MBCC’s New President & CEO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 2026

Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce Announces New President & Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair, Marking a New Chapter of Leadership

St. Paul, Minnesota — As the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) enters 2026 at a pivotal moment for Black-owned businesses, the organization announced two key leadership appointments that together position the Chamber for its next chapter of growth, stability, and statewide impact. The appointments reflect a deliberate approach to strengthening both executive leadership and governance in service of entrepreneurs and business owners across Minnesota.

The Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce has appointed Yolanda Pierson, DBA, MBA, as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Drinal Foster, SHRM-CP, PHR, as Board Chair. Pierson officially assumed her role on January 2, 2026. Together, this leadership transition signals a new chapter as the Chamber reimagines its role in advancing Black-owned businesses, strengthening economic mobility, and delivering measurable impact across the state.

Yolanda Pierson brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience spanning corporate strategy, procurement and supplier inclusion, responsible sourcing, community-centered economic development, and entrepreneurship. A business owner herself, Pierson is recognized for building systems that connect businesses to opportunity, capital, and long-term sustainability. As President and CEO, she will lead the Chamber’s strategic direction, deepen partnerships, expand member value, and reinforce MBCC’s role as a trusted connector across business, capital, and community ecosystems. Pierson holds both a doctorate and a master’s degree in business administration and is an alum of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.

“The Minnesota Black Chamber stands at an important moment,” said MBCC President and CEO Yolanda Pierson. “This is an opportunity to build with intention, strengthen access to opportunity, and ensure Black-owned businesses across Minnesota have the tools, advocacy, and partnerships needed to thrive.”

The Chamber is governed by a Board of Directors led by Drinal Foster, a veteran financial services executive and longtime Chamber leader. Foster has served on the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce Board since 2019, including leadership of the Chamber’s programming and events portfolio and service as treasurer. As Board Chair, she will guide the Board’s strategic oversight, support organizational sustainability, and help advance MBCC’s mission through strong corporate and civic partnerships.

“Yolanda brings a powerful combination of enthusiasm, experience, and vision to this moment coupled with a proven track record of creating lasting impact,” said MBCC Board Chair Drinal Foster. “Her leadership will be instrumental as we chart a clear and ambitious course, expanding opportunity for entrepreneurs and business owners across Minnesota and driving sustainable, long-term economic success for our community.”

For members, corporate partners, and stakeholders, these leadership appointments signal a continued commitment to delivering meaningful value across the Chamber’s ecosystem. Audiences can expect strengthened partnerships, relevant programming, expanded access to opportunity, and thoughtful advocacy that supports business growth and sustainability.

For business owners and entrepreneurs, this transition reinforces the Chamber’s focus on practical, results-driven support, including access to capital, strategic connections, and programs designed to help businesses grow, scale, and thrive in today’s economic environment.

Media Contact:

Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce

info@minnesotablackchamber.org

(651) 224-4320

About the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce

The Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce supports and advocates Black-owned businesses across Minnesota through education, access to capital, strategic partnerships, and economic development initiatives that foster sustainable growth and long-term impact.