know us better

Our Story

Our History

About The African American Chamber

The African American Chamber was founded in 1996 by a group of African American business owners and consumers seeking to improve the economic status of African Americans and the African American community. The vision was to form an organization, which would advocate on behalf of emerging and established businesses, help to create new market opportunities, provide access to capital, and revitalize African American communities.

25+

Years Active

25K+

Global Members

Our Vision

The #1 Chamber in the United States, advocating for African American businesses in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region!

Our Mission

Establish, cultivate, and strengthen consumer and business relationships; provide access to major corporate and government markets for our members to help increase business opportunities; aid in the professional development of our members; and assist in developing strategic partnerships and alliances for the purpose of strengthening and growing the African American business community.

POSITIVELY IMPACTING the community

Our Core Values

Wealth Creation

Opportunity Focused

Entrepreneurship

Data Driven Decisions

Free Enterprise

Capitalism

Keep Promises

Freedom Work

Celebrate Successes

Positive Attitude

staff

The AACC Staff

Eric H. Kearney

He/Him

President/CEO

Briston Mitchell

She/Her

Director of Transformative Initiatives and Relationships

Jill McCauley

She/Her

Technical Assistance & Outreach, Business Counselor

Annette Smith Tarver, CPM

She/Her

Technical Assistance & Outreach, Business Counselor

Gregory Parker, MBA, BSEE

He/Him

Directory of Membership Services

Deborah Davis

She/Her

Minority Business Assistance Center Director

James Pullins

He/They

Pivot, MBAC Programs Coordinator & Content Creator

Marlene Fout

She/Her

MBAC Business Counselor

Current Board of Directors

Our dedicated and talented Board of Directors come with a wealth of business and professional knowledge, including resources, to advance our Chamber’s mission and assist our members to succeed.

Shannon D. Lawson

CHAIR

Erica White Johnson

Transaction Tax Manager | CBTS
VICE CHAIR

Royce A. Sutton

Senior Vice President | Ohio CED Market Manager, Fifth Third Bank
TREASURER

Apryl M. Pope

Financial Advisor | Pope Financial Planning, LLC
SECRETARY

Darrick Dansby

2023 Board Member

Garri Davis

2023 Board Member

Jason Dunn

Executive Director | NCBMP
CHAIR EMERITUS

Charles Gerhardt, Ill, Esq.

President I Government Strategies Group, LLC

Marcus E. Margerum

2023 Board Member​

Cedric Newberry

2023 Board Member

Morgan Owens

2023 Board Member

Erica Parker

2022 Board Member

Marcus L. Thompson

2023 Board Member

Max Williams

2023 Board Member

Eric H Kearney

2023 Board Member

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