Contact: Shrita Sterlin-Hernandez, media@cbcfinc.org
WASHINGTON—The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) appointed ten new members to its board of directors, drawing on the talents and experience of established leaders in a broad array of fields, from nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies to Congress.
The new directors join the CBCF at an important time, with the organization moving to expand programs that seek to eliminate barriers to health care, education and employment that African Americans and other underserved communities face. The CBCF’s leadership welcomed the new board members, saying that they are uniquely suited to lead the CBCF during this pivotal chapter in the organization’s growth.
“Our newest board members embody the spirit of the CBCF and bring talent, expertise and energy to the table,” says Rep. Chaka Fattah, board chairman of the CBCF. “The CBCF is fortunate to have them serve with us.”
“The CBCF proudly welcomes our newest board members who have demonstrated leadership in their respective fields,” said A. Shuanise Washington, president and CEO of the CBCF. “We are honored to have these individuals serve alongside us as we explore new and exciting opportunities for eliminating disparities for African Americans and other underserved communities.”
The board members, who bring business and public policy acumen to their new roles, are as follows:
• Lori G. Billingsley is the vice president, community relations of Coca-Cola, based in Atlanta. She has nearly 30 years of public relations experience. In her current role, she oversees community giving and engagement for The Coca-Cola Company’s North America operating unit.
• Rep. G.K. Butterfield is chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). He is responsible for setting, presenting and publishing the CBC’s legislative agenda for each Congress. Butterfield currently serves on the Energy and Commerce committee. He has served North Carolina’s first district since 2004.
• Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee returns to the board after serving for three years previously in 2010 – 13. Jackson Lee is also serving her eleventh term as a member of the United States House of Representatives from the state of Texas. She is currently a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee.
• Earle Jones is the senior director, federal government affairs at Comcast, NBC Universal in Washington D.C. Jones has served in the cable telecommunications industry for more than 25 years. He is a member of the Comcast Federal Affairs Legislative team that successfully obtained federal regulatory approval for the Comcast/General Electric acquisition of NBC Universal in January 2011.
• Vivienne C. LaBorde is an attorney with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates in New York. She has provided sophisticated counsel to major clients, in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, on matters of critical importance, such as mergers and acquisitions, spin-offs and other business transactions.
• DeDe Lea is the executive vice president, global government relations with Viacom in Washington D.C. Lea is responsible for setting public policy strategy at Viacom and leads the company’s worldwide government relations team. She is the recipient of the 2014 NCTA Vanguard Award for Government and Community Relations.
• Dr. Troy L. Nash is the vice president, principal director of public sector consulting with Newmark Grubb Zimmer in Kansas City, MO. Nash is considered an expert in real estate and economic development partnerships with urban, suburban and rural communities. For nearly 10 years, Nash was a member of the Kansas City, MO city council representing nearly 475,000 citizens.
• Emmett Vaughn is the director of the Office of Diverse Business at Exelon in Chicago. Vaughn provides strategic direction and oversight for approximately $500 million in business deals executed between Exelon and minority/woman owned businesses annually. In 2009 Emmett was awarded the “Lifetime Achievement Award” by the U.S. Department of Commerce – Minority Business Development Agency for contribution to regional minority business growth.
• Tonya Veasey is the president and CEO of Open Channel Group PR in Fort Worth, Texas. As president, Veasey provides consulting for top corporations and nonprofits. Veasey is chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Spouses. Her husband is Rep. Marc Veasey.
• Kevin Washington is the president and CEO of YMCA of the USA, based in Chicago. Washington is the 14th person to lead the YMCA movement in America. Under his leadership, Washington leads the nation’s 2,700 YMCAs, annually serving 22 million children and adults, through 250,000 staff and 600,000 volunteers.
The new board members will begin their three-year terms on May 12, 2015
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