NMSDC is deeply saddened by the passing of former Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC) president Richard Huebner. His passing is an immense loss for not only the NMSDC network but for the entire minority business and supplier diversity community.
Huebner served as president of HMSDC for over 30 years where he led hundreds of major corporations, government agencies, and thousands of minority business enterprises (MBEs) in a common mission to increase and expand business opportunities and business growth for minority-owned businesses before retiring in 2016. Under his direction, HMSDC holds the record of being named Council of the Year by NMSDC an impressive seven times and was named Houston’s Greatest Nonprofit Business Organization by the Greater Houston Partnership. In 2017, Huebner was also recognized as one of the Top 45 most influential figures in the history of NMSDC.
Huebner served on many boards of several civic, business, education, banking, government, and community organizations. His work and leadership have been recognized over the years with top awards from several Houston mayors as well as by the United Way, Houston Diversity Summit, Asian Chamber of Commerce, Federal Executive Board, Houston Community College System, National Association For Community College Entrepreneurship, Houston International Trade Development Council, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, Institute of Supply Chain Management, Korean American Association, Leadership Houston, National Hispanic Professional Organization, Native American Chamber of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency, the Women’s Business Enterprise Council South and numerous other nonprofits and government agencies.
“Dick was more than just a leader. He was a pioneering force in the realm of supplier diversity and minority business development and will not soon be forgotten,” said NMSDC CEO and President Ying McGuire.
During this challenging time, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless other lives he touched. Huebner’s leadership and dedication to supporting minority business owners in Houston and across the nation will be missed by everyone in the NMSDC network.
“Dick was respected nationwide for his leadership in minority business development. MBEs, corporate members, and his staff were truly a HUGE part in what made HMSDC the staple it is today,” said NMSDC Senior Director of Certification Constance Jones.
NMSDC will do its best to honor his legacy in our continued work to accelerate minority business growth and create a more resilient and inclusive economy that works for all.
