Check out our astounding fifty Men of Excellence who are changing the landscape of Metro Detroit and making this region a stronger, better place.
SAMUEL ABRAMS
MANAGER OF PLAYER RELATIONS, YOUTH & SPORTS PROGRAMS
DETROIT TIGERS
With over 20 years of business experience, Abrams has an extensive understanding of operations management, developing and implementing community, media, and public relations initiatives that maximize impact and drive organizational brand. With distinguished performance on both management teams and executive boards he has provided strategic leadership, vision, and practical solutions that deliver improved financial performance and increased revenue for non-profit, gaming, and sports industries.
Abrams currently works in the area of Public and Community Affairs with the Detroit Tigers as the Manager of Player Relations, Youth, and Sports Programs. In his role he assists in the planning and implementation of player initiatives, fund-raising and community outreach activities and programs. In addition, he is responsible for strengthening and expanding youth baseball and softball programs in the greater Detroit region.
In additional to his corporate work, Abrams currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors of Mariners Inn, a substance abuse treatment facility for men, and serves on the Board of Directors for Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan. Abrams received his BBA in Marketing from Detroit College of Business and his MBA in Strategic Management from Davenport University.
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ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF INCLUSION & STRATEGIC PLANNING
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
John Ambrose is the Associate Director for Inclusion & Strategic Planning for Michigan State University. In this role he helps lead a dynamic team of professionals in recruiting students and aiding community partners, within the U.S. Prior to working in higher education, Ambrose worked as a successful sales representative in the print industry for companies like Edwards Brothers and R.R. Donnelley & Sons.
As a native of Detroit, he is proud to have graduated from Cass Technical HS and credits much of his professional success to the experiences he was afforded at Western Michigan University.
Today, Ambrose is very active in the Midnight Golf Program, which he purports is the greatest youth development program anywhere in the world. He serves on two non-profit boards and has served as the President of Michigan Association for College Admissions Counseling. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and an associate Minister at Liberty Temple BC. John lives in Detroit with his wife, Cheryl and children: Alexandria and Jonathan.
VICE PRESIDENT
DETROIT MEMORIAL PARK ASSOCIATION
William F. Andrews, Jr., Vice President of the Detroit Memorial Park Association, was elected to the Board of Directors in 1990. Detroit Memorial Park Cemetery (DMP) is the oldest African American corporation in the State of Michigan. The cemetery was developed in 1925 by courageous funeral directors, ministers, and community leaders, at a time when Black families could not be buried with diginity in Detroit. Today, DMP’s tradition of respect, caring, and pride continues at several southeast Michigan cemetery locations.
Andrews, a graduate of Mackenzie High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science, and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Psychology, from Michigan State University. In 1967, he was initiated as a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He has also been a member of the MSU Black Alumni Association since its inception.
As an employee of the State of Michigan, his career spanned 32 years under the administrations of Governors Milliken, Blanchard, and Engler in several human services related capacities including the state’s Classified Executive Service. He retired from state service in 2002. Previously held positions also include: Vice President of the Greater Lansing Urban League, Chairman of Ford Motor Company’s Dispute Settlement Board, and the Council of State Governments entertainment chairman.
Originally, from Detroit’s North End, Andrews maintains social, civic, and philanthropic associations with the City. His affiliations include, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Motown Historical Museum, Fellowship Chapel, the Booker T. Washington Business Association, and a life membership in the NAACP.
A proponent of outdoor exercise, Andrews runs more than 500 miles during the summer months each year. He is also the proud father of two amazing children, Alecia and Ryan Hill.
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
BARTECH GROUP
As President and CEO, David Barfield is responsible for the oversight and strategic expansion of The Bartech Group’s diverse portfolio of global workforce solutions. He has played an integral role in the company’s evolution from a traditional staffing agency to an industry leading professional services firm responsible for more than 26,000 daily consultants and $2 billion in annualized spend.
Barfield joined Bartech in 1995 and served as the companies Chief Operating Officer from 2009 – 2011. Throughout his tenure, he has leveraged supply chain, technology and risk mitigation strategies to deliver operational efficiencies across a broad range of client solutions. He is committed to advancing Bartech’s 35-year legacy of service, quality and innovation.
Barfield serves on the Board of Directors of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and also serves on the organization’s Corporate Plus® Management Committee (CPMC). He is a member of Business Leaders for Michigan, comprised of the top 80 corporate executives in Michigan. Barfield earned a B.A. from Georgetown University and an MBA from the University of Michigan Business School.
CORNELL BATIE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
DETROIT JAZZ FESTIVAL
For the seven years that Cornell Batie has been with the Detroit Jazz Festival, he has advanced from managing artist payments to developing and managing the organization’s entire financial system. Assuming the role of Chief Financial Officer, Batie established extensive internal accounting controls placing the Festival in a positive financial position for continued growth. He has nurtured banking relationships and led an IT system implementation resulting in a 25% savings. Adding Executive Vice President to his res
ponsibilities, Batie helps cultivate relationships with community stakeholders and constituents.
Founder of the Balancing Act Company, personal fitness training and ballroom dance classes are taught throughout metro Detroit with proceeds benefitting the Underground Railroad Educational Fund. Batie has worked with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to teach young people social skills through ballroom dancing. He has facilitated workshops that promote literacy in accounting principles and is a board member of the Arts League of Michigan and the Gretchen C. Valade Endowment for the Arts Foundation.
Batie is the proud father of a 14-year old son, Sydney, entering Cass Technical High School in the fall with a 4.0 grade point.
FOUNDER AND CEO
NEW PARADIGM FOR EDUCATION
Ralph Bland is Founder and CEO of New Paradigm For Education (NPFE), a non-profit charter management organization that operates in all phases of school design, planning and program implementation, and specializes in maximizing student learning potential through proven education practices.
Bland also currently serves as Superintendent of Detroit Edison Public School Academy DEPSA, the only single-campus pre-K through 12th grade college preparatory charter school in Detroit. Under his leadership, DEPSA became the first K-8th grade charter school in Michigan to win the prestigious Michigan Blue Ribbon Award, bestowed upon schools that exhibit growth exceeding state. DEPSA has also been recognized as a Skillman High Performing School, and named by the Center for Education Reform as one of the top 51 charter schools in the nation. In 2011, Bland spearheaded the opening of DEPSA’s new high school, the Early College of Excellence, which moved into its new, permanent facility on the DEPSA campus in the fall of 2012.
