BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Martha Ellen Black, Ph.D
Dr. Black serves as Executive Director of Susanna Wesley Family Learning Center (SWFLC) in East Prairie. She has developed educational techniques that promote successful attainment in academic and employment skills, and productive community living. During her career, Dr. Black has served in a variety of educational roles. Prior to joining SWFLC, Dr. Black worked as a public school educator for 23 years. Special certifications for students, include adult education, learning disorders, and behavioral disorders. Educational highlights include her participation in the initial integration of Memphis City Schools where she served as a member of the team of five black and white teachers who traded positions to implement the 1965 Head Start Program. Serving as a teacher trainer while a Peace Corps Volunteer in Grenada, West Indies during the Cuban Revolution in 1979, Dr. Black learned first-hand the importance of a country's citizens having an education and the ability to use critical thinking skills. Dr. Black received her Ph.D degree in Education from Southern Illinois University. She has served on the Executive Committee of Mississippi Delta Grassroots Caucus (2007); Boards of Directors of Missouri State Workforce Investment Board (2009); and the Southeast Missouri Workforce Investment Board (2011).
Otis Boyce
Sally Burke
Sally has served on the SWFLC Board of Directors for over 7 years, and has served on several committees during that time. She is a retired Registered Nurse, but often stays busy volunteering in organizations that deal with health issues. Sally serves on the Visiting Nurse Association Board, Several Church Committees, AAA Advisory Board of Directors. Her interest in health issues, as it relates to children and families allows her to strive for change in our county's current economic and health conditions.
George DeMyers Sr.
George has served on the SWFLC Board for over 14 years, where he currently (2012) serves as the Chairman of the Nominating Committee. He is a retired educator in the Charleston R-1 Schools, where he taught for 31 years. He also was the Adult Education Director, and taught Adult Education at Susanna Wesley Family Learning Center for 14 years. He is presently a partner in The Island Boyzz Restaurant in Charleston, MO. He is an artist with a passion for music as well as the visual arts. George received his Bachelors of Science Degree from Jackson State University. He serve on the Mississippi County Ambulance Board, and was a board member on the Charleston Nutrition Center Board for several years. George brings active participation in planning, committee participation, financial support, program support, and genuine concern in the improvement of the citizens of Mississippi County as provided by SWFLC.
Earl Farmer
Earl has served on the SWFLC Board for over 6 years, where he currently (2012) serves as the Board President and is on the Nominating Commmittee. He is the Maintenance Supervisor for the Charleston Housing Authority, where he has worked for over 20 years. Earl also serves on the Charleston R-1 School District Board (2012) and is in his second 3 year team. He has lived and worked in Charleston for for most of his life, and has seen alot of the needs of the community. He has also seen the works of SWFLC as they have made a positive impact and difference in the lives of many families throughout the years. Earl has a great passion for helping SWFLC to continue to be a light to our communities.
Rev. Dan Faust
L. Francine Halter
Francine has served as a Director of the SWFLC Board for two years (2012). She returned to Mississippi County after being away 35 years. Francine is interested in being involved in organizations that can utilize her educational and business experiences. With a B.S in Education, B.A. in English, and a M.A. in Humanities, she has taught in high schools and colleges and worked in the human resources field for over 12 years. Therefore, she has a good understanding of some of the challenges facing SWFLC.
Lisa Harris
Robert (Bobby) Hearnes
Robert has served as a Director on the SWFLC Board for three years (2012). As the Director of the Charleston Department of Public Safety, many victims of domestic violence and elder abuse are dealt with by the Department of Public Safety, as well as SWFLC. Robert is currently (2012) President of the Kiwanis Club in Charleston. He brings a working knowledge of certain criminal issues that adversely affect many citizens of our community to the SWFLC Board of Directors.
