of the Small Business Council Community Committee.

 

 

Veteran Owned Small Business, Part II

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Finishing out our two-part series on veteran small business owners (VOSB), we had Dorna Werdelin, supplier relations, communications and outreach manager at the Georgia Department of Administrative Services, and co-host Cassius Butts, SBA regional administrator in the studio. Listen in to hear about the opportunities, challenges and trends veterans encounter as they turn to entrepreneurship as a viable career path. You’ll also want to tune in for lesser known tips for successfully doing business with the State of Georgia. So listen in – you’ll be glad you did.

Dorna Werdelin / Georgia Department of Administrative Services

Dorna Werdelin is the communications outreach manager with the Georgia Department of Administrative Services State Purchasing Division. She is responsible for official communications, marketing of statewide contracts and supplier relations. Mrs. Werdelin is also the Georgia Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification official, and conducts several monthly training sessions for companies wishing to do business with the State of Georgia government, acting as a dedicated resource to those businesses.

Mrs. Werdelin has worked with the State of Georgia government for almost 10 years, formerly as the assistant director of the Georgia Leadership Institute and Enterprise Learning Division at the State Personnel Administration, managing training contract and the training function in the state.

Prior to her work with the state, she was employed at what was the largest oil refinery in the Western Hemisphere, in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. As the deputy information officer and HR specialist, she was a government liaison, and was responsible for organizational training, ERP training, employee relocation and orientation, and community outreach programs. She serves as a mentor to teenaged and college-bound girls in her community, and is an advocate for disabled military veterans and fathers’ rights. She is a certified Caregiver, married to a Wounded Warrior and has three sons.

 

 

Veteran Owned Small Business, Part I

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On the heels of Veterans Day, the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council kicked off a special two-part series on veteran small business owners (VOSB) – the opportunities, challenges and trends they encounter while turning to entrepreneurship as a viable career path. Special guest Vanessa Bull, supplier diversity site administrator and mentor protégé program manager for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics covered burning topics including VOSB training and mentorship/development opportunities, as well as, tips for preparing for the upcoming National Veterans Small Business Engagement Conference sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. So listen in!

Vanessa Bull / Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

Vanessa Bull is a Supplier Diversity Advocate and Mentor Protégé Program Manager for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Marietta, Georgia.

In this role, she is responsible for maintaining a world class Supplier Diversity program focused on customer satisfaction and the achievement of Small Business goals. She is also accountable for the company’s Mentor Protégé efforts including agreements with federal, state and local agencies.

Ms. Bull has served on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Women’s Business Council, the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as Chair on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC).

Ms. Bull has received numerous awards for her efforts in support of Supplier Diversity. Women’s Enterprise USA news magazine has recognized her as one of the “100 Women Impacting Supplier Diversity.”

 

 

Special Edition: Health IT

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Health IT is the subject of mass attention, particularly as Georgia continues to grow and make national headlines for its work in the field. Recently, thought leaders Christopher Kunney of InfiniteOptions Technology Consulting Group, and MBEs Tracey Grace of IBEX IT Business Experts, and Dr. Cassandra Tancil of PharmaCare Solutions, came together to discuss major trends in this cutting edge industry. Topics included the Affordable Healthcare Act, electronic health records, telemedicine, and recommendations to small business owners on how to both stay in tune to the industry’s accelerated growth and make it work for you. Listen in!

Tracey Grace / IBEX IT Business Experts Twitter

Tracey Grace is President and CEO of IBEX IT Business Experts in Alpharetta, Georgia. Tracey founded IBEX after seizing the opportunity to staff Electronic Healthcare Record projects. IBEX today is a National Staffing and Training Firm.

Tracey earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics & Spanish at the University of Pittsburgh, and was awarded a Graduate Fellowship to attend the Katz Graduate School of Business where she earned her MBA in less than a year. Tracey has held various sales management positions at companies such as the FedEx Corporation, Learning Tree International and was as Vice President at Quint Wellington Redwood, a Dutch Consulting firm where she received numerous awards.

Tracey is on the MBEIC Leadership Council – Chair of the Healthcare Consortium, currently serves as a Board Member at the Katz Graduate School Alumni Association advising on Minority recruitment and has served as a board member of AFCEA – Armed Forces Communication and Electronics Association. She actively speaks about Gender and Minority diversification, using IBEX as a platform.   IBEX is a certified Woman Owned and Minority Owned Enterprise.

Christopher Kunney / InfiniteOptions Technology Consulting Group, LLC LinkedIn Twitter

Christopher is a senior level healthcare information technology executive and strategist. He is called upon by his clients to provide guidance and thought leadership specific to emerging healthcare technology offerings, compliance related issues and technology adoption. His recent roles include serving as Director of Emerging Healthcare Technology for AT&T, Vice President & COO for HealthInovation and Vice President and CIO for Piedmont Healthcare. Christopher currently serves as managing partner of Infinite Options, LLC. and also maintains strategic alliances with various HIT consulting firms such as Smartecute, The BAE Company and The Desir Group.

