Commissioner Dr. James McConnell
At the heart of MBC DevCorp’s mission is the vision and leadership of Commissioner Dr. James McConnell, our Founder & CEO. A systems architect, entrepreneur, and community builder, Dr. McConnell has dedicated his life to transforming underserved neighborhoods into thriving, self-sustaining communities.
With a proven record in public service, nonprofit development, and small business acceleration, Dr. McConnell brings decades of leadership experience to South Dallas and beyond. He has led initiatives in real estate revitalization, small business incubation, and civic coalition-building, always with one goal in mind: empowering people to create wealth, stability, and legacy for their families and communities.
As the architect of the Elevate X Workforce Development Program, Dr. McConnell designed a model that removes the two biggest barriers to success—unstable housing and outdated business systems. By combining affordable live-work housing with AI-powered business training, Elevate X provides residents with both the stability and tools they need to launch sustainable businesses and build long-term prosperity.
Beyond the programs, Dr. McConnell is also a connector and mentor. He believes that real transformation happens when people have not only resources, but also networks of support and encouragement. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and accountability—values that shape every MBC DevCorp initiative.
In his own words:
“We are not just building programs—we are building legacies. Our work is about giving every resident the chance to thrive, lead, and create lasting change for future generations.”
Join us in celebrating the leadership of Dr. James McConnell and in supporting his vision of a stronger, more equitable South Dallas.