Rev. Darren Horrell
Ceola Jackson
Charles Keene
Martha Ellen Lankheit
Richard N. (Tripp) Logan III
Tripp Logan has served as a director on SWFLC Board since 2003. He returned to Charleston in 2002 to practice pharmacy in his family business. Tripp has the responsibility to improve the health of not only his patients, but to improve his community through involvement in various community services. Tripp is currently (2012) the Vice President of the SWFLC Board of Directors. In the past, he has served as President of the Fund Raising and Nomination Committee. He hopes to bring balance, leadership, and a connection with the HealthCare Community to the SWFLC Board of Directors.
Ryan Logan
Maxine McDowell
Maxine has served on SWFLC Board of Directors for over 10 years serving on the Fundraising and Adult Education committees within the board. She is a 1966 graduate of Jackson State University with a Bachelors Degree in Education, and a in 1972; a Masters Degree in Reading from Southeast Missouri State University. She is on the Delta Kappa Famma Education Sorority Membership Committee. Her professional career began in 1967, when she was hired as an Educator in the Charleston R-1 School System. She eventually attained the position of Reading Specialist and District Reading Coordinator for the Charleston R-1 School District. She volunteers as Shiloh Baptist Church Treasurer and Sunday School Teacher, as well as a Charleston Nutrition Center Board Member. Maxine beleives that Reading is the foundation to succeeding in any and all disciplines. She practices this belief by setting a personal exmaple, and in her willingness to share her talents with others. She believes that everyone has a "Right to Read", which allows her to offer SWFLC her passion for service to others, her unique strength, and expertise to all disenfranchised individuals.
Jill McWilliams
Jill has served on SWFLC Board of Directors for over 10 years. She is a retired public school, and her passion for children and youth, allowwed her to teach for 30 years. Jill serves on the Community Public Relations Committee witin the SWFLC Board of Directors. She volunteers for Community Food Pantry, Celebrate Recovery- Christian 12 Step Program, RSVP Board Member and Volunteer, E.P Nursing Center weekly music, Flame Youth Program, Nelson Memorial UMC- member, Sunday school teacher, adult choir, and sits on the AD Board. The most important thing that Jill brings to SWFLC is her compassion for children and families. She wants to see children and their families helped and taught how to rise above generational disfunction and poverty.
Nancy Moore
Eleanor Moreton
Eleanor has served as the Secretary of the SWFLC Board of Directors since it was called Epworth. She really enjoys being on the board and has always been helpful. Eleanor is considered a "Professional Volunteer", as she assists with various activities including taking minutes for all board meetings, writing thank you notes, and keeping records. She brings a big heart for the community and the drive to see SWFLC grow and continue to succeed to the SWFLC Board of Directors.
James C. Moreton
Karen C. Raffety
Jason Renaud
Jason has been on the SWFLC Board of Directors since 2004. He served as Vice President of the board in 2007 and been on several board committess. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1998 with a Bachelors Degree in Ag Business, and has been employed with Consolidated Grain and Barge since that time. Jason was recently elected to St. Henry Catholic Parish Council (2012), and is also a member of the current ALOT (Agricultural Leadership of Tomorrow) class. While working for CGB and being involoved wth ALOT, Jason has developed many relationships and contact with people in all industries and positions all over the country. As Jason and his wife are raising two young boys, his goal is to use all resources availabe to help better the community for them and others living in Mississippi County.
Buz Sutherland
Rev. Debbie Thornton
Tony Watkins
Tony is currently (2012) serving his first year on the SWFLC Board of Directors. He is very honored to serve as the Superintendent of Charleston R-1 School District. His career, passion, and professional interest all boil down to a simple and unified theme - facilitating an environment of trust and respect in which sensible people with different perspectives, ideas, and experiences contribute to making things better. Tony currently (2012) serve on the SWFLC Board of Directors Public Relations Committee. Some other community activities include being a member of the First Baptist Church of Charleston, Charleston Kiwanis Club, and he also serves on the Board for the Charleston Chamber of Commerce.
