William Strickland Jr. – Legacy Honoree

Bill Strickland, chairman emeritus of Manchester Bidwell Corporation, probably more than any other individual, is responsible for Pittsburgh's rebirth from the collapse of the steel industry.

Long before Amazon thought to come here, before the shale gas boom, people were looking at Pittsburgh because of Strickland and his ideas about building regional workforce capacity by giving educational opportunities to poor, and mostly Black, youth and adults, they otherwise couldn't get.

And because he is an artist, he brought an artist's perspective to the work - he built an educational center filled with art, sculpture, music and gardens for his students to learn in. No sterile hallways, no metal detectors - and for most, the education was free of charge. His model was driven by two thoughts: that poor people should be able to enjoy beautiful things, too; and that if they were they would respond in beautiful ways.

And, they have - in the thousands.

"What Bidwell does best is to change people's lives through dignity and respect," said Mary Curet Duranti, director of disabilities resources at UPMC, during a 2009 graduation ceremony. "Bidwell restores belief in oneself by providing a beautiful place to learn and work."

In the 50 years since Strickland first talked the late Sen. John Heinz into giving him $1 million to build what has become Manchester Bidwell - on the condition that it have a culinary program - his model has been duplicated in cities across the country and beyond. His legacy spans the globe, not just in brick-and-mortar, but in the lives of people he's touched.

Always one to give credit to others, Strickland said none of it would have been possible if he hadn't put people who shared his vision in charge and given them the freedom to implement it. People like the late Jesse Fife, Valerie Njie, and Marty Ashby.

He added it also wouldn't have been possible without the support of people like Heinz and Elsie Hillman, and from corporations like UPMC, Allegheny Health Systems, Alcoa, Calgon, Bayer, and countless others.

"When I look back...to do this kind of thing, you have to have friends, and you have to live your life the right way," he said. "It's about getting outcomes for the kids, the students, and the adults - and never giving up. It's not magic. It's hard work."

Strickland's hard work has been recognized with numerous awards over the years including the 1996 MacArthur "Genius" Award for leadership and ingenuity in the arts, and the 2012 GOI Peace Award given annually by the GOI Peace Foundation in Tokyo, Japan.

He has also earned that attention of the White House on multiple occasions; being sworn in as a member of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities in 2002, and serving on the White House Council for Community Solutions in December 2010.

The New Pittsburgh Courier is pleased to add to that impressive list by celebrating William E. Strickland Jr. as its Men of Excellence 2019 Legacy Honoree.

FINANCE

AARON ALDRICH

Business Education Director Bridgeway Capital

Aaron Aldrich has 13 years of experience in the banking and finance industry. He's currently the Business Education Director at Bridgeway Capital. Aldrich's journey started in retail banking where he had various roles within the bank, most notably as a branch manager. He developed staff, promoted a customer-centric environment and grew deposit and loan balances while maintaining operational soundness. He was recognized for multiple awards during his banking career, including a PNC Achievement Award and two Champion Awards from National City Bank.

Aldrich has a passion for equity and inclusion. His goal is to ensure underserved entrepreneurs have the capital and business acumen necessary for success. In November 2017 he became a Certified Growth Wheel Business Advisor. With this certification he's able to help entrepreneurs set goals, create action plans and monitor success through the Growth Wheel online platform. Aldrich leads a team of consultants that work one-on-one with entrepreneurs assisting them with accounting, marketing and legal services.

Aldrich also enjoys community service and has instructed financial literacy courses at area high schools and churches. He currently serves on the North Side Christian Health Center Board of Directors and has done so for the past seven years.

Aldrich received his BA in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh and his MBA in Business Administration from Point Park University. Aldrich has been happily married for the past 11 years to Monica Aldrich; they have two children, Madison and Aaron Jr., and are expecting their third soon.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

KEVIN ALTON

Founder and Executive Director The Way Organization

Kevin Alton has been mentoring long before he founded The Way Organization. In 2008 after losing his brother to gun violence and being part of the community destruction, Alton knew he had to make a drastic change. He began working with Voices Against Violence (V.A.V.) in the summer of 2009 as a part-time employee, quickly working his way up the ranks into various positions in the organization. By the fall of 2009 he was offered a position to work in Carrick High School as a mediation specialist. This position gave him the opportunity to reach and teach African American youth. During the same time Alton was given a second opportunity to reach even more youth when he began working with One Vision, One Life.

Alton worked tirelessly in his community. That's where he noticed he was only reaching some of the youth on the South Side. In 2010, Alton, along with friends, created the Bears Youth Athletic Association and introduced the Southside Bears. A football organization for children 5-14, like many football teams the Bears weren't always prevailing on the scoreboard, but they always showed up to play.

In 2018, Alton, the coaches and organization itself received a proclamation from the state and convened in Harrisburg with lawmakers about the work they've done. Alton helped co-found 3K Co-Op LLC, where youth are offered paid internships, summer jobs, scholarships, tours of trade schools and colleges in and out of the state. He also helped co-found CAMP F.U.N. Summer Camp (Families Unite Neighborhoods) where 150 local kids come to enjoy a summer of education and fun. Alton currently works as Mediation Specialist at Brashear High School. There, he became certified as a Restorative Justice Trainer. All of these positions played a role in Alton creating The Way Organization (T.W.O) and better serving Pittsburgh communities and its youth.

EDUCATION

ANTHONY ANDERSON

Deputy Superintendent Pittsburgh Public Schools

Anthony Anderson is the Deputy Superintendent for Pittsburgh Public Schools. As deputy, he oversees curriculum and instruction, school performance, student services, special education, professional development, early childhood, and career and technical education.

Anderson is a visionary and always puts the academic growth and social well-being of all the students in Pittsburgh Public Schools first. He works alongside both school and central office leadership teams modeling and facilitating a student-centered decision-making process.

Before joining PPS, Anderson served in Duval County, Florida, as a regional superintendent of 16 of the district's middle schools ranging from high- to low-performing schools. He has worked with all levels of public schools ranging from early childhood to high school and adult education programs. His leadership has led to increases in school performance and students becoming leaders of their own educational futures. Anderson is respected by his peers for his ability to lead change and create sustainable systems, while motivating and recognizing his staff.

ENTREPRENEUR

WAHAD ANSARI

President and CEO Professional Barber Institute

Wahad Ansari, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Professional Barber Institute, is a Pennsylvania licensed barber, barber shop manager and barber teacher with over 20 years of experience in the field. He has owned and operated Three Generations Barbershop in the Homewood area for 18 years. Ansari is a Veteran of the United States Navy, where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the COMNAVAIRLANT Battle "E" Ribbon, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He was a co-winner in both the 2014 and 2016 Urban lnnovation21 Homewood Small Business Grant competitions.

Since 2012, Ansari has trained young men to become barbers, both in his shop, and as a volunteer at Community College of Allegheny County's Homewood location. In an effort to assist more community residents with attaining self-sufficiency through employment and entrepreneur-ship in the barbering industry, he founded the Professional Barber Institute (PBI), which opened in May 2018. PBI is licensed under the state and is the only African American-owned and operated barber school in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

BRANDON BAKER

Family Support Specialist Center for Family Excellence Inc.

Brandon Baker is a lifelong resident of Allegheny County. He grew up in Wilkinsburg and was a member of City Charter High School's first graduating class in 2006.

As a program participant of The Center for Family Excellence Inc., staff noticed Baker's natural ability to lead and mentor young men. Consequently, he was offered a part-time position, and nine years later, he is a full-time family outreach worker, continuing to mentor and counsel young men in Pittsburgh, the surrounding communities and Western Pennsylvania, helping them to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. Over the years, as co-facilitator of the Values for Life Interpersonal Skills group and lead facilitator of the Seventh-day Adventist "Come Up" Male Mentoring Program, Baker's passion for working with youth has influenced dozens of young Black males by modeling responsibility, a strong focus on family, a strong work ethic and a commitment to community and family. Baker supports his community through many volunteer efforts that impact youth across Western Pennsylvania - multiple years of working with the Mel Blount Youth Home, and 2018 Game Changers: Youth Changing the Trajectory of our Nation African American Teen Summit, to name a few. Baker serves as secretary on the Board of Directors of Benefiting African and Minority Males (B.A.A.M.) In 2017 he received the Male Coalition Mentoring Award and in 2018 he received the Male Teen Recognition Award. He is a founding member of the East Liberty Family Support Center's Men on a Mission Program, a project at the Kingsley Association which seeks to mold young males into loving fathers, faithful husbands, and community leaders.

Lastly, Baker is devoted to his life partner, Brittani Graham, and is the loving father of his beautiful three children: Hadiya, Braydon and Bryson Baker.

