We fuel and scale culturally significant, founder-led enterprises through disciplined investment and operational excellence.
Leadership
Arnold “A Lee” Greene is the Chairman and CEO of A Lee Holding Company (ALHC). He also serves as the Co‑Founder of Oak Iroko, a leadership advisory and coaching enterprise dedicated to advancing executives of color.
Before establishing ALHC, Mr. Greene served as Head of Global Strategic Human Resources Initiatives at Northern Trust Corporation, where he led cross‑functional teams supporting over 24,000 employees worldwide. Prior to that role, he was Northern Trust’s Chief Human Resources Officer for North America, overseeing HR strategy for 16,000 associates. Over his 30‑year career, Mr. Greene has held senior HR and training roles with major global brands including McDonald’s, YUM! Brands, Dunkin’ Brands, and Hyatt Hotels, and Extended Stay America.
A proud Cornell University graduate with a B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations, Greene is deeply committed to diversity, inclusion, and human development. He has served as a member of the board of trustees for Talladega College (HBCU), multiple nonprofit boards, and advisory councils. He resides in Chicago with his wife of 29 years and their three children.
Arnold “A Lee” Greene is the Chairman and CEO of A Lee Holding Company (ALHC). He also serves as the Co‑Founder of Oak Iroko, a leadership advisory and coaching enterprise dedicated to advancing executives of color.
Before establishing ALHC, Mr. Greene served as Head of Global Strategic Human Resources Initiatives at Northern Trust Corporation, where he led cross‑functional teams supporting over 24,000 employees worldwide. Prior to that role, he was Northern Trust’s Chief Human Resources Officer for North America, overseeing HR strategy for 16,000 associates. Over his 30‑year career, Mr. Greene has held senior HR and training roles with major global brands including McDonald’s, YUM! Brands, Dunkin’ Brands, and Hyatt Hotels, and Extended Stay America.
A proud Cornell University graduate with a B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations, Greene is deeply committed to diversity, inclusion, and human development. He has served as a member of the board of trustees for Talladega College (HBCU), multiple nonprofit boards, and advisory councils. He resides in Chicago with his wife of 29 years and their three children.
arnold "A lee" Greene
CHairman and CEO
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Jamal Jones is an accomplished business leader with over 25 years of experience spanning sales, marketing, and digital transformation. He currently serves as Head of Services Strategy & Transformation at Dell Technologies, where he leads large-scale initiatives that enhance customer retention, optimize seller experiences, and drive measurable, sustainable growth. Previously, he served as Chief of Staff to the President of Dell’s largest and fastest-growing business, collaborating with senior executives to shape go‑to‑market strategies, align global operations, and accelerate organizational performance. Jamal has also held several sales, transformation, and product strategy roles at Fortune 500 companies, including Dell, AMD, Chevron, and Verizon.
Outside of his corporate leadership, Jones is the co‑creator and co‑host of Getting Back Up: Finding Life After Death, a weekly podcast that explores grief, healing, and resilience through the lens of Black male experiences. His authentic storytelling offers poignant perspectives on navigating loss and rediscovering purpose.
As Founder and CEO of AR Capital Management, Jones oversees investor relations, strategic capital deployment, and operational execution, managing multimillion‑dollar investments with rigor and integrity. He holds a B.A. in Mass Media from Morgan State University and an M.B.A. from St. John’s University’s Peter J. Tobin School of Business.
Jamal Jones is an accomplished business leader with over 25 years of experience spanning sales, marketing, and digital transformation. He currently serves as Head of Services Strategy & Transformation at Dell Technologies, where he leads large-scale initiatives that enhance customer retention, optimize seller experiences, and drive measurable, sustainable growth. Previously, he served as Chief of Staff to the President of Dell’s largest and fastest-growing business, collaborating with senior executives to shape go‑to‑market strategies, align global operations, and accelerate organizational performance. Jamal has also held several sales, transformation, and product strategy roles at Fortune 500 companies, including Dell, AMD, Chevron, and Verizon.
Outside of his corporate leadership, Jones is the co‑creator and co‑host of Getting Back Up: Finding Life After Death, a weekly podcast that explores grief, healing, and resilience through the lens of Black male experiences. His authentic storytelling offers poignant perspectives on navigating loss and rediscovering purpose.
As Founder and CEO of AR Capital Management, Jones oversees investor relations, strategic capital deployment, and operational execution, managing multimillion‑dollar investments with rigor and integrity. He holds a B.A. in Mass Media from Morgan State University and an M.B.A. from St. John’s University’s Peter J. Tobin School of Business.
jamal jones
Chief operating officer
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Lori Joe Brown is the founder of Lori Joe Brown Executive Coaching & Leadership Development, a boutique firm dedicated to helping leaders rise with clarity, courage, and purpose. An ICF certified Executive Coach, professional trainer, and speaker, she draws on over 20 years of Wall Street experience to guide executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations through transformational change. Her coaching approach integrates strategic insight with soulful depth, empowering clients to navigate complexity, build confidence, and lead authentically.