Bland has been recognized by Schools That Can for his outstanding and innovative leadership in this region for educational reform and strategic planning. He has been recognized nationally for his leadership in education reform and his passion for creating quality options that provide communities educational choice.
He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Kentucky State University, and a Physical Education and Health certification as well as a Masters Degree in Curriculum/Instruction from the University of Phoenix.
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
DETROIT AREA AGENCY ON AGING
Paul E. Bridgewater is president and CEO of the Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA), one of 16 area agencies on aging in the state of Michigan; which includes one of the largest Meals on Wheels programs in the state and Michigan’s top care management and home care support services.
He was selected by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) as a delegate to Cuba. Bridgewater has received several accolades for his significant work, including the Women’s Informal Network Award, Who’s Who in Black Detroit, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Foundation of Detroit Award, Dr. Gerald K. Smith Humanitarian Award, the Wayne State University School of Social Work Alumni Association’s Citizen of the Year Award and the Saginaw Valley State University Distinguished Alumni Award.
Bridgewater, a native of Saginaw, Michigan and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Saginaw Valley State College and a Master’s Degree in public administration from Oakland University. He resides in Detroit with his wife, Juanita.
VICE PRESIDENT & DISTRICT MANAGER
COMERICA BANK, SOUTHWEST DISTRICT
Larry Bryant is Vice President and District Manager for Comerica Bank’s Metro-Southwest District. His district consists of 15 banking centers in the Detroit, Dearborn and Downriver area. Bryant began his banking career in 1989 with Manufacturers Bank prior to the merger with Comerica in 1991.
Bryant has served on several Boards of Directors during his 23 year banking career including The Dearborn Chamber of Commerce and The Henry Ford Village Foundation. He also serves on the Leadership Council of Comerica’s African American Network (CAAN), an employee resource networking group. He is currently the Co-Chair of Comerica’s African American Initiative, a business outreach group whose mission is to support financial and educational development in the African American community.
Bryant graduated Cum Laude from Siena Heights University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. Bryant was a 2 time All American & Academic All American in basketball. He was inducted into the Siena Heights Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.
Bryant has been married to Dory for 23 years and is the proud father of 2 girls, Jessica, 19 and Jenelle, 13.
GENERAL MANAGER
CHEVROLET DETROIT BELLE ISLE GRAND PRIX
Charles Burns, III is the General Manager of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix and oversees all day-to-day operations of the popular annual event.
As former U.S. Marine who worked as an Indiana State trooper for over 10 years before transitioning to motorsports, Burns is experienced in all areas event management, including operations, sponsorship, security, and media/community relations. He has worked with the IZOD Indy Car Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for over 12 years, serving as Director of Security since 2003. The Indiana native has extensive operational and security experience, helping to direct 12 Indianapolis 500-mile races, seven Formula One Grand Prix events and numerous NASCAR and MotoGP races.
Burns has relocated to Detroit from Indianapolis with his wife Michelle and children, Sydney and Brayden.
PRESIDENT & OWNER
JMC INC.
Mr. Jon Maurice Campbell, Sr., McDonald’s Owner/Operator is committed to quality and service at his six restaurants. His dedication, hard work, and perseverance in the Quick Service Restaurant industry have paved the way for his success. He started his quick service restaurant career at 15 years of age as a crew person. Jon never thought a teenage job would propel to owning McDonald’s restaurants of his own. The everyday operation of his McDonalds’ is supported by more than 300 employees.
Jon Campbell supports many local area school programs and faith – based organizations. He also partners with non-profit organizations that provide health base initiatives, youth sports and community outreach. Another passion of his is providing mentorship and motivational speeches to young people. He attributes his business success to education, hard work and having the attitude that no job is beneath him.
Jon has been blessed with a loving, supportive wife and 3 sons, and he is most thankful for having a mother that motivated him growing up.
POLITICAL & MEDIA CONSULTANT
KEN COLEMAN COMMUNICATIONS
Author of On This Day: African-American Life in Detroit, Ken Coleman is a Detroit native and a seasoned Communications, Media and Public Policy Consultant. His past employment experiences include serving as a legislative assistant to former Detroit City Councilwoman Brenda M. Scott as well as State Senators Irma Clark-Coleman and Buzz Thomas. He has also worked as press secretary to U.S. House member Gary C. Peters and as a reporter at the Michigan Chronicle and Michigan FrontPage. In 2009, Coleman was elected by local voters to serve on the Detroit Charter Revision Commission, where he helped to lead the way in drafting a new governing document for City of Detroit.
With passion and dedication, Coleman serves as a volunteer mentor and an advisory board member with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit. He chairs a special task force that is dedicated to increasing the number of black men who mentor African-American boys. Coleman is completing a bachelor’s degree in communications from Wayne State University. He is married to Kim Trent. They have a four-year old son, Jackson.
CHANCELLOR
EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENT AUTHORITY OF MICHIGAN
John W. Covington, Ed.D., Ph.D., is currently serving as the first Chancellor of the Education Achievement Authority of Michigan, a newly created statewide system of schools developed to dramatically redesign public education for Michigan’s persistently lowest achieving schools.
Prior to being named chancellor, Dr. Covington served as the Superintendent of the Kansas City, Missouri Public Schools, the first African American to serve as Superintendent of Pueblo City Schools, Pueblo, Colorado, and Superintendent of Lowndes County Public Schools in Alabama.
Dr. Covington is married to the former Wilanie Rivers. They have three children; Melvin, David and Simone. His Son, David, and wife Marie, have blessed John and Wilanie with two granddaughters, Hunter and Hayden.
DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
AMBASSADOR BRIDGE COMPANY
Kenneth Dobson is the Director of Governmental Relations for the Ambassador Bridge Company. He oversees public policy and legislation on local, state, and federal government levels.
