Board of Directors (2013)

Karla D. Brown (President/Founder) is a former educator with over 18 years of experience as an elementary school teacher and administrator in southeast Texas and southern California. She has served as Adjunct Professor at Texas Southern University and California Baptist University preparing pre-service educators. She holds a doctorate degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas Southern University and credits her academic and professional experiences with giving her the inspiration to see the vision of the organization to fruition.

Johnnie Cheeks (Treasurer) Marathon Oil Corporation Supplier Diversity Coordinator Upstream Operations (Retired). Johnnie has a BS in Electronic Engineering from Texas Southern University. Johnnie was an employee of Marathon Oil Corporation for twenty five years. He spent the last five years of his career at Marathon Oil in the procurement organization as part of the supplier diversity group. His previous work experience at Marathon Oil was fourteen years in Business Services and seven years in Internal Audit. Johnnie has three children and has been married for thirty three years.

Terri Chiplin-Leach (Secretary) has over 25 years of experience as a public school secretary and office manager. She is skilled in many software packages and information technology specific to human capital and operations management including: iFAS, EPES, AESOP, SAP, and People Soft. She is detailed oriented and a meticulous records keeper. Terri is also recognized for her superior office management and event-planning.

Chris Hudson is a graduate of the University of Colorado with a degree in Marketing. He was drafted into the National Football League (NFL) by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He continued his professional football career with the Chicago Bears (1999 – 2000) and the Atlanta Falcons from 2000 – 2002. He opened a Denny’s Restaurant in Memphis, TN (2001). In 2008, he became part-owner of a Choice Hotel (Econo Lodge). Chris opened his second Denny’s Restaurant during the year 2011. He volunteers with the Boy’s and Girl’s Club and he continues community-building efforts in his home city of Houston, Texas.

Margaret Jenkins is a well-known civic leader on Houston’s south side. She has distinguished herself through her many contributions to the residents of Houston. In addition to her notable twelve-year tenure with the City of Houston’s Parks and Recreation Department, she has held leadership positions with a number of worthwhile community organizations, serving as a commissioner of Keep Houston Beautiful, president of the Greater Sugar Valley Civic Club and Super Neighborhood 71 and 76, and vice president of the Southeast Coalition of Civic Clubs. In 1995, she established a soccer league for area children that has grown from 12 to 250 members. On June 2, 2012, Margaret was honored by the rededication of Scottcrest Park which now bears her name.

 

B. James Noel Sr. is the proud pastor of Love Fellowship in Houston, Texas (1988 –Present). He has served on several committees in the Houston area including: Metropolitan One Church One Child, Aids Awareness Task Force, board member for Scottcrest Park Association and board member of the Houston Council on Aids. He has also served as Former 1st Vice Moderator of the South East Association, President of City Care Co-Op Ministry and a mentor for the Houston Independent School District. He also served in the United States Army from 1978 until he was honorably discharged in 1981. He is married to Minister Donna Noel, and they have 4 children and 6 grandchildren.

Gerald Reece is owner and president of EDP Engineers and Inspectors, LLC. He has degrees from Texas A&M University (Mechanical Engineering) and Pierce Law Center (Master of Intellectual Property). He also holds a Professional Engineer’s License (Texas No.92975). He has over 18 years of experience in the area of engineering design and procurement. Additionally, Gerald is employed by Dow Chemical Company (Dow Design and Construction-Mechanical Group). He is married and has two sons.

David Washington is a graduate of Stanford University (Electrical Engineering) with over 18 years of experience in electrical design and sales in both the United States and Canada. His experience also includes industrial management and product networking. David is a writer, teacher, and mentor in his community. He is also the owner of Servinemup Ink Publishing Company.

Juanita (Nita) Webber, owner of JHJ Webber Consulting Services, helps small business owners and nonprofit organizations transform underdeveloped concepts into newly created businesses and organizations through innovative initiatives. Nita, a lawyer by training, is an accomplished speaker and presenter. She has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and her law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Nita is also a certified mediator and has worked for a federal judge, as well as several Fortune 500 companies. She is a freelance ghost writer for her legal colleagues. She spends quite a bit of her free time helping others acquire funds for various causes. Her grant and proposal writing has yielded in excess of $32 million for not-for-profit corporations. Proven leadership, strong analytical and organizational skills have allowed Nita to gain the trust of many in the charitable community.