PUBLIC SERVICE

EDDIE BELL

Children, Youth, Families

Allegheny County Department of Human Services

Eddie Bell has worked at Children, Youth and Families since 1996, beginning as an Intake Caseworker. He quickly transitioned to an Adoption Caseworker and along with the Adoption Department, assured permanent homes for children by finalizing a record number of adoptions. In 2002, Bell accepted the position as a Family Advocate Specialist with the Allegheny County Model of Family Group Decision Making. This voluntary program called on families to learn and utilize the power of empowerment. Subsequently, Bell was promoted to Family Group Decision-Making Manager and later became a Conferencing and Teaming Manager.

In 2015, Bell was responsible for the day-today operations of a regional office, as a Clinical Manager. He had the task of ensuring every child was safe and secure in a loving and nurturing environment, as well as ensuring every family's voice was heard. Most recently, Bell was given the opportunity to lead the Father Engagement Program and assist with the recruiting and retention efforts within the agency. Bell has been credentialed by the Family Development Credentialing Program, a professional development course for frontline workers to learn and practice skills of strength-based family support. He was also selected to participate in the 2015-2016 class of the Leadership Fellows Program.

Bell's passion for children, youth and families continues to define who he is as a person: not only the mission of keeping children safe and families together, but also in promoting hope, respect, strength and empowerment.

ENTREPRENEUR

ISAIAH CRESENT BEY

President/Founder Engineering Impact Initiative

Isaiah Cresent Bey, also known as Wadjet Mentuhotep, is the president and founder of the Engineering Impact Initiative, a multi-faceted engineering program focused on improving melinated people's approach towards academics and life science for sustainability and vitality improvement.

Bey's fields of expertise are; mechanical engineering, environmental science, and services & stewardship (urban agriculture, hazardous waste operations & clean-up, including mold remediation). Through his love of learning, Bey has become an ever-improving adept student of science (study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation).

By his unique character, Bey expresses leadership among his peers and is honored among elders. Quotes that have guided his ambition to be the best sentient being he can be include: "Look up a word if you don't know it!;" "Research what you are into before you get into it!;" "Ye are Gods and are Children Of The Most High!;" and, "In order to be a God, you must be responsible for your surroundings!"

Bey is an alumnus of; The University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering Manufacturing Assistance Center, New Century Careers, Bidwell Training Center, A. Phillip Randolph Institute, Community Empowerment Association's Carpentry Courses, Life's Work of Allegheny County, and Pittsburgh Job Corps.

The social, mental and spiritual traumas melinated people (Aborigine Autochthons, the original people of the soil of the Earth) have experienced from being colonized over the entire globe, has caused some to be less confident about certain approaches toward education and culture. The aforementioned motivates Bey to play his part to restore the passion for learning that was once had and that's been replaced with lust and greed.

Melanin is billions of years old and Bey is thankful to the Most High to be a spiritual being who can experience it physically.

RELIGION

PASTOR NEVILLE A. BROOKS

Pastor

Jubilee International Ministries

Pastor Neville A. Brooks was born in the United Kingdom. He has been in the ministry for over 40 years and is the co-founder of Jubilee International Ministries. He is also the founder and director of Save Our Sons (S.O.S.), an international Christian mentoring program for boys.

Pastor Brooks is the Dean of the Jubilee International Ministries Bible College. He is also the author of two books, "Man's Manifest Destiny" and "Abigail's Legacy."

Pastor Neville received an honorary Doctorate in Theology and Biblical Studies from the Grace Bible College and Seminary in North Carolina. He's also the Executive Producer of "From Chains to Gains: A Gospel Musical," which tells the story of how the African slaves were able to find hope and solace in singing spiritual songs, hymns and psalms that produced the Gospel music that is heard all over the world today.

He and his wife, Connie, co-founder of Jubilee International Ministries, live in Pittsburgh.

RELIGION

REV. DR. DARRYLT. CANADY

Senior Pastor

Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church

Reverend Dr. Darryl T. Canady rece ved his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Banking & Finance from Morehouse College, his Master of Divinity Degree from Emory University Candler School of Theology, and his Doctor of Ministry Degree from the School of Theology at Virginia Union University.

Reverend Dr. Canady serves as the Senior Pastor of Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church in East Liberty, where he offers a fresh perspective for revi-talization inside the church and outside in the local and global community.

Reverend Dr. Canady, along with his wife, Rev. Taleeta Canady, is the founder of the LIFE Male Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math (STEAM) Academy, the only K-12 male academy with a STEAM-focused course of study in the region. The mission of LIFE Male STEAM Academy is to prepare all male scholars for college success and career-readiness. The academy also serves as a catalyst to increase the presence of African American males in the STEAM pipeline.

Reverend Dr. Canady is a very gifted preacher and teacher of the Gospel. He completed the three-year Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention Pastoral Excellence Program and has ministered in several cities across the U.S. and internationally in Capetown and Polokwane, South Africa, Guyana, South America, and Jamaica, West Indies. He enjoys facilitating workshops on leadership development, male empowerment, marriage and family enrichment, and youth enhancement. His life mission comes from Luke 12:48: "For unto whom much is given, much is required."

EDUCATION

ANTHONY CARLISLE, PhD

English Department Chair and Assistant Professor California University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Anthony Carlisle is an assistant professor of journalism/English at California University of Pennsylvania and since 2016 has been chair of the English department. He earned a bachelor's in English from Cal U, a master's degree in liberal arts from Duquesne University, and a doctorate in literature from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He has taught at Cal U since 2002. He teaches journalism, literature, and composition courses.

Prior to teaching, Dr. Carlisle was a reporter for 11 years, working at the New Pittsburgh Courier, the Daily News, The Pittsburgh Business Times, Beaver County Times, and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. His literature research interests are protest, African American, and Appalachian. He has presented at several conferences to include the English Association of Pennsylvania State Universities, Midwest Modern Language Association, the Association for the Study of African American Life & History, and the Appalachian Writers

Association Conference.

Dr. Carlisle is the winner of several awards as both a journalist and college professor: The Robert L. Vann Award for Investigative Reporting, The Robert L. Vann Award for Feature Writing, the Keystone Spotlight Award for Business Writing, the Frederick Douglass Institute Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the Sigma Tau Delta Luise Van Keuren Award for Teaching. Dr. Carlisle is also an Army veteran, serving 14 years in the Reserves and deploying to 'he Middle East in 2004 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also does volunteer work as a member of his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma, and as a member of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation. Dr. Carlisle has been married for 22 years to Dr. Amy Alexander, a Penn Hills High School counselor, and they have two children: Arielle Alexander and Amya Carlisle.

RELIGION

BISHOP DONALD O.CLAY JR.

Founder

Petra International Ministries

Revelator, visionary and groundbreaker are just a few words that describe Bishop Donald 0. Clay Jr. From preaching at the tender age of 16 in Cincinnati, to obeying God and stepping away from a leading church in Pittsburgh, to birth a ministry for those unable to overcome the hurdles of traditional church and religion, Bishop Clay's story is one of remarkable faith and commitment to the will of the Father. Truly an Apostolic Father, Bishop Clay is the founder of Petra International Ministries, headquartered in Pittsburgh, and has helped to establish several successful churches in the U.S. Out of a passion for young people, Bishop Clay has also founded schools to properly educate inner-city children. Committed to the belief that Christians are to impact every facet of the culture, God has used Bishop Clay to birth creative programs that empower Christians to impact the world, from the marketplace to the arts. With an unwavering commitment to unity, Bishop Clay has been a leader in the charge to foster unity in a schism-driven society. When asked the key to success in ministry, Bishop's response is always the same, "worship."

Worshipper is the one word that probably best describes Bishop Clay. His passion for a Spirit-led worship life provides the fuel to his giftings as a teacher, author and songwriter. "Poppy" is the name given to Bishop Clay by his grandchildren. Blessed with a beautiful family, Carli and her husband, Justin, and Cameron and his wife, Winter, Bishop Clay and his loving wife, Lisa, have been given four beautiful grandchildren, Ashanti, Carsyn, Judah, and Zarah. "Poppy" seems to put the final bow on this gift to the body of Christ. He, along with his wife, Lisa, are true examples of John 13:35: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

LAW ENFORCEMENT

HARVEY COLE JR.

Director of Public Safety UPMC Shadyside

Harvey Cole Jr. is the Director of Public Safety at UPMC Shadyside, responsible for the overall security of its entire campus which includes the Hillman Cancer Center and several off-site office locations.

Cole leads about 100 personnel consisting of police officers, security officers and contracted guards. He takes pride in several accomplishments that lend to bolstering a safer environment within and outside the campus. In October and April, he coordinates UPMC's participation of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) sponsored Unwanted Prescription Drug Take Back Program. He provides coordination to 14 different collection sites throughout Allegheny and Erie counties. During these collection campaigns, he receives 135 boxes of medications which weigh over a ton. Leading this campaign, he supports the community by keeping prescription drugs out of the hands of the unauthorized people. His efforts in this program provide safety for the environment by lessening the flushing of the medications in waterways.