Prior to joining the Ambassador Bridge Company, Dobson served as the District Appropriations Director for United States Representative Carolyn C. Kilpatrick. Earlier he was selected by Detroit City Councilwoman, Alberta Tinsley-Talabi, to work as a Legislative Analyst in her office. He was also employed as a Research Specialist for the Detroit City Council’s, Research & Analysis Division.
Dobson graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Political Science, and a minor in Public Administration. He also received a Certificate in Real Estate Finance & Economic Development from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Currently, Dobson is in the process of completing his Masters of Science Degree in Public Policy & Public Administration from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He has been a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated since 1992.
Dobson is married to Roxsand Dobson and has two lovely daughters, Breyanah and Kennedy.
FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
BRAND CAMP UNIVERSITY
Hajj Flemings is a leading brand strategist; speaker and tech entrepreneur that travels nationally inspiring people and brands to build, launch and grow their ideas. He was featured in CNN’s Black In America 4: The New Promised Land: Silicon Valley which was viewed by over one million people. The documentary chronicled the journey of Flemings and seven other entrepreneurs from around the nation as they lived in Silicon Valley launching their startups.
Flemings also founded Brand Camp University in 2008 and has grown it into the largest personal branding conference in the Midwest. He has since expanded the conference to Boston, New York, Las Vegas and Austin. He recently founded Student Ventures to teach middle and high school students in underserved communities to code and launch startups.
His client list includes: Walt Disney, Pitney Bowes, the U.S. Department of Defense, Iowa State University, University of Michigan – Ross School of Business, Davidson College, University of Detroit and more. He has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, TechCrunch, Mashable and CNN Tech Money on the subject of startups, digital technology and branding.
OWNER & PRESIDENT
BOB’S 4D PROMOTIONAL MARKETING
Robert J. Flournoy is owner of Bob’s 4D Promotional Marketing, specializing in providing
businesses, individuals and non-profit agencies with embroidered and screen printed garments as well as a vast array of promotional products.
As owner and President of Bob’s 4D Promotional Marketing, Flournoy brings his passion for excellence to his customers. He is recognized by colleagues and customers as a consummate professional with a high degree of personal integrity, dedication and a talent for resourceful business solutions.
Flournoy is involved in many professional and community organizations and has been a member of the Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church since 1955. As a community servant, Robert mentors young men on success in life as well as business. His mentor was Sam Logan, former publisher of the Michigan Chronicle, who always stressed the importance of sharing your knowledge and giving back to the community.
When he is not working, Flournoy has been known to enjoy a round of golf, but his true passion is bowling.
Flournoy is the proud son of Benjamin F. Flournoy, Congressional Gold Medal Recipient (Montford Point Marines) and Mildred C. Flournoy (deceased).
PRESIDENT
UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT MERCY
Dr. Antoine M. Garibaldi is the first lay president of University of Detroit Mercy, a Catholic, Master’s Comprehensive University sponsored by the Religious Sisters of Mercy and the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Prior to becoming UDM’s president in June 2011, Dr. Garibaldi was president of Gannon University from 2001 to 2010. He was also Howard University’s first Provost and the first lay Vice President for Academic Affairs at Xavier University of Louisiana. A tenured Professor of Education and a Fellow of both the American Psychological Association and the American Educational Research Association, he is the author of eleven books and more than 85 research articles and chapters.
He serves on numerous national and local boards including: Detroit Institute of Arts; New Detroit; Brother Rice High School; United Way for Southeastern Michigan Campaign Cabinet; Association of Governing Boards’ Council of Presidents; Horizon League Executive Committee; National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities; U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National
Review Board; University of Saint Thomas (MN); and the Sister Thea Bowman Black Catholic Educational Foundation.
He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, where he currently serves on the Commission for Young African American Males of the Grand Social Action Committee. A native of New Orleans, he received his undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Howard University and his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota.
VICE PRESDIENT OF PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
DETROIT ECONOMIC GROWTH CORPORATION
Malik Goodwin joined the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation in 2002 as a Project Manager working on the Lower Woodward Improvement Program. As a Project Manager at the DEGC, Mr. Goodwin managed the design and implementation of several multi-million dollar projects such as Broadway streetscape improvements, Lower Woodward streetscape improvements and construction of several other public spaces and roads.
Goodwin became the Vice President of Project Management at the DEGC in 2009. In this capacity he is responsible for managing the oversight of project implementation planning, design, construction, reporting and asset management activities related to public infrastructure development, land acquisition and assembly, building stabilization and rehabilitation. In this position, Goodwin worked with the Detroit Works project to develop the Detroit Future City plan, which addresses the systemic changes necessary for Detroit’s success. He is currently working with the team.
Mr. Goodwin is a graduate of the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, having obtained his Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1997 and a dual Masters degree in Architecture and Urban Planning in 2002.
AGENT
STATE FARM INSURANCE
Born in Detroit, MI and educated in the Detroit Public Schools, Eugene Hawkins, III graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1986. Upon graduation, he attended Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing, MI, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice.
While attending MSU, Hawkins was introduced to State Farm Insurance Company through a college internship program. It was at this time he discovered the various career opportunities with State Farm Insurance Company.
In 1991, he began my career as a Claims Representative, National Catastrophe Auto Assist Team Rep., Support Services Supervisor, and Team Manager, before entering my current position as an Exclusive Agent for State Farm. My career has spanned 22 years with State Farm.
In 2003, Hawkins earned a Masters of Science degree in Human Resource Administration from Central Michigan University.
He has been married to his college sweetheart, Rae Anita for 20 years and they have one son, Isaiah Hawkins. The Hawkins family attends Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan.
Hawkins is a Life Member and current President of the Pontiac Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and current President of the Hunt Club Homeowners Association. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Pontiac Kappa Foundation, Kappa Leadership League Advisor and Mentor, Pontiac Youth Assistance, Volunteer/Coach and Supporter at Matilda Wilson Boys and Girls Club in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
PRINCIPAL – DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MARCUS GARVEY AFRICAN CENTERED ACADEMY
James A. Hearn, the eldest of four children raised by his mother and aunt, personifies determination, leadership, pursuit of academic excellence and achievement. Mr. Hearn mentors principals, aspiring leaders, and students. Under his leadership, Garvey Academy has been recognized by the Skillman Foundation as a high performing school, featured in the Detroit Free Press, “How Garvey Rises Above,” and showcased in numerous local television and news stories.
