North Carolina retired business executive and philanthropist Eddie Brailsford has been appointed to the board of directors of BlackPast.org, serving a two-year term through December 2026. His appointment brings significant financial and governance expertise to the organization at a pivotal moment in its trajectory. Board Chair Doug Bender emphasized Brailsford's extensive background, stating he brings over forty years of executive leadership focused on strategic planning, financial management, risk assessment, stewardship, and treasury oversight to the board.
Brailsford retired from the Volvo Group in 2016 after 34 years of service, where he held numerous leadership positions including Vice President of Corporate Financial Reporting Americas and Chief Financial Controller for Volvo Trucks North America. His corporate governance experience includes serving as Board Member and Chairman of the Audit Committee for Petro Stopping Centers and as Board Member for Volvo Group Canada. Before joining Volvo, Brailsford worked for Union Carbide and Miller Brewing Company, building a comprehensive background in corporate finance and management.
The appointment strengthens BlackPast.org's organizational capacity as it continues its mission to provide historical reference information on people of African ancestry globally. Founded on February 1, 2007, BlackPast.org (https://www.blackpast.org) has grown to include the equivalent of 10,000 pages of content supported by nearly 1,000 volunteer content contributors from six continents. The website remains free and ungated, with new features added regularly to expand access to Black historical information.
Brailsford's nonprofit experience includes serving as Steward and Treasurer for Bethel AME Church in Greensboro, Board of Management Member for Hayes-Taylor YMCA, Board Member and Treasurer for Royal Expressions Contemporary Ballet, and various leadership roles with the Wilberforce University Alumni Association. His technical proficiency in accounting and finance, combined with his CPA license obtained in 1986 from the North Carolina State Board of Certified Public Accountants, provides BlackPast.org with valuable oversight capabilities as the organization continues to facilitate partnerships with industry, academia, and philanthropy.
This board appointment represents a strategic enhancement of BlackPast.org's governance structure, leveraging Brailsford's extensive experience in both corporate and community-based organizations. His background in financial management and risk assessment will support the organization's ongoing mission to deliver education and information on notable Black individuals and events that impact humanity through its comprehensive online platform at https://www.blackpast.org.
