Nikki Purvis will lead the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin in the next chapter 

MILWAUKEE (August 4, 2022) –The African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin’s Board of Directors (Chamber) announced the appointment of Nikki Purvis as the Chamber’s new President and CEO. An experienced business leader and advocate, Nikki takes the Chamber lead following the departure of Ossie C. Kendrix, Jr. “We are thrilled Nikki will take the helm of the Chamber,” said Dr. Lia Knox, chair of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin Board of Directors and CEO of Knox Behavioral Health Solutions. “Nikki emerged from a rich pool of highly qualified candidates, and we feel fortunate to have her. The Chamber Board is confident she will take us to amazing new heights while sustaining the organization’s significant growth and impact.”

Purvis has more than 20 years of public and private sector leadership experience, most recently serving as the City of Milwaukee’s inaugural Chief Equity Officer, overseeing the Office of Equity and Inclusion. In this role, she led the City’s racial equity efforts, which included identifying system-wide programs and initiatives and policy considerations to address racially equitable outcomes, accessibility concerns, and equal rights for protected classes. She also provided strategic direction and oversight for the City’s Small Business Enterprise business inclusion program, which promotes economic development for small, disadvantaged businesses. “I am honored and excited to bring my experience and vision to the Chamber,” said Purvis.

“Whether it is community relations, economic development, or small business advocacy, the Chamber’s mission is to provide strategic direction, create a shared vision of development, and increase relationships through networking and quality interactions. Business owners that thrive in today’s environment intentionally engage, network, and partner with other business owners, fellow entrepreneurs, and organizations like the Chamber. In this next chapter, my vision is to lead the Chamber to support its members in recovering and excelling from the economic impacts of the pandemic and reentering an era of growth and success.”

Purvis will utilize her extensive experience to lead the Chamber and its members in exploring new opportunities to unite businesses of all industries in establishing economic growth, and policy initiatives all designed to help the Chamber continue to shape its future.

“I’m fulfilled about this appointment and look forward to supporting Purvis’ leadership as the new Chamber President and CEO,” said Ossie Kendrix, immediate past President & CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, and CEO of Juniper Lane Consulting Services.

Purvis is a native Milwaukeean and alumna of Riverside University High School, Marquette University, and Cardinal Stritch University. In addition, she received certificates of completion from Cardinal Stritch University, Morgan State University, and John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Executive Education.

Purvis’s start date is August 15, 2022. Kendrix will continue to consult the Chamber and onboard the incoming leader.

About: The African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin champions the growth and sustainability of African American owned businesses by providing access to capital, education and advocacy through capacity building and strategic partnerships.

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Contact: Ossie Kendrix
(414) 213-3010
okendrix@aaccwisconsin.org