Momentum continues to build around Black entrepreneurship in Michigan, and the Michigan Black Business Alliance is adding new leadership to meet that moment. The Alliance has appointed Vincent Pierson as its Chief Operating Officer, an intentional move meant to deepen the organization’s reach and strengthen the economic infrastructure Black business owners rely on across the state.
MBBA now represents more than 2,300 members, a network of entrepreneurs who turn to the Alliance for access to capital, statewide visibility, and policy advocacy. The organization has helped connect its members to over $13 million in funding through its programs, shaping a support system that fills gaps left by traditional financial and business development institutions. The investment in a new COO reflects a commitment to expanding that work at a time when many Black businesses are still navigating long-standing structural barriers.
Pierson enters the role with more than 15 years of leadership experience across sports, social impact, and organizational strategy. His background includes directing DEI efforts at Minor League Baseball, where he launched the league’s first national diversity, equity, and inclusion platform. He also leads the Black Sports Business Academy, a national initiative that links HBCU students to career pathways across the sports and entertainment fields. His work has consistently centered on widening access and reshaping leadership opportunities for communities that have historically been left out.
MBBA President and CEO Charity Dean said Pierson’s leadership brings a needed combination of credibility, experience, and community-driven purpose.
“Vincent brings a proven record of transformative leadership, innovation, and community impact,” Dean said. “His ability to connect purpose with performance aligns perfectly with MBBA’s vision of connecting and transforming the ecosystem, disrupting the status quo and building strong Black businesses across Michigan.”
As COO, Pierson will lead statewide operations, deepen member engagement, and guide the rollout of MBBA strategies designed to expand access to resources across Michigan’s urban, suburban, and rural communities. His role comes at a time when Black entrepreneurs continue raising concerns about capital access, procurement inequities, and limited entry points into major economic development initiatives. MBBA has become one of the state’s strongest voices in pushing those issues forward.
Pierson said he steps into the role with a clear understanding of the responsibility it carries.
“I’m excited to join the Michigan Black Business Alliance and continue the transformational work of connecting our members to real opportunities while removing barriers to access and success for Black entrepreneurs across Michigan,” he said.
His message focused on collective strength, adding, “Throughout my career, I’ve focused on leveraging the power of community to advance access, equity, and opportunity. I’m grateful for the chance to help build a more prosperous future and deliver tangible results for Black businesses across our state.”
His appointment comes as MBBA expands key initiatives that support business growth, including programs that strengthen access to capital, increase visibility in statewide markets, and reinforce policy advocacy around more inclusive economic systems. Entrepreneurs are continuing to navigate disparities in lending, limited access to government contracts, and uneven recovery from the pandemic’s economic fallout. MBBA has responded by building programs rooted in community voice and real-time needs.
Pierson’s background in pipeline development, national partnership building, and organizational strategy positions him to guide the Alliance through a period of growth. His experience creating frameworks that connect mission to impact aligns with the organization’s push to build long-term economic stability for Black business owners.
The appointment signals that MBBA is preparing for an expanded statewide footprint — one that centers Black economic mobility, demands accountability from public and private institutions, and continues to build the conditions that allow Black-owned businesses to thrive.
With Pierson stepping into this leadership role, the Alliance is reinforcing its message that Michigan’s economic future must include intentional support for Black entrepreneurs at every stage of business development.
