UMCNC - Key Persons


Anita Staton

Job Titles:
  • Secretary / Miles Enterprise Solutions

Brenda Pollard

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director

Denise Barnes

Job Titles:
  • Vice Chair
Denise has over ten years of experience in construction administration and diversity management. Her experience also includes bank operations, accounting and project coordination. As Regional Diversity Manager for Lechase Construction, Denise focuses on making connections, building and preserving relationships, ensuring compliance, and promoting an inclusive vendor community. She has a passion for helping others and has been recognized both internally and externally for her genuine efforts. Denise graduated Summa Cum Laude from Shaw University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She received a Master of Business Administration with a Human Resources concentration from Pfeiffer University.

James Clayton

James has worked as a construction professional at Rodgers Builders in Charlotte, North Carolina since 2001. Rodgers is the largest certified woman owned construction company in the state. In his current role as Director of Diversity and Community is a strong advocate for the inclusion of minority, women and small businesses throughout the Carolinas and the surrounding areas. James is a graduate of Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.

Monique Young

Job Titles:
  • Owner of One Accord Services
Monique is the owner of One Accord Services based on Raleigh North Carolina. Monique Young is married with two children and enjoys gardening. Working with UMCNC enables Monique an opportunity to support businesses in their growth and sustainability. It also enables Monique to help cultivate the next generation workforce in the construction industry.

Patrice Gilmore Haley - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
Patrice has over sixteen years of experience in the construction industry. She is currently with DPR Construction. In her previous role as Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for Holt Brothers Construction (a certified minority owned business), Patrice managed the firm's diversity program and assists in business development efforts. Patrice's work in diversity has been recognized by various state and local agencies. In 2015, Patrice was selected as one of Triangle Business Journal's 40 Under 40. Patrice is a graduate of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.