Our Board

Board Leadership

The Council for Business Innovation and Excellence (CBIE) is governed by a dynamic and diverse board of professionals with deep roots in entrepreneurship, policy, business leadership, and innovation ecosystems. Our board members bring decades of experience across sectors and serve as strategic advisors, guiding CBIE’s mission to elevate business innovation through thought leadership, impactful programs, and cross-sector collaboration. Their commitment helps shape a future where entrepreneurship drives inclusive economic progress.

Regional Advisory Boards

CBIE is supported by Regional Advisory Boards representing key business hubs across the country. These advisory boards are composed of entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and business development professionals who offer regional insights and strategic guidance, ensuring CBIE’s programs remain relevant, inclusive, and high-impact across diverse communities.

Capital Regional Advisory Board

Tolu Adebanjo

Managing Director, Strategy & Operations, VentureLink Partners

Chinaza Ekeh

Founder, Africatalyst Group

David Ekpenyong

Director, Policy & Capital Access, Innovate Metro

Mid-Atlantic Regional Advisory Board

Grace Ijeoma

Partner, Business Transformation, Insight Edge

Olumide Adebayo

COO, FinSage Capital

Kemi Adewole

Head, SME Engagement, TradeCatalyst

Midwest Regional Advisory Board

Joseph Mensah

Director of Business Strategy, Innovare Midwest

Cynthia Uche

Managing Consultant, StartupX Advisory

Daniel Olorunfemi

VP, Regional Growth Initiatives, BrixEdge

New England Regional Advisory Board

Esther Oluwatosin

Tech Policy Analyst, CivicLab New England

James K. Roberts

Co-founder, StratEdge Ventures

Omowunmi Akande

Principal, Boston Business Catalysts