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Our Board of Directors

Dennis Diotallevi
Executive Director and Chair

Dennis Diotallevi

Dennis Diotallevi is recognized as a highly accomplished chief executive with expertise in guiding successful searches for professionals and fostering enduring global relationships with candidates and clients.
Dennis leverages state-of-the-art methodologies to deliver superior results.

Dennis Diotallevi is a highly accomplished Chief Executive recognized for his expertise in guiding successful searches and fostering enduring global relationships with both clients and candidates. His expertise extends to utilizing adaptable and nimble state-of-the-art methodologies, incorporating innovative AI tools and technologies to consistently deliver statistically validated superior results. Dennis excels in implementing proven recruitment protocols, strategically sourcing highly qualified talent across various disciplines worldwide to meet client company staffing initiatives.
As a trusted leader dispatched by top-tier executives, including Chairman, Vice Chairman, C-Suite leaders, Managing Directors, Partners, Directors, Vice Presidents, and other Senior Leadership, Dennis has conducted successful searches in key niches. His prestigious client base includes renowned organizations such as Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Lazard, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, Barclays, CSFB, Deutsche Bank, UBS, and others.
Dennis's industry expertise is further underscored by his invitations as a guest speaker at Accenture Leadership Symposiums. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northeastern Illinois University.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dennis has a deep commitment to philanthropy, actively volunteering for organizations such as Cornerstone Community Outreach, Lincoln Park Community Shelter, Cause Poverty Alleviation, Safe Haven of Chicago, Faith Outreach for the Homeless, Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Dennis's commitment to excellence extends to his role in developing and packaging candidates. He excels in coaching individuals to present themselves seamlessly, offering clear and concise presentations that highlight their strengths and potential contributions. This dedication to enhancing the candidacy process ensures that both clients and candidates experience a streamlined and effective engagement.
Beyond his career and philanthropy, Dennis owns and manages a prestigious real estate portfolio. Outside of work, he cherishes quality family time with his seven children, three grandchildren, and friends. His diverse interests encompass travel, horticulture, sports, falconry, and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Dean A. Jones
Chief Strategy Officer

Dean A. Jones

Dean is a dynamic professional with over 35 years of experience in the High-Tech Industry, currently a Venture Partner at Playbook Investors Network LLC in Dallas, Texas. His extensive career includes pivotal roles at Microsoft, Cisco Systems, IBM Corp, and Infosys.
Dean is a proud alumnus of Grambling State University.

Dean is a dynamic professional with over 35 years of experience in the High-Tech Industry, currently a Venture Partner at Playbook Investors Network LLC in Dallas, TX. His extensive career includes pivotal roles at Microsoft, Cisco Systems, IBM Corp, and Infosys, demonstrating a deep commitment to technology and business development.
A proud alumnus of Grambling State University, Dean holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Institutional Management with a minor in Business. His academic background and career achievements exemplify his dedication to education, particularly in STEM and business.
Dean's involvement in various organizations underscores his passion for community service and mentorship. He is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), a founding member of the Collin County NSBE Jr. chapter. He has actively contributed to the Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) group. Additionally, he serves on the boards of several tech start-ups and philanthropic organizations, including the National Guide Right Foundation STEAM Committee and Black Greeks Speak.
Beyond his professional and organizational commitments, Dean is a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. life member and actively volunteers with Minnie’s Food Pantry and the Microsoft 4Skills4 Africa Program. His IT expertise is further highlighted by his numerous certifications, including Certified Azure Fundamentals and Certified Microsoft Azure Premier Delivery Support Expert.
Residing in Frisco, TX, with his family, Dean values time spent with his wife, children, and their pet, Shorkie, enjoying travel and staying connected with each other's lives.
Margie Collins
Vice Chair

Margie Collins

Margie is an SAP HANA Administrator at Bridgecross, LLC with a history in the information technology and services industry. She is highly skilled in Enterprise Portals, SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse (SAP BW), SAP Security, Oracle Database, SAP HANA, and SAP implementation in AWS.

