About Us

Mission & Vision
The Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce (GDBCC) is a nonprofit organization whose primary goal is to invest in the growth and development of the Black entrepreneur, the Black business, and the Black business ecosystem.  Our vision is Black economic freedom.  We execute our mission via our 5 pillars of service, advocacy, access to capital, access to contracts, entrepreneurial training, and ecosystem development. 

Leadership
The GDBCC is led by a 17-member volunteer Board of Directors that provides strategic guidance and oversight in key areas, including but not limited to development, finance, marketing, membership, and programming. Our current Board leaders include Chair Larry Borders, Vice Chair Thomas Whitehead, and Treasurer Cheryl Hodge.  

The work of the chamber is executed by our staff, contractors, consultants, and volunteers.  This effort is led by our President/CEO CJ Broderick. 

What we do

The GDBCC offers a wide array of strategic consulting services in economic development (marketing, business recruitment and retention, policy audit and recommendation), workforce development (educational training workshops and webinars), and supplier diversity development (program evaluation and recommendation).  We also provide business and entrepreneurial development services such as business coaching, business development, mentoring, technical assistance, and other services.  Additionally, we design and execute networking events to promote collaboration and innovative problem solving in our community.   Our clients and partners include our membership, the community at large, small businesses, corporations, governmental agencies, and individuals. 

 

Impact
The GDBCC continues to have a tremendous effect on the Greater Durham community.  Over the last 15 years, the GDBCC has been a strong advocate for Black entrepreneurs, Black businesses, and the Black business ecosystem.  We have trained, counseled, or provided technical assistance to over 12,000 entrepreneurs, supported over 1,700 businesses, and provided policy recommendations for the equitable growth of Durham’s economy.  We have designed and introduced events like Durham’s Annual Black Business Gala, which honors Durham’s history of Black business achievement, highlights the outstanding contributions of our current Black business community, and inspires the future of Durham’s Black business ecosystem.  We have played a leading role in annual events like Durham’s Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week.  

Larry C. Borders

Board Chair

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Mr. Borders currently serves as the Board Chair for The Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce. A real estate investor, stock investor, and an avid art collector, Larry has an extensive background in Project Management and Change Management, where he has led large operations of bilateral mission transfer and significant system reallocation for internal and external global customers.  Larry had a lengthy career with IBM where he held multiple leadership positions including Senior IT Project Manager for Global IT Development and managed resources in Mexico, Japan, India, China, UK, Brazil, Peru, Singapore, France, Scotland, and Egypt. Larry has also served as a Senior IT Consultant to many other corporations including a New York City Governmental agency and worked on assignments in Paris, France.  He has been a Durham resident for over thirty years, is a U.S. Army Veteran and continues to have a passion for economic empowerment and community outreach.  Larry has also chaired and vice-chaired a Durham County Democratic Party Precinct for several years, representing almost 4,000 constituents.

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Thomas Whitehead

Membership Committee Chair

Mr. Whitehead is currently a Regional Bank Private Banker at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.   In his role, he specifically assists high net-worth individuals and small business owners in developing financial plans that address their long-term saving goals, credit needs, and other wealth management issues.   Thomas also serves as an active member on Wells Fargo’s Triangle Diversity and Inclusion Council, a tutor for Union Baptist Church ACE Tutoring Program, and a member of the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church finance committee.  He is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management – Finance Concentration.  Additionally, he currently holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 65 and North Carolina Life Insurance licenses.

Cheryl Hodge

Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair

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Mrs. Hodgel is an accounting professional with extensive experience in financial accounting. She currently serves as Manager of Cash Management and Payables for NC Mutual Life Insurance Company. In the non-profit sector, she manages the bookkeeping for The Religious Coalition for a NonViolent Durham and assists with bookkeeping for White Oak Foundation, Inc. She holds a BBA in Accounting from NC Central University and is a Certified Treasury Professional. 

Kory Franklin

Programming Committee

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Mr. Franklin has implemented a work philosophy centered on progress, execution, and achievement of results, all backed by 18+ years of consulting and leadership experience across diverse industries. With expertise in sales, business development, financial analysis, project management, technology, and consulting, He strives to make an impact by teaching business owners strategies that help them to propel their companies forward for increased brand visibility and market reach. Kory is the Director of Business Development at Heyward CPA PLLC which focuses on providing tax planning for individuals and small business owners. He is also the founder of Korsulting, LLC, a business development firm that provides support and mentorship to entrepreneurs and small business owners who require direction when growing and scaling their businesses.

