Certification/Recertification Application
Certification/Recertification Application

EMSDC Team Spotlight: Brian K. Oglesby

Updated December 4, 2023

The Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC) is celebrating 50 years of service and impact, and throughout the remainder of the year, we will be shining a spotlight on the amazing EMSDC team. Today, we begin by introducing you to Brian K. Oglesby, our President and CEO.

Brian K. Oglesby, EMSDC President/CEO

In late summer, 2022, Valarie Cofield stepped down after serving as President and CEO of EMSDC for eight years. Shortly after, Brian K. Oglesby stepped into the position, providing executive leadership and day-to-day management of the organization. Brian’s areas of expertise include MBE business development, corporate relationships, and facilitating collaboration and growth. When asked what he loves most about his role as EMSDC President/CEO, he replied, “Being able to work with a variety of companies, industries, and individuals who care about the growth of MBEs. EMSDC is a place of innovation and purposeful activity. Most importantly, I inherited the best team ever.”

Brian K. Oglesby’s favorite inspirational quote is “Carpe Diem.” According to Encyclopedia Britannica, this famous Latin phrase translates to “seize the day.” Speaking to the mission of EMSDC, to stimulate and support economic development with minority-owned businesses (Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native American) throughout Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware, Carpe Diem seems rather fitting! 

On September 8, 2022, EMSDC hosted a “Breakfast with Brian” event, and spots filled quickly! At this free, public event, guests were invited to choose a 20-minute drop-in meeting time to chat with the new Interim President over coffee at the EMSDC Office in Philadelphia. If you missed out, here are three fun facts about Brian K. Oglesby, in his own words, to help us all get to know him better:

  1. “My son is way smarter than me (and better looking).”
  2. “I’m a sports nut (playing and watching).”
  3. “I possess a vast repository of random and generally useless knowledge (but helpful on trivia nights).”

Be sure to follow Brian K. Oglesby on Twitter (briankoglesby), LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/briankoglesby), and Instagram (@briankoglesby).

“Return On All Relationships” Conference & Matchmaker

In other news… EMSDC’s 2022 ROAR On TOUR was a huge success! Dedicated to connecting diverse suppliers with private, public and government buying institutions, the conference included a networking mixer in Lancaster and a panel discussion in Pittsburgh, as well as 1:1 Virtual Matchmaking events where corporate buyers had the opportunity to meet virtually with diverse entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities. ROAR On TOUR ran from September 7 through 15, 2022. To view photos from our Central PA reception in Lancaster, click here. To view photos from our reception in Pittsburgh, click here. 

 

The Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC), a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, is an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). We certify and connect minority-owned businesses (Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native American) throughout Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware with member corporations that want to purchase their products, services and solutions. Our mission is to stimulate and support the economic development of minority-owned businesses and to better align them with corporations in an effort to initiate growth and opportunity through Supplier Diversity channels.