MBN USA

August 29, 2024

UnFollow View Profile Send Message Copy Link

UnFollow View Profile Send Message Copy Link

Mosby to help launch a comprehensive strategic plan

As a former leader within the exclusive network of affiliate council presidents of the National Minority Supplier Development Council Inc. (NMSDC), Carolyn Mosby is back to doing one of the things she welcomes the most — helping to develop and grow minority-owned business enterprises (MBEs).

Mosby had served for 11 years as president and CEO of NMSDC’s Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council (Mid-States MSDC), which is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and whose footprint includes Central Illinois, Indiana and Eastern Missouri.

She left her post at Mid-States MSDC in 2022 to focus on her consultancy, Cole Brown Strategies, a firm she founded in 1997 to assist entertainment, government and corporate clients and MBEs seeking her expertise in business development, marketing, public relations and communications.

But amid those plans, Mosby got the NMSDC itch again.

Mosby returned full-time in June 2024 to the NMSDC network for a 12-month stint as interim president and CEO of the North Central Minority Supplier Development Council (NCMSDC), which is undergoing a leadership transition with the departure after seven years at the end of last year of Heather Noel Olson. Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, NCMSDC serves a region that includes Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota.

The NMSDC network includes 23 regional affiliates across the country that certify and match more than 17,000 minority-owned businesses with 1,700 corporate members that promote supply chain and business diversity engagement.

In announcing Mosby’s interim appointment, NCMSDC Board Chair Veronica Johnson advised stakeholders that the board formed a committee in April 2024 to lead the search for a permanent leader. She said the board decided to allow Mosby to put some important initiatives in place at the Council, including launching its comprehensive strategic plan, as interim before finalizing its search.

“The NCMSDC board of directors is seeking a president/CEO with the ability to lead the organization’s efforts to advocate for and promote minority business development within the corporate and public procurement sector,” Johnson said.

Finding a strategic leader able to advance NCMSDC’s vision and mission to cultivate a more equitable business environment is key to the position, Johnson said, adding that the leader will need to demonstrate significant initiative and strategic growth achievements while enjoying a visible presence within the national business community.

Strengthening the foundation

Prior to her appointment, Mosby and Cole Brown Strategies had served NCMSDC in a consulting capacity that began in January 2024, affording her the opportunity to look inside the Council before taking the interim role. She also has consulted with other NCMSDC affiliate councils.

Mosby said a key responsibility is to prepare NCMSDC for its new leader.

“A lot of what I am doing is centered around operational policy and procedures while implementing the first part of the strategic plan,” she said. “From a programming perspective, we are making sure the staff has the resources to continue to serve our corporate members and MBEs.”

Through her tenure leading Mid-States MSDC and overall business experience, Mosby said she understands that future success for any organization in transition is strengthening its foundation.

“When you walk into an organization as a new leader you spend a lot of time trying to figure things out,” she said. “This cuts their learning curve by quite a bit. I’ll also be able to help transition (the new president/CEO) into the role.”

In introducing herself to NCMSDC constituents, Mosby said has been in ongoing discussions with stakeholders about future plans, priorities and initiatives.

One of her first engagements was the organization’s July Invitational Scholarship Golf Classic in Minnesota. She also set up virtual “Coffee with Carolyn” sessions to provide further information to stakeholders.  

“It’s really about strengthening the foundation,” Mosby said of her role as interim leader. “A lot of our councils operate with a small crew. You have multiple people who have multiple responsibilities, and a lot of times when people leave you lose that institutional memory, and a lot of the knowledge and know-how may go with the person.”

Johnson said NCMSDC’s board understands that the transition brings challenges but also opportunities for the organization. One key challenge, she said, is maintaining continuity in operations and services during the transition period, thus the board’s decision to bring in an interim leader with executive experience within the NMSDC network in Mosby. 

“Retaining stakeholder trust is important, and the interim leadership and board intend to engage proactively with MBEs, corporate members, and partners through transparent communication about the transition process and the Council’s strategic vision,” Johnson said.

“Preserving the organizational culture and morale is crucial, and this will be achieved by emphasizing core values, involving staff and members in the transition process, and fostering a sense of collective purpose,” she added. “Managing strategic priorities is also essential to ensure ongoing projects and initiatives are not disrupted.”

Johnson said the transition also presents opportunities for the Council to emerge as a stronger organization in its mission to support MBEs.

“Fresh perspectives and innovative approaches can be introduced by the new leader, and the board will encourage this by fostering a culture of continuous improvement,” she said. “Strengthening relationships with existing stakeholders and forging new alliances is another opportunity. The transition period also offers a chance to reassess and sharpen the Council’s strategic focus.”

To learn more about NCMSDC, visit https://www.northcentralmsdc.org/.