Ashley Rawlinson

Marketing Committee Chair

Ashley Rawlinson
Ms. Rawlinson is a Program Manager and has been working in the field of Public Health for over 14 years. Ashley is the founder and owner of HERitage Wines where she is intentionally working to help Black people and people of color feel more comfortable and educated in wine spaces. Ashley is married to Christopher Rawlinson, and they have a 3-year-old son, Chase. Ashley received her BS degree in Public Health from North Carolina Central University and her Master of Public Health from Walden University. When it comes to Wine, Ashley has obtained 2 levels of certification through Wine and Spirit Education Trust, has her Women in Entrepreneurship certification, is a scholarship recipient with both The Roots Fund and the Association of African American Vintners, and is currently enrolled in the Business in Wine certification program. Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, church, traveling sipping and learning about wine.

Ashley D. Gilmore

Membership Committee

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Mrs. Gilmore is a native of East Chicago, Indiana, Ashley D. Gilmore is a Nationally Board-Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate for the State of North Carolina. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Law & Society from Purdue University, a Master’s of Science in Counseling/Counselor Education from Indiana University and a Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University.

Ashley is an Outpatient therapist at Structured Family Intervention, LLC. where she works with homeless families in Durham. Additionally, Ashley works with couples and families in her community and church to empower effective communication in all areas of a relationship including finances, in-laws, children, sexual intimacy as well as trauma within the Black family. Throughout her professional career, Ashley has worked in higher education settings in event planning and with programs that focus on youth development and formation. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Delta Kappa Marriage and Family International Honor Society.

Ashley is married and the proud parent of two daughters.

Dr. Anthony Witherspoon

Programming Committee Chair

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Dr. Anthony Witherspoon graduated from Sherman College of Chiropractic, located in Spartanburg, SC with his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree in 2010. After graduating, Dr. WItherspoon has practiced in Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, treating a variety of patients and ailments. He has also done this in a variety of settings, ranging from family practice to pain management. Dr. WItherspoon relocated to the Triangle area in September 2016 with his family in an effort to fulfill ambitions of opening a wellness practice catering to a vast, diverse community. Since relocating, Dr. Witherspoon has served as an adjunct professor at multiple colleges and universities in the area, Allied Health Program Director at MIller-Motte College in Cary, NC, and associate chiropractor at various clinics. He has the pleasure of guiding and motivating students into healthcare careers and navigating patients through their journeys to a healthy lifestyle. In 2018, Dr. Witherspoon and his wife, Shavahn, established Integrate Health and Wellness, PLLC. Their mission is to serve the surrounding community with exceptional service through holistic healthcare that focuses on natural wellness.

Carolyn Lyons

Development Committee

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Mrs. Lyons is a 20 year veteran of human resources and talent management experience, and is currently the Chief Talent Officer with GoTriangle, a regional transit agency, where she provides oversight and leadership for “all things HR” with a focus on achieving better business results by elevating the employee workplace experience.  Prior to GoTriangle, Carolyn spent ten years leading best-place-to-work initiatives in the banking and credit union industries. Carolyn enjoys leveraging her strengths as a talent advisor & employee retention strategist to advance next-level employee attraction, engagement and retention opportunities.  She is passionate about helping Black women, and other underrepresented groups, create for themselves a better story to tell, at work and in their businesses. Carolyn provides strategic consulting, mentorship and coaching to businesses and employees. Carolyn is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill (BA) and Elon University (MBA), and holds the following certifications:  Business and Professional Coach (CPC), Professional in Human Resources (PHR)  and DISC Instructor. Carolyn treasures time with family and friends, travel/new experiences, learning and coaching others to success.  She is a proud Durham native.

DeWarren K. Langley

Development Committee

DeWarrenLangley
Mr. DeWarren K. Langley, JD, MPA, MHFA, YMHFA is the Visionary & Executive Director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Foundation, Inc. which is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization which provides a continuum of programs, service, and mentorship to facilitate academic, leadership and professional development to prepare boys and young men of color for academic success and the competitive workforce. Mr. Langley has over 25 years of nonprofit experience in effective board governance & compliance, strategic planning & implementation, personnel management, program development & implementation, financial oversight and public policy advocacy. He is committed to working collaboratively with members of the Board, membership and other stakeholders to provide guidance and oversight in developing operational and tangible strategies for entrepreneurial, business and workforce equity for black residents, business and community-based nonprofits in Durham. By ensuring equitable investment, opportunity, resources and access, we improve the economic viability and attractiveness of Durham and ensure a continued decline in unemployment, underemployment and poverty while creating and sustaining a thriving and equitable business environment.

Travis Tracey

Finance Committee

travis
Mr. Tracy is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Enrolled Agent with seven years of experience in the financial services industry. He is currently the Founder of Fortitude Financial Planning, a fee-only comprehensive financial planning firm specializing in helping young professionals, families, and entrepreneurs live the lives they want to live. Travis is originally from Spartanburg, SC, but made his way to NC to attend Guilford College in Greensboro, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Travis resides in Durham with his wife, Shelby, his daughter, Peyton, and their two dogs, Savannah & Bailey. Outside of work, Travis enjoys spending time with his family, doing outdoor activities, and watching sports.

