BDPA Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

BDPA has 5 executives leading key functions including marketing, information technology, organizational strategy, and regional chapter management.

Dedicated to advancing minority representation in technology, BDPA fosters professional growth and upward mobility for African Americans and other underrepresented groups within the IT and STEM sectors through comprehensive networking and educational initiatives.

Leadership Roles at BDPA

  • President - Taylor Sharperson
  • President, Bdpa Chapter (Kansas City) - William Wells
  • President (Richmond) - Jamar Arvin
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Derris Boomer
  • Chief Information Officer - Wendell Layne
  • Taylor Sharperson - President

    Taylor Sharperson, the President at BDPA, provides executive oversight for the organization's strategic direction and national operations. By defining the core objectives that drive upward mobility for minorities in STEM, the President ensures that all programs align with the long-term vision of the organization. Sharperson manages relationships with key corporate partners and stakeholders to secure resources for professional development initiatives. This leadership role involves guiding the board and executive team toward achieving sustainable growth and increased impact within the IT industry. Taylor Sharperson monitors the effectiveness of national programs, adjusting strategies to meet the evolving needs of the membership. By fostering a culture of excellence and inclusion, the President empowers the organization to bridge the gap for underrepresented groups in technology. Sharperson maintains a focus on operational efficiency and financial health, ensuring that the organization continues to provide valuable support and networking opportunities to professionals across the United States.

    William Wells - President, Bdpa Chapter (Kansas City)

    William Wells, the President, Bdpa Chapter (Kansas City) at BDPA, executes the organization's mission at the regional level by driving local engagement and professional development. By organizing workshops and networking events, the President, Bdpa Chapter (Kansas City) creates a supportive environment for IT professionals in the Midwest. Wells manages local partnerships with businesses and educational institutions to provide members with career advancement opportunities. This leadership role involves coordinating with national leadership to ensure that local activities reflect the broader goals of the organization. William Wells oversees the recruitment and retention of chapter members, fostering a community dedicated to STEM excellence. By implementing targeted outreach programs, the President, Bdpa Chapter (Kansas City) strengthens the local presence of the organization. Wells ensures that all chapter initiatives provide tangible value to members, ultimately contributing to the national objective of increasing minority representation and success within the competitive information technology landscape.

    Jamar Arvin - President (Richmond)

    Jamar Arvin, the President (Richmond) at BDPA, directs the regional operations and community outreach efforts for the Richmond area. By facilitating local training sessions and mentorship programs, the President (Richmond) supports the professional growth of minority IT workers. Arvin manages the chapter's budget and resource allocation to maximize the impact of local initiatives. This leadership role involves building alliances with regional tech firms to create pathways for member employment and skill development. Jamar Arvin coordinates with the national office to align local programming with the organization's overarching mission of fostering diversity in STEM. By cultivating a vibrant local network, the President (Richmond) enhances the visibility of the organization within the regional tech ecosystem. Arvin drives the execution of strategic plans that promote technical literacy and career advancement, ensuring that the Richmond chapter remains a vital resource for professionals seeking to excel in the information technology field.

    Derris Boomer - Chief Marketing Officer

    Derris Boomer, the Chief Marketing Officer at BDPA, directs all brand communication and outreach strategies to expand the organization's national footprint. By architecting digital campaigns that highlight the value of IT professional development, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging across all membership channels. Boomer manages the public perception of the organization, driving engagement with corporate partners and potential members alike. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to optimize recruitment efforts for minority professionals in STEM. Through the implementation of data-driven marketing tactics, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the visibility of the organization's mission. Derris Boomer maintains alignment with the board to ensure that marketing initiatives support long-term growth objectives. By fostering strong relationships with industry stakeholders, the Chief Marketing Officer secures the necessary support to sustain the organization's commitment to professional advancement and technological excellence across North American markets.

    Wendell Layne - Chief Information Officer

    Wendell Layne, the Chief Information Officer at BDPA, oversees the technological infrastructure and digital platforms that support the organization's mission. By managing the internal systems that facilitate member connectivity and resource sharing, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless operations for the entire network. Layne architects secure data management protocols to protect member information while enabling efficient access to educational materials. This leadership role involves evaluating emerging technologies to enhance the organization's digital presence and service delivery. Wendell Layne collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate IT solutions that streamline administrative processes and improve member engagement. By optimizing the technical architecture, the Chief Information Officer supports the organization's goal of providing high-quality resources to IT professionals. Layne drives the digital transformation strategy, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of technological innovation while maintaining robust, scalable systems that serve the diverse needs of the membership base.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding BDPA Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads BDPA?
    BDPA is led by Taylor Sharperson (President), along with executives such as William Wells (President, Bdpa Chapter (Kansas City)) and Jamar Arvin (President (Richmond)).
    Who is part of BDPA’s executive team?
    The executive team of BDPA includes leaders such as Taylor Sharperson (President), William Wells (President, Bdpa Chapter (Kansas City)), Jamar Arvin (President (Richmond)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does BDPA have?
    BDPA has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in BDPA’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of BDPA includes roles such as President, President, Bdpa Chapter (Kansas City), President (Richmond), Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Information Officer.