ATLANTA, GA, November 28, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Forest T. Harper Jr. has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Harper, an expert leadership and organizational consultant, founded Harper Cook Consulting LLC in July 2025, he provides advisory services to C-Level Private Equity nonprofit leaders, philanthropists, and organizations seeking sustainable growth while building impactful community sustainability and growth for all.
Before venturing into consulting, Mr. Harper served as President and Chief Executive Officer at INROADS Inc., a position he held until 2025. During his tenure, which began in 2011, he was instrumental in developing projects focused on building career pathways for talented, under-represented students in building sustainable communities through bold strategic partnerships. Such partnerships would include the United Negro College Fund and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Notably, Mr. Harper played a key role in securing a $10 million grant from Southern Company to support these initiatives and developed strategies that optimized collaboration among nonprofits for greater impact and sustainability. During his tenure, he impacted the lives of more than 22,000 students into careers throughout corporate America and the Federal Government. In recognition of these contributions and many more, INROADS National Board of Directors, established the Forest T. Harper Jr. Rising Star Award in his honor.
In years past, Mr. Harper served in various other civic leadership capacities, including affiliation with the National Urban League and through philanthropy efforts with the Pfizer Foundation for over five years, where he worked to provide innovative medicines to those who could not afford them. His experience in nonprofit management deepened during this period.
Mr. Harper spent 28 years of his career with Pfizer, starting in 1986 as the Vice President and General Manager of the Roerig National Sales Division, where he oversaw sales operations and strategic initiatives. He then served as the Vice President of the National Managed Care Division from 2000 to 2002, where he led negotiations and partnerships with major healthcare organizations. Between 2002 and 2005, Mr. Harper served as the Vice President and Ambassador of the Pfizer Share Card program, the first of its kind to bring a focus on expanding access to medications for seniors and underserved populations throughout the country. His commitment to community health continued as the Vice President of community health advocacy from 2005 to 2009, during which he championed public health initiatives and fostered stakeholder engagement. As Mr. Harper transitioned from Pfizer, he served in multiple roles that include Vice President for therapeutic area support within worldwide public affairs and policy and as the Vice President for capability development and stakeholder relations throughout the country.
A graduate of Morgan State University in 1978, Mr. Harper earned a Bachelor of Arts in social work, liberal arts and sciences, and liberal studies. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army-82nd Airborne Division. Over the course of eight years of service, he rose to the rank of Captain as a military Police Officer, holding various leadership roles that shaped his approach to management and organizational development. Following his military service, Mr. Harper transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, where he built an extensive career spanning more than 28 years. His academic credentials also include completion of Harvard leadership training course in 1998 and a corporate board initiative certificate from The Executive Leadership Council earned in 2022.
Mr. Harper's professional affiliations reflect his commitment to leadership development and civic engagement. He contributes his expertise to prestigious academic institutions. He serves on the Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business Dean's Advisory Pathway to Excellence Council, and he plays a Senior Advisor role at his alma mater, Morgan State University Foundation. A member of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC), he is a visible advocate for increasing representation and advancement of Black executives in corporate leadership. His commitment to governance excellence is further underscored by 14 years on the INROADS National Board and NACD Directorship Certification through the ELC's Corporate Board Initiative. He also currently serves as the MetLife CEO Advanced Advisory.
Mr. Harper's expansive board governance includes his former role as Vice Chair of National Arthritis Foundation and the Nation Council for Aging. He is former President of the prestigious National Society of Pershing Rifle while at Morgan State University.
As a public speaker, Mr. Harper has addressed topics such as innovative collaboration among nonprofits—an area where he has made significant contributions throughout his career. He remains dedicated to fostering creative and innovative collaboration among national nonprofits to create sustainable communities for future generations. He also seeks to guide the development of nonprofit leaders while expanding opportunities for emerging American leaders who have faced barriers to advancement. Through Harper Cook Consulting LLC, Mr. Harper aims to serve as a senior advisor to new nonprofit chief executive officers while supporting young people in pursuing their chosen careers and becoming future leaders—a legacy inspired by his mother's passion for youth development.
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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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