Cole is a graduate of Robert Morris University with a BS in Business Administration Executive Leadership. Using his leadership skills and experiences, he served with the Pennsylvania State Police and retired 29 years with rank of Major (Director, Bureau of Patrol). His responsibilities encompassed 4,500 personnel in three divisions; Patrol Services, Commercial Vehicle and Troop T- Turnpike. In addition, he served and retired with 25 years with the United States Army (Active/Reserve). While serving in Operation Enduring Freedom Combat Tour, he was awarded the "Bronze Star" for exemplary service as a Military Intelligence Chief Warrant Officer (CW3). No matter the role or profession, Cole is devoted to minority hiring and mentoring those in his community. Currently, he is a member of UPMC's Diversity Leadership Network, in which he advocates workforce diversification.

Harvey Cole is happily married to Elaine M. Cole for 34 years and they have two sons, Harvey Cole, III (Trey) and John H. Cole, both inspiring college graduates.

Cole is an active member of Clark Memorial Baptist in Homestead. As a 50-year faithful member, he serves as the First Vice-Trustee and an usher. Also, he is a Masonic member belonging to Star of the West Lodge #62 and several other affiliations.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

PARRISH DAVENPORT

Executive Director Family & Friends Initiative

Parrish Davenport is an empowerment speaker, author, and fine arts consultant who teaches and challenges people to pursue their dreams, conquer their insecurities, be victorious over their trials, and walk confidently in their life's calling.

A sought-after workshop facilitator, Davenport emerged from his silence and is now empowering men and women of all ages to tear down their fagade and walk in true freedom.

Known for his all-encompassing outreach efforts and fine arts expertise, Davenport turned his passion for helping others thrive in spirit and soul into a recognized nonprofit organization, the Family & Friends Initiative. As the Executive Director of the Family & Friends Initiative, he empowers communities through local programming and national projects which focus on transforming lives through holistic ministry and promoting individual and family growth. Davenport is the author of the best-selling book, "Removing the Mask: Meeting the Real You," which was released in June 2018 and ranked as an Amazon #1 Hot New Release in Christian Men's Issues. His book also placed in the Amazon Top 100 Books in the Counseling & Recovery and Child Abuse categories. Also, his book ranked #1 in the Self-Help category at the 2018 The Author Zone Awards. "Removing the Mask" challenges men, young and old, to choose the path of healing after facing traumatic situations, and to embrace their true identity. Davenport is an advocate for mental health and works for an outpatient mental health agency.

Davenport serves as the Minister of Music at the historic St. Paul Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, and he is an assistant editor and writer for the Soul Pitt Quarterly. He is the program facilitator of the Manhood 2.0 Program at the University of Pittsburgh. He has overcome many challenges in his life, and now his life's work encompasses equipping others to do the same.

PUBLIC SERVICE

AUSTIN A. DAVIS

State Representative

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Representative Austin A. Davis was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in a Special Election on January 23, 2018. He proudly represents the 35th Legislative District in Allegheny County.

The 35th District includes communities such as Clairton, McKeesport, Duquesne, Munhall, Whitaker, White Oak, and parts of West Mifflin.

Prior to serving in elective office, Rep. Davis worked for Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, where he served as an Executive Assistant to the County Executive spearheading his vision/transition team in the early days of the administration.

In addition to his service in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Rep. Davis is currently serving as the Vice Chairman of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee, as well as on the board of directors for the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, The Consortium for Public Education, Communities in Schools of Pittsburgh, and Auberle.

Representative Davis has received numerous awards and recognition for his work in government and in the community, including Pittsburgh Magazine's 40 Under 40 award.

HEALTH CARE

CHARLES DESHAZER, MD

Sr. Vice President & Chief Medical Officer

Highmark Health Plan

Charles DeShazer, M.D., is senior vice president and chief medical officer for Highmark Health Plan.

Dr. DeShazer is a board-certified internal medicine physician executive with over 20 years of management experience in medical informatics, quality improvement, medical management, and care delivery redesign.

For Highmark Inc., Dr. DeShazer is accountable for defining the Health Plan's clinical strategy and representing the Health Plan to the business, medical, and regulatory communities. He is responsible for overall medical leadership and direction in the development, organization, management, and strategic direction of Highmark Health Plan's processes related to health care quality, efficiency, and cost improvement.

He previously worked for Kaiser Permanente, Humana Insurance, and BayCare Health System. In prior roles, he was responsible for enterprise quality and analytics for a 12-hospital Integrated Delivery System, implementation of the patient-centered medical home model, oversight of utilization management, implementation of disease management programs, leveraging a system-wide EHR to achieve meaningful use objectives, supporting the development of an Accountable Care Organization (ACO), creating tools and infrastructure for quality and performance management, and implementing patient-centered technologies such as Personal Health Records (PHRs) and telehealth systems. Dr. DeShazer is an Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) certified Improvement Advisor. He received his medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Illinois Hospital, Chicago.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS

DONALD GRAY III

Collision Center Customer Relations Manager

P & W BMW

Donald "Donnie" Gray III was born and raised in Pittsburgh. Gray was blessed to attend Pittsburgh Public Schools and be part of the magnet program. Through his experiences in the public-school system, he was able to experience diversity and create relationships with kids from all different walks of life. Gray claims that those experiences contributed to his social gifts, as well as molded him into the leader he was called to be. His ultimate goal is to lead souls into greatness and help them build character, whether that is in his place of work, community, schools, or through ministry.

Donnie started at P & W BMW/Mini of Pittsburgh in 2013. Gray worked from the bottom, washing cars, to his current position, the Customer Relations Manager in the Collision Department. Due to his unceasing hard work and magnificent work ethic, Gray was always hungry to learn more and more about the business. As the opportunities appeared, he took advantage of them right away, but he always made sure he guided someone else to take over the position he left. Mentoring the young men in the dealership is one of his greatest passions, for he says: "There is nothing more rewarding than passing down your knowledge to others, so we can succeed together."

Gray has a big smile and an even bigger heart, he treats others exactly as he wants to be treated and that is one of the reasons he feels he's been so successful in his field. He treats his clients like family, he aims to let his light shine every day, and help all around him to reach their full potential.

Gray also has participated in programs such as the Community Intensive Supervision Program (CISP), a program for young juveniles, where he spoke about his personal story and how he got to where he is today. Gray also spends his time as the VP of New Business Development for Executive Valet, a renowned valet company in Pittsburgh.

On his free time, "Donnie" loves to spend time with his wife and family.

UNION ORGANIZER

CHARLES GREER SR.

Marketing Representative/Organizer Sheet Metal Workers Local 12

Charles Greer Sr. has been a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 12 for more than 27 years and currently holds the position of marketing representative. In the 27 years as a member, he has served as an apprentice, job steward, journeyman, foreman, instructor, union trustee, executive board member, apprentice committee member, recording secretary, organizer and recruiter.

Greer also serves as a delegate on the Allegheny County Labor Council, and sits on the board of Infinite

Lifestyle Solutions, a non-profit whose mission is to help the area youth who have been a victim of or witnessed a violent crime.

Charles Greer Sr. is happily married to Carol L. Greer, Human Resources Director at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and New Pittsburgh Courier 2016 Women of Excellence award recipient. He is the proud father to Charles A. Greer Jr. (Kim), Ashley Cobbs (Allen), and Olivia Greer, along with being the stepfather to William and Brittany McGhee and the grandfather to eight beautiful, intelligent, funny grandchildren. His interests are bowling (currently serving as league treasurer), golf, traveling (with Las Vegas and Aruba being his two favorite destinations), Texas Hold'em, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren. Greer is proud of the fact that he has never believed he couldn't be or do something because of the color of his skin. He is the first African American Officer in his local union. Greer, in his career, has had the opportunity to work in nuclear power stations, help build hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, and do research and development in the aluminum, automotive and aeronautic industries. But the most rewarding part of his job in Local 12 is helping another person improve their life through better employment opportunities and education. Greer is looking forward to the future and spending time with his wife on a beach in Aruba when they retire.

ENTERTAINMENT

AKIL ESOON' GRIFFIN

CEO

Undeniable Music Group, LLC

Pittsburgh's native son, Akil "Esoon" Griffin, has been involved with music, arts and culture in a professional capacity for over 25 years. As an artist, Griffin has recorded and performed around the world with the best and the brightest the music and entertainment industry has to offer. As a music producer, Griffin is a talented multi-instrumentalist with professional placements in television and film, as well as with professional recording artists in today's music industry.

Griffin has placed great emphasis on teaching and mentoring youth. His work as a teaching artist in the City of Pittsburgh has made a positive impact on youth in the community at-large since 1996 through creative and passionate programming. Griffin's dedication using his undeniable musical talents and experience to uplift and empower the youth in the community renders him one of the most well-rounded and most respected artists/music producers in America. His music placements and performance credits include: Empire (FOX), Game of Thrones (HBO), Archer (FX), Netflix (Spike Lee's "She's got to have it"), Toni Braxton, Timbaland, Fantasia, Jordin Sparks, Faith

Evans, Mac Miller and Jasiri X, just to name a few.

