Quarterly USBC Policy & Advocacy Briefing - Q4 2024

As the President and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), Ron Busby Sr. stands as a paragon of leadership and dedication to the progress of Black business and community advancement. His career, characterized by significant achievements as both a successful entrepreneur and an active community leader, reflects his deep commitment to these causes.

Ron’s journey in entrepreneurship is highlighted by his tremendous success with USA Superclean, transforming it from a modest beginning with $150,000 in annual revenue

to a robust $15 million in just ten years. This success not only demonstrates his exceptional business skills but also his capacity to generate significant economic impact. His leadership roles, including as Chairman of the Board and President of the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce, further exemplify his commitment to uplifting and empowering Black businesses.

During his tenure of over 14 years leading USBC, Ron has guided the organization to become an influential global network of independent Black Chambers and business associations. He has played a crucial role in building strategic partnerships, delivering a range of services, and offering vital resources to Black businesses around the world.

Ron’s influence and contributions reach far beyond USBC. He holds positions on numerous esteemed boards such as the MBDA Business Advisory Board, Bowie State Board, Alabama A&M Sports Council Board, Bayou Classic Board, Pfizer Small Business Council, National Newspapers Publishers Association Foundation Board of Directors, and the White House African American Leadership Council. His previous involvement with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Council on Underserved Communities also highlights his dedication to promoting economic empowerment.

Recognized as one of the nation’s foremost CEOs, Ron has rightly earned the title of the “Global Voice of Black Businesses.” Under his stewardship, USBC has expanded to represent over 300,000 Black-owned businesses and 162 Black Chambers across Africa, Canada, Colombia, and Puerto Rico.

A respected thought leader, Ron has been featured in various high-profile media outlets including Forbes, Inc., PBS, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and on networks like CBSN, CNN, MSNBC, among others. His expert opinions on Black entrepreneurship, economic development, and mergers & acquisitions are greatly esteemed.

Ron’s acumen extends beyond business development to advising elected officials and U.S. Presidents on Black business and economic development matters.

A proud graduate of Florida A&M and holder of an MBA from Clark Atlanta University, Ron’s educational background underpins his deep understanding of the economic dynamics within the Black community.

Dubbed “America’s Black CEO,” Ron Busby Sr. remains a source of inspiration and a pivotal figure in championing Black business growth and community empowerment. His leadership at USBC and extensive contributions to various platforms exemplify his steadfast commitment to economic advancement and social equity.

Busby is a devoted father and avid golfer who cherishes his leisure time on the greens. He maintains a deep-seated passion for supporting HBCUs and organizations that are at the forefront of driving economic progress within the Black community

Ms. Joseph has a proven record of accomplishment in leadership, strategic planning, grant writing, marketing communications and program design strategies and implementation. With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge in financial products including those providing access to capital, supply chain management, diversity initiatives, multicultural marketing, and management. She has leveraged her expertise to help for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations achieve their goals and objectives to scale for growth, stability, and wealth, creating initiativesthat connect and leveragegovernment contracting opportunities, certification, operations management, financing, and communications.

She currently serves as the Director of Programs for the US Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), leading with counsel, guidance, andmanagement expertise indesigning and implementing programs for Black and minority businesses to help them scale and grow. Her work has enabled USBC to serve thousands of Black businesses with digital/virtual programs and support Black chambers in the past two years. Ms. Joseph launched specialized programs like the USBC credit card, emerging loan/grant programs and financial education programs. She manages key relationships with corporate partners like American Express, Google, Facebook, JP Morgan Chase, Truist, Wells Fargo and government agencies including the US Small Business Administration (SBA), Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Businesses (OSDBU) divisions in federal government agencies.

Ms. Joseph is a graduate of Fordham University with a B.S. degree in Psychology and received her M.S. degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and has served on nonprofit boards. She is married and has three children.

J.K. Phenix is dedicated to creating pathways for success within underserved communities through his expert work in public policy and the non-profit sector. An alumnus of Georgetown University, he distinguished himself as a Bryce Harlow Fellow while earning his Master of Public Policy and further honed his skills with a certificate in political campaign management from the University of Richmond.

