For Immediate Release
Athena W. Hernandez
Director, Marketing and Communications
ahernandez@cbcfinc.org
571-205-9122
Washington, D.C., May 22, 2023 – Today, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) announced the election of 16 new members to its Board of Directors and Corporate Advisory Council (CAC). Each new member brings a unique perspective, documented expertise, and the same unyielding drive to advance the global Black community through leadership, policy, and empowerment through education.
“In welcoming new and diverse voices to our board and CAC this year, we also usher in new opportunities to meet our mission,” said Representative Terri A. Sewell, chair, CBCF Board of Directors. “I am grateful for their leadership, inspired by their service, and excited for our future. It is in partnership with others that we can pool our resources, knowledge, and expertise to achieve our goals and deliver a brighter future for the Black community.”
New members this year are aligned with the CBCF mission and have a demonstrated capacity to serve and invest time and resources towards a vision that breaks down barriers and eliminates disparities within the global Black community. They have diverse backgrounds, a broad range of knowledge and expertise in a range of industries and are energized to begin working on the CBCF vision for the future.
“As CBCF’s Board continues to serve and support our work, its membership is developing in diversity of backgrounds and skills to reflect the organization and those being served,” said Nicole Austin-Hillery, president and CEO of CBCF. “With every new member, we not only advance our mission, but our capacity to evolve and serve is heightened.”
With the election of new board and CAC members, former Congressman Cedric Richmond transitions to Director Emeritus.
The new board members who began three-year terms on May 9, 2023, are:
- Representative Frederica S. Wilson, (D-FL-24th District), U.S. House of Representatives
- Representative Joyce Beatty, (D-OH-3rd District), U.S. House of Representatives
- Representative Lucy McBath, (D-GA-7th District), U.S. House of Representatives
- Representative Glenn Ivey, (D-MD-4th District), U.S. House of Representatives
- Isaac Fordjour, Vice President of Federal Government Relations, Walgreens
- Alethia Jackson, Senior Vice President, ESG and Chief DEI officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance
- Nichole Francis Reynolds, Esq., Vice President & Head of Global Government Relations, ServiceNow
The Corporate Advisory Council members began their three-year terms on May 9, 2023, and are as follows:
- Sanders Adu, Senior Vice President, Federal Government Relations, Wells Fargo & Company
- Lakeitha Anderson, Policy Director, Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber & Schreck
- Kevin Armstrong, Distinguished Practitioner in Residence, Mitchell Hamline School of Law
- Tristan R. Breaux, Director of Federal Affairs, Tyson Foods
- Kwame Canty, Senior Director of External Affairs, Edison Electric Institute
- Cachavious English, Policy Strategist and Managing Counsel, Ford Motor Company
- Phil A. Hancock, Director, Government Relations, Norfolk Southern Railroad
- Francesca Jordan, Director of Federal Government Affairs, Dell
- Ashli Nelson, Director of Government Relations, Community Engagement, and Public Affairs, McDonald’s North American Division
- Marie Ray Scott, Owner, M.R. Whitsett, Inc.
- Charlyn Stanberry, Vice President of Government Relations, National Association of Broadcasters
- Lamell McMorris, Head of Policy-Regulatory and Government Relations, Edward Jones
Director Emeritus Biography
Former Representative Cedric Richmond is Founder and Principle of Richmond & Company. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, former Congressman Richmond was elected to the state legislature at age 26. He moved on to a U.S. congressional seat in 2011, eventually joining the House Judiciary and Ways and Means committees and becoming chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. After co-chairing Joe Biden’s successful 2020 presidential campaign, he was appointed senior adviser to the president-elect and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement.
New Board Member Biographies
Representative Frederica S. Wilson proudly represents Florida’s 24th Congressional District. Representative Wilson currently serves as the Chair of the Higher Education and Workforce Subcommittee and introduced the American Jobs Act of 2013, an innovative bill that promotes full employment and boosts workforce development opportunities. Most recently, she introduced the Lowering Obstacles to Achievement (LOAN) Act of Rights to repair a flawed student loan system and address the core issues that created the student debt crisis. In 2020, Congresswoman Wilson established the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys (CSSBMB) within the United States Commission on Civil Rights to investigate potential civil rights violations affecting black males and study the disparities they experience in education, criminal justice, health, employment, fatherhood, mentorship, and violence.
Representative Joyce Beatty has represented Ohio’s 3rd Congressional District since 2013. She serves on the House Committee on Financial Services and is a member of two Subcommittees: Housing and Insurance and Oversight and Investigations. She has introduced important legislation to end human trafficking, to improve financial literacy, and protect consumers’ credit. She recently introduced legislation to enable small businesses to purchase, rehabilitate, or operate affordable housing units. Before Congress, Beatty was Senior Vice President of Outreach and Engagement at The Ohio State University and a member of the Ohio House of Representatives for five terms. During her tenure in the Ohio House, she rose to become the first female Democratic House Leader in Ohio’s history. Beatty earned a bachelor’s degree from Central State University and a master’s degree from Wright State University. She completed all requirements but her dissertation for a doctorate at the University of Cincinnati.
