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October 28, 2025

Interim CEO Cravins helping NMSDC navigate new economy

By Monica Stavish Skaggs

Helping minority businesses achieve economic empowerment in a shifting global market is a major goal of Don Cravins Jr., as he takes the helm of National Minority Supplier Development Council Inc. (NMSDC).

Recently, he was named interim president and CEO of NMSDC, succeeding Ying McGuire, who held the post for four years. Most recently, Cravins served as the head of government affairs and outreach at Williams Companies Inc. Before that, from 2022 to 2024, he was the first-ever undersecretary of minority business development at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). From 2021 to 2022, Cravins was executive vice president and chief operating officer of the National Urban League. He also served as a member of the Louisiana State Legislature from 2004 to 2009.

“Leading NMSDC — a national organization with more than 50 years of impact in growing and supporting minority business enterprises — felt like a natural next step,” said Cravins, who is also an attorney. “Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to advancing economic empowerment for minority communities.

“In my role as undersecretary at MBDA, I saw firsthand the systemic challenges MBEs minority business enterprises] face. NMSDC provides a unique opportunity to address those challenges by bringing together a powerful coalition of corporate partners, regional affiliates and MBEs,” he said. “For me, it’s about building on that momentum and driving impact at a larger scale.”

Kala Gibson, chair of the NMSDC board, cited Cravins’ experience in economic empowerment and his lifelong commitment to advancing minority business enterprises.

“At this pivotal moment in NMSDC’s journey, Don brings the steady leadership, deep policy expertise and unwavering commitment to minority business enterprises that we need,” he said. “His proven track record in public service and economic empowerment makes him the ideal leader to guide us forward with both clarity and conviction.”

As interim leader, Cravins is eager to encourage stability, continuity and a seamless transition within the organization — while advancing economic opportunities for minority business owners.

“We need our corporate partners to stand with us. One way to counter unemployment in this country is to hire MBEs,” he said. “And we need our MBEs to stand with us as well. There would be no NMSDC without MBEs. You are living out your ancestors’ wildest dreams.”

As for taking on the role of president and CEO permanently, Cravins said he is open to the opportunity.

“It is an honor to serve as the interim president and CEO of NMSDC,” he said. “My immediate priority is to lead the organization with integrity and impact during this transition period. That said, I have a deep commitment to NMSDC’s mission and future, and I would welcome the opportunity to continue serving as its permanent president and CEO should the board determine that is in the best interest of the organization.”

Founded in 1972, NMSDC has grown to 23 regional affiliates. The organization supports 15,000 certified MBEs and fosters connections between its network of 1,700 corporate partners, government agencies and other enterprises. The goals are to drive innovation, accelerate business growth and enhance industrial supply chains.

Navigating our new economy

One of Cravins’ priorities is the NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange in Miami, Florida, Nov. 2-5. This year’s theme, Navigating Our New Economy, will spotlight market headwinds and shifting global policies. The event will provide MBEs, corporate members, policymakers and other partners with an opportunity to discuss shared priorities and identify new issues in a changing economy.

“I hope attendees will leave inspired, informed and connected,” he said. “The conference theme reflects the urgency of this moment. We want attendees to gain actionable insights, forge meaningful partnerships and recommit to building an inclusive economy where MBEs are not just participants, but leaders.”

Pride, resilience and hope

Raised in Louisiana, Cravins watched his parents work hard to maintain their small business. He saw how economic opportunity can transform lives and has dedicated his career to making that opportunity accessible to others.

“It wasn’t a Fortune 500 company. It wasn’t backed by venture capital or sitting on piles of cash,” he said. “It was a family business that started with a dream and a determination to serve the community. I saw firsthand the sacrifices it took — long nights at the kitchen table, working through stacks of paperwork, worrying about payroll and wondering if customers would come through the door the next day.

“But I also saw the pride, resilience and hope that business created. It put food on our table. It gave us dignity,” Cravins said. “And it gave my parents the ability to contribute to our community in ways that went far beyond just selling something.”

He said his background profoundly influenced his career in public service, corporate America and nonprofits.

Balancing national consistency with local flexibility

Another focus at NMSDC is overseeing the finalized Affiliate Master Services Agreement, which all 23 regional affiliates have fully executed. The agreement — which took nearly two years to complete — defines the roles, responsibilities and shared mission between NMSDC and its affiliates.

“It ensures alignment on certification standards, data sharing, branding and governance — while preserving affiliate autonomy,” Cravins said. “The process took time because it required thoughtful negotiation, legal review and compromise to balance national consistency with local flexibility.”

The greatest challenge to completing the agreement centered around trust and governance, he said.

“After 18 months of thoughtful negotiation, we were able to reach a consensus built on mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose,” Cravins said. “I’m confident this agreement establishes a strong foundation for a more unified network, and I look forward to working closely with my colleagues at the affiliate level to ensure our collective success.”

Another program — March to $1 Trillion, launched in 2022 during NMSDC’s 50th anniversary — remains an ambitious objective. The goal is to reach $1 trillion in NMSDC-certified minority business annual revenue, but the mission is broader.

“The trillion-dollar milestone is a powerful rallying point, but the ultimate objective is creating lasting generational wealth and opportunity for the communities we serve,” Cravins said.

Though MBEs are navigating a complex landscape with shifting federal guidelines, reduced government support and limited access to capital, he remains optimistic.

“Significant opportunities are emerging — from advancements in technology to expanding global markets to a growing recognition of the strategic value that these businesses bring,” Cravins said. “The key challenge is managing uncertainty, while remaining agile and resilient.”

To learn more about NMSDC, visit nmsdc.org.