MARKETING

DEAVON HAMMONDS

CEO Promotional Push

Deavon Hammonds has became a staple in the uprise of new media marketing in the Pittsburgh area.

With boldness in branding and filled with creativity, he has developed more and more opportunities to establish himself as a source of over 15 years of entrepreneurial endeavors. One can feel refreshed from his marketing, visual media, public relations and journalism background.

A man of communication and a huge personality has led him to Executive Director of IDI Productions and Promotional Push. He's also a board member for Hammonds Initiative under the direction and guidance of Leonard Hammonds II, providing awareness and contributions to its programs.

Hammonds is also a strategic partner at Urban Ad Networks and Urban Web Television, HES and 3rdlVision, which creates content for online, on-demand and streaming platforms.

He's the creator of Pald, a program created to end the connotation of violence throughout Pennsylvania.

Hammonds lives by the motto, "closer to success, further from failure."

HEALTH CARE

BARNETT HARRIS SR.

Senior Manager of Mental Health Rehab & Recovery Services

Pittsburgh Mercy

Barnett Harris Sr. was born and raised on the East Side of Detroit. He's the eighth of nine children born to two parents with high values and principles, William and Edna Harris. Family and community was commonplace. Growing up, activities always included other kids in the neighborhood. There was some separation during his teenage years as Harris went to high school on the West Side of Detroit. Because of his involvement in athletics, it kept him away from the neighborhood in which he grew up. As Harris recalls, it helped to expand his social base and taught him to connect with people from different backgrounds.

After high school, Harris attended Iowa Western Community College in Clarinda, Iowa. There were nine persons of color attending that school: three were from Africa, and the remaining six, including Harris, were on the basketball team. Coming from Detroit, which is a predominantly-African American city, Harris truly experienced culture shock in Iowa - but his social base expanded further and he learned to become more accepting of differences. During the summer breaks, Harris would return home and work with youth programs overseeing younger teens.

After graduating from Iowa Western, Harris received a basketball scholarship to Duquesne University.

He played basketball there for two years and became the first junior college transfer to graduate on time. He majored in criminal justice with a minor in business.

After graduating from Duquesne, Harris worked several jobs, none of which ever fulfilled him, he recalls. He then got a job with The Whale's Tale, a youth and family counseling center. He began in a residential shelter for abused and neglected teens, and soon realized that social service was his calling. Harris then started his own organization called "Divine Intervention Group" in 2002.

Harris received a master's degree in Organizational Leadership in 2003. In 2007, he began working at Pittsburgh Mercy, where his focus became the adult population.

As Harris now knows, "I have come to realize that true servanthood and service has no distinction. I know my purpose."

RELIGION

REV. DR. JAMES H. HARRIS SR.

Senior Pastor

St. James AME Church

Reverend Dr. James Henderson Harris Sr. currently serves as the pastor of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church located in East Liberty, of which his father pastored from 1966-73. Reverend Dr. Harris received his divine calling at the age of 17 and began pastoring at the age of 19. His ministerial career of 44 years has allowed him to pastor extensively in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

He was educated in the Pittsburgh Public Schools system and received his BA from Wilberforce University, Master of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. Reverend Dr. Harris has been actively involved in the leadership of his beloved denomination by serving on the General Board and its many commissions. In 2004, Rev. Dr. Harris ran for Bishop at the General Conference in Indianapolis. He has been influential in organizing many ministries from feeding terminated steelworkers in the Farrell/Sharon, Pa. community to assisting young people in their academic journey.

Recently, Rev. Dr. Harris was influential in the Get Out The Vote campaign in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Reverend Dr. Harris has served as an Adjunct Professor of Black Church History, Business Ethics, and Project Thesis Supervisor in the CLIMB program at Wilberforce University.

Reverend Dr. Harris is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Pride of the Valley Lodge No. 95, the Ohio Council of Deliberation Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite PHA and Bezaleel Consistory Prince Hall Affiliation and a 33 Degree Mason.

Reverend Dr. Harris' mission in life is to make this world a better place for all people. Recently celebrating his 65th birthday, life has a new meaning, but he is determined to make his mark on his community and his church.

ENTERTAINMENT

NELSON E. HARRISON, Ph.D.

Founder & Owner Pittsburgh Jazz Network

Nelson E. Harrison, Ph. D, clinical psychology, adjunct professor (CCAC), author, composer, arranger, poet, lyricist, playwright, producer, recording artist, archivist, speaker, trombonist veteran of the Count Basie Orchestra (1978-81)...

To say Dr. Harrison is accomplished would be putting it mildly.

His composer credits consist of over 300 original compositions including movie scores and soundtracks for plays written by August Wilson, Richard Wright, Georg Stanford Brown and John Russo. He's the inventor of the "trombetto," a one-of a kind, 10-inch long brass instrument on which he can play over six octaves chromatically; founder of the Pittsburgh Jazz Network, an online community that boasts 3,300 members worldwide; business manager of the Afro-American Music Institute; internationally-recognized expert/lecturer on Pittsburgh Jazz History, co-producer on PCTV-21; surviving member of the erstwhile Local #471 of the American Federation of Musicians; and designated as the 2015 Pittsburgh Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Association.

FINANCE

LEN HAWKINS

CF07 Treasurer

United Way of Southwestern PA

Len Hawkins is the Chief Financial Officer at United Way of Southwestern PA where he has worked for nearly three years. He is an accomplished financial professional with more than 20 years of managerial experience and achievement across a wide range of functional disciplines, including finance, strategic planning and operations management.

As United Way's CFO, Hawkins is responsible for assessing and evaluating the financial performance of the organization with regard to the organization's long-term goals, budgets and forecasts.

Hawkins is passionate about United Way's mission and is inspired by the work of his colleagues to do good in the community. Since the start of his career with United Way, he has seen firsthand the impact the organization has on the community, and he is proud to see the corporate community come together to make life-changing moments happen for people in need throughout the region.

Before joining United Way's team,

Hawkins served as deputy budget director at the Office of Budget and Management for the city of Chicago, where he helped execute and manage the city's $8.7 billion annual operating budget. Hawkins also served as the director for Budget and Capital Finance at the Chicago Transit Authority, where he developed and maintained the authority's annual operating budget of $1.4 billion.

Before moving to Chicago, Hawkins held various executive management roles at BB&T Bank and SunTrust Bank in the Southeast regions.

Hawkins is a Pittsburgh native and received his Master of Business and Finance Degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He started his professional career here working for HJ Heinz in a number of management roles. While in Pittsburgh, he served on the board of a number of different organizations such as PACE and Carlow Hill College.

In his free time, Hawkins enjoys golfing, traveling, exercising, and cheering on the Steelers.

HEALTH CARE

CAIN HAYES

President and CEO Gateway Health

Cain Hayes is president and CEO of Gateway Health. Having joined the organization in late 2018, Hayes leads the day-today operations of one of the nation's top-ranked managed care organizations that serves over 500,000 Medicaid and Medicare members.

Previously, Hayes served as president and COO of the Health Business for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota with full operating and financial responsibility for the company's commercial markets, government markets, provider relations, network management, care management, clinical innovation, pharmacy, service operations, and marketing.

Hayes was also president of Aetna's national accounts division, where he had full financial and operating responsibility for the $9.1 billion business.

Prior to Aetna, Hayes held a number of executive leadership positions at Nationwide and Principal Financial Group.

Hayes holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Drake University, and a Master's in Business Administration degree from Webster University. In addition, Hayes earned the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

EDUCATION

DENNIS HENDERSON Deputy Chief Executive Officer Manchester Academic Charter School

Dennis Henderson is a dynamic educator and advocate of social justice through education who has impacted the lives of youth and families for over 20 years. Throughout his career, Henderson is renowned for his grassroots approach to education and designing collaborative learning experiences with a variety of industry leaders to create programs that provide students and families exposure to educational, economic and personal growth opportunities within the region.

Henderson has designed and implemented a variety of programs focusing on entrepreneurship, law-related education, sustainability, STEM, and outdoor recreation. His work as an educator has been recognized nationally and internationally, and for the past four years, he has served as a lead , administrator at Manchester Academic Charter School (MACS) as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

Henderson is currently leading a $4.2 million capital campaign for the development and programming of MACS at the "museumlab," which will open in 2019 as the largest cultural campus for youth in the nation. Collaborating with the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, Saturday Light Brigade and other youth-oriented organizations, the museumlab will serve as a national model highlighting Pittsburgh's collaborative commitment to public education, innovation and experiential learning.

In 2013, Henderson was involved in an unjust arrest in which his civil rights were violated. Within his settlement, Henderson worked with the ACLU to implement policies to help improve police/community relations.

With the support of his wife, Monica, and his daughters, Denia and Jacey, along with his colleagues, friends and family, Henderson is blessed to incorporate his personal and professional experiences into his career.

As a proud Pittsburgh resident, Henderson currently serves on the boards of the Alliance tor Police Accountability, the ACLU of Western Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Council tor Social Studies and Venture Outdoors.

