The Massachusetts Minority Contractors Association (MMCA) has appointed Beverley Johnson as president and chairman of the board. She is the first female to fill the role and succeeds Jesse Jeter.

Johnson is president and founder of Bevco Assoc. She previously worked at the Boston Redevelopment Authority where she was the first African-American female department head.

"I am pleased to pass the baton to Ms. Johnson, because over the years she has emerged as a strong advocate for generating the level of business opportunities that will increase and sustain the capacity of minority-owned firms," Jeter said in a statement. "Ms. Johnson’s experience in the public and private sector brings a balanced perspective to the table, along with a unique ability to build bridges with public agencies and private developers that will serve our members well as we continue our quest to increase access and opportunity and broaden the level of diversity on projects throughout the commonwealth of Massachusetts."   

The MMCA is an advocacy organization representing more than 100 minority and women-owned business enterprises in the construction and professional trades, including contractors, architects, attorneys and accountants.

"It is an honor to take the helm of an organization that has a well-earned reputation for rolling up their sleeves and working with the public and private sector to generate creative ideas and approaches to increase diversity and opportunity on neighborhood and downtown projects," Johnson said in a statement. "I am committed to carrying on this work to the best of my ability and I will work with the MMCA Board and the members to identify and advocate for sustainable business opportunities that will facilitate the development of a strong foundation of wealth in the Massachusetts minority business community, while also continuing to build bridges with majority-owned businesses to develop and implement collaborative business goals and objectives."