Board of Directors - Small Business Growth Advocacy in NC

Denise Barnes, Chair

Denise Barnes is a seasoned professional with over 19 years of experience in the construction industry, specializing in community engagement and inclusion across the Southeast region. As the Regional Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion, she is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections, ensuring compliance, and advancing inclusive procurement practices.

Denise is widely recognized for her passion for helping others and has received numerous internal and external honors for her impactful work. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Shaw University with a B.S. in Business Management and earned her MBA with a Human Resources concentration from Pfeiffer University. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Denise actively serves on several community, healthcare, senior living, and construction trade boards. She is deeply committed to service and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Brandt Smith, Vice Chair

Brandt Smith is the Owner and Principal Manager of SGS Contracting in Durham, NC, which he founded in 2013. He brings over fifteen years of progressive construction management experience, having worked with nationally recognized firms across the country including major projects like MGM's City Center in Las Vegas and One World Trade Center in New York before establishing SGS. Under his leadership, SGS has completed full‑lifecycle commercial construction projects including K‑12 schools, higher education, research labs, hospitality, municipal work, mixed-use properties, and parking structures—on budgets up to $30 million.

Brandt holds a B.S. in Finance from Hampton University and a Master’s in Construction Management from Western Carolina University. A LEED Accredited Professional, he is active in giving back as a member of local organizations such as the United Minority Contractors of North Carolina, NAHB, Durham City/County Appearance Commission, and the Hampton University Durham alumni chapter.

Kevin Dick, Treasurer

Kevin Dick began with the Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF) in February 2020. He leads a team of 40 full-time employees and has accountability for a $22m+ loan portfolio with $37m in assets under management. Kevin has helped re-position the organization as a community and economic development entity with a statewide focus. During his tenure, CSBDF has deployed $50m in capital by providing loans, grants and technical assistance to over 2000 North Carolina-based small businesses from primarily underserved communities. CSBDF also conducts economic policy research that informs government officials, philanthropic organizations, financial services institutions and other stakeholders. He has worked with the Board and staff to devise strategic plans, perform an organizational re alignment and has led the organization to become the #1 SBA Community Advantage Lender in NC for 2022-2024 and the #1 community development financial institution (CDFI) in 2023 for SBA (7a) lending in NC (#22 overall).

CSBDF also administers public sector loan and grant programs, bringing relief to thousands of small businesses throughout NC that were adversely impacted by the global pandemic and Hurricane Helene. Prior to CSBDF, Kevin held high-level community, economic and workforce development roles with the Cities of Charlotte, Durham, and Dania Beach, FL as well as Broward (FL) Workforce Development Board. Initiatives under Kevin’s leadership have been nationally recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), NC Sustainable Business Council, National League of Cities, US Conference of Mayors, Walmart Foundation, US DOL, and US EPA. Kevin currently holds board and committee positions with IEDC, United Minority Contractors NC, North Carolina Economic Development Association, and Triangle Community Foundation. He holds a Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor of Science in International Business from Georgetown University. He is designated as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by IEDC.

Angelique Stallings, Secretary

Angelique Stallings serves as the Vice President of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce. She is an experienced community and corporate leader and has served the Durham community for over 20 plus years.

A graduate of North Carolina Central University, Angelique has worked intentionally to be a conduit between underrepresented communities and the business community. She volunteers with many organizations and looks to leverage opportunities to uplift the community. She is a tireless advocate and ally for women and equal and equitable rights. She serves on several boards throughout the community.

Angelique is an active member of the Durham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is the proud mom of Dajah, a UNC and Georgetown graduate who currently works for the Seattle Seahawks. In her spare time, Angelique loves to read, spend time with friends and family and travel.

Jonathan Best

Jonathan is Director of Preconstruction in the Mid Atlantic Diversity and Inclusion Director for Barr & Barr. Jonathan has over 15 years of experience in estimating, project management, diversity outreach, procurement and business development throughout North Carolina. He creates project specific diversity and community engagement plans, leads outreach and workforce development efforts for the firm, negotiates teaming agreements, and identifies minority contractors best suited for our mentor protege program. He also leverages his extensive preconstruction experience and his long-standing local subcontractor relationships to benefit clients. Jonathan's targeted markets include Healthcare, K-12, Higher Ed, Civic, Industrial, Multi-Family and Commercial. Jonathan serves on the Board of Directors for the Hispanic Contractors Association of the Carolinas and is on the Board of Directors for the United Minority Contractors of NC, Member American Contract Compliance Institute and the Raleigh Appearance Commission.

Monique Young

Monique Young is the Managing Member of One Accord Services, a licensed general contracting firm specializing in residential, commercial, and historic renovations.

With expertise as a Metal Framing, Drywall, and Painting Subcontractor, she brings comprehensive construction knowledge and a commitment to high-quality results. Monique is passionate about mentoring and teaching minority firms to estimate construction projects across all trades, helping them thrive in a competitive industry.

Patrice Gilmore Haley, CCA

Patrice has over twenty-five years of experience in the construction industry. She is the National Supplier Diversity Lead for DPR Construction and manages all supplier diversity and workforce development efforts with trade partners, professional service providers, suppliers, and vendors across the United States.

Passionate about providing small and diverse businesses with equal access to opportunities, Patrice’s work has been recognized through various state and local agency awards such as the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce Circle of Influence Diversity Award, the NC Department of Administration Office of Historically Underutilized Business Industry / Agency Individual Award. the Triangle Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, the Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award by the Triangle Chapter of Women in Transportation International, and the Phil Freelon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Award from the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Triangle DEI Alliance.

Patrice graduated with honors from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. She is also a proud member of the Raleigh Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, a public service organization committed to sisterhood, scholarship, and service.

United Minority Contractors of North Carolina (UMCNC) is managed under the direction of its Board of Directors.