Harrison L. Blair
Dallas,Texas
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven leader with a proven track record in business advocacy, organizational growth, and community empowerment. Currently serving as the President/CEO of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce (DBCC) – America’s first Black chamber – and committed to fostering the development and welfare of Black-owned businesses in North Texas. Notable achievements include increasing DBCC membership by 1,700%, leading successful international trade missions, and implementing an AI-driven funding initiative that secured $5 million for local small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Known for strategic partnerships, economic advocacy, and impactful program development.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
President/CEO
Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
07.2019 - Current
- America’s first Black chamber, committed to fostering the development and welfare of Black-owned businesses in North Texas
- Led advocacy efforts for over 900 Black-owned businesses in North Texas, fostering partnerships with corporations, government entities, and community organizations to drive economic growth and equity
- Drove a 1,700% increase in membership, expanding from 50 to 900+ members over five years by implementing targeted outreach and community engagement strategies
- Collaborated with Joseph Akintolayo, Founder of Deposits.com, to design and launch an AI-driven funding platform that helped over 300 small businesses secure $5 million in PPP funding during COVID-19
- Administered the President’s Micro Grant, distributing over $171,000 in financial aid to small businesses and nonprofits, focusing on minority-owned entities in underserved areas
- Initiated DBCC’s first international trade mission, collaborating with the U.S. Commerce and State Departments to create partnerships in the energy sector across Ghana, South Africa, and Nigeria, positioning DBCC as a key player in international markets
- Hired and managed employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Increased customer satisfaction through continuous improvement initiatives and excellent customer service.
- Managed crisis situations effectively while minimizing disruption to daily operations.
- Enhanced company performance by implementing strategic plans and overseeing daily operations.
- Prepared annual budget forecasts and monitored performance to meet organizational objectives.
- Drove revenue growth by expanding product offerings and identifying new market opportunities.
- Cultivated strong relationships with external partners to foster collaboration and maximize resources.
- Established a culture of accountability by setting clear expectations and holding individuals responsible for results.
- Monitored financial performance and implemented measures to enforce compliance with budgetary standards.
- Streamlined organizational processes by evaluating current systems and implementing improvements.
- Inspired innovation by creating an environment that encouraged creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
- Established strategic alliances with educational institutions including SMU, UNT Dallas, Paul Quinn, and Dallas College, creating internship opportunities and academic partnerships for workforce development
- America’s first Black chamber, committed to fostering the development and welfare of Black-owned businesses in North Texas
Senior District Manager
BenefitMall
05.2018 - 07.2019
- Surpassed quarterly sales targets by up to 30%, boosting BenefitMall’s market presence in North Texas through relationship-building and targeted client acquisition strategies
- Conducted market analysis and developed tailored sales presentations, increasing client base by identifying and addressing regional business needs
- Enhanced client satisfaction and retention by implementing a customized follow-up program, achieving a 15% improvement in repeat business within a year
- Achieved sales targets consistently through effective market analysis and tailored sales strategies.
- Implemented innovative marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness and drive sales growth within the region.
- Launched new product lines successfully by leading comprehensive training initiatives for team members across the district.
- Expanded market share within the territory through targeted outreach efforts and strategic partnerships.
- Boosted team performance by implementing strategic management and coaching techniques.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by fostering strong relationships with key clients and addressing concerns proactively.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize operations, streamline processes, and enhance overall business performance.
- Oversaw successful implementation of company-wide initiatives at the regional level by ensuring thorough communication between headquarters'' senior staffs.
- Addressed employee conflicts effectively, promoting a positive work culture that fostered collaboration and teamwork among staff members.
District Manager Client Specialist
Automatic Data Processing (ADP)
09.2016 - 05.2018
- Delivered 20% year-over-year revenue growth by executing strategic sales initiatives, including client workshops and solution-based selling, to build stronger customer relationships
- Spearheaded networking events and developed partnerships with regional business leaders, driving brand awareness and establishing ADP as a go-to resource for payroll solutions
- Enhanced client engagement by introducing tailored client management tools, leading to a 10% increase in client retention rates across North Texas
- Supervised various locations, enforcing high-quality standards of operation.
- Fostered an environment of open communication between management teams across the district to share best practices in operations optimization and problem-solving techniques.
Education
Master of Political Science -
Texas State University
Bachelor of Political Science - Social Sciences
Prairie View A&M University
Executive MBA -
Southern Methodist University, Cox School of Business
05.2025
Skills
- Strategic advocacy
- Community engagement
- Relationship-building
- Board management
- Sales strategies
- Market analysis
- Client acquisition
- Partnership development
- Financial program management
- AI-driven funding platforms
- Grant administration
- International trade missions
- Partnerships with government and academic institutions
- Proficient in CRM tools
- AI applications in funding
- Advanced Microsoft Office Suite
- Integrity and ethics
- Negotiation
- Technology literacy
- Consulting
- Environmental awareness
- Social media proficiency
- International relations
- Budgeting and cost control
- Tactical implementation
- Approachable leader
Honorsawardsspecialprojects
- Humanitarian of the Year Award, Prairie View A&M University, 2013
- Student Body President, Student Government Association, 2012-2013
- Rookie of the Year, Dallas Core Division, 2016
- Study Abroad Programs, Cape Town, South Africa/Dubai, U.A.E. (2013), Barcelona, Spain (2014)
- Campus Allies Mission to Israel, 2013
- Advanced Advocacy to Israel, 2014
- US Trade Mission to Ghana, South Africa, & Nigeria, 2023
Community Service
A lifelong advocate for Dallas, Harrison is committed to his family’s legacy of community service, following in the footsteps of his grandfather Bill Blair and father Jordan Blair. In addition to supporting his wife, a professor and resident artist at Southern Methodist University, Harrison actively engages in initiatives that uplift Black-owned businesses and empower Dallas youth.
Additionalleadershiproles
- North Texas Commission (NTC) - Member
- Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce (TAAACC) - Member
- Dallas Mavericks Advisory Council - Member
- Visit Dallas - Board Member
- Dallas Park & Recreation Board, District 4 - Representative
- Former Mayor's Star Council - Member
Timeline
President/CEO
Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
07.2019 - Current
Senior District Manager
BenefitMall
05.2018 - 07.2019
District Manager Client Specialist
Automatic Data Processing (ADP)
09.2016 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Political Science - Social Sciences
Prairie View A&M University
Executive MBA -
Southern Methodist University, Cox School of Business
Master of Political Science -
Texas State University
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