Representative Lucy McBath represents Georgia’s 7th District and proclaims her most important title is “Jordan’s Mom.” In 2012, her son Jordan Davis was a victim of senseless gun violence. After a 30-year career as a flight attendant, Representative McBath began demanding more be done to end gun violence in America. She traveled across the country rallying activists, lawmakers, and parents and after the tragic shooting in Parkland, Florida, she ran against an NRA-backed incumbent and won. In Congress she focuses on expanding access to healthcare, protecting voting rights, and keeping families safe. She has worked on numerous pieces of gun reform legislation, including the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act–the first major gun reform bill in a generation. She is a proud HBCU graduate and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She received her B.A. in political science from Virginia State University and resides in Metro-Atlanta with her husband Curtis and their dog, Harley.
Representative Glenn Ivey currently represents Maryland’s 4th District and served twice as the state’s attorney for Prince George’s County, Maryland, from 2002 to 2011. Representative Ivey previously served on Capitol Hill as chief counsel to Senate majority leader Tom Daschle, as counsel to U.S. senator Paul Sarbanes during the Whitewater controversy, as chief majority counsel to the Senate Banking Committee, and on the staff of U.S. representative John Conyers. He also worked for U.S. attorney Eric Holder as an assistant U.S. attorney and as chair of the Maryland Public Service Commission. He was twice elected state’s attorney for Prince George’s County, Maryland. Representative Ivey is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School.
Isaac Fordjour is an accomplished government relations and public affairs strategist with extensive experience in advancing public policy, developing effective legislative and regulatory strategies, and building diverse coalitions. As Vice President of Federal Government Relations for Walgreens, Isaac leads the company’s federal advocacy and oversees interactions with Congress, the Administration, and U.S. government agencies. Before joining Walgreens, Isaac served as Director of Federal Government Affairs and Health Policy at Boston Scientific, a leading medical technology company. He also worked as a Principal at Tarplin Downs & Young LLC, a top government relations firm, where he advised clients on a range of issues and managed high-stakes advocacy campaigns.
Alethia Jackson is Senior Vice President, ESG and Chief DEI Officer for Walgreens Boots Alliance. In this role, Alethia leads a combined team of U.S. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Corporate Social Responsibility, including health equity, environmental and product sustainability, and community giving. She is a highly experienced government relations executive with 20 years of success with Walgreens, America’s Health Insurance Plans, and National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Alethia is passionate about empowering young women through leadership development and is a member of the board of Running Start, Inc., a nonpartisan nonprofit that trains young women to run for public office. She holds a J.D. from Syracuse University School of Law and a B.A. from State University of New York at Albany.
Nichole Francis Reynolds serves as the Vice President & Head of Global Government Relations for ServiceNow, Inc. In her role, she leads Service Now’s global government relations, public policy, and advocacy agenda domestically and internationally. As a lawyer and the company’s top lobbyist, she works with Administration officials, members of Congress, state and local public officials, the diplomatic community and industry associations on domestic and international technology policy issues. Ms. Francis Reynolds graduated cum laude and with honors with a B.S. in Political Science and Spanish from Eastern Michigan University and received her law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and resides in Washington, DC, with her husband and their two children.
New Corporate Advisory Council Member Biographies
Sanders Adu is Senior Vice President of Federal Government Relations at Wells Fargo specializing in payments, technology, fintech, cybersecurity, consumer lending and retail banking issues. He also serves on Wells Fargo’s Diverse Segments Representation & Inclusion (DSRI) External Engagements team where he manages key third-party relationships with national policy stakeholders. Prior to joining Wells Fargo, Sanders served as senior counsel to Congressman Mel Watt (D-NC) on the U.S. House Financial Services Committee where he worked on the landmark Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection legislation. Before Capitol Hill, Sanders was an attorney in private practice. He received his B.A. in Public Policy from Duke University and his JD from the University of California-Berkeley School of Law.
LaKeitha Anderson is Policy Director at Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber & Schreck where she guides companies in highly regulated industries through local, state and federal policy arenas. She skillfully blends communications and advocacy strategies to protect brands and position her clients for success in Washington, D.C. Her prior work includes managing government relations for RAI Services Co. where she was responsible for advancing the corporation’s legislative objectives before Members of Congress, the Administration, and other policy makers. She is a native Texan who began her career as a Legislative Assistant for Texas State Representative Helen Giddings. In addition to being a graduate of the University of North Texas, LaKeitha has an Executive MBA from Georgetown University and is an active member of The Links and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Kevin Armstrong is a private company advisor and board director with expertise in financial services law, technology, and corporate governance. As a Distinguished Practitioner in Residence at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Kevin advises students and lectures on the application of the law to transformative technologies. He has distinguished himself across multiple industries, having served as Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel, and Chief Compliance Officer in financial services and technology companies. Most recently, Kevin served as General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer at Docupace Technologies. He is an advisor and board member at NeuroColor LLC and a frequent speaker on topics concerning securities law, compliance, privacy, data security, and public policy. Kevin earned a JD and BS from Rutgers University.
