By TSD Newsroom

The MMBC Continuum Board of Directors has appointed Jozelle Luster Booker as its

new president.

Booker will officially serve as the president of The MMBC Continuum with Luke Yancy III

remaining as the CEO through late third quarter 2017. Once Yancy retires, Booker will

fully transition into the role of president and CEO.

“Mrs. Booker is going to join our agency effective March 6, which allows time to make

the necessary connections with all or our corporate members, M/WBEs and community

partners,” Yancy said. “She brings a wealth of experience to the table and over the next

several months I will work to ensure that there is smooth and seamless transition of

leadership.” 

Booker has served as Manager of Procurement and Contracts for Memphis Light, Gas

as Water (MLGW) since 2002, and previously served in several other capacities within

the company since 1986. She has been instrumental in the development of MLGW’s

successful Minority/Women (M/WBE), Local Small Business (LSB) and sheltered market

programs. Under her leadership, M/WBEs and LSBs have been awarded $47.8 million

through third quarter of 2016.

No stranger to the MMBC Continuum, Booker has played an instrumental role in

managing the successful relationship with MLGW. Booker has served on advisory

committees and has chaired strategic initiatives for the corporate senior procurement

committee.

“The Board is pleased with our selection,” said board chairman Fred Davis. “Jozelle is

experienced and equipped to do the job. She is well respected in the Memphis

community and is familiar with the economic development landscape. The transition of

leadership will provide an opportunity to become familiar with the organization’s

successful programs and initiatives, providing the necessary foundation to lead the

organization into the future.”

Booker is a graduate of The University of Memphis, Executive MBA program and is a

proud alumna of Jackson State University (Jackson, MS), where she received bachelors

in marketing.

In line with the impact of the organization, The MMBC Continuum will launch its Buy

Local Pilot in January 2017. The strategy, designed to fuel the local economy and

create additional jobs, will initially include six corporations/organizations such as:

Methodist Hospital, MLGW, EDGE, ServiceMaster, Baptist Hospital and one additional

major corporation yet to be named. 

“The organization is fiscally strong and the programs, initiatives and strategies we have

developed are intentionally designed to engage minority and women-owned businesses

to grow, scale and be active participants in an inclusive economy that benefits the entire

community,” Yancy said.

For questions or inquires contact Luke Yancy III at (901) 525-6512.