Three members of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) are moving up in the ranks, receiving promotions within the organization as it looks to expand its outreach to members and corporate partners.
Longtime senior manager of supplier diversity and corporate relations at the NGLCC, Victoria Fulkerson, has been promoted to director of supplier diversity and corporate relations.
"I am thrilled to be leading the supplier diversity and corporate relations team as we expand the reach and impact of the NGLCC's Supplier Diversity Initiative and increase access to opportunities for LGBT-owned businesses with corporate America," Fulkerson said.
In her expanded role, Fulkerson is in charge of managing the NGLCC's relationships with its existing corporate partners and leading the organization's corporate relations team in engaging new ones.
As director of corporate relations, Fulkerson oversees the NGLCC's corporate councils, the Procurement Council and the Corporate Advisory Council. The NGLCC Procurement Council is comprised of supplier diversity and procurement representatives from NGLCC corporate partners that are active in the LGBT Supplier Diversity Initiative, while the Corporate Advisory Council is comprised of NGLCC corporate partners that work with the NGLCC to educate the public about the economic benefits of providing a diverse workplace and to foster mutually beneficial relationships with the LGBT and allied business communities.
Fulkerson is also heading the supplier diversity team as it reaches out to new businesses eligible for certification and guides them through the application process. She is also leading the team in offering new opportunities and resources to already certified LGBT business enterprises.
"In my new capacity, I am excited to continue educating major corporations about the many vibrant, creative, and talented businesses that empower the LGBT community every day through their leadership," Fulkerson said.
Jeremy Fegley, who has been working as an associate of supplier diversity and corporate relations for the NGLCC since January 2009, has been promoted to manager and certification specialist in the supplier diversity and corporate relations department.
Fegley is now responsible for handling the entire certification process for applicants seeking certification as LGBT business enterprises by the NGLCC. Additionally, Fegley acts as the liaison between the NGLCC and its national and regional certification committees.
"I am excited to use this new position as a real launching pad to significantly increase our certified suppliers," Fegley said. "The NGLCC and its Supplier Diversity Initiative do great work for the community, and with my new position I can continue promoting economic opportunities for the LGBT community."
Paul Hengesteg, who was formerly the manager of meetings and programs for the NGLCC, is now manager of meetings and affiliate relations. In his new role, Hengesteg will continue planning and executing the organization's meetings and events, while also working with the director of affiliate relations and chief of staff, Kate Karasmeighan as they continue to identify and support LGBT business communities and affiliate chambers across the country.
"I look forward to finding those synergies to make sure that our affiliate chambers are included and supported, while ensuring our signature events continue to be a vehicle to achieve that synergy," Hengesteg said.
"Victoria, Jeremy and Paul embody the values of NGLCC's commitment to quality customer service and operational excellence," said Justin G. Nelson, NGLCC co-founder and president. "We are so pleased to have all of them in their expanded roles."
For more information about the NGLCC staff, visit the NGLCC staff page.
