Foundation Leadership

Tamara Cofield is a dedicated marketing and communications professional with more than three decades of experience in arts administration, public relations, and community engagement.

A proud graduate of Robert E. Lee High School (1981), she was an active student leader involved in numerous clubs and organizations, including the Medical Careers Club, French Club, and the Student Government Association, where she served as Parliamentarian and Scabbard Senior Class Editor.  She was also honored as a National Merit Finalist and a member of several honor societies, including Mu Alpha Theta, the Latin Honor Society, and the National Honor Society.

After high school, she attended the University of Alabama, Faulkner University, and Troy University–Montgomery, earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management in 1989 and a Master of Science in Management of Human Resources in 1992. While at the University of Alabama, she pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Lambda Zeta Chapter, serving as Chapter President in 1984. At Troy University, Montgomery, she was inducted into the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society and graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Her professional journey began at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, where she became the first African American Marketing Director in 1994. During her tenure (1987–1999), she secured and administered a $1 million grant for audience diversity from the Lila Wallace Reader’s Digest Fund, increased minority audience attendance by 40%, and helped earn numerous awards, including “State Agency of the Year” from the AIDS Task Force of Alabama and recognition as one of the top cultural destinations in the country.

Following her time at ASF, she served as Director of Outreach and Development and Cultural Resources Specialist for the Alabama Historical Commission (2000–2005), and later as Public Information Officer for the Office of the Secretary of State of Alabama (2005–Present).

In addition to her public service career, she founded my own marketing consulting firm, working with clients such as Alabama State University, Freedom Theatre (Philadelphia, PA), and the George Washington Carver Museum (Tuskegee, AL).

She has proudly contributed to numerous community and professional organizations, including leadership roles with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama, Envision 2020 Arts and Culture Task Force, and Leadership Montgomery.

Throughout my career, she has been recognized for excellence, leadership, and service — including being named a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (2009), receiving the Delta of the Year Award (2010), the Fortitude Foundation award, and multiple honors from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Ms. Cofield remains committed to advancing diversity, supporting the arts, and empowering communities across Alabama and beyond.

Angela Crosby is a skilled attorney with extensive expertise in compliance, ethics, and general practice, specializing in regulatory compliance, contract negotiations, risk assessment and management, and corporate governance. A proven leader in program management and strategic planning, Ms. Crosby is recognized for her collaborative approach to leadership and her ability to navigate complex organizational and regulatory environments. Her combination of legal acumen, ethical insight, and strategic vision has made her a sought-after participant on various industry working groups, panels, and forums. She is deeply committed to initiatives that enhance life opportunities for women and young girls, reflecting her dedication to mentorship and community empowerment.

Ms. Crosby holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of South Alabama and a Juris Doctor from Mercer University. She is a member of the Alabama State Bar and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, and she is a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP).

Her leadership and community involvement extend beyond her professional achievements. She currently serves with the Baptist Health Care Foundation, MAP (Mercy House), the Family Sunshine Center, and the Family Sunshine Center Foundation. Her previous board service includes MACOA, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Cancer Wellness Foundation. She also volunteers with Meals on Wheels, St. John AME Outreach Center, Aid to Inmate Mothers, and the River Region Ethics Awards Selection Committee (Samaritan Counseling Center).

Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Ms. Crosby enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and following sports. She is married to Joe Crosby, and together they are proud parents of four children.

Vicki Cooper- Robinson, is a Human Resources Program Manager and Human Resource Specialist with more than 28 years of experience spanning the nonprofit and state government sectors. Her career reflects a deep commitment to public service, social impact, and organizational excellence, with expertise in human resources management, social services (domestic violence), grant management, and procurement.

She began her career working in the nonprofit sector, where she dedicated approximately eight years to supporting vulnerable populations. Her experience includes serving at Brantwood Children’s Home, a group home for foster care youth, and working with domestic violence victims at the Family Sunshine Center, where she provided crisis intervention and counseling for women in the shelter.

In 2000, Mrs. Cooper-Robinson joined the State of Alabama’s Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, conducting fieldwork for grantees receiving state and federal funding. Her strong leadership and program management skills led to her promotion in 2005 to Human Services Director, where she oversaw Children First Funding and Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) programs.

Since 2010, she has served in multiple leadership roles with the Alabama Department of Human Resources, including positions within the Family Services Division, Resource Management Division (Procurement), and currently, the Family Assistance Division. As a Procurement Manager, she was responsible for developing Requests for Proposals, evaluating vendor submissions, and overseeing procurement outcomes to ensure transparency and efficiency in service delivery.

