Dr. William “Bill” F. Pickard

William F. Pickard, Ph.D., is founder and executive chairman of GAA Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management, a co-managing partner of MGM Grand Detroit Casino, and a longtime media owner. His entrepreneurial career began as a McDonald’s franchisee in Detroit and grew into manufacturing plants across the U.S. and Canada.

GAA manufacturing group credited with more than $5 billion in sales, serving Boeing, automakers, Starbucks, Home Depot, and Merck.
Named by Black Enterprise among the 50 most influential Black entrepreneurs of the past 50 years.
Philanthropist to HBCUs including Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, Spelman, FAMU, and Fort Valley State. Received the NBCA Chairman’s Award in 2023.