Tristan R. Breaux is Director of Federal Affairs for Tyson Foods, applying his significant experience in community advocacy, legislative policy development, and corporate government affairs to the world’s second largest processor and marketer of poultry and protein. Prior to joining Tyson Foods, Tristan served as Vice President of Policy & Advocacy for the National Housing Conference and worked as a multi-client lobbyist. He began his career as an aide to former Chairman of the House Budget Committee, Rep. John Spratt (D-SC). Tristan holds a B.A. in Political Science from Norfolk State University and an MS in Criminal Justice Administration from Liberty University. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, and resides in Maryland with his wife and two daughters.
Kwame Canty is the Senior Director of External Affairs at Edison Electric Institute (EEI), an association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. In his capacity, Kwame works on outreach and education efforts to Capitol Hill, state legislators, mayors, national policy organizations, community-based organizations, and other key industry stakeholders. Prior to joining EEI, Kwame was Director of Programming for the Congressional Black Caucus responsible for CBC member services and task forces. He has also served as Senior Legislative Assistant for Congressman Edolphus Towns and lead staffer on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer, Manufacturing, and Trade. Kwame is a graduate of Hampton University and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.
Cachavious “Chay” English currently serves as Policy Strategist and Managing Counsel for Ford Motor Company, focusing primarily on policies related to trade, supply chain resiliency, critical minerals, ESG, and tax and economic incentives. He previously served as a Vice President at BGR Group, and as Chief of Staff for Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) managing staff, advising on issues, and implementing legislative strategies. Originally from Selma, Alabama, Chay earned his B.A. from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and his JD from the University of Alabama School of Law.
Phil A. Hancock serves as a directoron Norfolk Southern Railroad’s government relations team where he engages with federal policymakers on the importance of freight rail to the nation’s economy and the communities they serve. Phil previously served in the office of Senator Joe Manchin III (D-WV) as a legislative assistant advancing priorities for coal miners, their families, and rural development. Prior to his work on Capitol Hill, he spent nearly a decade at Amtrak as a intergovernmental affairs specialist until he was elected as the railroad’s senior assistant corporate secretary by its board of directors. Phil earned a JD from Northeastern University School of Law, an MS in Human Resource Management from West Virginia University, and a B.A. in Political Science from West Virginia Wesleyan College.
Francesca Jordan is currently the Director of Federal Government Affairs for Dell Technologies. Prior to joining Dell Francesca was a Senior Vice-President at Forbes-Tate Partners where she led strategy, and advocacy for a variety of clients in the government relations field, consulting on healthcare, technology, and oversight policy areas. Prior to joining Forbes Tate Partners, Francesca, a Maryland native, worked on Capitol Hill on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, for Ranking Member Elijah E. Cummings. Francesca also serves on the board of the Washington Government Relations Group Foundation, College to Congress, and the Black Women’s Congressional Alliance. She graduated with honors from The Citadel – The Military College of South Carolina and has a master’s in public health from American Public University.
Edward Jones Principal Lamell McMorris leads the Regulatory and Government Relations practice as Head of Policy. His team implements an enterprise-wide policy capability, through which the firm can develop and drive an affirmative, intentional policy strategy, designed to proactively surface a wide range of policy and legislative issues. He joined the firm in 2021.
Prior to Edward Jones, Lamell served as CEO and founder of Washington, D.C.- based consulting firm, Phase 2 Consulting. It is one of D.C.’s top strategic advisory firms, providing expertise for government affairs, corporate social responsibility planning and public policy advice.
Lamell received his bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga., and his Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Law and Policy degree from Northeastern University.
Ashli Nelson serves as Director of Government Relations, Community Engagement, and Public Affairs for the McDonald’s Corporation North American Division where she leads a national legislative and community relations strategy to ensure that government relations, communications, and diversity and inclusion are respectively aligned to protect and promote and McDonald’s brand and its independent franchisees. Prior to joining McDonald’s Corporation, Ashli served as a senior advisor to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Mayor Daley. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and Target Hope, and a native of South Side Chicago currently residing in the South Shore neighborhood with her husband.
Marie Ray Scott is the owner of M.R. Whitsett, Inc., a minority-owned business operating concessions at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada. Marie also continues to demonstrate a commitment to the southern Nevada community as a volunteer with the Salvation Army of Southern Nevada, the Las Vegas Clark County Urban League, and the Las Vegas chapter of The Girl Friends, Inc. She was the recipient of the Madam C.J. Walker Business and Community Recognition Award from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and the Distinguished Honoree Award from the Las Vegas Urban Chamber of Commerce.