Welcome

About BIG

Blacks In Government (BIG) is a national, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advocacy and career development training with members in all 50 states and abroad.

Since its creation in 1975, BIG has focused its efforts on creating a level playing field in the government so that ALL government employees have an EQUAL opportunity to succeed and are equipped with the tools they need to soar.

BIG has been recognized for excellence around the world. We are an advocacy & training organization consisting of Federal, State and Local Government employees to include military, civilian personnel, and contractors. BIG is made up of eleven regions -consisting of more than 100 chapters, and nearly 10,000 members – across the United States of America to include Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii.

Our members are subject matter experts, mentors and mentees, provided with opportunities for development and growth, and a support system like no other.

Our members have the opportunity and ability to maximize their careers, find a mentor, gain leadership development, enhance presentation and communication skills, learn to deal with diverse people, and provided the capability to come out of their comfort zones to become great.

Greetings

from the National President

Greetings 2024 National Training Institute (NTI) Attendees,

I am Alabama Bred! I am Spelman College fed!  And I am honored to be serving as the 15th National President of Blacks In Government (BIG), an organization that has been dedicated to equity and excellence in public service since 1975!

Of course, the NTI is the centerpiece of our national efforts.  And this year we are ready to leave a BIG footprint of training and community service in Tampa, Florida.  In fact, hosting our training at the Tampa Convention Center will allow us to bring in even more Senior Executive Service (SES) members, agency officials, and industry experts to facilitate our training and provide enhanced networking opportunities. So, whether you are a federal, state, or local government employee, the NTI will have workshops, networking, and information sharing opportunities to facilitate the growth of your workplace skills and personal development.  In addition, the agency forums held onsite will facilitate active and practical discussions on the many recent developments in public service.

Come to Tampa and you will readily see that the NTI is an effective mechanism to take your career to the next level.

Special thanks to NTI Chair Honorable Paula E. Davis, NTI Deputy Chair Melinda Deloatch-Speight, and the 2024 NTI Planning Committee for their commitment to ensuring the unwavering success of this year’s NTI. Lastly, to our corporate sponsors, supporting agencies, and member donors, we extend our sincere appreciation to each of you for supporting our NTI as the premiere training event of choice for government employees.

Honorable Shirley A. Jones, Esq.

NTI Planning Committee

Honorable Paula Davis

National Training Chair

Melinda DeLoatch-Speight

National Training Deputy Chair

Jozetta Robinson

Agency Forums Chair

Marie Perry

Agency Forums Deputy Chair

Melinda DeLoatch-Speight

Banquet/Catering Chair & Hotel Room Block Manager

Tracey Bradford

Banquet/Catering Co-Chair

Kristina Price

Communications/Public Relations Chair and Souvenir Journal

LaVolya "Summer" Williams

Corporate Sponsor Chair

Marcus Artis

EEO Institute Chair

Dr. Phadrea D. Ponds

Evaluations Chair

Nikki Ashe

Exhibits Co-Chair

Honorable Farnese Hicks

Exhibits Co-Chair

Honorable Rochelle Bryant

Finance and Budget Chair

Paula LaCount

Guest Services Chair

Dr. Beverly Lyn-Cook

Health and Wellness Chair

Gwenda Lowe

Health and Wellness Deputy Chair

Director Peggy Wilson

Host City Coordinator

Frank Q. Williams

Inventory Control Chair

Marvin Jones

Inventory Control Deputy Chair

Honorable Beverly Johnson

Legislative Review Chair

Honorable Terrance Williams

Logistics/Automation Chair

David Hines

Logistics/Automation Co-Chair

Bob Wilson

BIG Photography Chair

LaShan Haynes

Plenary Chair

Faye Wilkes

Registration Chair

William Speight, Sr.

BIG Security Chair

Timothy Lewis

BIG Security Co-Chair

Dr. Lynwood Townsend

SEPs Coordinator

Delois Richards

Assistant SEP Coordinator

Renee Mosley

Special Events Co-Chair

Donna Harper

Special Events Co-Chair

Jibri R. Mayo

Telecommunications Chair and WHOVA Administrator

Lashana Sims

Workshops Chair