Margie is an SAP HANA Administrator at Bridgecross, LLC with a history in the information technology and services industry. She is highly skilled in Enterprise Portals, SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse (SAP BW), SAP Security, Oracle Database, SAP HANA, and SAP implementation in AWS.
Shireen Dickson
Community Outreach

Shireen Dickson

Shireen is the managing director of SLIPPAGE, a think tank and interdisciplinary performance research group that explores connections between performance, history, theater, and emergent technology. SLIPPAGE produces conferences, symposia, and workshops.

Shireen is the managing director of SLIPPAGE, a think tank and interdisciplinary performance research group that explores connections between performance, history, theater, and emergent technology. SLIPPAGE produces conferences, symposia, and workshops.
Reginald Devaul
Chief Strategic Counsel

Reginald Devaul

Reginald G. Devaul is a seasoned financial analysis, structured finance, and trading professional with a track record of success spanning several years. His career is marked by a remarkable ability to pinpoint complex problems and devise comprehensive solutions, all while demonstrating strong leadership as a First Level Leader.

Reginald G. Devaul is a seasoned financial analysis, structured finance, and trading professional with a track record of success spanning several years. His career is marked by a remarkable ability to pinpoint complex problems and devise comprehensive solutions, all while demonstrating strong leadership as a First Level Leader. Reginald possesses an impressive skill set, adept at handling data and constructing intricate models using statistical and machine learning methods. He stands out for his outstanding communication skills, finely tuned to cater to cross-departmental solutions. Reginald is known for his proficiency in crafting high-quality reports and presentations that convey a clear and compelling narrative.
Reginald's core competencies encompass a broad range of critical areas including problem-solving, deep industry and fundamental knowledge, technical prowess, and a keen understanding of trading concepts and strategy execution. He's proven his ability to resolve complex issues, manage risk effectively, and excel in operational management. As a First Level Leader, he's skilled in supervision, training, and team building, and he excels in client interactions and investor outreach. Moreover, Reginald has demonstrated his project management capabilities throughout his career.
With a significant tenure at BP (NAGP), Reginald serves as a First Level Leader Structuring Advisor on the Houston Structuring Team, contributing objective analytics and economics expertise for valuing intricate derivative products, physical assets, and structured deals across diverse sectors, including oil, gas, NGLs, power, LNG, and emissions. His status as a Subject Matter Expert in natural gas markets underscores his profound understanding of industry dynamics and regulations, making him a sought-after resource for commercial stakeholders. In this role, he crafts and implements dynamic solutions that capture incremental value from unique transactions requiring sophisticated valuation methods. Reginald also takes on supervisory responsibilities, providing guidance and fostering development for Structuring GDP and Origination Candidates. He extends his impact beyond the organization by serving as a University Recruiting Liaison, actively engaging with undergraduate students on personal branding, online interviewing techniques, and trading simulations.
Reginald's prior experience includes serving as a Risk Analyst at BP (NAGP) on the North East Trading Desk, where he meticulously reported and analyzed positions and exposures, contributing to the development of trading strategies and the validation of proprietary models. In earlier roles at Entergy Corporation, he held positions ranging from Manager of Strategic Planning and Analysis to Senior Financial Analyst, consistently demonstrating his financial acumen and strategic insights.
Throughout his career, Reginald has achieved significant milestones and played integral roles in critical projects. Notably, he led a team in implementing the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 into the NAGP business unit, enhancing auditing and attestation processes. He also played a pivotal role in valuing a proposed $10 billion M&A transaction with Entergy, providing essential analysis during due diligence. Additionally, he managed a team for the $400MM acquisition of Entergy Koch JV and led due diligence and valuation efforts for an $80MM coal plant divestiture.
Reginald's expertise extends to project finance valuation, particularly in the realm of Merchant Power Plant Generation and Power Purchase Agreements (PPA). His educational background includes a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of New Orleans and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Jackson State University, Mississippi.
Maria Lopez
Training and Development

Maria Lopez

Maria Lopez manages the Hispanic and Latina program at WBENC Women of Color. With a deep understanding of Latina entrepreneurs' cultural nuances and challenges, Maria is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where women of color can thrive.

