Jesse Tyson

Jesse Tyson has made significant contributions in various fields throughout his career. His journey is marked by resilience, dedication and a commitment to excellence. He was raised by his grandparents as a sharecropper in Tennessee but his background did not restrict his trajectory and taught him valuable lessons about survival, resourcefulness and community focus. He served as an intern in West Africa with the US State Department (AID), led a global call-center consolidation project, managed a Latin America business unit and directed a global aviation business in Belgium during his 35-year career with ExxonMobil.

After retiring, Tyson became President and CEO of the National Black MBA Association where he continued to demonstrate his ability to lead diverse and complex organizations. He holds memberships in several organizations and has received numerous recognitions and honors. He holds a BS and Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Lane College; attended the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, the Brookings Institute and has an MBA from The Ohio State University.

After his corporate career, he has invested in hospitality (fast food and hotels). His life and career are rooted in respect for history and leadership built on ethics and integrity, inspired by his grandmother's courage and encouragement as she stood up to elevate his view of the possibilities.

Jesse Tyson holds membership in several organizations focused on philanthropy and board roles at Lane College, Benedict College, FAMU, and The Ohio State University's Business School. He is President of The Houston Ensemble Theatre, member of the Orange Bowl Committee, the 100 Black Men of America and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, just to name a few. He also serves on the board of Williams Petroleum Companies.

Jesse and Cheryl will celebrate their 40th anniversary this year. They have three adult daughters and two grandchildren.