Abe Brown Ministries

[vc_section full_width=”stretch_row” css_animation=”bottom-to-top” css=”.vc_custom_1634841134620{padding-top: 30vh !important;padding-bottom: 30vh !important;background-image: url(https://abebrown.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/board.jpg?id=3228) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Meet Our Board of Trustees” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:70px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:60px” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal” custom_letter_spacing=”-2px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_section css=”.vc_custom_1631054347373{margin-top: 32px !important;padding-top: px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_row css_animation=”fadeIn”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Broadly Diverse…United in Heart…Together on Purpose” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:38|text_align:center|color:%2300497a” google_fonts=”font_family:Poppins%3Aregular|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1657655539037{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1631054240276{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1659636003932{margin-top: 0px !important;}”]

Our Board of Trustees consists of elected volunteers who jointly oversee all aspects of Abe Brown Ministries.

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Dionne M. Jones, J.D., Ph.D., President

Dionne M. Jones, J.D., Ph.D., is a graduate of the University of Florida where she earned her B.A. and subsequently graduated from the University of Florida College of Law as a Council on Legal Education Opportunity Fellow. After law school, Dionne returned to Tampa and worked as a corporate attorney for several distinguished insurance companies.Dionne is also a certified civil circuit court mediator.

As native of Tampa, Dionne has taken an active role in the community having served as Co-Chair of Diversity and Community Action for the Hillsborough County Bar Association and Hillsborough Association of Women Lawyers, respectively. As a member of the George Edgecomb Bar Association, Dionne served as: General Counsel, Co-Chairman of the Community Action Committee, Chairman of the Scholarship Banquet Committee and earned the President’s Award for two consecutive years. Dionne currently volunteers with Bay Area Legal Services through the iLawyer program, Domestic Violence Assistant Project and Family Law Clinic.In 2016, Dionne was one of 6,000 selected for Harvard Business School’s Governance for Non-Profit Leaders Fellows program.She was recently presented with the Supreme Court of Florida Pro Bono Service award (2018).

Dionne also graduated from the University of South Florida (USF) with a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership (2013) and became an Assistant Professor with the Morsani College of Medicine. She was selected by the University of South Florida’s Provost to be an integral part of the Diversity Task Force for the recruitment and retainment of faculty of color. Dionne currently works for the 13th Judicial Circuit, Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida and was appointed to The Florida Bar’s Children’s Issues Committee.

Dionne is the Chair for the Vision 2020 Committee and has two children.” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:left|color:%23636363″ google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1675890121228{margin-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”

Dea Wilkins, Past President

Ms. Wilkins was born in Atlanta, Ga and attended Georgia Institute of Technology, earning a BS in Computer Science. After working in Atlanta for a few years, she relocated to Durham, N.C. where she attended Duke University for her MBA in Finance. Dea has provided extensive leadership to large companies at the executive level to improve corporate performance through technology.

Her prior experience includes two local CEO positions and two Fortune 500 CIO positions. She delivers technology solutions to local and global companies, has led product creation and product deployment for American products and global products, and she has directed international consulting engagements for large technology companies.

Dea’s management specialties include corporate analysis of business performance, technology transformation and financial analysis. Technology specialties include systems design from mobile to mainframe, enterprise architectures, data model optimization and interface development. Industry specialties include technology, insurance and banking, healthcare, hospitality, retail and energy.” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:left|color:%23636363″ google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1675892018512{margin-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”

Dexter L. Bryant, Sr.

Dexter L. Bryant Sr. became involved with Abe Brown Ministries (formerly Prison Crusade Ministries at that time) in 1983 having been released from incarceration and work release. Dexter began volunteering with Abe Brown as a Crusade Counselor and bus driver.

He is currently employed with Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School. Dexter founded Young Lions Youth Organization, Inc. in 1997. The organization was formed to help prevent juvenile delinquency with the inner city youth. Young Lions provides several different positive activities in which youth ages 5-18 can participate. The Young Lions Youth Organization’s sole purpose is to be a help to disadvantaged youth in hopes of making a difference in their lives now and in the future.

In 2001, Dexter was voted volunteer of the year by the Police Athletic League for working with youth.” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:left|color:%23636363″ google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1631050171485{margin-top: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1631051054486{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;background-image: url(http://bearsthemes.com/themes/alone-charitable/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/charitywater-750×422.jpg?id=146) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”

Jed Kirby, Vice President

Jed Kirby is a seasoned Real Estate Developer and Investor whose compassion and dedication have both earned him the reputation as a service-centered leader in his field. Over the span of two decades, he has garnered extensive real estate experience from a profit and non-profit view.