Maria Lopez is a Programs Manager at WBENC and the leader of Women of Color Programs Hispanic and Latina program. With a deep understanding of the cultural tones and unique challenges faced by Latina entrepreneurs, Maria is dedicated to the strategic planning, execution, and evaluation of WBENC programs, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where women of color can thrive. Through her leadership and strategic vision, she strives to uplift and amplify the voices of Latina business owners, ensuring they receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve, creating equitable and inclusive society for all.
Prior to her current role, Maria specialized in career transition assistance where she supported clients in various aspects of their job search journey. With a special focus on delivering programs in both Spanish and English, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for individuals from diverse backgrounds across the US.
Maria’s dedication to empowering women in business led her to serve dual role overseeing the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Initiatives and the WBDC ‘s Latina Business Programs including the Child Care Business Program as the Director of the Child Care Business Program and Latina Business Programs in Chicago. She worked closely with community organizations, corporations, and government agencies to design and execute comprehensive programs that provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources crucial for entrepreneurial success.
Maria received a Bachelor of Science Degree from DePaul University with a comprehensive major in Finance. She was born in Mexico City, Mexico, enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and cycling.
Donyell Wynn
Chief of Staff

Donyell Wynn

Donyell leads the community outreach efforts at the nonprofit Black Men United, a national community service organization whose mission is to restore and rebuild Black communities across America.
Donyell helps BMU mobilize resources and empower communities to restore pride to the Black family while practicing being anti-nobody and building bridges, not walls.

Donyell leads the community outreach efforts at the nonprofit Black Men United, a national community service organization whose mission is to restore and rebuild Black communities across America.
Donyell helps BMU mobilize resources and empower communities to restore pride to the Black family while practicing being anti-nobody and building bridges, not walls.

Dr. Sebetha Jenkins-Booker

Chair Emeritus

Dr. Sebetha Jenkins-Booker

Dr. Jenkins-Booker, former president of HBCU Jarvis Christian College, was the first to validate and embrace the Arlnice mission to uplift HBCU students. Inspired by her mother, a one-room school principal in rural Texas, Dr. Jenkins-Booker dedicated her professional life to education.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in English at Jackson State University in Mississippi and received her Master’s in English Education from Delta State University. In 1978, Dr. Jenkins-Booker was awarded a doctorate in educational administration from Mississippi State University (MSU), and became the tenth president of Jarvis Christian College on January 1, 1991.

Prior to her appointment as president, Dr. Jenkins had a distinguished career as an educator and college administrator. From 1986 through December 1990, she was Assistant to the President and Director of Minority Affairs at The University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. From 1960 through 1986, she worked in the field of education in Mississippi, primarily at Coahoma Junior College and then at MSU where she was in charge of minority affairs and later Assistant to the President. She has been recognized with numerous awards from local, state, and national organizations.

Dr. Jenkins has gained national recognition while serving as President of Jarvis Christian College. Her stature has been recognized by her appointment to a number of prestigious professional organizations, commissions, and boards. Of particular interest, she has served as a board member of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas; American Council on Education, Commission on Adult Learning and Educational Credentials; Association of Black Women in  Higher Education; The Christian Church Foundation Board; The General Board of The Christian Church; The Council of Independent Colleges; National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education and Texas Discovery Gardens.

In the midst of tender reminiscence and fond reflections, we acknowledge Dr. Jennifer Arlnice Jenkins Diotallevi. Dr. Jenkins Booker’s world is adorned with unwavering love and blessed by her cherished family, including her husband, Charles Booker, and her beloved daughter, who graced this world with her radiant presence. Together with her husband and their three beautiful daughters, their familial bond forms a tapestry of enduring love and cherished memories, a testament to the profound impact of Dr. Jenkins Diotallevi’s life and legacy.