United Minority Contractors of North Carolina (UMCNC) is managed under the direction of its Board of Directors.
All powers of the corporation are exercised by or under the authority of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will have all of the rights and privileges of general members with full voting privileges.
Board of Directors:
Patrice Gilmore, CCA, Chair
Patrice has over sixteen years of experience in the construction industry. As Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for Holt Brothers Construction (a certified minority owned business), Patrice manages the firm’s diversity program and assists in business development efforts. Patrice’s work in diversity has been recognized by various state and local agencies. In 2015, Patrice was selected as one of Triangle Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. Patrice is a graduate of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.
James Clayton, Vice Chair
James has worked as a construction professional at Rodgers Builders in Charlotte, North Carolina since 2001. Rodgers is the largest certified woman owned construction company in the state. In his current role as Director of Diversity and Community is a strong advocate for the inclusion of minority, women and small businesses throughout the Carolinas and the surrounding areas. James is a graduate of Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.
Monique Young, Treasurer
Monique is the owner of One Accord Services based on Raleigh North Carolina. Monique Young is married with two children and enjoys gardening. Working with UMCNC enables Monique an opportunity to support businesses in their growth and sustainability. It also enables Monique to help cultivate the next generation workforce in the construction industry.
Denise Barnes, Secretary
Denise has over ten years of experience in construction administration and diversity management. Her experience also includes bank operations, accounting and project coordination. As Regional Diversity Manager for Lechase Construction, Denise focuses on making connections, building and preserving relationships, ensuring compliance, and promoting an inclusive vendor community. She has a passion for helping others and has been recognized both internally and externally for her genuine efforts. Denise graduated Summa Cum Laude from Shaw University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She received a Master of Business Administration with a Human Resources concentration from Pfeiffer University.
Kaye Gantt
Ms. Gantt is a C-Suite executive with thirty years of banking experience; responsible for developing and implementing strategies to advance the utilization of disadvantaged businesses. Ms. Gantt is a passionate professional, with a national network of resources; and the business acumen to effectively procure resources for the benefit of disadvantage business enterprises.
Ms. Gantt serves on the board of the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC); and holds credentials from NC State University Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering – Project Management, the National Development Council of Housing Development and Finance Professionals, and the American Contract Compliance Association from Morgan State University. Ms. Gantt is also the 2017 recipient of the NAMC National Harriet Tubman Excellence in Leadership Award.
Michelle Keaton-Barrow
Michelle Keaton-Barrow is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a BS in Chemical Engineering. She worked for the State of North Carolina and Union Carbide. She traded in her lab coat and career in research when she decided to become a female business owner. She founded Keaton Barrow Realty, Inc. a real estate company that provides residential and commercial services in both Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina. Michelle is also the CEO of Green Dynamics, LLC a sustainability consulting company.