CORPORATE

LEONARD HOLT

Assistant Manager/Senior Chemist Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Leonard Kelven Holt has a knack for science and music. Currently, Holt holds the position of assistant manager in the Quality department and senior chemist at Mylan Pharmaceuticals. His daily duties include utilizing knowledge of FDA regulations, regulatory requirements, and cGMP (current good manufacturing practice) to maintain compliance within the Quality Control Laboratory. He also lends support to various groups within the department by reviewing and updating certain documentation, reports, specifications, and change controls for the testing of products. Also, as part of his duties, he is required to function as a subject matter expert and point of contact for various ongoing projects.

Prior to joining Mylan, Holt spent two years as a middle school science teacher in the Pittsburgh Public Schools system.

Born in Quincy, Fla., Holt graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Florida A&M University. He went on and obtained a

Master of Arts in Teaching degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

In addition to his works with Mylan, Holt serves as a musician and director of several gospel choirs in the Greater Pittsburgh area. In Pittsburgh, he has served as a musician for Beulah Baptist Church and Baptist Temple Church, and is currently serving as director of music of Bethel AME Church in the Hill District, where he is an active member.

Holt is also the music director for the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), where he has presented a number of original songs at the Gospel Music Workshop of America National Convention New Music Seminar; serves as a musician for the C.H. Foggie Allegheny AME Zion Conference Choir; and is the choir director and musician for the Pittsburgh/West Virginia conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, where he was recognized, in 2009, at the Pittsburgh African Methodist Episcopal Annual Conference as a "Musical Living Legend" in the Pittsburgh Annual Conference for his dedicated work in the music ministry.

In his spare time, Holt enjoys playing the organ and piano, writing music, watching football and basketball, working in church and also spending time with the family.

Holt is the eldest son of Geraldine Holt and the late Harry K. Holt; the husband of Rev. Carmen Holt and father of Reginald Alexander and Kari Danielle.

His favorite scripture is Ecclesiastes 3:1: "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." (KJV)

COMMUNITY SERVICE

ERIC HOWZE

Founder & President No Hero Left Behind

Eric Thomas Howze, born in Pittsburgh, a native of the Hill District. At a young age, Howze was shown the value of selfless service through his mother, Angela Howze, and father, Allen Mendoza. Enlisting in the United States Army at the age of 17, by age 21 he was serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom performing Military Police operations.

Returning home he had difficulty reintegrating into society and like many other veterans resulted in homelessness. Howze used to be one out of four homeless Americans who is a combat veteran. Today, he is using his misfortune in life to minister and empower others, leading to a better world of service and better chance at life. His organization, No Hero Left Behind (NHLB), was started to reduce veteran suicide and end veteran homelessness. In the Pittsburgh center, NHLB has donated hundreds of items including food, water, socks, gloves, and coats to homeless veterans in need each week while also providing professional development courses, innovative therapy workshops, employment preparation, volunteer service projects and much more for homeless and underserved veterans. He has committed his time to the great cause of helping veterans in Pittsburgh to not only get the help they need in their daily lives, but also to eliminate long-term barriers toward recovery and self-sufficiency. There is still a lot of work to do, but the work done by Howze already is astounding and well deserving of recognition.

RELIGION

REV. JAMES E. HUNT

Senior Pastor

First Baptist Church of Penn Hills

Revrerend James E. Hunt has mentored many, especially men, in a number of ways. As a high school English teacher, he academically challenged teens to be their best in the classroom and also on the nationally-ranked Gateway Forensic Team, which he coached. In Penn Hills, Rev. Hunt founded Western Penn Hills Community Action Inc., whose flagship Summer Youth Employment Program has trained and placed over 600 teens in 24 years.

As a pastor, Rev. Hunt has mentored young preachers, taught seminary courses and provided opportunities for clergy to grow in their preaching craft. As a college student activities administrator, he was pivotal in the development of student leadership skills outside of the classroom.

Reverend Hunt has excelled as educator, community advocate and pastor. His pastorate at First Baptist Church of Penn Hills has impacted local, national and international communities. The congregation has financially, and through service activities, supported missions locally to the homeless, nursing homes, Children's Hospital and Veterans. Nationally, First Baptist Church of Penn Hills has financially assisted in the water crises in Flint, Michigan, flood victims in the southern United States and sent a mission team to assist after Hurricane Katrina. He has trained congregants and led mission trips to the countries of Haiti (three times), Germany, Jamaica and Kenya. First Baptist Church of Penn Hills was part of the first African American mission team to Russia after the fall of the Iron Curtain. In 2018, Rev. Hunt led his congregation in the debt-free completion of extensive church renovation.

In addition to being the founder and Board President of Western Penn Hills Community Action Inc. (WPHCA), he serves on the Duguesne University Institutional Review Board, has served on the board of AAMI (Afro-American Music Institute) and member and past president of the Penn Hills Association of Christian Clergy.

He received his bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and doctoral studies at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

ENTREPRENEUR

ANTHONY JEFFERSON

Owner/Operator

Mark Anthony Hair Salon

Anthony Jefferson is the proud owner, operator and creative director of Mark Anthony Hair Salon. For 21 years he has owned and operated the salon, located in Oakland. A zealous advocate of ongoing hair care training, Jefferson's mission is to help a diverse array of men and women, young or tenured, realize their inner beauty that makes their outer appearance shine that much brighter, with original hair fashions that are customized for every individual that sits in his chair. His passion for hair and beauty has brought Jefferson much success in the hair and beauty industry. According to Jefferson, "every customer is a celebrity" and he provides top notch hair care service to each and every client he serves.

With a business philosophy built on teamwork, he encourages his staff to adopt the same model and best practice with clients, which has resulted in the establishment of Mark Anthony Hair Salon as a premier hair care service in the region.

Jefferson's passion for hair care began at the ripe age of 12. By age 15, he began mastering the barbering craft, by combining his creative and artistic abilities. Shortly after graduating from high school, Jefferson attended the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy (PBA) in the early '90s where he continued to build upon his creative skills, which also became the turning point in his life for making a lifelong career in the beauty industry.

Jefferson currently manages a team of 16 dynamic individuals. Together they create breathtaking hair designs that attract people from across the country to receive such customized hair care services from natural twists and braid styles, to press and flat iron designs, to one-of-a-kind hair color creations. Jefferson and his team, which includes his wife, Karmyn, have participated in numerous photoshoots in Pittsburgh, New York, and Miami to name a few. In 2017 his team also won the Pittsburgh City Paper "Best of Pittsburgh Hair Salon."

Jefferson has been an active member of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church for 20 years.

Jefferson and Karmyn have worked side-by-side along this entire 30-year business journey and share multiple benefits in the beauty industry and in life, as they share the most glorifying accomplishment of raising two phenomenal children, Te'Sia and Anthony.

HEALTH CARE

REV. TORREY 0. JOHNSON

Priest in Charge

The Church of the Holy Cross

The Rev. Torrey O. Johnson serves as the Priest in Charge of the Historic Church of the Holy Cross, located in Homewood. He serves also as the CEO for the Episcopal Lutheran Alliance, which is the Historic Church of the Holy Cross' Community Development Corporation.

A 1997 graduate of Morehouse College, Rev. Johnson received a Master of Divinity and a Master of Christian Education from Johnson C. Smith Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. In 2003, he was ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America where he served a dual call as the Senior Pastor of St. Mark Lutheran Church in East Point, Georgia, and as the Atlanta University Center Lutheran Campus Pastor, ministering to the students of Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse School of Medicine, the Interdenominational Theological Center, and Morris Brown College. He holds Board

Certification from the Association of Professional Chaplains and also serves as a reserve Military Chaplain for the 911th Air Base Wing as Chaplain Major as of April 4, 2018.

Rev. Johnson believes strongly in the role of the priest as "public theologian" referred to by former Morehouse College President, Dr. Robert Franklin, in his book entitled, "Another Day's Journey." He has recently launched: "A New Hope for Homewood," a community redevelopment initiative aimed at providing avenues of opportunity to the inauspicious social economic demographic that surrounds the church. During his tenure as Priest-in-Charge.at Holy Cross, Rev. Johnson has initiated over 10 community action projects on behalf of Holy Cross and the church's non-profit organization, ELA. These projects include: The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Toy Giveaway; March for Lives Event Trip to Washington, D.C.; Community Gardening Plan; Sunday School Community Outreach Breakfast; and Movies on the Lawn.

Reverend Johnson is a proud father to Christian Lewis Johnson, 13, and Alexander Lewis Johnson, 10. Reverend Johnson has a passion for doing ministry in a way that meets parishioners where they are - even going outside the walls of the church to meet the community's needs.

EDUCATION

WAYNE JONES

CEO

Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship

Wayne Jones is a native of Garfield, a results-driven professional, who prides himself on being a visionary and a transformational leader.

As CEO of the Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship, a K-8 public school, Jones oversees all facets of the school's operations, planning, and execution.

