Michael J. Garner | City of New York

Chief Business Diversity Officer

Michael J. Garner, MBA, was appointed New York City’s first Citywide Chief Business Diversity Officer by Mayor Eric Adams on February 16, 2023.   Mr. Garner formerly served as Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), State of New York. His tenure at the MTA spanned 14 years from February 2009- through February 2023.  He is a diversity champion, making it his personal and professional mission to create a more diverse business environment wherever he’s been.

By changing New York City’s/New York State’s Legislative Laws and creating new innovative MWDBE/SDVOB programming, Mr. Garner and his teams at the City of New York, the MTA and the New York City School Construction Authority (SCA), have been responsible for more than $23 billion in payments made to New York State/City Minority and Women-owned Businesses. In addition, during his tenure at the MTA, he and his team increased the hiring of Blacks, Hispanics and Asians by 20%, across the MTA’s six different operating agencies.

During Mr. Garner’s tenure at the MTA, he designed the country’s leading Small Business Construction Mentoring Program based on dollars paid. As the architect of the program, Mr. Garner transformed the largest transportation system in North America with a results-driven construction
mentoring program. The program continues to break down barriers for certified Minority, Women, Disadvantaged and Service-Disabled Veteran-owned Construction Contractors in New York State, who otherwise would not have contract opportunities in the transportation industry.  

Under the direction of Mr. Garner, the MTA’s Small Business Mentoring Program awarded 575 contracts totaling $620 million to program participants. Overall, through his efforts, more than $17.3 Billion has been paid to New York State certified MWBEs during his tenure at the MTA.

As a recognized industry and community leader, Mr. Garner has had a real impact on both the State of New York, the City of New York and the MWDBE/SDVOB Business Community. However, his work and avid vision does not end there. He is an active member of the Canaan Baptist Church in Harlem, a sought-after speaker on effective MWDBE Programs across the nation, an advisor on MWDBE matters to various U.S. Cities and States including the City of Buffalo, the City of Chicago, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), and the State of New Jersey. He has also served in various executive advisory capacities for:

• Former NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo’s MWBE Advisory Team
• Former NYS Governor David Paterson’s Small Business Advisory Council
• Harlem Hospital Board
• Former Treasurer, New York/New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council
• 100 Black Men of America – Chairman, Development & Corporate Relations Committee
• Former United States Rugby Association – Board of Directors

Former President of the Founding Chapter for One Hundred Black Men (OHBM) of New York City; Current OHBM Board Member. Garner brings his deep breadth of M/WBE programming experience, his vast network of M/WBE advocates and champions, and a proven track record to the City of New York as its first Citywide Chief Business Diversity Officer.

Terrence Clark | NY & NJ MSDC

President & CEO

Terrence Clark leads the way forward for staff and members of The Council community by providing oversight and guidance in relation to The Council’s goals and objectives. Prior to this position, he served as the Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Business Development for the National Urban League, where he was responsible for the management of all small business and entrepreneurship programs. Mr. Clark also served as the Senior Vice President of Knowledge Sharing for the Opportunity Finance Network, where he was responsible for community development for financial institutions nationwide.

In addition to serving on The Council’s board, Mr. Clark is proud to sit as a board member for TruFund Financial Services and the Supplier Diversity Development Council of New Jersey. He also sits on the Economic Impact Committee of Stonehenge Capital and on the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Advisory Councils for the NYC Comptroller and the NYS Governor. In 2021, he was named as one of the Notable Black Leaders and Executives by Crain’s New York.

Kamela Forbes | World Wide Technology

Diversity Business Development Manager

Kamela Forbes is a dedicated DEI professional with a strong passion for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the communities where we live and work. As a member of the diversity business impact team at World Wide Technology, Kamela collaborates with clients to align their diversity initiatives and create holistic partnerships that promote opportunities for advancing underrepresented groups.

With extensive experience in developing and implementing strategies that foster diverse supplier relationships, Kamela is committed to empowering diverse businesses. She has a proven track record of advocating for inclusive
procurement practices that drive economic growth and innovation. Known for her collaborative approach and strategic vision, Kamela inspires organizations to embrace diversity and build more equitable supply chains.

Tohma Gadson-Shaw | Con Edison

Director, Supply Chain Sustainability and Supplier Diversity

Tohma Gadson-Shaw is no stranger to hard work and perseverance A graduate of Johnson C. Smith and Michigan State University, her passion and dedication are reflected in Tohma’s many accomplishments that showcase her leadership, community advocacy, and social impact. With 16 years of experience encompassing a combination of investigations, communications, strategic planning and program implementation, stakeholder relations, and social innovation, Tohma has proven herself to be a leader within both the corporate and cause arenas.

Tohma is currently Director, Supply Chain Sustainability and Supplier Diversity, where she is responsible for the inclusion of diverse and women owned business enterprises within our supply chain and for finding ways to leverage sustainable sourcing to shape our environmental impact. Tohma worked as an Investigator for U.S. government contracts before joining Con Edison in November 2007. Since joining, Tohma has held positions of increasing responsibility including specialist, senior specialist, project specialist, field operations planner, and department manager between Human Resources and Supply Chain – Stores Operations.  In 2020, Tohma was selected for a two-year special assignment representing the company as a fellow in the CEO Action for Racial Equity led by PriceWaterhouse Coppers (PwC).  Tohma worked alongside 275 fellows from various backgrounds and companies to identify, develop and promote scalable and sustainable policies and corporate best practices to address systemic racism and social injustice, and improve societal well-being.  Tohma used her talents and passion to advance racial equity through public policy, created racial equity frameworks, provided education, and advocated to address disparities. This amazing opportunity gave Tohma the ability to merge her passions. Tohma believes that we have a great responsibility to drive social change, and the time is now for all of us to rally together to forge sustainable equitable outcomes.

