Willie A. Deese 
Willie A. Deese is a retired pharmaceutical executive and corporate board member whose career spans 5 decades.  He most recently served as Executive Vice President of Manufacturing at Merck and Co. Inc.  He is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and credits his alma mater with providing him the foundational platform on which he was able to build a successful career.  He is recognized for his expertise in manufacturing and supply chain management as well as his proactive contributions defining healthy, engaged corporate cultures, implementing environmental and sustainability standards, DEI practices and policies, and leadership development.  He fervently believes that when we level the playing field by providing equitable resources and opportunities for all, it leads to positive outcomes that have an exponential impact on society.  Recently, North Carolina A&T named its College of Business and Economics in his honor.