2025–2026

Our Leadership

BCOE is led by an experienced Executive Director and professional staff, guided by a governing Board of Directors committed to our mission across Illinois.

How BCOE is structured: Like all well-governed nonprofits, BCOE operates with a clear separation between those who run the organization and those who govern it. Our Executive Director and staff lead day-to-day operations, execute our mission, manage programs, and serve our members. Our Board of Directors provides strategic oversight, fiduciary accountability, and organizational governance — they set policy, approve budgets, and ensure BCOE fulfills its mission. Both roles are essential. Neither replaces the other.

Organizational Leadership

Executive Director & Staff

The Executive Director leads BCOE's operations, manages staff and programs, serves as the primary liaison to the Board, and is responsible for executing the organization's strategic vision. The staff team supports day-to-day delivery of BCOE's mission.

Irma Holloway — Executive Director
Executive Director
Irma Holloway
Executive Director, BCOE

Irma Holloway serves as the Executive Director of BCOE, providing visionary leadership and operational direction for the organization. She is responsible for executing BCOE's strategic plan, managing organizational resources, cultivating partnerships, and ensuring that BCOE delivers meaningful results for Black contractors and business professionals across Illinois.

Areas of Responsibility

  • Day-to-day operations management
  • Program development & delivery
  • Staff leadership & development
  • Partnership & stakeholder relations
  • Budget management & financial oversight
  • Member services & engagement
  • Board reporting & strategic support
  • Community & government relations
Connect on LinkedIn
Staff Member
Position Title

Bio and LinkedIn profile coming soon. Contact admin@bcoechicago.org for more information about our team.

LinkedIn profile coming soon
Staff Member
Position Title

Bio and LinkedIn profile coming soon. Contact admin@bcoechicago.org for more information about our team.

LinkedIn profile coming soon

Governing Body

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is BCOE's governing body — responsible for organizational oversight, not daily operations. Board members set strategic direction, ensure financial accountability, uphold BCOE's mission and values, and support the Executive Director in leading the organization.

Board Officers — 2025–2026

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Board Members at Large

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Shon Harris — Founder
⭐ Founding Vision

Shon Harris conceived the vision for BCOE and brought together a founding group of Black construction professionals who believed in that vision enough to take the leap with him. Together, they built the foundation upon which BCOE continues to serve Black contractors and business professionals across Illinois. View LinkedIn →

The Founding Members

Rodney Brown
Rad Electric
Kendra Dinkins
Taylor
Michele Dinkins
Taylor
Angela Drexel
LiveWire
Mike Evans
Evans Electric
Andrea Hammond
Rad Electric
Shon Harris
LiveWire — Founding Vision