Leadership evolution brings together complementary expertise as MDC plans for its future and deepens its impact across the South
DURHAM, NC, UNITED STATES, September 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — MDC has announced an evolved executive leadership structure designed to strengthen organizational stewardship, innovation, operational excellence, and mission delivery as the Durham-based nonprofit plans for its next phase of work across the South.
The leadership changes include the promotions of Jenna Bryant to Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer; Brandy Bynum Dawson to Vice President of External Affairs; and Sarah-SoonLing Blackburn, Ed.D., to Vice President of Research, Learning & Impact.
They join Calvin Allen, Vice President of Programs; Joscelyne M. Evans, Ph.D., Vice President of Development; and Mark Motamen, Vice President of Finance on MDC’s executive leadership team.
“We are building the leadership capacity and coordination needed to turn strategy into action and meet this moment with focus, energy, and confidence, while positioning MDC for lasting impact across the South in the years ahead,” said Lakeisha Hood Moise, President & CEO of MDC.
The leadership structure brings together complementary responsibilities for enterprise operations, external affairs, development, finance, programs, and research, learning, and impact.
As Executive Vice President & COO, Bryant oversees enterprise operations, strategic alignment, organizational performance, and cross-functional collaboration.
Bynum Dawson leads MDC’s integrated external engagement strategy, including communications, brand stewardship, community and stakeholder partnerships, and public policy and government relations.
Blackburn leads MDC’s enterprise strategy for evidence, research, learning, evaluation, performance measurement, and impact.
Allen continues to lead MDC’s programmatic vision and portfolio; Evans leads the organization’s fundraising and philanthropic strategy; and Motamen leads financial strategy, stewardship, planning, compliance, and performance.
The leadership evolution coincides with MDC’s ongoing strategic planning process, which will shape organizational priorities and direction for the next three years. “While our leadership structure is evolving, our mission remains constant,” Hood Moise said. “We are building on MDC’s history while preparing the organization to meet the future with the leadership, capacity, and coordination our mission requires.”
Across their roles, MDC’s executive leaders share responsibility for organizational health, mission delivery, and the organization’s commitment to embedding racial and gender equity in its internal practices, external work, priorities, and decision-making.
Clarissa Goodlett
MDC
cgoodlett@mdcinc.org
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