With a global presence spanning the U.S., Europe, and Africa, Lori has partnered with major institutions including American Express and the Virginia Department of Health. Through both group programs and one-on-one coaching, she equips leaders to align vision with impact and sustain growth rooted in purpose.
A graduate of New York University, Lori holds a BA in Organizational Behavior and Change Management and an MS in Global Human Resources Management and Development. Based in Richmond, Virginia, she and her husband, Dwayne Brown, co-own Brownstract Art Studio, where creativity and reflection merge through abstract and mixed-media art.
Lori Joe Brown is the founder of Lori Joe Brown Executive Coaching & Leadership Development, a boutique firm dedicated to helping leaders rise with clarity, courage, and purpose. An ICF certified Executive Coach, professional trainer, and speaker, she draws on over 20 years of Wall Street experience to guide executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations through transformational change. Her coaching approach integrates strategic insight with soulful depth, empowering clients to navigate complexity, build confidence, and lead authentically.
With a global presence spanning the U.S., Europe, and Africa, Lori has partnered with major institutions including American Express and the Virginia Department of Health. Through both group programs and one-on-one coaching, she equips leaders to align vision with impact and sustain growth rooted in purpose.
A graduate of New York University, Lori holds a BA in Organizational Behavior and Change Management and an MS in Global Human Resources Management and Development. Based in Richmond, Virginia, she and her husband, Dwayne Brown, co-own Brownstract Art Studio, where creativity and reflection merge through abstract and mixed-media art.
Lori Joe Brown
Chief of staff
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David Russell is a seasoned professional in private equity and investment management. With 15 years of experience, he has worked with institutional and individual investors to identify unique investment opportunities from sourcing through exit. He began his career as an investment banker and PE portfolio manager. He has worked with teams that have successfully managed or deployed $10 billion in capital across industries. David holds a BBA in Accounting and Finance from Texas Christian University and an MS in Accounting from Oklahoma State University.
David Russell is a seasoned professional in private equity and investment management. With 15 years of experience, he has worked with institutional and individual investors to identify unique investment opportunities from sourcing through exit. He began his career as an investment banker and PE portfolio manager. He has worked with teams that have successfully managed or deployed $10 billion in capital across industries. David holds a BBA in Accounting and Finance from Texas Christian University and an MS in Accounting from Oklahoma State University.
V. DAVID RUSSELL
Chief development officer
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Mike Parker is a distinguished marketing executive whose 25-year career has shaped the global athletic footwear industry. With leadership roles at Nike, Converse, Reebok, Under Armour, ASICS, and K-Swiss, Mr. Parker has developed a reputation for innovative brand strategy, consumer insight, and trend creation. Beginning his career at Nike, he quickly advanced through marketing and product roles, helping spearhead iconic initiatives such as Nike “Battlegrounds” and the global resurgence of the Air Force 1, which redefined sneaker culture worldwide.
Throughout his career, Mr. Parker has fostered meaningful collaborations that have bridged the worlds of sports, fashion, and entertainment. At Reebok, he merged athletic wear with the hip-hop movement, developing footwear partnerships with artists like Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and Pharrell. He later led global collaborations with brands such as Maison Margiela, Victoria Beckham, and Pyer Moss, elevating Reebok’s cultural relevance.
A Cornell University graduate, Parker’s New York City upbringing informs his pulse on urban culture and innovation. His career exemplifies strategic creativity, market leadership, and a lasting influence on the evolution of sports and lifestyle branding.
Mike Parker is a distinguished marketing executive whose 25-year career has shaped the global athletic footwear industry. With leadership roles at Nike, Converse, Reebok, Under Armour, ASICS, and K-Swiss, Mr. Parker has developed a reputation for innovative brand strategy, consumer insight, and trend creation. Beginning his career at Nike, he quickly advanced through marketing and product roles, helping spearhead iconic initiatives such as Nike “Battlegrounds” and the global resurgence of the Air Force 1, which redefined sneaker culture worldwide.
Throughout his career, Mr. Parker has fostered meaningful collaborations that have bridged the worlds of sports, fashion, and entertainment. At Reebok, he merged athletic wear with the hip-hop movement, developing footwear partnerships with artists like Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and Pharrell. He later led global collaborations with brands such as Maison Margiela, Victoria Beckham, and Pyer Moss, elevating Reebok’s cultural relevance.
