Lincoln Christopher Stephens
Principal | Locomotus.com
Lincoln Christopher Stephens is a visionary leader and social entrepreneur with a deep commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion across industries. He currently serves as the Chief Brand and Partnerships Officer at TD Jakes Enterprises, where he leverages his extensive experience in advertising and brand management to foster innovative partnerships and drive impactful initiatives.
Lincoln co-founded the Marcus Graham Project (MGP), a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing diversity in the marketing, media, and advertising sectors. Through mentorship, exposure, and career development, MGP has empowered countless individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to achieve success in these industries. The organization has earned accolades from Advertising Age, Adweek, Black Enterprise, Forbes, Billboard, and has been featured on CNN and NBC.
Lincoln is also a co-founder of Locomotus, LLC, an on-demand talent nnetwork that connects culturally-fluent, experienced talent with top media, marketing, and entertainment brands. Through Locomotus, Lincoln has been instrumental in creating opportunities for unrepresented talent, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued in industries that shape culture and society.
With a career that spans roles at top agencies such as TracyLocke, Martin Retail, Carol H. Williams Advertising, TPN, and Moroch, Lincoln has worked with some of the world’s leading brands, including Frito Lay, Quaker, Pepsi, Cadillac, Hummer, Chevrolet, Western Union, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Lexus, and Moët Hennessy USA. His efforts have earned him numerous honors, including being named one of Advertising Age’s top 40 marketing leaders under 40, Ebony Magazine’s top entrepreneurs under 34, and receiving the Dallas Business Journal’s Minority Business Leader Award. He has also been recognized as an AT&T Game Changer and an Adweek Rising Star Brand, and received the University of Missouri School of Journalism’s Honor Medal for Distinguished Service in the Media Industry.
A native of Dallas, Texas, Lincoln is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a focus in Strategic Communications. He also earned a Master’s degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University.
Lincoln’s leadership extends beyond his professional roles. He currently serves on the boards of Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of Arts and Fair Park First, contributing his expertise to advance the arts, education, and community development. His commitment to civic engagement is further evident in his leadership roles in initiatives such as Rock The Vote in Chicago and Dallas, and his involvement with organizations including the African American Leaders of Tomorrow, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, the Dallas Urban League Young Professionals, YMCA, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He also served as the immediate past president of the South Blvd Park Row Historic Neighborhood Association.
As a new board member of the Krimson PAC, Lincoln brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, brand development, and community advocacy. His dedication to empowering diverse voices and driving positive change aligns perfectly with the mission of Krimson PAC.
Lincoln is also a proud father to his son, Montgomery James, and an enthusiastic host of culinary gatherings, often bringing people together over shared meals.