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Getting to Know the New NBMBAA CEO & President Joe Handy
By Tawanah Reeves-Ligon
A
s the new president and CEO of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) , Joe Handy is an accomplished and multidisciplinary business and operations executive with an impeccable track record, strong business acumen, vision, and an entre- preneurial mindset. In 2005, Handy joined the Georgia Aquariums founding team as Director of Visitor Services and went on to serve as the Aquariums President and Chief Operating Officer in 2017. He brings a strong history of leadership to his new role, along with more than 20 years of experience in cultural institutions. The Black EOE Journal had the pleasure of sitting down with Handy to ask him about his new leadership role and why the NBMBAA is an important organization to be a part of: Black EOE Journal: Tell us more about your background and how you became the newly appointed president and CEO of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA). What aspect from experience do you think makes you a unique choice for this position? Joe Handy: As the newly appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), I was selected by the Board of Directors to leverage my multidisciplinary busi- ness and operations experience that includes a long-standing track record, strong business acumen, vision, and an entrepreneurial mind- set. Prior to joining NBMBAA, I served as the Georgia Aquariums President and Chief Operating Officer leading with over 20 years of experience in cultural institutions. It is for these reasons that I was the selected to lead as the President and CEO for NBMBAA and I am humbled to do the work. BEOEJ: As the new NBMBAA President, you are inheriting a 51-year-old institution with strong programming as well as many accolades and achievements to its name. What are the most important aspects of the organization that you want to continue to hold onto, and what are you most excited to see shiftin a new direction going forward? Handy: We lead in the creation of edu- cational, wealth building and growth oppor- tunities for black students, professionals and entrepreneurs and excitedly our upcoming live conference will take place in our hometown - where we were first organized in 1971 and will include more amazing job opportunities and specially-crafted content for our 20,000 members. In April this year, we celebrated our 51st anniversary and after last year's all-virtual Conference, we are embarking on one of the most impressive live and digital conferences ever. The horizon looks bright, and our young prospective members are among the sharpest business minds in the country, and any orga- nization that invests in their success is sure to see an impressive return. We ensure their pre- paredness by developing programming and corporate alliances that create intellectual and economic wealth in the Black community. For new member information and where to upload your resume for open positions offered by our corporate sponsors during our '21 conference, log on to our website to learn more: nbmbaa. org/conference-std. BEOEJ: The NBMBAA is an organization that exists to help professionals and students on their career journey. How can the upcoming National Black MBA 2021 Hybrid Conference be a benefit to NBMBAA members and partners? What can they expect to get from their attendance? Handy: This year at our 43rd Annual Conference and Career Expo we will continue to deliver on networking, education, and career opportunities, we expect to over-deliver on our conference strategy to Renew, Refresh and Reset. As we ready ourselves globally to return to work & play, our audiences are eager to reinvigorate their career, refresh their business acumen and reset their readiness to enter and successfully excel in the work force with respect to opportunities that have typi- cally underserved the Black community. We have a proven track record, and our event is well known for assisting job seekers and those desiring to make lasting connections, so we encourage and invite your readers to join us in Chicago this September 14-18 for a host of dynamic speakers, innovative programming, and real job opportunities! By taking advantage of our limited time special pricing options, con- ference-goers will take a real step toward career and business advancement. BEOEJ: When speaking to someone who is new to the NBMBAA and its resources, what is your elevator pitch for why they should learn more and join? Handy: NBMBAA is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) member-based professional organization which leads in the creation of educational, wealth building and growth opportunities. Representing more than 20,000 members, 40 professional and 33 Leaders of Tomorrow chapters, and over 500 corporate, academic, and non-profit partners, the Association is dedi- cated to developing alliances that create intel- lectual and economic wealth in the Black com- munity. There is more to National Black MBA Association as we have evolved into an organi- zation that strategically focuses on delivering every day on our five channels of engagement: career, education, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle. Join today by visiting our website at: nbmbaa.org/joinnbmbaa.
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