A Cornell University graduate, Parker’s New York City upbringing informs his pulse on urban culture and innovation. His career exemplifies strategic creativity, market leadership, and a lasting influence on the evolution of sports and lifestyle branding.
mike parker
Chief of innovation
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Tia Smith is an award-winning executive producer, director, and creative consultant—widely regarded as one of the most visionary, influential, and in-demand creatives shaping modern entertainment. Across two decades, she has produced over 4,500 hours of premium content spanning film, television, live award shows, documentaries, and branded storytelling. A powerful multi-hyphenate, she has partnered with leading global brands and studios, including Ford, Netflix, Sony, Lifetime, Hallmark, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the United Nations, to develop and deliver work that merges cultural resonance with commercial success.
She has greenlit and created storytelling that has reached audiences exceeding 80 million viewers worldwide, generated over $20 million in advertising value, and consistently achieved top-tier Nielsen ratings across linear, digital, and streaming platforms. As the Head of Storytelling & Licensing, Tia leads investments in content creation that tell culturally authentic stories, builds intellectual property, and generates revenue through multiple distribution channels.
Tia Smith is an award-winning executive producer, director, and creative consultant—widely regarded as one of the most visionary, influential, and in-demand creatives shaping modern entertainment. Across two decades, she has produced over 4,500 hours of premium content spanning film, television, live award shows, documentaries, and branded storytelling. A powerful multi-hyphenate, she has partnered with leading global brands and studios, including Ford, Netflix, Sony, Lifetime, Hallmark, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the United Nations, to develop and deliver work that merges cultural resonance with commercial success.
She has greenlit and created storytelling that has reached audiences exceeding 80 million viewers worldwide, generated over $20 million in advertising value, and consistently achieved top-tier Nielsen ratings across linear, digital, and streaming platforms. As the Head of Storytelling & Licensing, Tia leads investments in content creation that tell culturally authentic stories, builds intellectual property, and generates revenue through multiple distribution channels.
TIA SMITH
HEAD OF STORYTELLING AND LICENSING
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Brandon Pankey has served as Vice President of Business Development & Operations for Live Nation Urban and proved integral to the planning, positioning, and execution of marquee annual events and initiatives, ensuring the ultimate audience experience along the way. These include The RootsPicnic, where he serves as an Executive Producer and Festival Director, as well as festivals such as Lil Wayne’s Lil Weezyana Festival, Mary J Blige’s Strength of a Woman Festival, and many more. Before his role at Live Nation Urban, he served as Director of Urban Touring & Business Development for artist management firm Maverick, spearheading live endeavors for The Roots, T.I., G-Eazy, and more.
Brandon was recognized as a 2025 Essence Magazine Power Player, among other previous recognitions for his accomplishments and impact, including Variety Magazine's Hollywood's New Leaders of 2022, Billboard “Power Player” Executive in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2025, and EBONY’s 2021 Power 100 List.
Brandon earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Annenberg School of Communications at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA.
Brandon Pankey has served as Vice President of Business Development & Operations for Live Nation Urban and proved integral to the planning, positioning, and execution of marquee annual events and initiatives, ensuring the ultimate audience experience along the way. These include The RootsPicnic, where he serves as an Executive Producer and Festival Director, as well as festivals such as Lil Wayne’s Lil Weezyana Festival, Mary J Blige’s Strength of a Woman Festival, and many more. Before his role at Live Nation Urban, he served as Director of Urban Touring & Business Development for artist management firm Maverick, spearheading live endeavors for The Roots, T.I., G-Eazy, and more.
Brandon was recognized as a 2025 Essence Magazine Power Player, among other previous recognitions for his accomplishments and impact, including Variety Magazine's Hollywood's New Leaders of 2022, Billboard “Power Player” Executive in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2025, and EBONY’s 2021 Power 100 List. Brandon earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Annenberg School of Communications at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA.
BRANDON PANKEY
HEAD OF EVENTS & EXPERIENCE
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David Jones is an expert brand and hospitality operator, whose career spans Housebar, Knotel, Jet.come, Bridgewater Associates, Hearst and McKinsey & Co. He has built and scaled ventures intersecting retail, hospitality, and beverage. He founded Housebar, a next-generation wine & spirits retail and hospitality concept.
David Jones is an expert brand and hospitality operator, whose career spans Housebar, Knotel, Jet.come, Bridgewater Associates, Hearst and McKinsey & Co. He has built and scaled ventures intersecting retail, hospitality, and beverage. He founded Housebar, a next-generation wine & spirits retail and hospitality concept.
DAVID "DJ" JONES
Head of Food, Beverage & Spirits
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Calvin Thomas has over 15 years of real estate investment and property management experience throughout Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and Florida. He also has over 20 years of experience in government relations, business development, and finance. He has led several federal government budgets of over $350 million in support of the US/DC Courts and the US Homeland Security FIRMA program initiatives.
Calvin Thomas has over 15 years of real estate investment and property management experience throughout Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and Florida. He also has over 20 years of experience in government relations, business development, and finance. He has led several federal government budgets of over $350 million in support of the US/DC Courts and the US Homeland Security FIRMA program initiatives.