He has a track record of successfully implementing and providing strategic enterprise-wide solutions that address the current issues faced by health systems including; meaningful use, PPACA, HITECH Act, HIPAA, EMR Adoption, CMS quality measures, and HIEs. In addition, Christopher is an experienced IT leader with demonstrated ability to build peak-performing teams and achieve cross-functional business objectives that effectively integrate within the clinical setting. As a valued member of senior management teams, he’s contributed a seasoned, broad-based perspective with the maturity to lead IT transformation efforts in all areas of the healthcare business. His business philosophy is to create pragmatic IT strategies and implementation plans designed for maximum return.

Christopher serves as instructor-at-large for Southern Polytechnic University Professional Education – HIT Certification Program and is industry advisor to Georgia Institute Of Technologies – HIT Cluster Program, ITT Technical Institute and DeVry University – Atlanta. He also serves on the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce HIT Public Policy Taskforce and Bioscience – Health IT Leadership Council and active member of the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF)

Some of his current leadership roles include, board member and FY14 President of the Healthcare Information Systems Society (HIMSS) – Georgia Chapter and Board Chairman of Ivy Preparatory Academy of Schools. He’s previously served as past chair of Dr. Ben Carson Foundation Atlanta Chapter and board emeritus for the Men’s Health and Wellness Center. Other previous professional organizational memberships include: Georgia Association of Healthcare Executives (GAHE), Georgia Chapter of the National Association of Healthcare Service Executives (NASHE). Christopher has also served as an adjunct professor in the School of Arts and Sciences at DeVry University.

Christopher is a graduate of Fort Valley State University, earning a Bachelor Of Science in Computer Science/Mathematics and Executive Master of Science in management of Technology from the Georgia Institute of Technology. In addition to his formal education, he’s received various certifications in the areas of healthcare information technology (CPHIT), customer relationship management (CRM), technical management, total quality control, project management, and other various I.T. related fields of study.

Christopher is a recipient of the Seaborn Lee Middle School Trailblazer Award; 2006 Minority Scholarship Award from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME). Along with this award he also was selected to participate in the CHIME’s CIO Boot Camp for high achieving business leaders. Christopher was also selected to deliver the commencement address for a recent graduating class at ITT Institute in Atlanta, GA and has appear as a subject matter expert at various healthcare IT industry conferences and events. Christopher has appeared in various publications including The Atlanta Business Chronicle, Modern Healthcare, 2006 thru 2012 editions of Who’s Who in Business and Industry, Who’s Who in Black Atlanta and was featured in a spring 2006 article on “Minorities in Healthcare” published by the Atlanta Hospital News. He’s also been featured in Black Enterprise Magazine’s executives “On The Move” section. He’s co-author various articles, whitepapers and presented nationally on topics surrounding the impact of health information technology on the clinical ecosystem. Christopher is an avid blogger and shares his perspective through various social media outlets including, Twitter, Linkedin and Google Plus.

Cassandra Tancil / PharmaCare Solutions, Inc. LinkedIn

Dr. Cassandra G. Tancil, co-founder and President/CEO of PharmaCare Solutions, Inc., has practiced as a clinical pharmacist for more than 25 years. Dr. Tancil began her career in a progressive community hospital in Baltimore, MD where she was responsible for overseeing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure the appropriate use of medications throughout the institution. After spending eleven years as the Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator in Baltimore, she moved back home to Georgia and decided to explore other facets of pharmacy. Her journey led her to diverse experiences within the pharmaceutical industry for a Fortune 500 global R&D company, an ambulatory care clinic for a leading HMO, and the nation’s leading provider of government pharmacy benefits management services.

The skills that Dr. Tancil has acquired during her career led to the founding of PharmaCare Solutions, a healthcare consulting company, whose primary focus is to manage your healthcare cost through clinical, analytical, and marketing services to ensure patients are utilizing medications to achieve positive health outcomes. Her willingness to work closely with other healthcare professionals and patients often leads to mutual accountability and a win-win for all.

Dr. Tancil received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry and Music from Emory University, a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy, and completed a residency at Howard University Hospital. She is also a board certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS).

 

 

Spotlight on Georgia Film and Entertainment Industry, Part III

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For weeks, we have delved into the opportunities, challenges and personal experiences of small business owners active in Georgia’s growing TV/film industry. Closing out this 3-part series is Tirrell Whittley, president and CEO of Liquid Soul Media, one of the most successful and award-winning lifestyle marketing agencies in the South. Don’t miss Whittley’s perspective on how offshoot businesses can get in and make it big in the “Hollywood of the South.” Special thanks to co-host Cassius Butts, regional administrator of the Small Business Administration.

Tirrell Whittley / Liquid Soul Media

Mr. Whittley is the visionary and executive leader of Liquid Soul (LS). Since founding the company in 2001, it has grown into a full-service, award-winning Lifestyle Marketing Agency specializing in marketing, media, and publicity for entertainment, faith, corporate, sports and non-profit organizations. LS locates unobtrusive ways to integrate brands and marketing messages across lifestyle segments to maximize return on investment with measureable results.  As a trailblazer in modern marketing solutions, social-media, innovative campaigns and creative designs, the agency’s distinctive value-add approach has led to substantial yearly growth for the company.

Rashida Winfrey