This Thanksgiving season the NSBE Boston community would like to remember a very special member of our family, George S. Best. On Saturday November 17th, George passed away and we joined the multitudes in the Greater Boston area who were left to mourn the loss of an incredible coalition builder and supporter.
George was a long-time leader of the Boston Black MBA. Throughout his advocacy he remained vocal about his personal mission to advance the professional status of black people in the Boston area. In his role as Vice President of Operations, and later as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, he spearheaded programming that cut right to the core of addressing the glass ceiling issues of mid-level and managerial stagnation experienced by professionals of color. Some programming of note included launching the Professionals In Transition professional development series and forging private/public partnerships to bolster the mission’s impact. His approach to partnership and form-fitting programming to some of our communities most pressing needs is one that NSBE Boston has remained heavily influenced by over the last several years.
(l to r) Lakeya Anderson, State Street; Howard Goode; NBMBAA; Ladi Olaoye, NSBE Boston; Ledum Nordee, NSBE Boston; Chiderah Okoye, NSBE Boston; George Best
George’s vision extended beyond the Black MBA community. He recognized that the prerequisite to an inclusive Boston is one in where diverse professional communities are able to come together under a common mission and work together systemically. It was with that energy that he positioned the need for the Affinity Leadership Consortium (ALC) as the forum to convene groups like NSBE, the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA), the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP), and others. George went on to become the founding co-Chair along with NSBE Boston President Emeritus, Chiderah Okoye. He remained Co-Chair of the ALC up until the time of his illness.
“(l to r) Chiderah Okoye, NSBE President Emeritus and ALC Co Chair with George Best at 2018 NSBE Boston Torch Awards”
George’s vision for an inclusive community and the need for building together are more relevant than ever. George’s legacy will continue to be felt throughout the NSBE Boston community for years to come. We send our thoughts and prayers to the many family and friends of George Best.
In his role as Vice President of Operations, and later as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, he spearheaded programming that cut right to the core of addressing the glass ceiling issues of mid-level and managerial stagnation experienced by professionals of color.
Attached is George’s obituary written for ALC members and partners.
