MEET THE TEAM
Staff
AYNSLEY CLARK
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Aynsley Clark brings a diverse background of experience to the role of Executive Director for the Memphis Area Minority Contractors Association. Raised in Richmond, VA, Aynsley moved to Memphis in 1994 after attending college at the University of Pittsburgh. From 1996 to 2023 she worked for Trust Marketing & Communications, Inc. one of, if not the oldest, Black owned Marketing & Public Relations firms in Memphis and surrounding areas. Starting out as the Receptionist/Administrative Assistant, she held several positions within the company including Project Manager, Media Buyer, Operations Manager and most recently, Corporate Director of Operations.
Aynsley’s most important role, however, is being a mother to her 11 children, whom she calls her 11 heartbeats.
Board of Directors
CARLOS FIFER
BOARD PRESIDENT
Carlos Fifer founded Fifer & Associates in 1999 along with his brothers Carey and Charles Fifer, and now serves as President and CEO. With a passion and heart for people, the brothers started Fifer & Associates with the goal to help people achieve home ownership by offering affordable home buying consultation, real estate investment, and construction services. Seeing both the need and opportunity to expand their services, the company moved into the commercial contracting space in 2016. Under his leadership, Fifer and Associates has become one of the premier minority-owned construction companies in Memphis and surrounding areas. Their scope of work includes projects for The City of Memphis, City of Memphis Fire Department, Memphis City and Shelby County Schools, the National Civil Rights Museum, Trezevant High School, the New Frayser Community High School, Nike, FedEx and Ford to name a few. Carlos has also received several awards: City of Memphis MBE Premier Partner (Prime) from Mayor Jim Strickland (2021); Memphis Business Journal -Best Renovations (2023); MAMCA Contractor of the Year (2023). Carlos has been married to his wife, Tamara, for 15 years and has 5 children.
President & CEO
Fifer & Associates
MIKE HOOKS, JR.
BOARD VICE PRESIDENT
With over 15 years of experience in project management and public affairs, Michael Hooks, Jr. serves as founder and CEO at Allworld Project Management. Michael received his Bachelor’s degree at Hampton University in Hampton, Va. and graduate level education at the University of Memphis Executive MBA program and Christian Brothers University Project Management Certification Program. Since its founding in 2010, Michael has grown Allworld to employ just under 70 full-time employees working currently in Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, South Carolina, California, and Massachusetts. The firm was recently recognized by the Inc 5000 as one the fastest-growing companies in America. Allworld has participated in development projects such as the Crosstown Concourse Redevelopment, the Fairgrounds Redevelopment, Hotel Chisca, South City, The Citizen at Union and Mclean, and the Pinch. Michael is married to Kenya Hooks, Esq. and has two daughters, Morgan and Miranda. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity and New Direction Christian Church.
President & CEO
Allworld Project Management
OCTAVIUS NICKSON
BOARD TREASURER
Octavius Nickson is the President and CEO of Nickson General Contractors, Inc. He is a native Memphian, but also lived in Mississippi as a teen. Octavius started Nickson General Contractors in 2015 and quickly grew the firm to become one of the top 25 General Contracting firms in the City of Memphis. Having a passion to prepare the next generation for successful entry into the workforce, he serves on the board of the Tennessee Career Academy, a charter school geared toward career readiness, as well as on the board of Capstone Education Group, another local charter with three schools in the Memphis Area. Octavius is a trailblazer; believing that he should create a path where none exists and leave a trail for those who come behind him to follow.
President & CEO
Nickson General Contractors
CARLO FOSTER
Carlo Foster is the President and CEO of C. Foster Construction Company, Inc., and American Millwork and Granite, Inc. As a native Memphian, he graduated from White Station High School and The University of Memphis. Carlo founded C. Foster Construction Company in 2009, following his dream of becoming a builder. After several years in the construction industry, he found his niche in commercial doors, hardware, and millwork. In 2017, driven by his ambition to start a millwork shop, Carlo purchased a millwork business from a retiring owner, leading to the birth of American Millwork and Granite, Inc. Carlo has built many strong relationships in the construction industry and has worked on notable projects such as the Memphis Airport, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the Renasant Convention Center, and various other projects in and around Memphis. Carlo is passionate about helping and motivating others. When not spending time with his family, he loves to encourage and mentor others in pursuing their dreams.