Type Of Business:
Government organization
Marketing Area:
International
Expertise:
Program management; Incentive development for minority business inclusion; Planning; Financial services; Community involvement
Major Product/SVS:
Oversight of minority-owned businesses in 14 states
Hobbies/Sports:
Working; Traveling
Education Degrees:
Postgraduate Studies in Business Administration, New York University and Duke University; Master of Arts in Psychology, Columbia University (1970); Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology, Johnson C. Smith University
Affiliations Awards:
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; Former Vice President, Community Planning Board 10, Harlem; Former Member, New York County Judicial Screening Committee
Work History:
Commissioner, Model Cities Administration; Deputy Commissioner, New York City Human Resources Administration; Deputy Executive Director, New York City Department of City Planning; U.S. Air Force; Social Investigator, New York City Department of Welfare; Deputy Commissioner, Human Resources Administration, New York City Department of Welfare; Executive Director, Harlem Youth Unlimited-Associated Community Teams (HARYOU-ACT Corporation); Deputy Commissioner, New York State Department of Commerce
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The most gratifying aspect of his career is that he has traveled extensively in China, Taiwan, and Macau, having visited more than 14 cities and met with more than 200 top governmental and business leaders over the past five years, promoting bilateral trade and foreign direct investment in the US. Another highlight was being keynote speaker at the 2009 China International Fair for Investment and Trade, at the World Capital Forum, in Xiamen, China.
Number Of Years In Profession:
40
Number Of Years In Current Position:
16
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
He attributes his success to his hard work and a driving ambition to create equality.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
He became involved in his profession to promote civil rights, anti-poverty, social inclusion and social equality in America.
Extended Bio Profile:
Mr. Davenport was a student organizer and civil rights leader in early 60’s, in Charlotte, NC, coordinating and strategizing with community leaders, NAACP, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, Charlotte City Council, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall and A. Phillip Randolph, resulting in Charlotte being one of the first Southern cities to successfully desegregate public facilities and eating places. His activities in the movement, as well as those of other leaders are now chronicled in the Levine Museum of the New South in downtown Charlotte, N.C. Later on, as part of President Johnson’s War on Poverty, he managed one of the largest community development agencies in the nation, the HARYOU-ACT Community Corporation in Central Harlem. In addition, as member of the Harlem Leadership Team of six people that included the congressman from Harlem, Manhattan Borough president, state senator, state assemblyman and city councilman, developing strategies to improve the overall conditions in the central Harlem community.
Mr. Davenport has a host of notable projects he initiated. He established the first minority operated Minority Enterprise Small Business Investment Company (MESBIC) in the country in Brooklyn, NY. In addition, he produced a Broadway play, “Bubbly Brown Sugar,” and administered a federally funded full scholarship program for high school graduates in the top 10-percent of their class, to attend college.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Overseeing MBDA-funded business assistance services for the 14-state northeast region, plus Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands
Awards/Honors:
Lifetime Achievement Award, Miracle Corners of the World (2011; 100 Influential People in Minority Economic Development (2010); Mayor’s New York City Leadership Award (2008); Inductee, Minority Business Hall of Fame (2009); Appointed Chair, New York City Minority/Women Business Advisory Board, Mayor of New York City; Living Legacy Award, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc.; Public Sector Leadership Award (2006); Community Impact Award (2004); Crown Jewel Award (1999); Outstanding Altruistic Service Award (1977); Outstanding Community Service Award (1974); Airman’s Achievement Award for Outstanding Performance, U.S. Air Force; Deans List, Johnson C. Smith University
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Mr. Davenport plans to retire.