Gray comes to FMBCC with an extensive background in advocacy, small business development and technical training. She has served in leadership roles at various organizations including the California Black Chamber of Commerce, Solano and Alameda County Small Business Development Centers and the California Black Health Network. She also runs her own informational technology consulting business called YADARI Enterprises.

Gray is a graduate of Saint Mary’s College of California and received certificates from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Anderson School of Business, Management Development for Entrepreneurs and Intel Business Academy.

She has received several honors including the State Agency Recognition Award (2015), California Black Chamber of Commerce Leadership Award (2012), California Black Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award (2009), and Allstate Insurance Company “From Whence We Came” National Pioneer in Technology Award (2004).

“Tara brings to FMBCC a wide and culturally diverse community network,” according to a news release. “Her extensive experience and networks will provide insight and access to leadership advocating for local and small businesses in order to remove historical barriers that have hindered African-American businesses within Fresno and the Great Central Valley.”

Gray replaces Tate Hill, who took a job with Fresno Community Development Financial Institution in September 2016 after nearly eight years at the helm of the FMBCC.

The FMBCC reported 250 members and a 2016 annual budget of $517,500, ranking it No. 4 on The Business Journal’s Chambers of Commerce list originally published in November 2016.