If you’d like to access our exclusive member content, please log in or contact us today to learn more.
CPOC 2026 Conference: The Gathering
SPONSORS
We're so lucky to have found amazing sponsors to support us in 2026 for The Gathering.
We thank you for your continued support through sponsorship!
- The Gathering Committee
Looking to be a Sponsor?
Interested in becoming a sponsor this year?
We would love your support!
We have varying levels of sponsorship:
Sustaining (+$5,000- limit of 3) – Sustaining the organization
Elevating ($2500) – Elevating the gathering and learning circles
Accelerating ($1,500) – Accelerating the impact by enabling others to grow
Enhancing ($750) – Enhancing The Gathering experience by adding onsite experiences
Supporting ($500 or In Kind Donations)– Supporting growth and continuous learning through books and professional services
Reach out to us if you have questions or would like to become a sponsor.
CPOC 2026 Conference: The Gathering
KEY FACILITATORS
These smart and engaging facilitators have decided to dedicate their time during our conference to help lead us through interactive discussions. Check out their bios to learn a little more about them before meeting them in person in November.
About
Kimberly Brown
Founder & CEO, Brown Leadership
Kimberly Brown is a globally recognized career and leadership strategist, bestselling author, and international keynote speaker. As the founder and CEO of Brown Leadership®, a premier learning and development firm, she helps mid-career and senior professionals amplify their brands, accelerate growth, and drive performance.
Her bestselling book, Next Move, Best Move: Transitioning Into a Career You'll Love, has empowered thousands to take control of their careers with strategy and confidence. She also hosts the Your Next Move Podcast, where she shares actionable insights on career advancement.
A trusted expert, Kimberly’s work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Forbes, CNBC, NPR, and more.
About
Elfred Anthony Pinkard, Ph.D.
President, UNCF.Inc.
Elfred currently serves as President-in-Residence at UNCF, Inc. and is the former 22nd President of Wilberforce University. During his presidency, he guided the nation's oldest private HBCU through the COVID-19 pandemic, restored campus operations, strengthened institutional reputation, and led the university to removal from accreditation probation. His administration gained national attention by making Wilberforce the first college or university to forgive student debt using pandemic-related funding.
Dr. Pinkard also established transformative partnerships with institutions and organizations including Emerson College, The Ohio State University, and the Cincinnati Reds, while securing significant philanthropic support to advance the university's mission. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Johnson C. Smith University and was the inaugural Executive Director of the UNCF Institute for Capacity Building, pioneering a nationally recognized model that strengthened the sustainability and effectiveness of private HBCUs.
Dr. Pinkard earned his Doctor of Education degree in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. and also holds a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Human Development from Harvard University. Dr. Pinkard earned his Master of Education degree in Educational Psychology from Howard University in Washington, D.C., and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA.
About
Matthew S. Harrison, Ph.D.
Cox Automotive, Vice President of Talent, Learning & Organizational Effectiveness
In this role he focuses on leading the design, development and deployment of innovative ways to enhance and improve team member performance. He leads delivery in the areas of: talent & performance management, succession planning, learning & development, change management, organizational development, effectiveness & design, employee analytics, and inclusion & belonging.
Dr. Harrison also currently serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology at The University of Georgia. He has been recognized as one of Emory University's Distinguished 40 Under 40 Alumni and was listed as an "Influencer" by The Atlanta Tribune magazine. He has also received Diversity Leadership Awards from the National Diversity Council and the Technology Association of Georgia and was named a "Man of Influence" by the National Urban League. Dr. Harrison is a graduate of Emory University (B.A.) and The University of Georgia (M.S. & Ph.D.).