In 2009, Garvey Academy was merged with two low achieving schools and consequentially placed on the state’s Persistently Low Achieving Schools list. Combining his leadership with the efforts of the Garvey Academy community, Marcus Garvey Academy was recently acclaimed by Excellent Schools Detroit in 2013 as one of the top twenty elementary/middle schools in the city of Detroit.
Hearn has received numerous awards and accolades including: 2011 Coleman A. Young Educator of the Year, Spirit of Detroit Award, and National Association of Elementary School Principals’ National Mentorship Program. He has served as an adjunct professor at Wayne State University, where he is currently working to complete a doctoral degree. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
Principal Hearn continues his commitment to mentorship and providing a high quality education to his students.
RYAN HOYLE
DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL RECRUITING
GALAXE.SOULTIONS
As Director of Global Recruiting, Ryan Hoyle oversees an international team of 60 recruiters and dozens of support staffers around the world.
When GalaxE.Solutions selected Detroit for its newest IT Development Center in April 2010, Hoyle was charged with hiring 500 IT professionals within five years. Today, under his direction, GalaxE has hired nearly150 hires with immediate openings for 200 more in Campus Martius – individuals who are creating the next generation of high-level IT solutions.
He is at the forefront of GalaxE’s “Outsource to Detroit” movement, promoting the city as a national IT hub and viable alternative to sending work offshore, while seeking to reverse the young professional “brain drain” by providing a wealth of IT jobs in the city. Hoyle also spearheads job training and re-training partnerships – all designed to put people back to work.
JERMAINE JACKSON
PRESIDENT
JERMAINE JACKSON COMMUNITY CENTER
Jermaine Jackson graduated from Detroit Finney High school in 1995 and received a full scholarship to the University of Detroit Mercy. After four stellar years of collegiate basketball, he pursued professional ranks. In the summer of 1999, Jackson put his focus on playing for his hometown NBA team, the Detroit Pistons. He outworked his competition to earn a spot
with the Detroit Pistons for the 1999-2000 basketball season.
Jackson has had success throughout his entire basketball career. He’s played in the NBA and overseas. He is known as a winner and a team player. His heart and determination cannot be measured. He is now the Mount Clemens Varsity Basketball coach and mentor for the students at the school. His knowledge of the game, personal integrity, and desire to positively impact youth guarantee his success as a basketball coach. In 2012, Jackson acquired the Jermaine Jackson Community Center in Mount Clemens, Michigan, a safe haven where young people and their families can go to interact with other members of the community.
VICE PRESIDENT, CUSTOMER SERVICE
DTE ENERGY
David L Johnson is Vice President of Customer Service for Detroit-based DTE Energy
(NYSE:DTE). Johnson is responsible for leading the day to day customer service operations which includes call centers, business offices, billing and meter reading services, credit collections and theft.
Throughout his more than 20 year career, Johnson served in a variety of progressively
responsible leadership roles in customer service. Previously, Johnson served as Vice President of Customer Service for San Antonio Water System and as Senior Manager at AT&T.
Johnson has been a passionate supporter of the community and a strong source of
encouragement and guidance to those seeking his mentorship during his career at DTE.
Whether pushing his mentees to set the bar high for themselves or imparting his confidence in their ability to succeed during challenging times, Johnson has been a source of inspiration and a catalyst for growth.
As an avid community activist and 2001 graduate of Leadership Michigan, Johnson serves on the Board of several non-profit organizations including Junior Achievement, Accounting Aid Society, and Children’s Hospital of Michigan. In 2007, Johnson was acknowledged as one of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce’s “Top 40 Under 40.” His professional memberships include the American Association of Blacks in Energy.
LUTHER KEITH
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ARISE DETROIT!
Luther Keith is the Executive Director of ARISE Detroit!, a non-profit coalition promoting volunteerism, community activism and positive media images to create a better Detroit. ARISE Detroit! works on behalf of non-profits, community groups, block clubs, media outlets, businesses, churches and others working to transform Detroit. It has grown from 22 founding members to over 400 partner organizations. It has generated thousands of volunteers to help schools, neighborhoods, community groups and block clubs. It has developed media partnerships to put a greater emphasis on positive efforts to improve Detroit.
A native Detroiter and a graduate of the University of Detroit, Keith is a former award-winning editor and columnist with The Detroit News. He developed the concept for ARISE Detroit! and became Executive Director in 2006.
While at The Detroit News, Keith served stints as sports writer, state capital bureau correspondent, business editor, assistant managing editor, senior editor and columnist.
He was the founding director of the Wayne State Journalism Institute for Media Diversity, created to increase diversity in media newsrooms. He was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame in 1995.
PASTOR COREY L. KENNARD
LEAD CHAPLAIN
ST. JOHN HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER
As the Spiritual Care Lead at St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Corey L. Kennard works as part of a healing team with clinical staff to provide patients with spiritually-centered holistic care. He serves on the system’s Mission and Spirituality Council and is a site coach and mentor
for hospital leadership. He is also Pastor of Kingdom Equipping Ministries, a Christian teaching fellowship in Redford, Michigan.
Kennard earned a Master of Arts Degree in Christian Ministry from Ashland Theological Seminary and is a faculty member of “APPEAL”, Duke University’s Institute on Care at the End of Life national training program. Further service to the community includes his work as a former youth and community pastor, spiritual advisor to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and current Board member of the Interfaith Health and Hope Coalition. Author of “Goliath Must Fall”, Kennard has written motivational columns for the Detroit News and is an avid blogger.
Pastor Kennard has been married for 17 years to his wife, Kristen, and they have three beautiful children: Kayla Ariana, Kourtney Lael, and Corey Lynn II.
VINCENT L. KOUNTZ
DATA DISSEMINATION SPECIALIST
CHICAGO REGIONAL OFFICE, U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
Vincent L. Kountz is a Data Dissemination Specialist for the Chicago Region of the U.S. Census Bureau working in the state of Michigan. Data Dissemination Specialists initiates and maintains working relationships with state, local, and tribal governments; community based organizations; local businesses; and the media. The Chicago Region consists of the states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin and Arkansas.
