Biographies
Professional:Sean-Reed McGee is the CEO and Managing Partner of Lead Ventures, a multifaceted enterprise that oversees innovative ventures including Back2Learn, FocusQuest, TheD9Network, Fluid Education, and YourSolutionsCorner. Under his leadership, these companies specialize in educational and social lead generation marketing, collectively reaching over 3,000,000 prospective students and customers yearly and partnering with numerous higher education institutions to generate over $100 million in annual revenue.Raised in a single-parent household in New York, McGee’s entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured by his mother’s unwavering commitment to providing him with quality education despite financial challenges. At the age of 13, he began working at McDonald’s, where he embraced the principle of “clean as you go,” instilling in him a proactive mindset and a dedication to seeing projects through to completion.McGee earned a Bachelor of Science in Business, Marketing, and Management from Wagner College. His professional journey includes serving as Senior Vice President of Sales at CollegeBound Network, where he was instrumental in expanding the company from 7 to over 500 employees. He has also held key leadership roles at Succeed Magazine, ClassesUSA, EducationalGoal, and Jastiny Enterprises, amassing over 30 years of expertise in marketing and business development, covering print, tv, outdoor, and web.In 2021, McGee co-founded Blacks in Performance Marketing (BiPM), serving as Chairman and one of seven founding members. The organization aims to promote diversity and inclusion within the performance marketing industry. His commitment to community uplift and industry excellence was recognized in 2023 when he received “The Heart Award” at AFFY Expo, honoring individuals who make outstanding contributions to the field.Beyond his professional endeavors, Sean-Reed is a devoted family man; an Alpha Phi Alpha Man. He has been married to his wife, Wileeta Cheresse, for over 30 years, and together they have three daughters—Dejah, Destiny, and Desirae—and grandchildren Dior, Davis, and Demi. His family serves as a source of inspiration and grounding, reinforcing his belief that “gratitude can transform ordinary common days into thanksgivings.”McGee’s entrepreneurial expertise spans the full spectrum of business development, from ideation and startup financing to team building and strategic planning. His unwavering passion and commitment to enriching communities underscore his mission to foster diverse leadership and drive meaningful change across industries.
Personal:
A devoted family man, Sean-Reed McGee has been married to Wileeta Cheresse for over 30 years, is a father to three daughters, and cherishes his role as “G-Pop” to three grandchildren. Along with his deep family commitments, he is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in marketing and leadership.
As CEO and managing partner of Lead Ventures, he oversees innovative companies including Back2Learn, FocusQuest, TheD9Network, Fluid Education, and YourSolutionsCorner. His ventures primarily focus on educational lead generation marketing, where he strives to create effective solutions for students. Through these companies, he has reached over 400,000 prospective students monthly, partnered with numerous higher education institutions, generating over $100 million in annual revenue.
As Chairman and one of seven founders of Blacks in Performance Marketing (BiPM), Sean-Reed works to promote diversity within the industry. His entrepreneurial journey encompasses every phase from ideation to start-ups, financing, team building, and future planning—each tackled with unmatched passion. He takes particular pride in mentoring and investing in independent small businesses, connecting with people and situations that uplift communities.
A New Yorker at heart and life-member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Sean-Reed combines strategic leadership with a dedication to building successful enterprises, demonstrating his commitment to enriching communities and fostering diverse industry leadership.
Shorter version:
Sean-Reed McGee is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years in marketing and leadership. As CEO and managing partner of Lead Ventures, he directs innovative companies like Back2Learn, FocusQuest, The D9Network, and YourSolutionsCorner, focusing on lead generation and small business investments.
Previously, Sean-Reed served as the SVP of Sales at CollegeBound Network, growing the company from 7 to over 500 employees. He held key roles at Succeed Magazine, ClassesUSA, EducationalGoal, and Jastiny Enterprises.
In 2021, he founded Blacks in Performance Marketing (BiPM) to promote diversity in the industry. A dedicated New Yorker, Sean-Reed merges profound passion with strategic leadership, enhancing communities and fostering industry diversity. A devoted husband for over 29 years and a father and grandfather, he balances his professional drive with family commitments.