Jones holds a bachelor's degree and MBA from California University of Pennsylvania and is currently pursuing a Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility and Ed.D. in Leadership and Administration from Point Park University. He holds a variety of volunteer positions, including serving as a board member for the Program to Aid Citizen Enterprise, the Leaders Council of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools, a youth mentor for Brothers and Sisters Emerging, and a football coach for the Garfield Gators.

Jones has an outstanding commitment to students, the community, and his reputable character.

CORPORATE

ROBERT M. JONES JR.

President & CEO

Brothers and Sisters Emerging

Robert Jones Jr. is a lifelong resident of the Garfield community. He graduated from Peabody High School in 1987. For post-secondary education Jones attended Waynesburg College (Waynesburg University), where he attained a B.A. in Public Service Administration. He was a student-athlete (football) in both high school and college.

Jones is a co-founder of the Garfield Youth Sports program where he volunteers as the volunteer director and as a volunteer football coach. He also is a co-founder of Brothers and Sisters Emerging.

Since graduating from Waynesburg College in 1991, his employment experiences have been in the human services field in many capacities. He presently serves as the President & CEO of Brothers and Sisters Emerging. Brothers and Sisters Emerging is a non-profit organization that provides programs and services for youth and families in Pittsburgh. B.A.S.E. is the umbrella agency for the Garfield Youth Sports program.

Jones has been a recipient of the following awards: American Red Cross Educator Award; United Way "Be There" Award for outstanding commitment to supporting the region's children; Jefferson Awards Most Outstanding Volunteer of the Year in the Pittsburgh region; and Hats Off Alopecia Youth Leadership Award. Jones is currently a board member of the Environmental Charter School of Pittsburgh, as well as the Catalyst Academy Charter School of Pittsburgh. Jones is board secretary of the Southwestern PA Youth Athletic Initiative.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

SHANNON LAWHORN

Fatherhood Program Manager Healthy Start Inc.

Shannon Lawhorn is the Fatherhood Program Manager at Healthy Start Inc. He has almost 20 years of experience in the human services field. Ever since he was 12 years old, Lawhorn wanted to work in a career where he could help people to better themselves. He has obtained his Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Bachelor of Science in Community Ministry from Geneva College. Lawhorn also serves on the Board of Directors at Evolve Coaching Inc., and is the founder of 412 DADS.

He is happily married to his wife of 27 years, Dearea Lawhorn. They have one adult daughter, Taeziah Lawhorn. Lawhom's hobbies include watching movies and sports, fishing, bowling, golfing, and traveling.

EDUCATION

JEFF MALLORY

Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion & Student Advancement

Duquesne University

Jeff Mallory is the Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion and Student Advancement at Duquesne University. In this role, Mallory serves as a resource for diverse students and oversees career and internship opportunities for all university students with local and national corporations.

Mallory also provides oversight and leads university initiatives in the following areas: community outreach, corporate engagement and minority alumni outreach.

Active in the community, Mallory serves on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, The Mentoring Partnership, Tickets For Kids Charities, is a member of the Citizens Advisory Board for the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) and serves as Board Chairman for The Shyne Awards Foundation, which highlights the accomplishments of kids ages 13-19 in the region.

Mallory is also the co-founder of the Greater Pittsburgh Higher Education Diversity Consortium (GPHEDC), a convened group of 18 higher education institutions in Southwestern Pennsylvania that focuses on Diversity and Inclusion.

Mallory earned both a B.A. in Public Policy Analysis and M.S. in Business Management from Saint Vincent College. He is currently an Ed.D. candidate for the Educational Leadership Program at Duquesne University.

Mallory is the proud father of two girls (Kate and Brooke), a son (Reed Allen) and is husband to his lovely wife, Amy.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

GORDON MANKER

Business Development Specialist

Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation

Gordon Manker is currently employed at the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation in the position of Business Development Specialist and holds the designation of Certified Economic Development Finance Professional and Accredited Small Business Consultant.

He joined WCDC in 2015 to coordinate the small business program and assist with their Green Clean and Safe initiatives. He is also certified to teach the CORE FOUR business planning platform and has trained over 100 people in the area of entrepreneur and small business ownership. In addition, Manker owns his own credit repair business.

He has a passion for helping people in the area of entrepreneurship and financial literacy with the understanding that both can be keys to a better future. In his current position, he consults with individuals in all stages of business; from start-ups to existing business owners in the areas of marketing, cash flow and operations.

Manker was bom in Pittsburgh to Charles Manker and Carolyn Manker (Parker). He was educated in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. He retired from the U.S. Military, where he held several specialties after serving 29 years. He received his B.S. degree in Organizational Leadership from Robert Morris University.

Gordon Manker is married to Gail Manker. They have no children. He is very active in his religious organization the Ausar Auset Society, a Pan African religious organization.

Manker currently serves on two boards: Wilkinsburg Chamber of Commerce and Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group. He is past Chair for Hope For Tomorrow Inc. In addition, he is a member of Golden Star Lodge #143, Most Worshipful Prince Hall of Pa. and St. Cyprian Consistory #4. He currently serves as Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master for the 7th Masonic District of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pa.

MEDIA

BROTHER MARLON MARTIN

Sunday Gospel Radio Host, "Morning Inspiration" WAMO 100.1/107.3 FM

Brother Marlon is the host of Morning Inspiration on WAMO 100, in Pittsburgh. He was the Program Director at Sheridan Gospel Network and host of the network's nationally syndicated afternoon show, "The Brother Marlon Show" until the company recently ceased operations.

Brother Marlon is a husband, father, and ordained Minister. In 2017, he celebrated 25 years in radio. His career began in 1992 on then-station WXJX, the college radio station of Washington & Jefferson College. He interned at WAMO-FM in 1994, and his career launched from there. He was known then as "Sean Richards." He hosted a variety of shows including The Breakfast Jam, The Quiet Storm, and Club 106.

During his 25-plus year career, the voice has been the same but the mission has changed. The Lord took over Brother Marlon's life in 1997, thus beginning his radio ministry. He is serious about the things of God and uses his gifts and abilities for the extension of the kingdom of God. He has served the City of Pittsburgh and beyond through music and inspiration weekly, spreading the gospel and the love of Christ on the radio, as well as traveling to many churches and community events throughout the region of as an emcee, DJ and preacher. His favorite passage of scripture is Psalm 34:1, he believes that should be the attitude of every believer!

Brother Marlon, along with his wife, own Marlee Communications where they provide a variety of multimedia services including graphic/web design, photography, video production, audio production, and printing.

He is the son of Ercell and the late Douglas Martin. He is married to Ellise Martin, and is the father of Marlon, II, Jason, Ephraim, and Caleb Martin.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

JOHNNIE MIOTT

First Vice President Pittsburgh NAACP Branch

Johnnie L. Miott wants to live in a world filled with peace, equality, and love for all humankind. A graduate of South Carolina State University, he began his career journey by serving our country as an Army Paratrooper with 56 jumps. Miott understood firsthand the pressures that come in being an African American trailblazer. In 1968, Miott was the first African American Sanitarian for the City of Pittsburgh. He was the first African American Pharmaceutical Salesman in the Pittsburgh District for 31 years as one of the top salesmen (top 5 percent) for Upjohn Pharmaceutical Sales Company.

Miott has been a member of the NAACP for 35 years, as past Chairman of the Religious Affairs Committee, and currently serving as the First Vice President. He is a charter member of the Uptown Hill Kiwanis and past Kiwanis President for four years. Miott was the Past Grand Master of the Masons, and a Mason of Golden Gate Lodge for 30 years. When Miott is not aiding his community, you will find this 80-years-young man busy working at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where he's been a member for 50 years. He has worked on the Stewards

Board the entire 50 years and the past 40 years as the Pastor's Steward. Not to mention, a member of the Laymen's Organization for 40 years and local president for 16 years. He was Lay Conference President for eight years for the Allegheny/Scranton District where he was responsible for 51 churches.

Miott has welcomed hundreds into the House of God as an usher for the past 25 years. He served as Sunday Superintendent for 20 years and Chairman of the finance Committee the past 40 years. Miott is married to Martha and has one son, John Christopher. He serves his family, community, and church with the love of Christ. His leadership and humility continues to touch the lives of all he encounters. His favorite Scripture reads, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." - John 14:1

CUSTODIAL ENGINEER/COMMUNITY SERVICE

WILLIAM MITCHELL SR.

Director of Facility Services University of Pittsburgh

William Mitchell Sr. has long lived in the east section of Pittsburgh with his loving wife and two wonderful sons. At the University of Pittsburgh, he manages a staff of roughly 400 including custodians, groundskeepers, stationary engineers, tradesmen, supervisors and managers across the main campus in Oakland. He works diligently to improve the university's annual United Way campaign by being a departmental steward and program manager and volunteers his time to local non-profit agencies. By working with the student body of the university he also works diligently to improve the sustainability efforts and goals within his organization to minimize the environmental footprint and impact on the local community.