Currently, Jed serves as a Partner and Owner at Titlemark LLC. (www.titlemark.net), where he plays an integral role in business development and operations. He is also a Principal at KDS Interiors, Inc. (www.kdsinteriors.com), where he spearheads company operations. Furthermore, as the Managing Partner of Kirby Family Properties, he has successfully developed and renovated an array of residential, commercial, and office buildings across Florida.

A man of unwavering faith and justice, Jed’s lifelong vision is to give back to those who are the most vulnerable within the community through quality housing and a mission to build and restore diverse communities. This worldview is shared with his beloved wife, Katie, who also believes in this mission. Together, they are the proud parents of four beautiful children.

Jed Kirby is a Real Estate Professional who truly cares about the future of his community and taking care of people who are in need. This passion and devotion will surely last a lifetime.” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:left|color:%23636363″ google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1675890182291{margin-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”

Shelley Fisher Attardo
Chair, Financial Resources Committee

Shelley Fisher Attardo is an accomplished, proven leader with demonstrated history and expertise in the banking and institutional retirement industry. She is an experienced Senior Vice President, and Head of Client Service for Regions Bank and Institutional Services, bringing more than 30 years of financial services industry experience to this integral position. Prior to becoming an innovative thought leader at Regions, Shelley served in a leadership role at Wells Fargo, and served in a key role and influential member of a large employee benefits consulting firm.

A strong professional with a demonstrated history of working in the banking and institutional retirement industry, Shelley is skilled in 401(k) recordkeeping and consulting, retirement, management, and leadership.

Shelley has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Mathematics from Georgia Institute of Technology. She obtained her Series 7 and 63 licenses as well as Certified Retirement Service Professional designation.

A proud mother and wife, Shelley served several years as the Treasurer of the Robinson High School Band Boosters.” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:left|color:%23636363″ google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1675892183623{margin-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”

John Drinkard

John Drinkard began his commercial real estate career in the late 1980s. He started as a Leasing Director for The Austin Group for 12 buildings totaling 910,000 square feet and was quickly promoted to Senior Leasing Agent.

In 1998, John founded Drinkard & Company, Inc., specializing in Tenant Representation, Investment Sales and Corporate Advisory Services. Over the years, John has executed leases and purchases for more than one million square feet. His track record includes negotiating purchases, build-to-suite transaction services, and financial and acquisition strategy analysis.

John is actively engaged in the community from coaching basketball for the past 10 years at the local Bob Sierra YMCA, to serving on the Membership Committee on the CEO Council of Tampa Bay.

He lives in the Tampa Bay Area with his wife, youngest daughter and two dogs.” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:left|color:%23636363″ google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1631050276793{margin-top: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_row_inner content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1631051084498{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;background-image: url(http://bearsthemes.com/themes/alone-charitable/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/charitywater-750×422.jpg?id=146) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”

Major (Retired) Curtis N. Flowers

Curtis Flowers is a retired Major with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Tampa, Florida. Curtis is a native of Florida and a longtime resident of the Tampa Bay area. He served his community and State as a public servant for 31 years and dedicated his efforts to serving and helping others. He often helped the very people that he was partly responsible for incarcerating. He worked and partnered with community outreach organizations to establish the first ReEntry Program for his agency. This work specifically directed ex-offenders to services that made an immediate positive impact upon their release from jail. He has served on several boards, councils and committees in Hillsborough County. Curtis is a member of the New Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. He is a graduate of Kentucky State University (BS) and the University of South Florida (MS) Business Administration. He is married and enjoys family activities with his wife, kids, and others. He has dedicated his life to the service of helping others.” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:left|color:%23636363″ google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1676039991466{margin-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”

Antina Mobley, ESQ

Antina Mobley, Esq., having transcended humble beginnings, earned a B.A. degree from Vanderbilt University in 1991. As a recipient of the prestigious and recognition-worthy Virgil Hawkins Fellowship, she earned her Juris Doctorate in 1994 from the University of Florida’s College of Law. Antina was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1995, and has used her time and talents to fight for, and to speak for those who otherwise would not be heard.

Antina’s progressive career with the Public Defenders’ Office, 13th Judicial Circuit Court, Tampa, Florida, is a testament to her beliefs that one is not defined by a brief moment of depravity; and each of us should be should be given an opportunity to become who we are. Currently serving as Misdemeanor/Juvenile Bureau Chief and the Bureau Chief of Career Attorney Development, Antina has served as a Misdemeanor Attorney, a Juvenile Attorney, a Felony Attorney, and as a Division Chief with the Public Defender’s Office. Her belief that those who seek help and want to change should be afforded the opportunity to do so–to change course, and better themselves for their individual quality of life, which ultimately leads to change for their family and their community.

