PEOPLE

Jet, Feb 26, 2001

Gordon J. Davis, a 17-year board member of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York, became the first Black president of the renowned arts center. Davis, founding chair of Jazz at Lincoln Center, will lead the institution in a major redevelopment project. Lincoln Center presents more than 350 performances yearly, including the Emmy Award-winning telecast "Live From Lincoln Center."

Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., executive vice president of operations & development for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), was promoted to general manager/CEO. Ford is the first Black to head the transit agency in its 36-year history. As GM/CEO of the seventh-largest transit system in North America, Ford will manage an operating budget of $331 million and direct a staff of more than 4,800.

Ernest M. Littles, a senior manager for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was appointed chief executive officer of Dance Theatre of Harlem in New York. As CEO Littles will oversee administrative and managerial aspects of the acclaimed dance company and manage a budget of $8 million. Dance Theatre of Harlem was founded in 1969 to enrich the lives of youth and adults through dance.

Melodie Mayberry-Stewart, chair and CEO of Black Diamond Capital Group, LLC in Nashville, TN, was named chairperson of the National Board of Directors for the Chicago-based National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA). As chair of the 30-year-old organization, Mayberry-Stewart will address affirmative action, the digital divide and other issues confronting the NBMBAA's more than 80,000 business professionals.

Lamell J. McMorris, who counseled young entrepreneurs through his firm, LJM Enterprises, LLC, was appointed executive director and chief operating officer of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) by its president, Martin Luther King III. Founded in 1957 by civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Atlanta-based SCLC promotes human rights in the U.S. and abroad.