BUILDING WEALTHIN OURCOMMUNITY

Brent Hooks is a finance and operations executive who builds the systems that turn opportunity into delivered projects. As Regional Vice President of Cornerstone Engineering Inc., he leads multi-market growth across the Southeast, supporting the pursuit and execution of infrastructure and development projects that shape how cities function.

His experience combines financial discipline with operational scale. He has managed capital portfolios exceeding $1 billion, built forecasting and control systems for a multistate business, and led complex projects from award through delivery. Brent holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Memphis and an MBA from Vanderbilt University. He is also a certified Project Management Professional and PMI Senior Construction Professional.

A Memphis native from a family of civic-minded entrepreneurs and educators, Brent serves on the Downtown Memphis Commission and the ACEC West Tennessee Chapter board. He brings a practical understanding of what it takes to secure, resource, and successfully deliver major contracts.

Cedric Hamilton serves as the Business Services Manager for the City of Memphis Government, where he leads initiatives focused on sourcing, procurement, supplier engagement, and business development. With a commitment to transparency, efficiency, and strategic partnerships, Cedric works to connect businesses with government opportunities while strengthening the City’s supplier network. He is passionate about fostering economic growth, supporting local businesses, and creating procurement initiatives that deliver value to both the City of Memphis and the community it serves.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Cedric has been married to his wife, Heidi Hamilton, for 21 years. Together, they are the proud parents of three children—two daughters and one son. They value faith, family, and service, reflecting the same dedication and commitment that Cedric brings to both his personal life and his work in the Memphis community.

Khalif Johnson, Procurement Manager for Turner Construction Company's Memphis office, is a passionate advocate for expanding opportunities for local businesses and strengthening the region's construction industry. Since 2016, he has led the local Turner School of Construction Management program, helping more than 500 graduates develop the knowledge, relationships, and operational capacity needed to compete for major projects. Recognized as Advocate of the Year at The Mid-South Business Continuum's 2025 Robert R. Church Awards, Khalif is committed to creating lasting partnerships that strengthen businesses, projects, and the communities they serve.

As Procurement Manager, Khalif leads procurement strategy for Turner's Memphis office, helping transform project opportunities into successful partnerships. He works with project teams, trade partners, and suppliers to develop procurement strategies that emphasize early engagement, compliance, transparency, and long-term relationship building. By aligning procurement planning with project goals, negotiating strategic agreements, and supporting a diverse network of qualified trade partners, Khalif helps ensure projects are delivered efficiently while expanding opportunities for local businesses.

Contractors interested in working with Turner can learn more about the prequalification process and subcontracting opportunities at turnerconstruction.com/subcontractors.

Danielle McGee Gibson is a powerhouse at the intersection of entrepreneurship, equity, and economic justice. She is the founder of Black Business Boom and Executive Director of Boomin University.

Danielle is where strategy meets soul—a builder of ecosystems, and champion for Black entrepreneurs. She doesn’t just dream of change—she blueprints it, funds it, launches it, and makes it sustainable.

With over 15 years of experience and an MBA from Saint Xavier University, Danielle has built innovative platforms that equip small businesses with the tools, coaching, and capital needed to thrive. Under her leadership, Black Business Boom has grown into Boomin University, a national initiative that has supported hundreds of small businesses through training, loan readiness, and mentorship.

Danielle’s impact has been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2024 Dealmakers of the Year Award, the Power Moves Award in Entrepreneurship, and recognition from the National Coalition of Black Women and Women Who Rock Nashville.

Her journey from bankruptcy to ecosystem builder is powered by belief—in herself, in her community, and in what’s possible when we invest in people over systems and strategy over luck. A certified digital marketer and former healthcare executive, Danielle has led countless workshops, conferences, and coaching sessions helping entrepreneurs build sustainable, scalable businesses.

Originally from Chicago and now based in Nashville since 2016, Danielle is also an avid traveler, devoted wife, and lover of pets, family, and big, world-changing ideas.

Jarlecia Jones serves as Vice President of Lending for West Tennessee at Pathway Lending, where she helps entrepreneurs access the capital, resources, and guidance needed to grow successful businesses. A native Memphian, her passion for supporting small business owners is deeply rooted in her upbringing in a family of entrepreneurs, where she learned firsthand the challenges and rewards of business ownership. Since joining Pathway in 2019, she has advanced through several leadership roles while helping businesses across industries secure financing, create jobs, and strengthen communities throughout West Tennessee. With a background in accounting, Jarlecia empowers entrepreneurs to better understand their finances and make informed decisions that support long-term growth. A proud alumna of Leadership Tennessee NEXT, she is committed to expanding economic opportunity and helping business owners turn their vision into lasting success.