The Council Welcomes Marsha Firestone, Founder and President of the Women Presidents' Organization

WASHINGTON, March 16, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the National Women's Business Council is welcoming Marsha Firestone. She will serve as the representative of Women Presidents' Organization. Based in New York City, Firestone has an extensive track record and decades of experience supporting women entrepreneurs, business owners and leaders.

Dr. Firestone is the Founder and President of the Women Presidents' Organization (WPO), founded in 1997 as a peer advisory organization for women who own multimillion dollar businesses. She is also the Founder and President of the Women Presidents' Educational Organization, which is dedicated to increasing access to business opportunities for women's business enterprises.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Marsha Firestone joining our esteemed group of Council Members. Her track record in service to women entrepreneurs is unparalleled and will be a tremendous value-add to the Council," said Carla Harris, Presidentially-appointed Chair of the NWBC. "Her experience working as a leader in this movement, and as the founder of a national women's business membership organization will also help us keep our ear to the ground for what women business owners and leaders need most."

Firestone previously served as Vice President of Women Incorporated and as Vice President of Training and Counseling at the American Woman's Economic Development Corporation (AWED).  Her career also includes positions as President of a for-profit educational institution; National Executive Director of Women's American ORT, a volunteer organization; and a faculty member at the American Management Association Competency-Based Management Development Program, at City University of New York, and at Adelphi University. Dr. Firestone is also the author of The Busy Woman's Guide to Successful Self-Employment and has published research in business and educational journals on adult learning theory, nonverbal communication, and managerial competency. 

She recently received many awards for her service and commitment to women in the entrepreneurship and business ecosystem, including the Women of Influence Award, conferred by the New Your Business Journal for achievement in the marketplace and commitment to community, the Charles T. Haffey Community Service Award from the National Minority Business Council, the Enterprising Women Legacy Award and the Tulane Professional Achievement Award in just the last year.

"I am excited to be back on the National Women's Business Council, having served for three years from 2003 – 2006.  I am particularly pleased to re-join a council which has come such a long way in its support of women-owned and led businesses," said Firestone. "During my tenure I hope to change how women-led businesses are perceived, both by the media and the public. I think bias is programmed into the DNA, suggesting that women don't grow substantial businesses which generate increased revenue and employment. Women do build substantial businesses. The days of cookies and crafts are long over.  Let's give these fast growth businesses the recognition they deserve."

She is replacing her previous WPO colleague Roz Alford, the former representative of WPO and the Co-Principal of ASAP Solutions.

"Roz Alford's commitment and contribution to the Council was just tremendous. We are sad to see her go; she should know that we will continue to leverage her knowledge and experience. We are excited to welcome Dr. Firestone to the Council and look forward to continued collaboration with the Women Presidents' Organization," said Amanda Brown, Executive Director of the NWBC.

You can learn more about her and the work of the Council here: nwbc.gov

ABOUT THE NWBC:  The National Women's Business Council (NWBC) is a non-partisan federal advisory council created to serve as an independent source of advice and counsel to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration on economic issues of importance to women business owners.

For more information contact:
Samhita Mukhopadhyay
(202) 615 – 6570
[email protected]

SOURCE National Women's Business Council