Keiana Barrett Takes the Helm at the Business Leadership Council

Keiana Barrett (Photo Provided).

The Business Leadership Council (BLC), the Chicago area’s premier organization of black corporate leaders and entrepreneurs, proudly announces the appointment of Keiana Barrett as its new Chief Executive Officer.

For 15  years, the BLC has been active in Chicago’s government, civic and political arenas, representing its members who are among the region’s most prominent and successful minority-owned businesses. Its leadership has been a resource for government leaders at the city, state and county levels, providing guidance on civic boards and commissions and advocacy on issues important to the quality of life for Chicago’s African American community.

Barrett, a longtime BLC member, brings tremendous enthusiasm and a well-crafted skill set to this role. She has served as National Press Secretary for Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition;  Director of Communication for the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, DC.;  Director for Development & External Affairs for DuSable Museum of African American History;  Chief Diversity Officer at Sterling Bay, and, most recently, as Senior Advisor to the 2024 Democratic National Convention – Host Committee.

“I have seen firsthand the power of Black enterprise, and I am committed to advancing the catalytic vision of our founders, said Barrett. “The BLC is uniquely positioned to drive measurable impact, ensuring that inclusion is not just a principle, but a practice that enhances bottom lines and cultivates the next generation of business titans.”  

The Chicago- based organization was co-founded in 2010 by former ComEd President Frank Clark and Loop Capital CEO James Reynolds with a goal of growing the scale and capacity of African American businesses, advancing the careers of corporate professionals, and developing the next generation of leaders.  

“The BLC is a tremendous resource for mentoring younger business professionals and entrepreneurs,” said Executive Board Chairman Charles Smith.   The BLC is a 100% member-funded organization representing senior leaders from more than a hundred companies including 65 CEOs of African American businesses and senior executives from many of Chicago’s major corporations.