In his pivotal role as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Black Chambers, J.K. champions the growth of over 3.2 million Black-owned businesses nationwide, steering the organization toward fostering inclusive economic policies and services. His leadership extends to guiding the organization's strategic initiatives and daily operations, aligning them with its core objectives. Among his significant contributions are spearheading collaborative efforts with the U.S. Small Business Administration and other key federal entities, initiating a nationwide program to provide Black entrepreneurs with mentorship and resources, and nurturing essential partnerships across the public and private sectors.

J.K. is recognized for his ability to drive meaningful change and produce tangible outcomes in entrepreneurship, workforce development, and housing affordability. His analytical prowess, coupled with his compelling communication abilities, underpins a comprehensive grasp of policy dynamics and the unique circumstances facing marginalized groups. His approach is characterized by an unyielding zest for knowledge, partnership, and innovation.

Mervyn Jones is a veteran lobbyist with over 15 years of experience who builds lasting relationship between clients and policymakers, develops and executes lobbying campaigns, and provides strategic Washington advice to trade associations and corporate executives.

Jamiyl brings a wealth of experience in government relations and legislative assistance to the Prism Group. Prior to joining our team, he spent two years at Mercury Public Affairs in Washington D.C., where he played a crucial role in government relations.

Nigel Stephens has experience in legislation and public policy, government relations, and public affairs. He has worked in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, on political campaigns, and in the private sector to drive initiatives around innovation and IT modernization, small business and entrepreneurship, minority business development, modernizing government, and economic development.

Nigel supports businesses of various sizes develop and implement integrated and comprehensive government affairs program including setting strategic direction, brand awareness, market shaping, public policy and advocacy. He serves as liaison between members of Congress, State and Local governments, service and technology industry, regulators and other policy makers.

In addition to his role leading Phoenix Strategies, Nigel serves on the GSA Acquisition Policy Federal Advisory Council (GAPFAC) and the GitLab State, Local & Education (SLED) Advisory Council. Leveraging his political strategy and advocacy experience in his community, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Washington Government Relations Group (WGRG), Anacostia Watershed Society, Boule1904 PAC, and the Krimson PAC.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Towson University, a master’s degree in Political Management from The George Washington University, an Executive Certificate in Financial Management from Georgetown University, and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC).

Gregory Willis is an experienced and accomplished governmental affairs consultant with over two decades of experience in the US Senate, the US House of Representatives, and in the private sector as a government affairs specialist and business consultant. He has over 20 years of experience in Federal procurement, tax, telecommunications, business development, and cybersecurity policy.

Greg began his public service career in Washington as Speech Writer and Counsel to Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and then became General Counsel and procurement policy advisor to both Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) and Chairwoman Mary Landrieu (D-LA) on the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. He returned to service as the Legislative Director for Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL).

In the private sector, he served as Counsel and as Vice President for Business Policy for the US Telecom Association and later he helped launch Bridgestage Capital, a full-service business development, investment, and venture brokerage firm. Greg is an alumnus of Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and holds a Juris Doctorate from Georgia State University College of Law.

Phillip joined U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. with over 20 years of experience in Supply Chain Governance, Finance, Audit & Internal Controls in both the Energy and Aerospace & Defense industries. In addition, Phillip has passionately served the community for more than 5 years connecting Black-Owned Businesses and consumers across the United States through his work with the Black Business Focus Group and demonstrating his commitment to transforming impoverished communities through economic empowerment. Phillip is a member of the Houston Chapter of the National Black MBA Association and a member of the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce.

Phillip currently serves as Program Manager with the United States Black Chambers, Inc where he is responsible for the coordination and administration of all aspects of ongoing programs, maintaining relationships with various stakeholders, and implementing strategies to better engage with Local Chamber partners and their member businesses. Phillip studied Accounting and Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University and earned an MBA from the University of St. Thomas and holds multiple professional certifications. Phillip and his lovely wife Shebia have four children.