Cheryl Snead
President & CEO
Banneker Industries

Cheryl W. Snead is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Banneker Industries, Inc. a world class provider of Supply Chain Management solutions that is headquartered in North Smithfield, Rhode Island with operations in Massachusetts, Indiana, California and Texas. Banneker Industries, Inc. was named the 2008 National Subcontractor of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Ms. Snead received her undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts. She worked for General Electric (GE) honing her engineering and management skills before continuing her education. She later received her Masters Degree in Business from Purdue University and went on to manage the machine shop operations of a small, minority owned firm in Rhode Island before starting Banneker Industries in 1991. The company is named after Benjamin Banneker the first recognized African American mathematician, astronomer and inventor. Ms. Snead received an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree from Bryant University in May 2006. She is also a green belt Six Sigma Specialist.

Banneker Industries, Inc. and Ms. Snead have received numerous awards, both for business accomplishments and ongoing civic work. She was recently named a “2009 Star” by Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and New England Businesswoman of the Year at Bryant University’s Women’s Summit. Banneker Industries has been recognized nationally in Inc., MBE, Essence and Black Enterprise magazines.

Cheryl W. Snead serves on the professional Boards of AMICA Insurance Company and Bank Rhode Island. Her community activities include serving on the Board of Waterfire and a charter member and Past President of the Greater Providence RI Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. She is a current Board of Trustee of Bryant University and a passionate, motivational speaker advocating youth, minority and women empowerment.