Kountz has received numerous awards including the Bronze Medal from the U.S. Department of Commerce. He is also a graduate of Leadership Detroit, a prestigious leadership program for professionals sponsored by the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce. Kountz is Past President of the Neighborhood and Family Initiative of Detroit, a board member of LASED (Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development) and a member of the Wayne State University President’s Community Advisory Committee.
Kountz has taught in the Detroit Public Schools and also worked in radio and the recording industry and is a former television talk show host and producer. He is a graduate of Lincoln University of Missouri with a degree in Journalism and Public Relations.
PATRICK O. LINDSEY
VICE PRESIDENT, GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
Patrick Oliver Lindsey is a native Detroiter, raised on the city’s eastside, and educated in the Detroit and Highland Park Public School systems. He furthered his education at the University of Michigan and graduated with a BA in Political Science.
Lindsey currently serves as Vice President, Government and Community Affairs at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, where he oversees the federal and state government affairs and the community affairs activities.
Prior to joining WSU, he was employed with Focus: HOPE as Director – External Affairs & Development, and also enjoyed a 20-year career at Chrysler, mainly as Manager of
Community Relations and Senior Manager of State Relations. He also serves as Pastor of the Greater Bibleway Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit.
Lindsey’s leadership roles and community affiliations are many. He has served in a variety of capacities with numerous organizations, including Warren/Conner Development Coalition, Black Family Development, Inc., Eight Mile Boulevard Association, and the Detroit Urban League, to name a few.
Lindsey and Kathy, his wife of 21 years, have two wonderful children: a son Kendall and a daughter Kaylyn.
CLINICAL ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
Dr. Aaron W. Maddox, M.D. is the President of Aaron W. Maddox, M.D., P.C. and is Board Certified practicing in the specialty of Internal Medicine.
Dr. Maddox is a product of th
e City of Detroit, graduating with honors from Cass Technical High School. Dr. Maddox attended Eastern Michigan and Wayne University and was accepted to Wayne State University School of Medicine attending his Medical Degree. He completed his internship and specialty training at Hutzel Hospital which is affiliated with the Detroit Medical Center.
After becoming Board Certified at Harvard University in Boston, MA, Dr. Maddox became an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at Wayne State University.
Dr. Maddox has and currently serves on many professional, community and religious committees. These activities include ethics, health, ministries and credentials. He is also a member of the prominent Wolverine State Medical Association, National Medical Association and is currently the President of the Detroit Medical Society. Dr. Maddox states that he could not have been successful without the blessings of GOD and his enduring and loving wife Marilyn.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
UAW – CHRYSLER NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER
Keith Mickens came to Detroit as a child from Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He grew up during the Civil Rights and Vietnam War eras, becoming an activist for social justice as a teenager. He is a 1971 graduate of Detroit’s Cass Technical High School.
Mickens was hired at Chrysler Corporation in 1977 and became active in UAW local union affairs even as he continued to advocate for social and economic justice. He has held many leadership positions at the local and international levels of the UAW. He has been Co-Director of the UAW-Chrysler National Training Center (NTC) since July 2010, and is Administrative Assistant to UAW Vice President General Holiefield, Director of the union’s Chrysler Department.
Mickens oversees Joint Programs provided by the UAW and Chrysler Group LLC that include job-related training and work-life programs for union members. He is a Life Member of the NAACP and also holds memberships in the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Democratic Socialists of America and the Democratic Party.
DONELL MILES
VICE PRESIDENT & MARKET LEADER
FLAGSTAR BANK
Don Miles serves as Vice President and Market Leader of Flagstar’s Detroit Region. He is responsible for retail branches and business development. Under his leadership, Flagstar opened its new downtown branch in One Detroit Center, its renovated branch near Wayne State, and a soon-to-come branch in Midtown. He also serves as the bank’s representative in the community, serving as a regular guest with Paul Bridgewater on his Senior Solution radio program and as Flagstar’s spokesperson for sponsorships such as Winter Blast and the March of Dimes.
Miles is—and has been for 20 years—an active member of Shield of Faith Ministries Church, serving as trustee and chairman of the Finance Ministry. He also is a professor at the University of Phoenix and a member of the University’s Faculty Enrichment Board for MBAs. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors for Presbyterian Villages of Michigan.
He has received numerous awards including: Outstanding Men of America, New York Business Achievement Award, New York Humanitarian Award, and the Jackie L. Curry City of Detroit Distinguished Business Award.
MICHIGAN DISTRICT DIRECTOR
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Gerald L. Moore has served as the Michigan District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration since April of 2011. He oversees delivery of SBA programs and services in the state, including SBA guaranty loan programs, government contracting and minority enterprise development programs, Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Centers, SCORE, Women’s Business Centers, and Veterans Business Outreach Center. The Michigan District Office, headquartered in Detroit (with a Grand Rapids satellite) serves all 83 Michigan counties in the state.
Prior to his appointment, Moore served in the United States Air Force for six years followed by two years with the U.S. Customs Service. In 1995, Moore began a career in the IT industry serving as a Senior Program Manager for global programs for Hewlett Packard and EDS.
In 2004, he launched his own company, SportZ AllStarZ, LLC, that provides children with a world-class sporting experience focusing on quality coaching, instruction, and creativity in sports programming.
Moore earned a MBA from Wayne State University and a bachelor’s degree in Management from Golden Gate University. He is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, PMP® (Project Management Professional), and ITIL® Practitioner.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
DETROIT ACADEMY OF ARTS & SCIENCES
Maurice Gerard Morton was born and raised on Detroit’s east side. He and his twin brother were the youngest of 12 children. His mother was a homemaker, and his father a career military man, who fought in WWII.
Morton earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. He received his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University’s Law school and received his Master of Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
Morton’s legal career started as an Assistant Prosecutor in the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office. Morton realized his greatest success and fulfillment in 2001 when Wayne County Prosecutor Michael Duggan appointed him Deputy Chief and soon after Chief of Special Operations.
Morton established and led several monumental initiatives and programs, such as: The Community Prosecution Program; Serving as Chief of the Wayne County Juvenile Division; Hosting and co-producing John’s TV; Supervised the Auto Theft and Major Drug Units along with the Drug House and Abandoned Properties units.