Ms. Antina Mobley’s extensive experience in litigation, coupled with her passion and compassion for one’s disadvantageous life experiences, strengthens her resolve that regardless of the offense, regardless of the reason someone becomes a defendant, and regardless of the crime alleged, every citizen deserves all the rights, privileges and protections that the legal system affords. Her dedication and leadership in numerous affiliations and community service organizations include being a Trustee with the First Baptist Church of College Hill, a member of the George Edgecomb Bar Association, the Safe & Sound Hillsborough, the Florida Association for Women Lawyers, Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers, and Safe & Sound Hillsborough’s Policy and Governance Committee.” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:left|color:%23636363″ google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1677793473634{margin-top: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_row_inner content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1631051094588{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;background-image: url(http://bearsthemes.com/themes/alone-charitable/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/charitywater-750×422.jpg?id=146) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”

Major Kawanna Brown,
Chair, Community Committee

Major Brown is currently the Jail Division II Commander for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Major Brown began a career in corrections with the Department of Juvenile Justice in 1998 and joined the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in 2002. Major Brown has held various assignments as a detention deputy as well as supervisory positions in releasing, confinement, the Field Training Officer (FTO) Program as a supervisor and FTO Coordinator. Prior to her role as the Deputy Division Commander of Jail Division I, Captain Brown was a lieutenant in the Court Operations Division.

Major Brown has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of South Florida. She is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s 85th Command Officers Development Course. Major Brown is a former board member of the Falkenburg Youth Academy’s Community Advisory Board.

Major Brown is a native of Florida and was born and raised in Clearwater. She is married and has one son and a step-daughter.” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:left|color:%23636363″ google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1677007884212{margin-top: 0px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”top”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_row_inner content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1631051106315{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;background-image: url(http://bearsthemes.com/themes/alone-charitable/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/charitywater-750×422.jpg?id=146) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column_inner][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_row_inner content_placement=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1631051115524{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;background-image: url(http://bearsthemes.com/themes/alone-charitable/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/charitywater-750×422.jpg?id=146) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column_inner][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” disable_element=”yes”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1704″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1501469736493{padding-right: 50px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal” custom_letter_spacing=”-1.8px”][vc_custom_heading text=”Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:left|color:%23636363″ google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1501468057363{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1501468171875{margin-top: 25px !important;}”]

Giving to those in need what they could be gaining from their own initiative may well be the kindest way to destroy people.

[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Various versions have evolved over the years, sometimes by accident, sometimes on purpose (injected humour and the like).” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:left|color:%23636363″ google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1501468082413{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_section full_width=”stretch_row” disable_element=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1631046430664{padding-top: 60px !important;padding-bottom: 100px !important;background-color: #181818 !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1501483321773{background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Give Donation” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal” custom_letter_spacing=”-1px”][vc_custom_heading text=”Neque porro quisquam est qui sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit.” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Become Volunteer” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal” custom_letter_spacing=”-1px”][vc_custom_heading text=”Neque porro quisquam est qui sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit.” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Give Scholarship” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal” custom_letter_spacing=”-1px”][vc_custom_heading text=”Neque porro quisquam est qui sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit.” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Register Events” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:800%20bold%20regular%3A800%3Anormal” custom_letter_spacing=”-1px”][vc_custom_heading text=”Neque porro quisquam est qui sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit.” font_container=”tag:p|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Raleway%3A100%2C200%2C300%2Cregular%2C500%2C600%2C700%2C800%2C900|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]

Meet Our Board of Trustees

Broadly Diverse...United in Heart...Together on Purpose

Our Board of Trustees consists of elected volunteers who jointly oversee all aspects of Abe Brown Ministries.

Joseph “Joe” Probasco
President

Joe Probasco is the Managing Partner of Bush Ross, P.A. a highly regarded law firm based in Tampa. Joe is honored to serve as President of the Board of Trustees of Abe Brown Ministries, where he is deeply dedicated to supporting returning citizens as they rebuld their lives and reintegrate into our community. In addition to his legal and philanthropic work, Joe is a passionate advocate for the Jewish community, both locally and nationally. He proudly serves on the Boards of the Jewish Federations of North America and the Tampa Jewish Community Centers and Federation, where he plays a key role in strengthening Jewish life and building meaningful connnections across communities. 

His “why” is rooted in his Jewish faith and a belief in forgiveness, repentance, and second chances. Inspired by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ teaching that “God wrote forgiveness into the script,” he believes people can grow, make amends, and choose a better path. Through his professional work and community leadership, he seeks to create a just and compassionate society.