Mrs. Cooper-Robinson holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and a Master of Science in General Counseling. She is also a Certified Public Manager (CPM), demonstrating her commitment to professional excellence and public sector leadership.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mrs. Cooper-Robinson is an active member and leader at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves in the choir and on the Finance Team. She is also a member of the Imani Book Club and participates in various community volunteer efforts.

She is married and the proud mother of two adult children, Allayah and Gil II, and enjoys spending time with her family and three beloved pets. In her spare time, she loves reading, attending concerts and plays, shopping, and traveling.

Dr. Theresa I. Brown, is a board-certified podiatrist providing boutique, individualized foot and ankle care to the River Region community for over thirty years. She is dedicated to offering compassionate, personalized treatment in a comfortable setting, helping patients maintain mobility and quality of life at every stage.

Dr.  Brown earned her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Kent State University of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. She performs outpatient foot and ankle surgery at Baptist Medical Center East.

In addition to her medical practice, Dr.  Brown serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the Alabama State Board of Podiatry and as Treasurer of the Fortitude Foundation. She is also an active member of St. Jude Church, where she participates in the Ladies of Charity and the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary.

Shakita Brooks-Jones is a proud native of Montgomery, Alabama, and a dedicated leader in the fields of social work, public service, and community advocacy. Dr. Brooks-Jones is a graduate of Troy State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work. She went on to receive both her Master’s and Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Alabama. In addition, she holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Nonprofit Management Certification from Auburn University at Montgomery.

A passionate educator, Dr. Brooks-Jones serves as a Professor of Social Work, where she inspires and prepares the next generation of social work professionals. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Central Alabama Alliance Resource & Advocacy Center (CAARAC), an organization dedicated to advancing HIV prevention, education, and health equity in the Black community. Through CAARAC, she leads a range of initiatives focused on improving access to care, increasing awareness, and promoting community empowerment.

In addition to her work in education and advocacy, Dr. Brooks-Jones is a strategy and facilitation consultant with Radical Optimist, a cooperative team of practitioners that supports organizations and communities in racial healing and learning.

Her leadership and service extend into the broader community, where she currently serves as Vice President of Alabama Arise, a statewide organization committed to advancing policies that promote justice, equity, and opportunity for all Alabamians.

Dr. Brooks-Jones is widely respected for her commitment to equity, empowerment, and social change—values that continue to guide her professional and personal mission.

Chacolby Burns-Johnson is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) with extensive experience raising millions to support K–12 education, senior services such as Meals on Wheels, higher education scholarships, family advocacy, and mentoring and tutoring programs. She currently serves as Senior Development Officer (Major Gifts) at a social justice-focused human rights legal advocacy organization where she works and collaborates with supporters in the Midwest, Southwest, several areas in California, and the Northeastern portions of the United States.

Chacolby holds a Bachelor’s in Business from Auburn University, a Master’s in Public Administration from Auburn University at Montgomery, and a certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. She has also served as an Adjunct Professor at Auburn University and served in University Relations and Development at Alabama State University.

With a genuine commitment to service and community, Chacolby has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life for underserved, under-resourced, and underrepresented populations, including youth, young adults, families, and aging seniors. Her leadership experience spans roles as an Executive Director, appointed as a staff member of two Alabama Governor’s administrations from the majority and minority party, and has held positions in fundraising, community outreach, marketing, events, communications, and public relations.

Chacolby has held numerous leadership positions in professional and civic organizations, including President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Central Alabama Chapter, Vice President of Programs for the Public Relations Council of Alabama—Montgomery Chapter, and inaugural Chair of the Black Alumni Council of Auburn University with served on the University Presidential Opportunity and Equity Task Force. She has served as a Sustainer member of the Association of Junior Leagues with the Junior League of Montgomery, a board member of Leadership Montgomery, the Montgomery Capital Rotary Club, and as an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she was initiated in Spring 1999 through the Kappa Upsilon Chapter, serving in multiple elected and appointed roles. Additionally, she has served as an appointed member on the Alabama State Board of Directors of Psychology, the Education and Workforce Development Council of the Chamber and as a Montgomery Chamber Ambassador, and the Board of Building Out Neighborhoods for Development and Success.

Chacolby brings passion, purpose, and vision to every initiative, combining her expertise in development, advocacy, and leadership to make meaningful impacts in the communities she serves. She is married to her partner of 21 years and enjoys traveling, sports, and watching movies.

Tara Johnson Davis has dedicated her career to being a champion for those most in need.  Throughout her career, advocacy and resource development have remained her focus to ensure services can be delivered to those seeking assistance.

