Gary Mann, CEO of Jasfel Analytics, has been selected as the new chairman of the board of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, the group announced Thursday.
Tammeisha Smith, CEO of Dunbar Center, will serve as vice chair.
Both appointments are effective Jan. 1, 2024. They will work with AACCNJ founder and CEO John Harmon.
Mann said he was humbled and honored to accept the post.
“As I assume this responsibility, I am mindful of the extraordinary work of John Harmon, founder and CEO,” Mann said. “Standing on the shoulders of both (Chairman Stanley Prater) and John, I am committed to building on their incredible legacy.
“Together, with the continued guidance of John, we will further advance and expand revenue-generating opportunities and strategic relationships for African American businesses in New Jersey and beyond.”
Smith said she’s eager to get going.
“As we look ahead, I am inspired by the collective strength and diversity of talent within our membership,” she said. “I firmly believe that our success is interlinked with the success of every member.
“Therefore, I encourage active participation, constructive feedback and a shared commitment to our common goals. Together, we will chart a course that not only sustains our present momentum but also paves the way for a brighter, more prosperous future.”
The outgoing chair, Prater, saluted his successors.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the chamber’s chairman over the last four years, and I am confident that newly elected Chairman Gary Mann and Vice Chair Tammeisha Smith are well-positioned and the right choices to lead the chamber into the future,” he said.
Outgoing Vice Chair Robert Warrington was equally complimentary.
“It certainly doesn’t seem like it has been four years, but it has been an absolute honor and pleasure to serve as the vice chairman of the board of the African American Chamber of Commerce,” he said.
“It has been immensely satisfying to be a part of an organization that takes pride in highlighting daily how Black excellence in the business community continues to benefit New Jersey’s economy. I am confident that Gary Mann and Tammeisha Smith will continue to uphold that standard in the years to come as the organization continues to advocate for inclusion of its constituents in New Jersey’s economy.”
Harmon thanked Prater for his efforts.
“We are grateful to former Chairman Stan Prater for his leadership to excellence, growth and sustainability over his tenure, he definitely made an impact on our organization,” he said. “And, to our incoming chairman, Gary Mann, and the other officers that will join him, there remains a tremendous amount of work to be done, and each of you possess the commitment and unique skills necessary to get the job done with excellence.”
