ISELIN, N.J. — R. Stanley Prater, Chairman, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announced that Gary Mann, CEO, Jasfel Analytics, and Tammeisha Smith, CEO, Dunbar Center will serve as Chairman of the Board and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, respectively, effective Jan. 1, 2024.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the Chamber’s Chairman over the last four years, and I am confident that newly elected Chairman; Gary Mann and Vice Chair; Tammeisha Smith are well positioned and the right choices to lead the Chamber into the future,” said, R. Stanley Prater.
“I am truly honored and humbled to step into the role of Chairman of the Board. Stan has been an exemplary steward and leader, and I extend my sincere gratitude to him”, said Gary Mann, CEO, Jasfel Analytics. “As I assume this responsibility, I am mindful of the extraordinary work of John Harmon, Founder and CEO. Standing on the shoulders of both Stan and John, I am committed to building on their incredible legacy.
Together, with the continued guidance of John, we will further advance and expand revenue generating opportunities and strategic relationships for African American businesses in New Jersey and beyond.”
“As we look ahead, I am inspired by the collective strength and diversity of talent within our membership. I firmly believe that our success is interlinked with the success of every member, said Tammeisha Smith, CEO, Dunbar Center. “Therefore, I encourage active participation, constructive feedback, and a shared commitment to our common goals. Together, we will chart a course that not only sustains our present momentum but also paves the way for a brighter, more prosperous future.”
“It certainly doesn’t seem like it has been four years, but it has been an absolute honour and pleasure to serve as the Vice Chairman of the Board of the African American Chamber of Commerce”, said Robert Warrington, Esq. “It has been immensely satisfying to be a part of an organization that takes pride in highlighting daily how Black excellence in the business community continues to benefit New Jersey’s economy. I am confident that Gary Mann and Tammeshia Smith will continue to uphold that standard in the years to come as the organization continues to advocate for inclusion of its constituents in New Jersey’s economy.”
“We are grateful to former Chairman Stan Prater for his leadership to excellence, growth and sustainability over his tenure, he definitely made an impact on our organization”, said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President, & CEO, AACCNJ.
“And to our incoming Chairman, Gary Mann and the other officers that will join him, there remains a tremendous amount of work to be done and each of you possess the commitment and unique skills necessary to get the job done with excellence.
I look forward to working with each of you to design strategies that will derive value for our members and those that invest in the mission of AACCNJ while concurrently contributing to the competitiveness of New Jersey.”
The official Changing of the Guard ceremony/reception will take place on January 18th from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the APA Hotel in Iselin, NJ. Members only, may register at www.aaccnj.com.