In 2018, Tara became the Executive Director of Friendship Mission. She has been an advocate for the rights and needs of underserved populations that are often overlooked. Some of her previous roles have included being a voice for abused children in Alabama and serving on the executive staff at two different domestic violence shelter programs­—one in Alabama and the other in the District of Columbia.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Alabama State University and her graduate degree from Auburn University Montgomery.

She is a member of Saint John’s African Methodist Episcopal Church and is married to former United States Congressman Artur Davis.

Tafeni English-Relf is the Alabama State Director for Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). A native of Lincoln, Alabama, she leads community-based strategies to build grassroots power in communities that advance racial and economic justice across the state. A native of Alabama, she brings nearly 30 years of experience in advancing civil and human rights. with a focus on building power, coalition development and advocacy that centers the voices of those most impacted by systemic injustices. In her current role, she works across sectors to dismantle systems of oppression, strengthen intersectional movements and promote community led solutions that address systemic inequities.

She has a B.S. Marketing and a Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology from Troy State University. 

She currently serves on the following boards Central Alabama Fair Housing Center, Gift of Life Foundation, Inc. (Vice-Chair), the Southeastern Museum Conference (SEMC) and Hometown Organizing Project and she is a Charter member for the Greater Huntsville chapter of National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Member at large of NAACP, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. 

Shereda Finch is the Executive Director of SAYNO and has a background in Non-Profit, Fund, and Program Development. With over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Shereda specializes in organizational leadership, grant writing, program development, and building strategic partnerships. Shereda is passionate about creating programs and initiatives that help people and communities thrive.

Shereda holds a BA in Political Science, an MEd, an MPA, and ABD with a focus in Mental Health Administration.

Outside of her professional work, she is a proud mother of two children and two dogs. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, watching sports, and taking on home improvement projects.

LaToka Stepp Gibbs has dedicated over 30 years to serving young people through her work in both the social service and educational systems. Her experience spans the public and private school sectors, as well as the foster care system, where she has worked passionately to support students facing academic and social challenges.

With a strong foundation in social work, Mrs. Stepp-Gibbs brings a collaborative and compassionate approach to her role as an educator and counselor. She believes in working closely with parents, students, and colleagues to foster academic success and personal growth. Her strengths include effective communication, teamwork, and relationship-building, all of which contribute to creating a positive and supportive environment for every student.

Mrs. Stepp-Gibbs is deeply committed to helping students become lifelong learners and successful members of their communities. She holds the following credentials: BSW in Social Work, M.Ed. in Special Education, M.Ed. in School Counseling, Ed.S. in Special Education, and Certification in Administration

Mrs. Stepp-Gibbs serves as Co-Chair of the Deacon Wives and is an active member of the Mother’s Board Ministry at her church. She also volunteers with Meals on Wheels, continuing her lifelong commitment to service.

She is married with two children and a beloved fur baby, Mrs. Stepp-Gibbs enjoys spending quality time with her family, crafting, decorating for the holidays, and shopping.

Melinda Stallworth has more than 25 years of state government, corporate and nonprofit experience. She was appointed by Governor Kay Ivey to lead the Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services (GOVS), the Alabama State Service Commission, as the Director. She manages more than $3 million in state and federal funding, leads the Alabama’s AmeriCorps State Program and efforts to increase volunteerism and strengthen the capacity of Alabama’s non-profit, faith and community-based organizations and promote collaboration to meet the state’s greatest needs. This state office is the lead agency for Volunteer and Donations Management, the State Voluntary Liaison, the Disaster Case Management Program and manages Ready Alabama, a state-wide emergency preparedness initiative to support disaster preparedness.

Prior to joining GOVS, she was the Director of Strategic Partnerships, Advocacy and Alumnae Relations for Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama. Before joining the team at Girl Scouts, she served as the Diversity Specialist for Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama implementing training, diversity, and community outreach initiatives. Prior to joining Hyundai, Melinda spent several years as a legislative liaison for the Alabama Retail Association and the Alabama Governor’s Office of Legislative Affairs.

Melinda graduated from Alabama State University with an undergraduate degree in political science and has a Master of Public Administration degree and a certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Auburn University at Montgomery and is a Certified Public Manager through the Alabama CPM Program.

A heart for service, cultivated by her family, has led Melinda into active leadership and membership roles with many organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the Fortitude Foundation, and the Junior League of Montgomery. She is a member of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Managers, past president of the Central AL Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals and is an alumna of Leadership Montgomery Class 26.

A native of Beatrice, Monroe County, AL, Melinda resides in Montgomery. When not working or serving in the community, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, watching good movies, trying to grow a vegetable garden, and genealogy (family history research).