Outside of work, Tohma is actively engaged in community service initiatives and outreach with Harlem’s historic First Corinthian Baptist Church. Tohma is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, a private, not for profit organization with over 350,000 members worldwide. Through these affiliations, Tohma has served to offer community outreach for physical and mental health, food insecurity, housing instability, civic engagement, and public safety. Internationally, Tohma performed mission work in South Africa, Hyderabad and Rajahmundry, India.

Timothy P. Kerner | The Millennium Group

President & Partner

Timothy is the President/Partner of The Millennium Group (TMG) and serves on its Board of Directors. As President, Tim oversees the company’s vision, strategy, financial objectives, and investment priorities. Under Tim’s leadership, TMG has become a premier global Office Services Management company.  Tim remains a strategic, financially disciplined leader with a strong track record in the Facilities Management and Office Services industry. 

A York College of Pennsylvania graduate and retired U.S. Army Field Artillery Officer, Tim holds many industry credentials and has been decorated with numerous military awards.  He also serves on several additional Executive Boards, including Direct Mail Depot, Smiota Inc., and Shamrock Trucking.  Tim is an active Board member of the NJ Veterans Chamber of Commerce, serving the welfare of the New Jersey Veteran community.    He also actively supports the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), and many additional non-profit organizations

Soon Kim | Standard General

Founder, Managing Parter, & Chief Investment Officer

Mr. Kim is the founding partner of investment firm Standard General and is the firm’s Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer.  Standard General owns a majority stake in MediaCo Holding (NASDAQ:MDIA).  He is the Chairman of Bally’s Corporation (NYSE:BALY) and has served as an independent Director since 2016. He has been investing in special situations strategies since 1997, starting at Bankers Trust Company, as a Principal at Och-Ziff Capital Management, and a Partner at Cyrus Capital Management. Mr. Kim is currently a Director of Intralot SA (GA:INLOT).  He is a Director of Pursuit (fka Coalition for Queens), Vice Chairman and Director of the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies and Director and former President of the Stuyvesant High School Alumni Association.

Victoria Landau | Sequoyah Office Interiors

CEO & Principal

Victoria is an accomplished business development leader with over 20 years of experience in driving revenue through the cultivation and maintenance of client relationships. As an innovative and dynamic marketer, she has a proven track record of attracting new clients and generating substantial revenue
growth.

Victoria excels in using effective communication and face-to-face interactions to enhance her presence, build a strong brand, and foster meaningful client engagement. Her strategic approach targets end-users, the real estate community, and A&D, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful market presence.

Organizations: Corenet, IFMA, LLS, LRF and Hedgefund Cares.

Cheryl McCants | Impact Consulting Enterprises

Founder & CEO

NY & NJ MSDC MBEIC Chair

Cheryl is a bilingual and versatile professional with a passion for excellence and success. She is known for her expertise in public relations, digital communication strategy, diversity, equity and inclusion, and project management.

This former news producer, veteran talk show host, and communication director for sports giant Nike, holds multiple degrees, has more than three decades of industry expertise, and constantly seeks new levels of learning and understanding.

In addition to leading her team to innovative and effective global community outreach, rebranding, digital marketing, and public relations campaigns, Cheryl is recognized as an award-winning professional communicator and business strategist, crafting fresh and compelling stories that enhance clients’ reputations and bottom lines.

She remains actively involved in various boards and organizations, including serving as chairperson for the NY & NJ MSDC’s MBE Input Committee. Cheryl’s expertise spans both the private and public sectors while crossing multiple industries and countries. Cheryl McCants is a true leader in her field.

Trung Tieu | Wells Fargo

Supplier Diversity Program Manager | Chief Operating Officer

Trung Tieu is a passionate champion of diversity, equity & inclusion and an
advocate for diverse-owned business enterprises. He was recently
recognized as the 2023 Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year by NYNJ
Minority Supplier Development Council (NYNJMSDC).

Trung joined Wells Fargo & Company as a Supplier Diversity Manager in
2022.  He works closely with sourcing to align suppliers to categories. He
works to advance supplier development/accelerator programs, inclusion of
diverse suppliers for end-to-end sourcing engagements, drive diverse
growth spend, and serve as relationship manager for lines of businesses
including: Consumer Lending, CSBB, WIM, Public Affairs and Wells Fargo
International projects.

In his most recent role, he drove economic inclusion by increasing the
development and utilization of diverse-owned business enterprises as a
Supplier Diversity Manager at PepsiCo. He began his career in the Quaker
Foods & Snacks division where he monitored innovation launches and
designed product development tracking processes.

He serves on the board of the NYNJMSDC. He has previously served as co-
chair of the National Minority Supplier Development Council’s (NMSDC)
Consumer Products Working Group and as co-chair of the both the NGLCC
Corporate Advisory Council and the Procurement Council.

Beyond supplier diversity, he has served on the board of the LGBT
Community Center of Milwaukee and as the Chair of the Board of Directors
of the Windy City Performing Arts.

Trung holds both a B.A. and M.A. in Communication from the University of
Wisconsin-Milwaukee where his research focused on “coming out” and
identity construction. Trung is also a proud graduate of the UCLA Anderson
School of Business LGBT Leadership Institute.

Trung lives in New York with his husband. He has a wide array of interests
including travel, live theater, sci-fi and fantasy fiction, and of tabletop / online
RPGs.