Mitchell's non-profit affiliations include the Boys and Girls Club of Western PA (Shadyside branch), at which he recently accepted a seat on their Board of Directors. He also works to mentor members of his staff and local children.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

DARELLE A. PORTER Executive Director Ozanam Inc.

Darelle Porter is the Executive Director of Ozanam. Ozanam is a non-profit organization in Western Pennsylvania that helps underprivileged children. Ozanam provides the following: After-school program, dinner program, SAT Prep classes, a strength and conditioning program, high school program and development basketball.

Porter graduated from Perry Traditional Academy in 1987 where he was named football and basketball Player of the Year by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Pittsburgh Press named him Athlete of the Year in 1987. After receiving a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, he graduated in 1991 as Pitt's all-time leader in assists and a member of the 1,000-point club. He served as men's head coach at Duquesne University.

Porter lives in Pittsburgh on the North Side and has two children. Darelle Jr. (22), a 2018 graduate of St. Francis Brooklyn, who currently plays professionally in Spain, and Michaela (19), a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati.

EDUCATION

BRANDON PHILLIPS

Counselor

Pittsburgh Public Schools

At an early age, Brandon Phillips dedicated his life to serving the community. For the past seven years, as a Community Outreach Specialist for Trying Together, Phillips advocates and promotes high quality early-learning experiences for all children.

Phillips started at the Kingsley Association as a counselor-in-training in middle school. Throughout the Penn Hills community and schools, he became involved in student council, volunteered at Lincoln Park Community Center and at the Penn Hills High School MLK Day of Service and as a guest reader.

Phillips lettered in and was co-captain of the Penn Hills Boys Track Team.

At Clarion University, Phillips was the Men's Track & Field NCAA Student Advisory Committee representative and became a resident assistant to plan, advocate and engage his peers. Phillips served as a Building Bridges associate within Clarion's community to discuss the importance of diversity. Phillips was elected to become a Student Senator.

After earning his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, he served as a Case Manager for Allegheny Intermediate Unit's Teen ELECT Program. Phillips continued with athletics as the Girls Outdoor Assistant Track Coach where he coached their team's 4x100 relay to a storied second-place finish at the PIAA State Championship in 2006.

Phillips earned a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. Phillips continues to serve as a member of Pittsburgh Public Schools' nationally-recognized "Take A Father to School Day" Committee and the PA Child Weil-Being and the Father Involvement Symposium Organizing Committee at the state level.

Phillips has volunteered on the Board of Directors for Healthy Home Resources, Bible Center Church, Pittsburgh Public Schools' We Promise, and RIF (Reading Is Fundamental).

Phillips currently resides in Pittsburgh with his wife, Jill, and their two sons. He enjoys cooking, reading and building radio control cars.

EDUCATION

ORONDE SHARIF

Lecturer, Advisor & Curriculum Coordinator, Dept. of Africana Studies University of Pittsburgh

Oronde Sharif is the Artistic Director of the Shona Sharif African Dance and Drum Ensemble and currently serves as Curriculum Coordinator, Lecturer, and Major Advisor in the Department of Africana Studies at the University of Pittsburgh.

Sharif, a native of Pittsburgh, started dancing at Pitt under the tutelage of his late mother, Shona Sharif. Under her direction, Sharif has developed as African dance enthusiast and performer. Since this time, Sharif has performed, directed, and choreographed a number of original productions of City Theater's "Flight," Kuntu Repertory Theater's "Sarafina!" and with his brother, Hassan Sharif, continues to work and produce Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity."

In addition to his artistic work, Sharif also has continued a strong legacy of community and youth service in Pittsburgh. Much like his father, Regis (a former director of the Arlington Heights YMCA outreach center), Sharif is proud to work with youth through the Nadia Track Club, where he and his wife, Latonya Sal ley-Sharif, serve as head coaches, teaching artists with the Hill Dance Academy Theater, and community dance classes.

Along with his work with youth, Sharif is a board member of several organizations, including: Schenley Heights Community Development Program, and S.E.E.D. (Sixth Economic Empowerment Development Inc.). Sharif is a trustee of Sixth Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, and a board member of the USATF (United States Track and Field) Three Rivers Association. Additionally, he is a member of the KanKouran West African Dance Senior Company (Washington, D.C.) and USATF National Youth Executive Committee.

Sharif is very grateful for all the knowledge and work of the many people that have poured into him - all of his family and friends; mentors Chris Moore and the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation; Dr. Renee Frazier and Upward Bound Project; Assane Konte; Roger Kingdom; the Black/ Africana Studies department, and the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.

EDUCATION

JEROME TAYLOR, PhD

Founder and Director, Center for Family Excellence Inc.

Associate Professor and Former Dept. Chair of Africana Studies, University of Pittsburgh

Jerome Taylor, Ph.D., has received, among other awards: The University Chancellor's Distinguished Public Service Award; The University of Pittsburgh Black Alumni Pioneer in Civil Rights Award; The Alan Lesgold Award for Excellence in Urban Education; and The 2017 College of General Studies Students Choice Award.

Dr. Taylor has had invitations from many universities to share results of his research and development activities, and three different invitations from President Barack Obama to offer advice to commissions and advisory teams focusing on educational justice and community well-being.

In Dr. Taylor's prior role as faculty member in Pitt's Department of Psychology, he chaired more than 25 dissertation committees of Black students - the record number of Black Ph.D.s supervised by any faculty member in the history of the department. These former students now serve as tenured professors, department chairs, college deans, provosts, and presidents and as successful civic leaders, elected politicians, agency heads, and clinical practitioners.

The Center for Family Excellence Inc., which Dr. Taylor founded, has received The Alfred W. Wishart Jr. Award, which acknowledges the Center as one of the top three best-managed non-profit organizations in Western Pennsylvania. The Center also received a letter from President Bill Clinton commending Dr. Taylor for his scholarly and service contributions to family, community, and society.

Beyond the U.S. borders, Dr. Taylor and his colleagues have conducted sponsored research in seven nations in the Caribbean (Aruba, Barbados, Dominican Republic, St. Croix, St. Johns, St. Thomas, and U.S. Virgin Islands) and four nations in Africa (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe). Also, doctoral and postdoctoral students have completed sponsored research in eight homeland states (Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee).

CORPORATE

ADAM C. WALKER Chief Executive Officer Summit Packaging Solutions

Adam C. Walker began serving as Summit Packaging Solutions' Chief Executive Officer in January 2014. Walker has implemented a growth strategy focused on technology, innovation, new market expansion and mergers and acquisitions to accelerate the growth of Summit Packaging Solutions. He has focused relentlessly on revenue growth, customer satisfaction and shareholder value creation. Throughout his career, Walker has served as a high-impact strategist with experience spanning global manufacturing operations, business development, marketing, strategic business unit leadership and turnaround assignment.

Walker is an accomplished business executive with over 20 years of packaging expertise serving technology, automotive, beverage, and other industries. Prior to acquiring Summit Packaging Solutions, Walker launched his career as a running back in the National Football League where he played for seven consecutive seasons beginning and ending with the Philadelphia Eagles (1990,1996). Walker also played for the San Francisco 49ers from 1991 to 1995 and was a member of the 49ers' 1994 Super Bowl XXIX championship team. Recognized for his leadership on and off the field, Walker served as special teams captain from 1994-1996 for both the 49ers and the Eagles; received 1994's postseason special teams MVP; nominated for the Ed Block Award for Courage in 1995; received the 1996 special teams Player of the Year award; and the NFL's Player Network Events Executive of the Year. In 2014, Walker was inducted into the Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. In 2016, Walker was inducted into the Campbell Courage Hall of Fame and the Western Pennsylvania Football Hall of Fame and honored by the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency as the National Manufacturing Firm of the year.

Currently, Walker serves on the Board of Directors of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Gwinnett Technical College, University of Pittsburgh Center for Supply Chain Management Advisory Board, Procter & Gamble's Supplier Advisory Council and is a member of the Young Presidents Organization. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh and completed the Advanced Management Executive Program from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management.

EDUCATION

BERNARD TAYLOR JR., EdD

Principal, Westinghouse High School Pittsburgh Public Schools

Bernard Taylor Jr., Ed.D, proudly serves as the Principal of Pittsburgh Westinghouse Academy 6-12. Pittsburgh Westinghouse serves 700 students from the East End of Pittsburgh as well as students from the borough of Wilkinsburg. Pittsburgh Westinghouse has done pioneering work with managing a voluntary merger of students from two different school districts and municipalities.

From 2012 to 2015, Dr. Taylor served as Superintendent of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, an urban public school district with a student enrollment of more than 42,000 students in grades preK-12 at 85 school sites and approximately 6,250 employees.

