The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) this week promoted Carmen Gates and Vivian Harmon to senior positions at the nonprofit organization that works to empower and sustain African American businesses and communities.
Gates was named Vice President of Community Development and External Affairs Officer. Harmon was named Executive Director of the AACCNJ’s Training & Development Institute. Both appointments were effective Oct. 1.
“I am excited to announce these promotions, and I look forward to working with both Carmen and Vivian as part of our senior leadership team,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., founder, president, & CEO of AACCNJ. “The work they do every day is essential to the mission of the organization, strengthening black businesses and our communities.
“We will continue to design strategies that will derive value for our members and those that invest in the mission of AACCNJ while contributing to the competitiveness of New Jersey,” he said.
Before her promotion, Gates had been the director of Training and Community Initiatives since 2021. She has more than 25 years of administrative and community outreach experience including planning, training, operations, program management and reporting. In her new role, Gates will lead AACCNJ’s on-going community development initiatives including partnering with leading corporations in New Jersey to create sustainable programs on economic inequalities, healthcare disparities and inequalities, and workforce diversity and inclusion.
“I am grateful for this opportunity to serve in this new role that aligns with my passion for community engagement and external relations,” Gates said. “I look forward to leveraging our resources to foster community development and strengthen our external partnerships.”
Vivian Harmon, who joined AACCNJ in 2022 as senior director for the AACCNJ Training and Development Institute, has had an integral role in the development and expansion of TDI. Under her leadership, hundreds of New Jersey residents have benefited from innovative workforce development programs that have helped people enter or re-enter the workforce as well as grow and sustain businesses.
A licensed social worker and Rutgers University graduate with degrees in political science, education, and social work, Vivian Harmon’s career embodies the principles of TDI: empowering people, forging meaningful partnerships, and positively influencing policy to shape the state’s economic landscape. With a diverse background that spans adolescent residential care, student services in both secondary and higher education, and intensive community counseling, Vivian Harmon has been a champion for marginalized communities.
“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to further my commitment to serving the people of New Jersey,” Vivian Harmon said. “This role allows me to continue uplifting individuals, families, and businesses, while forging meaningful partnerships and pushing for advances in equity and inclusion for those who have been systemically overlooked, overburdened, and forgotten.
“Together, we will work today to innovate the workforce of tomorrow, creating new pathways for those seeking opportunity and change,” she said.
