Michael L. Suggs is the President of the Goler Community Development Corporation, a faith-based community development corporation that is revitalizing a community in downtown Winston-Salem.  Mr. Suggs, a former marketing and governmental executive with RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company is leading the $100 million effort to restore the area through construction and renovation of an industrial area into a mixed use and multicultural community. Mr. Suggs attended North Carolina A&T State University where he graduated with honors in Business Administration. His education continued at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned an MBA in Marketing.  Additional work experience was gained at Procter and Gamble, Miller Brewing Company and Champion International.

At RJ Reynolds, Mr. Suggs was Senior Director of Public Affairs, responsible for the company’s outreach to its numerous constituent organizations, including civic leaders, business owners, elected officials, and community leaders.  Early in his almost twenty year career at RJ Reynolds, Mr. Suggs held several positions in the Marketing Department, including Brand Manager for VANTAGE/MORE/NOW and Special Markets Manager for SALEM.

Prior to joining RJ Reynolds, Mr. Suggs worked as a Brand Manager for Hanes Hosiery where he was responsible for building the company’s share in department stores and mass merchandiser accounts.

Mr. Suggs and his wife Dana own and operate a boutique/art gallery called BODY AND SOUL in Winston-Salem’s Art District which has become a destination for locals and visitors for over 13 years.  

Mr. Suggs’ civic activities include former Chairman of the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership, board member of Winston-Salem Business Inc. and The North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development.​