{PHOTO CREDIT: CERESE DOLMAN - GRAPHIC CREDIT: Rahel Bahta-Lee}
Ms. Johnnie B. Booker retired from The Coca-Cola Company in 2012 as Global Director of Supplier Diversity. In this capacity, Ms. Booker was responsible for developing and implementing the Company’s supplier diversity program and initiatives to assure equal contracting opportunities for minority and women owned businesses. During her first year with the Company, contracts with minority and women owned businesses increased over the prior year by 50 percent, and exceeded the company’s goal by 27 percent. Under Ms. Booker’s leadership, the Company consistently exceeded its goals for subsequent years and its supplier diversity profile grew substantially in actual dollars expended and global recognition.
Before joining The Coca-Cola Company in April 2001, Ms. Booker was a consultant to a number of national agencies and corporations developing supplier and workforce diversity initiatives and programs. She also served in the federal government at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, and Vice President of the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC). While at the RTC, Ms. Booker served as a member of the Executive Committee. She also created unprecedented contracting and investment opportunities for minority and women owned businesses and law firms. She commissioned the first disparity study by a federal agency, and increased contracting fees for minority and women owned businesses from 18 percent to over 48 percent and from 3 to 26 percent for minority and women owned law firms. In addition, her efforts resulted in expanded opportunities for minorities to purchase 32 branches of failed financial institutions and assured the inclusion of approximately $700 million in deposits.
Prior to her tenure at the RTC, Ms. Booker served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity with the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In this role, she established a new office of affirmative action and equal opportunity, and successfully revamped the Department’s fragmented approach to discrimination complaint processing and affirmative employment programs. Ms. Booker also served in executive capacities with the Federal Home Loan Bank Board and the National Urban League.
A native of Fort Valley, Georgia, Ms. Booker received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Hampton University and a Masters of Social Work Degree from the Atlanta University School of Social Work. In 2009 she was honored by Hampton University as Alumnae of the Year. She currently serves on the board of the Fort Valley State University Foundation and the Delta Airlines Supplier Diversity Council. Her affiliations include Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, The Links, Inc., Atlanta Chapter of Circle-Lets, The Utopian Literary Club, Hampton University Alumni Association, NAACP, Urban League and Big Bethel AME Church. Ms. Booker has appeared in a myriad of national publications and has received numerous honors and awards, which include two Congressional Resolutions from the U.S. House of Representatives, for her exceptional professional contributions and accomplishments.
Ms. Booker’s son, S. Courtney Booker, III, her daughter-in-law Nissa and two wonderful grandchildren, Dalyn and Aiden, bring her special joy.
11 comments
Leave a commentThe mold broken u were always one of a kind. You are a dear Friend. You were always there for all. GOD BLESS U GOD IS GOOD
Congratulations Johnny, my sister’s “Birth to Death Friend”. They couldn’t have chosen a more worthy person to highlight. You make us all proud and are an inspiration for many. It’s an honor for me to say I’ve known you for most of my life – and yours.
Johnnie and I met as toddlers in nursery school and have been like sisters ever since. We have supported each other through these many years and I know how committed she has always been to helping others achieve success. She truly deserves recognition for all she does to be a “light in the valley” for all who need a guide.
This is a wonderful article highlighting the many accomplishments of my dear friend, Johnnie B. Booker. How proud I am of you. Thank you for helping so many people achieve their goals. That has been a hallmark of your life,,,being a helpmate and friend to so many. You never turn a deaf ear to someone who needs help and all of us who know you are better for having you in our lives. You look absolutely fabulous! They couldn’t have chosen a better cover story! Congratulations dear Johnnie.
Will be meeting with her this weekend.KUDUS to you.
Congratulations to a Classy Lady. You do us proud….
Congratulations Johnnie , well deserved. Your commitment to Minority and Women business development is unheralded . A true pioneer.
Congratulations and appreciation for all your work on behalf of minority owned businesses, Johnnie!
Ms. Booker is a family friend (I’m also from Fort Valley). She has always been warm, caring, giving, and positive!!! I was thrilled to see her on your cover! Excellent choice!!
Johnnie Booker has always been a champion for inclusion, the development of others and a concern for bringing the greatest good to those who need it most. She is an excellent cover story for Cerese.D as she is as unique and lovely as your jewelry. Thanks for recognizing and supporting women who make a difference!