He also served as Associate General Counsel and Director of Community Affairs for The Detroit Medical Center. Morton is currently a partner in the law firm of Simpson, Morton, and Cross.
Morton currently serves as the CEO of the Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences. Working to develop Detroit’s young minds into tomorrow’s leaders is now his passion.
Morton resides in the City of Detroit with his wife, April, daughter Maurissa, and son, Joshua.
JASON L. PAULATEER
VICE PRESIDENT
PNC BANK
Jason L. Paulateer is a Vice President of PNC Bank, a member of the PNC Financial Services Group. In his role as market manager, he is responsible for managing the community development team activities for PNC Bank throughout the state of Michigan, which includes financing activities in public – private partnerships, and providing financial education programming. Prior to his role as market manager, Paulateer served as Development Advisor for PNC in the Greater Michigan region. He joined PNC predecessor National City Bank in 2004 as Vice President and Executive Director of its Community Development Corporation.
Paulateer earned BBA and MBA degrees from Grand Valley State University. He is a board member for CEDAM, the Art of Leadership Foundation, Michigan Magnet Fund, Detr
oit LISC and Matrix Human Services of Detroit.
BILL PERKINS
PRESIDENT
MEROLLIS CHEVROLET & TAYLOR CHEVROLET
Bill Perkins, President of Merollis Chevrolet and Taylor Chevrolet, began his career over 40 years ago with General Motors.
Perkins served on the GM National Dealer Council, Minority Dealer Advisory Council, National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers and as President of the GM Minority Dealers Association and The Detroit Automobile Dealers Association. He serves on the Advisory Committee of The DADA Charitable Foundation and Board of Directors for the BBB.
Perkins is Chairman Emeritus of the 2012 North American International Auto Show. He received the 2004 GMMDA Trailblazer Award, 2012 On Wheels Pioneer Award and Black Enterprise 2012 Dealer of the Year. He was named a 2013 Time Magazine Dealer of the Year.
Perkins feels youth are the future of this country and one day, be in positions to lead their communities. He’s especially proud and a committed member of The Real Life 101 Organization, which provides college scholarships and laptop computers to select inner city African American males. He believes it’s a civic and personal responsibility to help prepare and challenge youth to be productive members of society. Perkins has been married for 29 years and has two children.
BILL PROCTOR
REPORTER
WXYZ – TV7
After 33 years of serving the people of Detroit as a television journalist, Bill Proctor said farewell to viewers of WXYZ-TV’s 7 Action News in May of this year. He had been a familiar face since the spring of 1980, as the trusted, versatile street reporter known for letting the facts…not his emotions or opinion… tell the story. He could be seen wearing that fuzzy Russian rabbit hat on the coldest of days. He could make room for a smile or funny line when appropriate…but then get quickly, respectfully to the straight story when reporting the most horrible human tragedy.
Proctor has received many awards for his reporting in nearly 39 years while working in television stations in four different states. His last years with WXYZ were spent as an award winning investigator. He’s a former police officer from his hometown of Washington, D.C….but he says, “make no mistake, Detroit is my home and will be until the end.”
He was the reporter who twice stepped out of his journalist role to answer a call to help others when he could, including a dangerous life and death event in Inkster in 1987. Proctor acted as hostage negotiator when three Inkster police officers were captured by Alberta Easter and her heavily armed sons at the Bungalow Motel. Proctor secured a cease-fire that ended the danger, but his efforts were too late to save the officers who’d been murdered just moments after being taken hostage.
In March of 2007, he took an unpaid leave of absence from Channel 7 to pursue the truth in the wrongful conviction of Temujin Kensu who is serving a life sentence for the 1986 murder of Scott Macklem in Port Huron. Kensu insists he was in bed with his girlfriend just outside Escanaba when the college student was gunned down on campus. Proctor’s work on the case lead him to found Proving Innocence, a 501©3 non-profit that provides investigators in cases of wrongful conviction and actual innocence.
JONATHAN QUARLES
DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
COVISINT, LLC
Jonathan Quarles is the Director of Government Affairs and Business Development for Covisint, LLC. Covisint provides the leading cloud-based platform for creating and enabling new mission-critical external business processes. Quarles leads the efforts that develop strategic partnerships with government agencies and the corporate community. He is an influential advocate and a trusted voice for securing local, state, federal business opportunities.
Quarles is a graduate of Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy as well as a Masters of Business Administration. Beyond his most recent professional accomplishments, Quarles is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He serves on the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan and on the Advisory Boards for Cranbrook’s Horizon Upward Bound Program, the U.S. Army, and the Detroit Historical Society.
GEORGE E. ROSS, PH.D.
PRESIDENT
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. George Eugene Ross is the 14th president of Central Michigan University, one of the 80 largest universities in the U.S.
Dr. Ross has 27 years of higher education leadership, inspired by a personal belief in the transformative power of learning. Hallmarks of Dr. Ross’ career are a student-centered educational philosophy, improved access to education and a commitment to providing a superior learning environment while reaffirming his mission of promoting teaching and research. Under his tenure, CMU has kept cumulative tuition increases the lowest among all Michigan universities. He has reduced educational barriers by promoting distance-learning programs, and under his leadership CMU’s new College of Medicine opens this summer.
Before accepting CMU’s presidency, Dr. Ross served as President of Alcorn State University in Mississippi, the nation’s first historically black land grant university, and held leadership positions at Clark Atlanta University, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Tuskegee University.
He holds a B.A. and M.B.A. from Michigan State University and a Ph.D. from The University of Alabama.
Dr. Ross and his wife, Elizabeth, have two adult daughters.
ERIC SABREE
DEPUTY TREASURER FOR LAND MANAGEMENT
WAYNE COUNTY
Eric Sabree is currently Wayne County Deputy Treasurer for Land Management. He was previously Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel for Wayne County Corporation Counsel. He also had a long public service career with the City of Detroit. During his tenure there, he held positions with the Buildings and Safety Engineering Department, the Detroit Housing Commission, and before entering private law practice, served as the Deputy Director and Director of the Planning and Development Department.
