Black Economic Leadership League of Rock Hill Announces Dr. Portia York as Director of Strategic Development & Operations

Black Economic Leadership League of Rock Hill Announces Dr. Portia York as Director of Strategic Development & Operations

Rock Hill, S.C. (April 17, 2026) — The Black Economic Leadership League of Rock Hill (B.E.L.L.) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Portia York as its Director of Strategic Development & Operations, marking a significant milestone as the organization’s first dedicated leadership role.

This strategic hire reflects B.E.L.L.’s continued growth and commitment to strengthening its infrastructure, expanding its impact, and advancing Black economic mobility across Rock Hill and the surrounding region.

In this role, Dr. York will lead efforts to enhance organizational systems, support financial sustainability, and align leadership around the execution of B.E.L.L.’s strategic priorities. She will work closely with the Executive Committee to streamline operations, support programmatic initiatives, and develop strategies that position the organization for scalable, data-informed growth.

“Bringing Dr. York on in this capacity represents a pivotal moment for our organization,” said Dawn Johnson, Board Chair. “As we continue to grow, it is critical that we build the systems, partnerships, and strategies necessary to sustain and deepen our impact.”

Dr. York is an acclaimed educator and business leader with more than 15 years of executive experience across education, nonprofit, and public sector spaces. She is recognized for her expertise in strategic planning, organizational development, nonprofit operations, program innovation, and fundraising.

A Charlotte-based strategist with ties to the Rock Hill region, Dr. York has a proven track record of strengthening organizational infrastructure, increasing revenue, and aligning leadership around sustainable growth strategies. As an Education and Management Consultant, she has partnered with organizations to build operational systems, develop strategic plans, and implement diversified funding approaches that expand impact.

She previously served as Founder and CEO of York Creative Education Group and as Director of Advancement at The John Crosland School, where she led multi-year growth initiatives and generated more than $2.5 million annually in diversified revenue. She holds a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction (Urban Education) and a Master of Management in Business.

Grounded in a strong commitment to racial equity and economic empowerment, Dr. York is dedicated to supporting community-based organizations in building sustainable pathways for growth, opportunity, and lasting impact.

About the Black Economic Leadership League of Rock Hill (B.E.L.L.)

The Black Economic Leadership League of Rock Hill (B.E.L.L.) serves as a resource and advocate for the Black community by building pathways to a thriving future—individually and collectively. Through business development, workforce development, and leadership advancement, B.E.L.L. works to eliminate systemic barriers and expand access to economic opportunity. To learn more, visit www.bellofrockhill.org.