Date posted: 11/06/2009*

Benita Fortner, corporate director of supplier diversity at Raytheon Company, has been awarded the 2009 National Minority Development Leader of the Year Award by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).

The award recognizes individuals who help create a world-class minority supplier development process. The NMSDC’s primary objective is to provide a direct link between corporate America and minority-owned businesses. The NMSDC was chartered in 1972 to afford increased procurement and business opportunities for minority businesses of all sizes.

“Benita recognizes that a healthy global supply base of minority businesses will not only benefit Raytheon but will have a monumental impact on the nation’s growth and the global economy,” said Harriet R. Michel, president of the NMSDC.

Fortner has Long History With NMSDC

Fortner is a former chair of the NMSDC Chairpersons’ Committee and former member of NMSDC’s Executive Committee. She currently chairs the Advanced Practices Committee and resides on the board of the NMSDC Business Consortium Fund and the NMSDC’s Greater New England Council.

“Benita is … one of my most favored mentors, shaping my expertise, and focusing my influence to help our minority businesses to be strategic suppliers in our value chain,” said John D. Harris, vice president of Contracts and Supply Chain.

Recognized by DiversityBusiness.com

This is not the first time Fortner has been recognized for her work with diversity. In May 2007, she was identified on the DiversityBusiness.com list of “America’s Top Diversity Advocates,” along with Jimmy Carter, Oprah Winfrey and Bill Clinton. Fortner has made significant contributions to the development of the minority business community at large.