Major Kawanna Brown
Vice President

Major Brown is the Jail Division II Commander for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. She began her career in corrections with the Department of Juvenile Justice in 1998 and joined the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in 2002. Major Brown has served in a variety of roles, including detention deputy and supervisory positions in releasing, confinement, and the Field Training Officer (FTO) Program, where she was both a supervisor and FTO Coordinator. Before becoming Deputy Division Commander of Jail Division I, she served as a lieutenant in the Court Operations Division.

Major Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of South Florida and is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s 85th Command Officers Development Course. She is a former board member of the Falkenburg Youth Academy Community Advisory Board.

A native of Florida, Major Brown was born and raised in Clearwater. She is married and has one son and a stepdaughter.

Dionne M. Jones, J.D., Ph.D
Past President

Dionne M. Jones, J.D., Ph.D., serves as Immediate Past President of the Board of Trustees for Abe Brown Ministries/InspHire, continuing to advance the organization’s mission through dedicated service and strategic leadership. She is the Chief Strategy Officer for the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, overseeing strategic initiatives, community engagement, legislative affairs, and communications.

A graduate of the University of Florida, Dionne earned her B.A. and J.D. as a CLEO Fellow and completed Harvard Business School’s Governance for Non-Profit Leaders program. She has received the Florida Supreme Court Pro Bono Service Award. Dionne serves on several boards, including UF Law Alumni Council, The Spring of Tampa Bay, and Abe Brown Ministries. She is a founding member of the National Black Prosecutors Association – Tampa Chapter and a proud mother of two law students.

Travis Coy 
Chairman, Governance Committee

Travis Coy is the Assistant State Attorney and Juvenile Division Chief in the Office of the State Attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit, specializing in criminal prosecution with a focus on juvenile justice. He is dedicated to protecting the community while supporting youth accountability and rehabilitation.

Spiritually grounded, Travis serves as a Minister at his church, shaped profoundly by the guidance of his grandmother and mother. Committed to breaking cycles of recidivism, he collaborates with Abe Brown Ministries to help youth and returning citizens rebuild their lives. Motivated by a personal commitment to continue the important work begun by his wife and former Board member Theresa Jean-Pierre Coy, he champions justice, community healing, and transformation through service.

Shelley Fisher Attardo
Chairwoman, Finance Committee

Shelley Fisher Attardo is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in banking and institutional retirement services. She is Senior Vice President and Head of Client Service for Regions Bank and Institutional Services, bringing over 30 years of financial industry expertise to her role. Previously, she held leadership positions at Wells Fargo and a major employee benefits consulting firm, where she was a key contributor to strategic initiatives.

Shelley holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from Georgia Institute of Technology and holds Series 7 and 63 licenses, as well as the Certified Retirement Services Professional designation. A proud mother and wife, she also served as Treasurer of the Robinson High School Band Boosters.

Dea Wilkins
Chairwoman, Investment Committee

Dea Wilkins is an accomplished executive leader with extensive experience driving corporate performance through technology and strategic transformation. She has held two CEO roles and two Fortune 500 CIO positions, leading product development, enterprise architecture, and global consulting initiatives across industries including technology, banking, healthcare, and energy.

A graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology (BS, Computer Science) and Duke University (MBA, Finance), she brings deep expertise in financial analysis, systems design, and data optimization.

Ms. Wilkins has also been a dedicated volunteer with Abe Brown Ministries for over 20 years, serving as a board trustee, teaching in prisons, and supporting reentry programs. She is passionate about helping individuals overcome barriers and build successful new paths.

Justin J. Bell, Esq

Justin J. Bell is an attorney specializing in insurance litigation at Banker Lopez Gassler P.A., with a strong commitment to mentorship, leadership, and service. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Journey to Esquire Scholarship and Leadership Program, guiding and supporting aspiring legal professionals.

Justin’s Christian faith, shaped through personal challenges and spiritual growth, drives him to live with grace, mercy, discipline, and forgiveness. He is passionate about serving through Abe Brown Ministries, helping equip incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals with the tools and support needed to successfully reintegrate into society. Through this work, he seeks to restore hope, opportunity, and a sense of purpose to others.

Norman Harris, Esq

Norman Harris is an attorney and founder of Champions for Justice Law, LLC, where he maintains a private law practice. He specializes in criminal law, entertainment, arts and sports law, and personal injury law, providing clients with skilled and personalized legal representation.

