MANRRS Announces CEO Appointment

“Having worked with her for the last several years, and most recently serving alongside her as the MANRRS National President, I am confident in Ebony’s ability to lead MANRRS, helping to forge and execute the strategic vision of the organization as dictated by the needs and inputs from the membership,” says MANRRS President Dr. Derris Burnett. “Ebony has demonstrated the ability to effectively represent on behalf of the MANRRS organization as a passionate advocate for our mission and our membership. She has helped improve the MANRRS member experience and extended our pipeline to be impactful in the pre-collegiate, collegiate, and professional space. Her leadership has elevated MANRRS to become the premier organization for recruitment, cultivation, and development of diverse talent in the food, agriculture, and natural resources sector.” 

"Becoming the CEO for MANRRS is a dream come true," says Ebony Webber. "Since I first began working for MANRRS 21 years ago, I wake up passionate and excited about the work I get to do every day and the lives I get to impact through my work. MANRRS changed my life when they took a chance on me as a green college student and has assisted in my development and growth to CEO. I want to help develop future generations of CEOs and high-performing leaders in the food, agriculture, and natural resources industries."

Ebony Webber, a native of Moorhead, Mississippi, located in the rural Mississippi Delta, had previously served as the Chief Officer of Operations. During her tenure, she successfully relocated the national office from Memphis, TN, to Atlanta, GA, marking a strategic move for the organization. Under her leadership, MANRRS has achieved remarkable milestones, including a 10x increase in revenue over 20 years and a staggering 700% growth in staff to support the scale and quality of services that MANRRS offers.

Webber's impact on MANRRS is evident in the organization's exponential growth – active membership has soared by 300%, while the number of national partners has tripled. She oversaw the establishment of more than 105 MANRRS and Junior MANRRS chapters across 40 states, US Territories, and Ghana. Additionally, Webber has expanded the portfolio of signature events and programs, leading to a doubling in attendance at the national conference over the last three years.

Drawing on her background in Computer Science and Mathematics, Webber graduated at the top of her department at Stillman College. She holds a bachelor's degree in computer science and has furthered her education with a master's in business administration and certification in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix.

Beyond her academic achievements, Webber is a distinguished alumna of the National Urban League Emerging Leaders Program, United Way of Greater Atlanta Volunteer Involvement Program, and the Georgia Center for Nonprofits High Potential Diverse Leaders Cohort. She is a member of the National Black MBA Association and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She currently serves on the Women in Food and Agriculture Advisory Board and Chair for the 1890 Center of Excellence to Motivate and Educate for Achievement (MEA). Providing unconditional support and love, Webber’s family, including her husband, Kendrick, and their three children: Kennedi, Kobe, and Keithen, stand behind her as she embarks on this new journey.

In her new role as CEO, Webber is poised to continue driving innovation and growth at MANRRS, fostering strategic partnerships, and nurturing the NOW generation of leaders in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences.

#