DETROIT, Feb. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) (http://www.minoritysupplier.org) has announced Michelle Sourie Robinson as the new president/CEO. She replaces Louis Green, who resigned to start a new venture in December, 2014. Robinson brings a wealth of experience, having spent thirteen years at Home Depot where she created their first supplier diversity department and supporting strategy, before founding Give & Receive, a non-profit organization that connects individuals and corporations to various charities.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150218/176289

In her role at Home Depot, Michelle also led the varied functions in support of the company’s multi-billion dollar Government Services Administration contract. As she and her team drove this strategic business focus, her primary responsibilities included the sourcing and development of women-owned, minority-owned and small businesses, the training and support of over 400 product and service buyers, as well as multi-level outreach activities on behalf of the entire Home Depot enterprise.

Her corporate career includes two of the world’s largest $70 Billion+ organizations; having begun as the youngest and first African-American attorney employed by Wal-Mart as Corporate Counsel, and ending after twenty years of professional service while being widely-regarded as one of the top in her field. “We are privileged to have Michelle in this role,” said Steve Kiefer, GM vice president of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. “She brings great value and expertise which will benefit the MMSDC at every level.”

A native of Oklahoma, Michelle earned her B.S. in Organizational Administration from Oklahoma State University and holds a J.D. from the University of Kansas. She has served on numerous boards, including but not limited to National Minority Supplier Development Council, National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, as well as Women’s Business Enterprise National Council for which she was a member of the Executive Committee, and Diversity Information Resources where she served as Vice-Chair. She was active within her church and community where she chaired the strategic planning committee, serves on the Howard University School of Communications Board of Visitors, Southern University MBA Advisory Board, and was an active member of Leadership Atlanta.

She and her husband have relocated from Atlanta to the metropolitan Detroit area, and look forward to becoming part of the corporate and community fabric.

About MMSDC

The Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization committed to driving economic growth within minority communities. The MMSDC advances this mission by facilitating over $20 billion annually in business contracts between corporations and certified minority business enterprises (MBEs). Founded in 1977, the MMSDC certifies minority businesses, provides MBEs with access to procurement opportunities, and develops capacity for minority business development. The Michigan Council has been recognized by the National Minority Supplier Development Council as ‚’Regional Council of the Year’‚ three times since 2007 for its work in promoting minority business development. For more information about the MMSDC, visit www.minoritysupplier.org