A graduate of Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law, Norman combines rigorous legal training with practical experience to navigate complex legal matters. Known for his dedication to justice and client advocacy, he applies his expertise to protect the rights of individuals and organizations while supporting the communities he serves.

Talmedge Hayes

Talmedge Hayes was sentenced at just 16 years old to multiple life sentences and spent 27 years in prison for his involvement in several robberies. In 2010, the Equal Justice Initiative began representing him after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling recognized that children should not be sentenced like adults and declared life without parole for non-homicide offenses unconstitutional. Following his release on April 1, 2016, he enrolled in Abe Brown Ministries’ Ready4Work–Hillsborough program and is now employed as a printing press operator in South Florida.

Having come a long way from where he once was, Talmedge is driven by a deeper purpose: he believes he can be a vessel to show others that they, too, can be redeemed. His journey reflects his faith and conviction that God grants second chances, and he uses his story to inspire hope and transformation in others.

Dr. Kathleen Heide, Ph.D.

Kathleen Heide, Ph.D. is a retired professor from the University of South Florida Department of Criminology, where she served for 43 years and continues to hold the rank of professor while maintaining an office in the department. She is also a licensed mental health counselor and consultant in private practice. Internationally recognized for her research on juvenile and adolescent homicide offenders, including parricide, she has evaluated individuals charged with crimes since 1978, developing deep expertise in criminal behavior, intervention, and rehabilitation strategies.

Grounded in a belief in rehabilitation and redemption, Kathleen specializes in trauma treatment for survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and other violent crimes. A long-time supporter of Abe Brown Ministries, she applies her knowledge and experience to advance second chances, restore lives, and strengthen communities.

Jahdel Morales Salda

Jahdel Morales Salda is Vice President of Construction Site Services at HCG Design and a proud graduate of Abe Brown Ministries’ Ready4Work-Hillsborough Program, which played a transformative role in his personal and professional development. Once serving a life sentence at 16, he completed his term in six years through faith, accountability, and perseverance, becoming a productive, goal-oriented citizen.

Drawing on his personal experience with reentry, Jahdel supports Abe Brown Ministries’ governance and programs, particularly the Reentry Programs, using his story to inspire and mentor others. His “why” is to empower, guide, and demonstrate that transformation is possible with faith, dedication, and a supportive community.

Antina Mobley, Esq

Antina Mobley, Esq. earned her B.A. from Vanderbilt University in 1991 and her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida College of Law in 1994 as a Virgil Hawkins Fellow. Admitted to the Florida Bar in 1995, she has dedicated her career to advocating for those whose voices might otherwise go unheard.

Currently serving as Misdemeanor/Juvenile Bureau Chief and Bureau Chief of Career Attorney Development in the Public Defender’s Office, 13th Judicial Circuit, she has held multiple attorney and leadership roles. A committed community leader, Antina serves as a trustee of First Baptist Church of College Hill and participates in numerous professional and civic organizations, supporting justice, opportunity, and second chances.

Tammy Briant Spratling

Tammy Briant Spratling is CEO, coach, educator, and advocate for anti-discrimination and social justice, with a professional background spanning law, higher education, and nonprofit leadership. She brings a multidisciplinary approach to teaching, speaking, and consulting, with expertise in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), strategic planning, and storytelling.

A strategic thinker with experience in organizational development, Tammy is committed to helping individuals and organizations grow with intention and purpose. Guided by her spirituality and a belief in second chances, she is inspired by the mission of Abe Brown Ministries, supporting returning citizens, fostering personal transformation, and helping create stronger, more inclusive communities.

Erin Gray Stefany

Erin Gray Stefany is a registered nurse with over 43 years of experience, including 15 years as an Emergency Department Case Manager, bringing deep compassion and expertise in addressing complex patient and community needs, including domestic violence, substance abuse, homelessness, mental health, child abuse, and trauma.

Born and raised in Tampa in a family committed to church and community service, Erin was introduced to Abe Brown Ministries in the 1980s and has witnessed its transformative impact. An elder at Logos Dei Community Church and active in Metropolitan Ministries and the Junior League of Tampa, she is inspired by her Christian faith and is passionate about supporting reentry, restoration, and hope through service and the ministry’s mission.

Did you know that April is recognized as both Second Chance Month and National Reentry Month? It's a time dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by individuals returning to their communities after incarceration, and the importance of supporting their successful reintegration. These observances highlight the barriers people often encounter, such as limited access to employment, housing, education, and healthcare, as well as the stigma that can follow a criminal record.

Learn How Abe Brown Ministries Helps

Read More About National Reentry Week/Month

Reentry 2030: The Benefits for States

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