2026 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: MICHAEL R. MORGAN

A former FBI administrator, Michael Morgan retired in 2022 after 36 years of service at the bureau. In October 2025, he became the new leader of the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, the regional chamber founded in 2008. As the Northern Virginia Black Chamber’s executive director, Morgan is focused on expanding opportunities for Black-owned and underserved businesses, strengthening partnerships and growing access to resources. In addition to his work with the chamber, Morgan is the president and founder of A Few Good MENtors, a nonprofit he launched in 2019 to guide boys and young men into adulthood.

FIRST JOB: Delivering newspapers in my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. I was about 10 years old at the time.

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT: My proudest professional accomplishment was serving with the FBI as a covert surveillance specialist. I worked several high-profile cases, including the Robert Hanssen espionage investigation. The surveillance work directly contributed to his arrest and conviction.

FAVORITE PLACE I’VE TRAVELED: South Africa. The culture, history and people left a lasting impression on me, and I hope to return.

BOOKS I’D RECOMMEND: “107 Days,” by former Vice President Kamala Harris. It offers a clear view of the inner workings of a national campaign and is helpful for anyone studying crisis leadership and decision-making.

WHOSE FOOTSTEPS I’M FOLLOWING: My parents instilled strong values around service and giving back. While I am the first in my family to lead two nonprofit organizations, their example shaped my commitment to community leadership.

WHY I CHOSE MY PROFESSION: Service has always been central to my life. I chose this field because I care deeply about helping others and creating opportunities for people to reach their full potential.

SOMETHING I’VE LEARNED: Real strength comes from unity. Every person matters. Every contribution counts. When people work together with purpose, meaningful progress happens.

HOBBIES: I’m a certified weather nerd. I closely follow weather patterns, radar and forecasting. The Weather Channel is always on.