Sabree received his undergraduate degree In Building Construction from Michigan State University and his law degree from the Detroit College of Law, now the Michigan State University College of Law. Sabree is President elect of Kiwanis Club # 1-Detroit. He and his wife Badriyyah are proud parents of three adult children.
DONALD STUDVENT
OWNER
1917 AMERICAN BISTRO
1917 American Bistro is a longtime dream of native Detroiter, Don Studvent. Mr. Studvent’s culinary internship at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, MI and many years as a private caterer helped t
o prepare him for restaurant ownership. Throughout his 15 years at Chrysler’s Dodge Truck plant, Mr. Studvent continued to practice his craft by accepting both personal and professional catering jobs. As Michigan’s automotive industry felt the impact of the economic downturn happening in our nation, Don and his wife Katrina Studvent saw an opportunity to pursue his dream.
1917 American Bistro opened its doors the fall of 2009 with two employees. Today, the restaurant employs sixteen and continues to thrive on Detroit’s historic Avenue of Fashion located south of Eight mile on Livernois.
Studvent is known for his high touch point service to customers. Most days you will find the owner greeting guest and chatting with neighborhood regulars. 1917 American Bistro has become known as a great meeting location for professionals and dignitaries because it offers savory food, service with a smile and great live music.
CHARLES THOMAS, JR.
FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
RESULTS MENTORING
Charles Thomas, Jr. is the founder and CEO of Results Mentoring. He has the pivotal role of growing the non-profit, developing relationships with various corporate partners and fulfilling the mission of RESULTS Mentoring. This mission involves helping students excel by providing mentoring and tutoring services.
Prior to forming Results, he worked in various schools as Counselor, Dean of Students, Mentor, Parent Liaison and Security Action Coordinator. He has a passion to see young people excel, especially the ones that many label troubled students. He is an avid believer in the students that Results Mentoring services and he puts his time, efforts and energy into his passion…HELPING OTHERS. He was recently honored in the President’s Section of Who’s Who in Black Detroit.
Thomas is an Ordained Elder at Second Ebenezer Church. He has a Masters in Education from Northcentral University and he is a member of Kappa Delta Pi (Educational Honors Society). He is married to E’Lois and they have two sons, Charles & Isaiah. He is a true testament that with God…all things are possible.
REV. DR. KEVIN M. TURMAN
PASTOR
SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH, DETROIT, MI
Pastor Kevin M. Turman came to The Second Baptist Church of Detroit in 1988. A native of Akron, Ohio, he has received an A.B. in Government from Harvard, a Master of Divinity from Yale, and a Doctorate from United Theological Seminary.
Since 1988, Dr. Turman has distinguished himself through his service. In this community he has served as President of The Metropolitan Jail Ministry; The Metropolitan Council of Churches; The Michigan Progressive Baptist Convention and The Metropolitan Organizing Strategy Enabling Strength (MOSES). He was appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm to the Michigan Land Use Leadership Council and currently serves as the President of the Metropolitan Detroit Association of American Baptist Churches. Dr. Turman served thirty years in the Navy Reserve rising to the rank of CAPTAIN (O6).
His pastorate includes the retirement of the quarter million dollar indebtedness for previous church renovation; then leading the 1.5 million dollar effort which changed the face of the church. Dr. Turman has excelled as preacher, teacher, leader, spokesman, scholar, counselor, intercessor, speaker and friend, yet delights most in being known as pastor, husband, father and grandfather.
KHARY KIMANI TURNER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
COLEMAN A. YOUNG FOUNDATION
A healthy list of experiences, from the arts to education, prepared Khary Kimani Turner for his post as Executive Director of the Coleman A. Young Foundation (CAYF), the perfect organization for Turner to exercise his passion for academic and social development in youth.
A native of Detroit, Turner earned his Bachelors in Communications from Xavier University, and a Masters in Adult Education. He’s gained professional experience in college recruiting, teaching and counseling, public relations, executive leadership and fundraising. An advocate for artists, journalistic integrity, healthy relationships and robust communities, he speaks often on the topics, using a combination of oratory and spoken word performance. Through the historic NAACP, he led the organization of some of the country’s first Hip-Hop Summits. The gatherings promoted voter education, and fostered dialogue between artists and legislators. The events inspired the NAACP to conduct them nationally, and motivated hip-hop pioneer Russell Simmons to organize similar discussions through his Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. This work, which spans two decades, has earned Turner a reputation as a “big brother” to Detroit’s creative community.
Turner is a noted journalist, author, musician and social critic who has written for more than 20 national publications, and taught and lectured at colleges and universities. He’s also an award-winning hip-hop and spoken word artist, with or without suit and tie.
DAN VARNER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
EXCELLENT SCHOOLS DETROIT
Dan Varner is the Chief Executive Officer at Excellent Schools Detroit, a coalition of philanthropy, educators, and community-based organizations working to ensure that every Detroit student is in an excellent school by 2020. The coalition’s work impacts all Detroit students and all schools, regardless of governance. Their work focuses on the issues of new school creation, accountability, talent development, early childhood education, and building a broad and deep public demand for excellence in education.
Prior to joining Excellent Schools, Varner worked as a program officer at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation on both the Michigan and Education & Learning teams. He is also the Co-Founder and former CEO of Think Detroit, which he led through a merger with another nonprofit organization to form Think Detroit PAL, where he also served as CEO. Think Detroit PAL is currently the largest provider of award-winning after-school sports programs in Detroit, serving over 10,000 participants annually.
Varner serves on numerous Boards of Directors, and is also a current member of the State Board of Education, to which he was appointed by Governor Granholm in 2010. Varner is an attorney by training, having received a JD from the University of Michigan Law School. He lives in Detroit, MI, and is the proud father of three children.
LAWRENCE R. WALKER, ESQUIRE
ATTORNEY
LAWRENCE R. WALKER, P.C.
Lawrence (“Larry”) Walker is a native Detroiter and graduated from Detroit Redford High School in 1974. He attended Eastern Michigan University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1979. He later graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1983. His professional career commenced at the City of Detroit Law Department where he specialized in real estate and public finance.