Esther Hicks

Marketing Committee Chair

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Mrs. Hicks brings a unique eye to the GDBCC Board of Directors as the owner of Esther Hicks Photography.  With a love for documentary photography, she beautifully chronicles our meetings, socials, and networking events.  Born in St. Luica, Esther has made North Carolina her home for more than 20 years.

Linda Lanel Johnson

Marketing Committee

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Mrs. Johnson is the Advertising and Marketing Manage for The Charlotte Post Publishing Company, Inc./The Triangle Tribune.   (TCPPC) serves as an educational source to African-American communities throughout North Carolina and upstate South Carolina since 1878.

Keelan Brown

Membership Committee

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Mr. Brown is a Principal of The Brown Consulting Team, LLC, providing business consultation and coaching services to eager first time entrepreneurs and existing business owners.  A Senior IT Project Manager with more than 18 years of experience in Corporate America, Keelan has held leadership positions during his 16 year tenure at IBM and currently manages the Application Support for the Corporate Benefit Funding portfolio at MetLife, Inc.  Keelan is a proud North Carolina Central University graduate, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Computer Information Systems.  He is a professional member of the Phi Beta Lambda Business Fraternity, Inc.

Krystee Vernet

Programming Committee

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Mrs. Krystee Vernet, Meredith College alumni, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in HR Management. Krystee’s first HR experience was working as an intern for LC Industries, a non-profit organization, in Durham, NC. Krystee has held other roles in HR, working in small organizations to Global Fortune 500 organizations such as Lenovo. In this position, she received numerous awards and recognition for Candidate Experience, Diversity and Initiative Impact, University hiring & programming, and more. She specializes in Talent Acquisition, Onboarding, Operations, and University Relations. Since 2021, she has worked as an HR Consultant for her own LLC, Chase HR Solutions as well as with consulting agency, Performentor. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with two boys, volunteering weekly for Meals on Wheels, and running her food business, Flaky Delights, that she and her husband co-founded. Her passion for equality, entrepreneurship, and giving back keeps her inspired to positively impact lives.

Gabrielle Rivero

Gabrielle Rivero

Mrs. Rivero is the Founder of Express & Release Therapeutic Dance, a space committed to teaching movement that explores accepting the emotions, expressing them, so that you can release them from the self. She is the creator of the Lenae Release Method, which is the technique utilized to guide students through releasing their emotions through movement. She holds a MA in Theology with a concentration in the Biblical Languages from Fuller Theological Seminary, where she researched the rejection of dance in the Euro-American church to better understand how we can better accept and embrace our bodies in our American culture. She holds a BA in Recreation and Event Management with a double minor in dance and non-profit organizational leadership. She is the 2015 Dance Scholarship recipient from Athletic Garage Dance Center in Pasadena, CA. She is a professional dancer for 2911 Contemporary Dance Company, and you can find her performing on stage throughout the NC area. She is originally from Palm Coast, FL but was drawn to the NC beaches and mountains in 2018. She resides in Durham with her spouse, Andre, her two boys Mateo and Silas, and her two doodles. Outside of work you can catch her throughout the Triangle taking dance classes and perfecting her craft.

CJ Broderick

President/CEO

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Mr. Broderick currently serves as the President/CEO of the GDBCC.  CJ has a passion for rebuilding the Black business ecosystem and has been a part of the GDBCC since 2010.  He has previously served as the GDBCC Board Chairman and worked on all committees of the organization.  Outside of the GDBCC, CJ has also held leadership roles in several other nonprofits including Treasurer of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People and President/Board Chairman of the Durham Jaycees.  In the for-profit sector, CJ and his amazing wife Alexa Broderick lead several entrepreneurial ventures, including ABC Strategy & Consulting, The Equity Paradigm, and Precision Hospitality Group.  He moved to Durham to attend Duke University and is a graduate of Duke’s Mechanical Engineering program.

Ruby Wesley

Chief of Staff

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Ms. Wesley graduated from Rutgers University in NJ where she majored in Economics. She started her career in financial reporting and later went on to launch an award-winning dessert business. Her entrepreneurship journey garnered several accolades and years of business experience. She enjoys supporting fellow business owners through mentorship and thought partnership. In addition to her role at the GDBCC, Ruby is a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual providing Advisory, Brokerage and Comprehensive Financial Planning services for professionals and business owners.

VP of Marketing

Narkie Nartey

VP of Marketing

Narkie2023

Narkie Nartey, the VP of Marketing of the GDBCC also serves as the Founder/CEO of The Wakaboomee Program – a STEAM & Wellness 501(c)3 Non-Profit, President of RTP Rotary Club, Member of the Town of Morrisville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee, and Mentor for GTI/SKEEMA Mentorship Program at NCSU. Narkie has a fiery passion for helping others, connecting community Leaders, managing various social media platforms and working strategically to create real change in local communities. Narkie is honored to work with the GDBCC in recognizing and supporting our members and building up the Black business ecosystem.