I am currently the President and CEO of Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas, which serves more than 11,000 vulnerable men, women and children in Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia and North and South Carolina with our over 850 employees. Since my arrival in January 2009, the Chesapeake affiliate has grown from $21MM – $55MM in total revenue through program and service expansion. In 2012, I led the adaptive re-use development of an old warehouse in Baltimore into a community corrections facility that is currently serving over 2000 returning citizens to the community annually. I successfully acquired eight properties that same year in the District of Columbia that serve as permanent supportive housing for over 45 adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. In 2019, we completed and opened one of our buildings in Baltimore, Maryland that has become a 92-unit veteran preferred permanent supportive housing program. In addition, the Volunteers of America of the Carolinas affiliate became family on July 1, 2019, when it merged with VOAC. As the lead minister for our affiliate, the Chesapeake & Carolinas ministry continues to grow and flourish in our communities. I serve on the VOA National Board of Directors and several local and regional non-profit Board of Directors.
Other Facts About Me
I am married to my amazing wife Karen and have two incredible daughters (Elie and Bridgette), two granddaughters (Olivia & Kinsley) and two wonderful son-in-laws (Ben and Kory). Besides being a devoted family man, I spend my weekends as an avid mountain biker for over 30 years and spent several years racing the Mid Atlantic events while taking annual trips to destinations in the western part of the United States. I have been to Russia, Central America and various locations in Appalachia as a missionary. Prison ministry has been a passion of mine and I have spent over 15 years visiting prisons and ministering to inmates. Finally, I was a collegiate athlete, playing football for the University of Delaware from 1980- 1984 and participated in the 1982 NCAA Division 1-AA National Championship Game called the Pioneer Bowl.
Speaker: Brandon Johnson
Brandon J. Johnson, M.H.S., MCHES is a tireless advocate for positive mental health and suicide prevention services for youth and adults across the country. Brandon earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Morgan State University in 2008 and a Master of Health...
Speaker: Mark Sturdivant
Mr. Sturdivant believes that growth is the evolution of changing your mindset on a daily basis. Mr. Sturdivant began his academic career by earning his high school diploma from Springbrook High School in Silver Spring, Maryland and earned full athletic scholarship to...
Speaker: Marsha Evans, LPC
Marsha Evans, founder of Willow Tree Counseling and Educational Center, LLC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor renowned for her holistic approach to mental health. With seventeen years of experience, she expertly guides women, children, and families through life's...
The G.O.A.T Expo 2023 Recap
On Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Bowie State University, Volunteers of America Chesapeake and Carolinas, Prince George's Health Department - Step Forward Program, and Bowie State University Graduate Student Association hosted The G.O.A.T. Expo 2023, our 2nd annual...
MEDIA COVERAGE
Youth Action Board (YAB)
The Youth Action Board (YAB) is a sponsored program of the Prince George's County Department of Social Services that was established in 2019 and is the decision-making body of youth and young adults (YYA) with lived experience of homelessness or housing instability. ...
Speaker: pastor stephawn lindsay
Pastor Stephawn Lindsay is also known by his stage name, “Showtime,” given to him during his tenure serving in a gogo band who touched stages such as constitution hall, stadium armory, showplace arena, and several colleges. Months after encountering Christ at the age...
Speaker: Raycenia Mmoyer
Raycenia is a leadership development educator, trainer, and consultant. She is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the New Beginnings (NewB®) Leadership Business and Individual Development Center, and Senior advisor of McKinley Leadership Advisors LLC,...
Speaker: Candace Vanderwater, MS Ed, MNA, LMFT
As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Candace Vanderwater has responsibility for strategic growth and stability of the organization. She provides the leadership, management, and vision necessary to ensure that the organization has the proper...
ENTERTAINMENT: CHYLER SMITH
My name is Chyler Smith and I'm an 18 year old graduate from Duval High. I've been doing things that involve public speaking for most of my life and it's something I love to do! I also enjoy spending time helping out within my community and working with the elderly. I...