Some of his most recognized development projects during the administration of Mayor Coleman A. Young include the expansion of Cobo Hall, the Detro
it People Mover, expansion of the Chrysler Jefferson Plant, and the Atheneum Hotel. After a brief period at a private law firm, Walker started his own practice in 1990 specializing in business organizations, commercial transactions and real estate — with special emphasis in public and private sources of financing real estate projects.
He has maintained a substantial institutional business clientele, which has included the City of Detroit Retirement Systems, Highland Park Tax Increment Finance Authority, Kmart Corporation, City of Ecorse, Olympia Entertainment, Little Caesar’s Corporation, and Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit.
ROBERT WARFIELD
CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
CITY OF DETROIT
Robert Warfield currently serves as Chief Communications Officer for Mayor Dave Bing and the City of Detroit. In this role, Warfield is responsible for key messaging, media relations and strategies, and overseeing the redevelopment and programming of the city’s two cable television channels.
Warfield is also Founder and Owner of Studio 600 Productions, Inc. in Detroit. Since 1991, he has led Studio 600 Productions in the creation of documentaries, television movies, and commercials. Additionally, Warfield is Founder and Co-Owner of Alpha Partners LLC, an institutional investment firm located in downtown Detroit.
Warfield has more than 30 years of professional management and television broadcasting experience. He is extremely proficient in strategic planning, contract negotiating and personnel management.
Warfield earned a B.S. in Speech and Communications from Eastern Kentucky University. He attended a management program at Stanford University and Columbia University’s Summer Graduate School of Journalism. He has received numerous television broadcasting awards, including multiple EMMY awards. He won a National Telly Award for producing the made-for-TV movie, “Never Lose Your Hope,” starring NBA legend Isiah Thomas and actor Jeff Daniels.
HEAD COACH – FOOTBALL, TRACK & FIELD
DETROIT CASS TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL
Thomas Wilcher is the Physical Education Teacher, Head Football and Track Coach at Cass Technical High School in Detroit. He has been the Head Track Coach for the last 24 years and the Head Football Coach for the past 15 years.
Wilcher is a product of the Detroit Public School System, where he graduated from Detroit Central High School. He was an All-City swimmer, four-time track and field All-American, current AAU National Record holder in the high hurdles, and an All-American in football. He went on to the University of Michigan, where he was awarded “Honorable Mention” for Big Ten Football Player, four-time All-American Champion for High Hurdles, NCAA National Champion, and was inducted into the University of Michigan Track & Field Hall of Fame.
As a Coach, Wilcher has received numerous accolades such as Detroit P.S.L. Coach of the Year and Regional Coach of the Year. In the past fifteen years, he has helped more than 96 student athletes obtain Division One and Division Two football scholarships, and more than 16 student athletes have received college track scholarships.
Wilcher is the proud father of three children: a son Kishon, and two daughters Kaila, and Kiersten.
SHAWN E. WILLIAMS
DIRECTOR, PHYSICIAN PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT
DETROIT MEDICAL CENTER – PHYSICIAN HOSPITAL ORGANIZATION, LLC
In his position as Director with the DMC-PHO, Williams’s primary responsibilities include promoting (2) BlueCross/BlueShield of Michigan-sponsored initiatives [Physician Group Incentive Program (PGIP) and Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH)] to Primary Care Physicians and Specialists in the Greater Detroit Area. Additional responsibilities include facilitating the roll out of new DMCPHO-negotiated Managed Care contracts and supporting initiatives driven by the Michigan Pioneer Accountable Care Organization.
Prior to attaining his position with the DMC-PHO, Williams held the position of Director, DMC Physician Relations and Recruitment Department. Additional career positions include: Territory Manager, Southfield Michigan, Novartis Pharmaceuticals-U.S. Division.
Williams holds a B.B.A. from Western Michigan University and is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. He was voted Student of The Year (1986) by the W.M.U. Pan-Hellenic Council.
As an entrepreneur, Williams attended the Detroit Entrepreneur Institute and was one of four recipients of the D.E.I.2001 Entrepreneur of The Year Award for his accomplishments in the Transportation sector.
Williams is a loving husband (LaTrelle) and father (Bianca, Jamiere, Caleb and Kelsey) with a huge passion for church activities, restoring older vehicles and Clean Comedy.
GEORGE WINN
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
THE CHILDREN’S CENTER
George Winn serves as Chief Operations Officer at The Children’s Center, leading a team of behavioral health & child welfare professionals providing comprehensive mental health services to more than 7,500 children and families in Greater Detroit. His visionary and innovative approach to creating systems of care addressing the needs of the whole child sets The Children’s Center apart.
Winn has enjoyed a range of professional successes including Co-Chairing the first Fatherhood Conference in Wayne County and piloting the first private agency contract on Family-to-Family in Michigan–aimed at maintaining the family structure during the foster care placement process.
Winn’s passions are fueled by his strong belief in the importance of family. He has become a vocal advocate for the deliberate inclusion of fathers in the daily lives of children. He has led numerous advocacy initiatives engaging elected officials towards ensuring every child has their basic needs met.
Winn coaches AAU basketball for two area teams, mentoring boys ages 8-17. He and his wife Verita, are enjoying life rearing their three sons ages 13, 15 and 22.
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER
FAYGO BEVERAGES, INC.
Orlando Woods is currently the Regional Sales Manager at Faygo Beverages Inc., a 106-year old Detroit-founded beverage company that manufactures over 50 flavors across the Midwest. Orlando began his career with Faygo Beverages Inc. as an entry level salesman. Twenty-four years later, he holds a vital role in the company by forecasting sales and securing product advertisement for chain and independent super markets. In 2010, he was awarded the Michigan Food & Beverages Association Salesman of the Year. He is a Northwest Detroit native, and graduate of Henry Ford High School and the University of Pheonix.
Woods is involved in various community outreach programs. He is an organizational contributor to Brotherhood, a program envisioned by his Pastor at Christian Tabernacle Church, based on strengthening men and manhood through Christ and knowledge, as we
ll as teaches Career Development in the Embracing Your Future teaching series. He raises funds for the community organization Alkebulan Village Project, which provides educational, cultural and recreational programs to over one thousand youths in the Metro-Detroit area. Woods is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Detroit Service Learning Academy.