By developing and sustaining small businesses and microenterprises in the Urban Core of Kansas City, we create local employment opportunities, decrease the disproportionate health disparities gap, and assist in mitigating crime.

Our Staff

Simone Curls
Simone CurlsExecutive Director
A Kansas City native, Simone Curls spent the last 20 years working and raising her two daughters in Los Angeles, California. Now, living back in Kansas City full time, Simone is…
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Maurice Gay
Maurice GayDirector of Operations
Maurice is deeply involved in the community through his position with PBA and his membership in organizations such as COMTO KC, Freedom Inc., and The Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas City…
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Christine Kelly
Christine KellyBusiness Development Specialist
With more than 20 years of experience in supplier diversity, Christine understands the barriers to business ownership like the lack of networks that encourage joint ventures, partnerships, mentoring programs, and business-to-business opportunities….
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Nina Curls
Nina CurlsDevelopment Assistant
Originally from Los Angeles, California, Nina has lived in Kansas City for almost three years. Nina works as the team’s Development Assistant. In this role, she coordinates all events PBA hosts as…
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Brionna Pennington-Green
Brionna Pennington-GreenExecutive Assistant to the Executive Director
A Kansas native, Brionna serves as the executive assistant to our executive director…..
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James Farnen
James FarnenGrant Writer
James has worked in the public service sector for 15 years, and as a nonprofit fundraiser since 2020. His belief in the positive potential of all people, as well as the powerful importance of economic equity…..
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Executive Board of Directors

Simone Curls
Simone CurlsExecutive Director
Clyde McQueen
Clyde McQueenPBA Board Chair CEO, Full Employment Council
Donald Maxwell
Donald MaxwellFounder PBA President
Mary Shannon
Mary ShannonSecretary Founder & Consultant Connectus Worldwide
Theodis Watson
Theodis WatsonTreasurer Asst. Vice President Community Business Relationship Manager

Board of Directors

Rev. Ron Lindsay
Rev. Ron LindsaySenior Pastor of Concord Church
Myron McCant
Myron McCantPresident MacPen Enterprises Co-Owner & VP KD Academy
David Puente
David PuenteSenior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Brien Starner
Brien StarnerVP, Regional Community & Economic Development KCATA
Karen Curls
Karen CurlsCurls, Jude, Joseph Property Group