Dr. Taylor developed numerous initiatives during his tenure in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, i.e., implementation of Common Core standards, expanded professional development in the areas of Reading/ELA and Mathematics, developed Superintendent's Academies for eligible overage elementary and middle school students, convened numerous parent/community task forces to develop recommendations regarding school safety and security, redesign of alternative education, policy changes to facilitate instructional improvement for all students, selection of principals, and expansion of magnet programs. Prior to this position, Dr. Taylor served six years as superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools, Michigan's third-largest public school district and the second-largest employer in the city of Grand Rapids. In addition, Dr. Taylor was an administrator and teacher for the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Dr. Taylor's first administrative leadership role was Principal of West Side Traditional Academy. During his tenure, West Side was named as a Distinguished Title I school by the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. Taylor was asked by Superintendent Louise Brennen to lead Weil Technology Institute. He will tell you that working at Weil was a high point of his career as the school went from being one of Pittsburgh Public Schools' most troubled schools to a high-performing one during his three-year tenure. Dr. Taylor earned his Doctorate of Education, Master of Public Administration, and bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a proud graduate of Peabody High School.

ENTREPRENEUR

DARRELL L. WARDEN

Agency Owner, Lincoln Heritage Insurance Hiring Manager, The Miles Group

Darrell L. Warden, Lincoln Heritage Agency Owner and Hiring Manager of The Miles Group, understands the importance of teamwork and dedication. As the originator of The Miles Group's motto, "One Vision," Warden has had the opportunity to interact with all types and backgrounds. Warden says, "It's always about being better."

His Agency has personnel in Pittsburgh, Ohio, Delaware, Indiana, Virginia and Florida.

Warden had his beginnings in Rankin, but he refused to allow the town's environment to hold him down. He attended Full Sail University in Florida and went on to become a music executive for Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, where he worked with artists such as Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, The Game and Kanye West. While at Bad Boy he partnered with Czar Entertainment, Philly-Wood Entertainment and fashion mogul Herbert Fox, to form the non-profit organization, "Stop The Violence - Education through Entertainment," where he had artists such as Mario Winans, 50 Cent, actor Charles Dutton and the late music icon Joe Jackson. He organized artists to speak at schools and prisons about the dangers of gun violence. He's also worked with promoter and activist B. Marshall for Pittsburgh's yearly Juneteenth Celebration, Africar American Economic Empowerment Summit and Pittsburgh Public Schools' mentorship program. Warden was at Diddy's Bad Boy label for 10 years before moving back to Pittsburgh to work in the mortgage loan department at PNC Bank. When he was laid off from PNC, he found that one of his old friends, Troy Miles, had started his own insurance agency and he hopped on board. Recognizing Miles' great leadership and motivational skills, he learned all he could, and soon became a hiring manager for his own agency and hasn't looked back.

Today, nine years later, Warden continues to move in an upward direction. In order to get what you want, he says, "You have to see it, believe you can attain it and then go after it with passion and enthusiasm."

Warden's agency has done over $2 million in premium in a year. "Your money is only going to grow to the extent that you do," he says.

Warden believes that collaborating with others is a key ingredient to his agency's growth and development. Warden says helping to inspire, grow, teach and motivate others is the key to success.

EDUCATION

MARK WEIR

Assistant Director of Equity & Inclusion Carlow University

Mark Weir is a dynamic and powerful motivational speaker and diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioner. Weir has fueled positive change for students, faculty and staff, civic groups, organizations, non-profits, and business leaders.

Weir is known for creating interactive programs that engage his audience and invite them to be active participants in their own success and leadership capacity.

Weir's background is in education. His graduate work is in leadership; specifically, Educational Leadership, and is currently earning his second master's in Business Administration. He has 10 years teaching in a public-school system, most recently in the Pittsburgh Public Schools district, and 10 years in higher education administration. He has worked in the areas of leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion for over 15 years. Currently he serves as the Assistant Director for Equity and Inclusion at Carlow University. He has been very fortunate to help and mentor many students, groups, organizations, colleges/universities, civic groups, and businesses build their leadership capacity. He is very thankful for the opportunity to help increase diversity awareness, increase skillsets in cultural competency, and promote equity and inclusion for all.

Weir serves on several community and state committees and task forces. His philanthropic efforts have touched the likes of The Boys and Girls Club of America, United Way, March of Dimes, Coaches Versus

Cancer, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Autism Awareness. Weir is a certified NCBI (National Coalition Building Institute) Training Facilitator. Weir is a former NCAA student athlete and high school varsity basketball coach. During his coaching tenure, Weir helped his team win the PIAA District 10 - Class AAA basketball championship and his team advanced to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs. Weir is a NCAA and PIAA (NFHS) certified official. He has been refereeing for the past 18 years. He officiated the PSAC (Division II) Championship four straight years and was selected to work in the NCAA Tournament those same years.

PUBLIC SERVICE

ERIC L. WELLS

Director, Employee Relations/Office of Equal Opportunity Port Authority of Allegheny County

Eric L. Wells has been the Director of Port Authority's Employee Relations/Office of Equal Opportunity since 2009. He is the lead strategist in all aspects of labor/management relations, including collective bargaining and successfully negotiating contracts with the organization's various labor unions. Wells also currently directs activities of the Authority's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, a responsibility he acquired in 2007. As such, he has been instrumental in securing equal rights in employment and helping minority and women business owners become certified and gain contractual work on Port Authority projects.

Wells began lis career at Port Authority as an Employee Relations Representative in 2001, became Manager of Employee Relations in 2005, and Director of Employee Relations/Office of Equal Opportunity in 2009.

Wells has been a vital member of the "Spirit of King" Award Ceremony Planning Committee for 21 years. Port Authority, along with the Kingsley Association and New Pittsburgh Courier, partner in organizing this prestigious annual event that honors minority individuals who, during the course of their lifetime, have fought for civil rights, were trailblazers in their professions and dedicated their lives to the service of others. This ceremony is well attended each year, and Wells has been very instrumental in the ongoing success of this event.

Wells graduated from Penn Hills High School in 1983, received a bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsourgh in 1987, and a master's degree in Human Resources Management from St. Francis College in 1997. He received certification as SPHR through The Society for Human Resource Management in 2002.

Wells is the husband of Dr. Maria Hays, and the father of two daughters - Mariah and Melinda Wells.

EDUCATION

ANTHONY WILLIAMS

Assistant Head of School The Neighborhood Academy

Anthony Williams is a devoted family-oriented person, married to Natasha Williams and has three children; Jordyn, Kennedy, and Anthony Junior.

Williams has been a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., since 2000. Williams has received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Edinboro University, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Management & Technology from Carlow University. He is currently enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Education program, and his area of concentration is in Education Leadership. The focus of his dissertation will examine the impact of instilling college aspirations at an earlier age amongst inner-city African American students. At The Neighborhood Academy (TNA), he is the Assistant Head of School in which he has worked since 2002. At TNA Williams has the opportunity to pursue his passion by working with students to absolve barriers that prevent disadvantaged youth from accessing and affording quality post-secondary education. In conjunction with working at TNA, he is also a Youth Group Leader at East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Williams has received the Autumn Black History Achievement Award in 2017, the Pittsburgh Magazine 40 Under 40 award in 2015, and the Essence Man of the Year award. Williams is also a proud member of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church.

SOCIAL SERVICE

DOUGLAS WILLIAMS SR.

Program Coordinator, YMCA Director, Homewood Community Sports

Douglas Williams is an inspiring leader in the areas of Social Work and Human Services. He has an Associate of Arts in Social Work from Community College of Allegheny County. Currently, Williams is working on his bachelor's in Human Services from Geneva University. His anticipated graduation date is May 2019. Passionate about helping people get back on their feet, Williams advocates for those in need of services.

He is the director of Homewood Community Sports. He oversees HCS' after-school program. These duties include training staff, fundraising and mentoring youth.

In addition, Williams is a Program Coordinator at the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. He oversees 76 rooms of temporary housing for men. Williams serves many roles, including helping the residents with barriers to employment and housing. He also cooks one meal per day for all the residents.

Williams facilitates bi-annual workshops on the opioid crisis. These informative gatherings bring together elected officials, first responded, university experts and community members. Williams volunteers on the Board of Directors for the Homewood Concerned Citizens Association, state Representative Ed Gainey and Wilkinsburg Mayor Marita Garrett's special events.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

RYAN D. WOOTEN

Chief Rankin Police

The son of an Army Veteran, Chief Ryan D. Wooten was born in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1967. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1991 and after serving his term, he entered the police academy. He graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in April 1995 and has served the last 20 years in law enforcement. As one of only three African American police Chiefs in Pennsylvania, his goal has always been to build bridges to close the gap between law enforcement and the community. As a young officer through his current position, he has held the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant and now Chief of Police.

Chief Wooten is also a training officer/instructor, certified to train new officers in the field in most law enforcement requirements. Some of his commendations include: Mon Valley Initiative Award (Volunteer of the Year), Eastern Borough NAACP Unit 2301 Award (Those That Make A Difference), American Red Cross Award of Western Pennsylvania (Professional Responder Hero Award) and the Senator John Heinz Law Enforcement Award (Humanitarian Award).