Emmett T. Vaughn- Bringing His “A Game” to Supplier Diversity

Credit To: MEA Magazine

Emmett Vaughn Director of the Office of Diverse Business Empowerment Exelon Corporation can fill a room just by his very presence. He commands your attention solely with his broad shouldered physique and orator’s voice. He holds your attention and garners your respect when he speaks about his passion…his lifelong calling, as an advocate for minority owned business.

Vaughn is currently Director of the Office of Diverse Business Empowerment at Exelon Corporation. In this role he provides strategic direction and oversight for approximately $1.5 billion of business deals done between Exelon and diversity certified businesses annually. He joined the company in 2005 and has been the catalyst for much of Exelon’s success in national supplier diversity and economic development. Under Vaughn’s leadership, Exelon has generated more than $3.8 billion in “new business” for MWBEs.

Vaughn grew up in a middle-class neighborhood in St. Louis Missouri, the oldest son of well-educated parents who instilled the value of excellence in their children. Anxious to never disappoint his family he was educated in public schools with curriculum tracks for the gifted and talented. In addition to his stellar grades, Vaughn was awarded a fellowship to the prestigious Julliard Institute, and scholarships to play college football. He chose Northeast Missouri State University for his undergraduate education. Vaughn received his MBA from Kellogg School of Management.

At an early age Vaughn became aware that growing up a Black man, in the first generation post-civil rights movement, presented many challenges and uncertainties. Although legally, African Americans had access to more opportunities, Vaugh recognized that in order to succeed, Black men had to bring more to the table than their Caucasian counterparts. This realization resulted in Vaughn establishing two foundational principles, which he follows to this day; Do not be afraid to assert yourself, and; Strive for continual improvement. Following these principles has resulted in Vaughn bringing his A game to his career, as well as his personal life.

Read Full Article