AACCWP Welcomes New President

The PDP congratulates Barãta A. Bey on his new appointment as president of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania.

Downtown Pittsburgh – A highly experienced Community Development Officer, Barãta A. Bey has joined the Chamber as its new president following a successful 12-year banking career.

Doris Carson Williams, who has served as AACCWP President and CEO will continue her role as Chief
Executive Officer. In a press release, Williams said, “I am pleased to have such a uniquely qualified professional to become the next leader for the Chamber. We look forward to Barãta moving the organization to the next level.”

The PDP looks forward to working with Mr. Bey and the AACCWP in continuing our efforts to support opportunities for African American business owners and professionals in Downtown and throughout the region.

Learn more about the AACCWP and view their directory

Bio
Barãta Arabo Bey
President, African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania

Barãta A. Bey is a highly experienced multifaceted Community Development Officer skilled and purposeful in developing innovative lending strategies and small business programs while creating accountability and awareness around DEI.

Mr. Bey’s experience spans 12 plus years in the areas of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Community Engagement and Community Finance within the banking industry. He has proven knowledge in the financial services sector with a focus on Facilitated Financial Education, Home Lending and Home Buying, Financial Literacy, Access to Capital Lending Program, Minority Small Business, and Workforce Development.

Barãta Bey’s contributions are his successes; they include developing and leading the strategy for a Small Business Ecosystem in Washington County, PA for minority, women, and veteran business owners, and collaborating with Regional and Community Presidents in the development and implementation of CRA and DEI strategies. He also created and led the strategy for a successful Workforce Development Ecosystem in Beaver County, PA for minority students. Mr. Bey led FirstMerit Bank’s engagement in resolving the Flint, Michigan water crisis, which exposed thousands of residents to dangerously elevated lead levels, initiating FirstMerit Bank’s $150k commitment to the community’s Water Crisis Healthcare Fund. His effective execution of DEI customer-oriented sales strategies, fostering strong client relationships within low to moderate income, high minority tract and under-served communities has led to the advancement of CRA lending, service, and investment obligations within those communities.

Barãta Bey holds a Master of Business Administration, Finance from Keller Graduate School of Management, and Lean Six Sigma Certification. A native of Western Pennsylvania, Mr. Bey is a devoted husband, father, U.S. Army Veteran and dedicated community champion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.