Executive Team
David Byrd
Business Development and Partnerships
David J. Byrd, awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, has a distinguished career in leadership and economic development. From 2021-2023, Mr. Byrd served as Senior Principal at Korn Ferry Professional Search, leveraging his 19 years of experience to enhance client performance.
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As the 18th National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency, Mr. Byrd advanced economic opportunities for minority businesses. His extensive federal service includes roles at HUD, DoEd, HHS, EEOC, and the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress. Mr. Byrd also spearheaded major economic projects in Prince George’s County, MD, totaling over $2.6 billion. Notable projects included the $1 billion National Harbor project, the $700 million Woodmore Town Center, and the $700 million Brandywine Crossing retail project.​​
Mr. Byrd led successful trade missions to South Africa, Namibia, and Ethiopia, securing over $400 million in contracts for New Jersey businesses. His strategic vision and leadership in these missions highlight his capability to foster international business relations and drive economic growth.
Southerlyn Reisig
Global Partnerships and Philanthropy
Southerlyn Reisig brings over twenty years of experience as a public affairs professional, specializing in public relations, thought leadership development, and earned media. With a keen ability to identify and develop opportunities for mutual economic growth, she excels in managing global partnerships and philanthropy. Before joining USAGROWTHComms, Ms. Reisig served as the Director of Public Relations for United Way Worldwide. She also manages her consultancy, Newport Partners, where she continues to develop creative solutions for to advance economic and brand growth her clients.
Deana Bass Williams
Public Affairs
​​Deana Bass Williams is a founding partner at Bass Public Affairs and the opinions editor of BPA LiveWire. Political leaders, business figures, and national nonprofits have relied on her for strategic counsel on branding, messaging, and media management.
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Before joining Dr. Ben Carson as his national press secretary for his 2016 presidential campaign, Mrs. Bass Williams managed media for prominent political figures in Washington, DC. She served as press secretary for Congressman Howard P. Buck McKeon, Director of Coalitions for Congresswoman Deborah Pryce, and Deputy Director of Coalitions for Ken Mehlman. Mrs. Bass Williams was also the first Executive Director of The Gloucester Institute.
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Mrs. Bass Williams took a leave from Bass Public Affairs to serve as Deputy Chief of Staff to Dr. Ben Carson, then Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, where she focused on Dr. Carson's mission to provide low-income communities with opportunities to achieve economic freedom.
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She holds a B.A. in communication and international relations from Salem College and an M.F.A. in film production from Ohio University.
Dee Dee Bass Wilbon
Public Affairs
Dee Dee Bass Wilbon is a founding partner at Bass Public Affairs, bringing over a decade of corporate experience and more than 15 years as a professional communicator. Her exemplary performance in corporate America earned her the prestigious Young Achievers Award at MBNA, one of the largest issuers of credit cards globally. Additionally, her dedication to corporate responsibility was recognized with the MBNA Community Service Award for her leadership in developing and executing a company-wide mentoring program with public schools throughout Delaware.
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As a media consultant, Mrs. Bass Wilbon has worked with community organizations, business leaders, entertainers, and elected officials, helping them to amplify their brands for expanded development growth and impact.
Her insights made her a sought-after expert by national and international media outlets. Mrs. Bass Wilbon is also a sought-after national speaker, training organizations on increasing economic mobility among under-resourced communities.
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Mrs. Bass Wilbon is a graduate of Fisk University and serves on the Board of Directors for the State Financial Officers Foundation. She is an active member of Jack and Jill of America and a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Annette Smith Wales
Public Affairs
Annette Smith Wales is a seasoned marketing and sales professional with 20 years of experience driving growth and engagement. Committed to fostering USA-Africa connections, Annette excels in creating impactful communication strategies that engage American families. Her expertise bridges cultural and economic opportunities, promoting shared prosperity and meaningful global partnerships.
Dr. Ian Jacobs
South Africa Business and Government Relations
Dr. Ian Jacobs provides support for USA Growth Comms on engagement with South Africa. Dr. Jacobs, born in Grenada and raised in Brooklyn, New York, holds degrees from Kings College, University of the West Indies, and SUNY Binghamton (Ph.D.). With over 40 years in education, he has taught at all levels and served as Associate Provost at Rutgers University, initiating his deep involvement with Southern Africa.
Dr. Jacobs has made significant contributions to education and economic development in Southern Africa. He founded the North America Consortium for the University of Namibia and the Rutgers University Council for Southern Africa, bolstering Rutgers's influence in the region. His organization of an honorary degree for the President of Namibia marked a historic milestone for Rutgers.
​In South Africa, Dr. Jacobs's Rutgers/Lucent KHULA Educational Project empowered over 60,000 students through technology, significantly enhancing their economic prospects. He launched a global literacy program, addressing the critical challenge of reading proficiency among schoolchildren.
Through the Friends of South Africa (FOSA), Dr. Jacobs has orchestrated transformative delegations for American students, academics, and business leaders to South Africa. His efforts have forged strong bonds with local government officials and key political figures. Dr. Jacobs is devoted to fostering U.S.-South Africa partnerships, driving educational and economic benefits for both nations.