Executive Board
MLK Dream Team
From left to right: Sonji Mims Adams, Pastor Curtis Johnson, Nika White, Lyshedra Williams, Dr. Phillip Baldwin
Overview
MLK Dream Weekend Executive Board consists of the five founding members: Pastor Curtis Johnson – Chairman, Dr. Phillip Baldwin –Co-chairman and Chief Financial Officer, Nika White – Marketing Director, Sonji Adams – Director of Operations and Lyshedra Williams – Director of Event Planning. The Executive Committee consists of the Executive Board and other committee chairs of key areas recognized by the Board to be critical to the success of MLK Dream Weekend. Committee chairs are appointed by the Board. The Executive Committee is governed by by-laws determined by the Board. The Board is a working board in that all Board members are responsible for key areas of responsibility as outlined below.
Executive Board
Pastor Curtis Johnson – Chairman of Executive Board/Executive Committee- Identify key prospects to engage in the MLK DW sponsorship and follow through by ensuring the opportunity is presented. Solicit the help of business/community leaders to assist in identifying financial resources and support for MLK DW. Communicate recommended tools needed to marketing that will help showcase the results and benefits of partnering with MLK DW. Advocate MLK DW throughout the year to key business leaders to solicit their support. Identify key opportunities to position MLK DW in a positive light to the business community (or those that have influence over key business leaders) for the purpose of increasing sponsors and overall support. Ensure MLK has a presence in the community by identifying key partnerships. Additional duties include delegating special assignments as needed and recruiting key resources to execute, uphold the bylaws of MLK DW Executive Board/Executive Committee to ensure ultimate success of MLK DW, represent MLK DW where necessary at community events to increase visibility of the group and keep abreast and involved in key issues related to causes we may have the ability to impact. As chair, be engaged in all key areas of MLK DW leadership. Ensure accountability of all members of Board and Executive Committee Chairs and respond appropriately if responsibilities aren’t being met to the fullest.
Dr. Phillip Baldwin – Co-Chairman/Chief Financial Officer – Manage the funds for MLK DW (accounts payable and receivable). Oversee responsibility of the checkbook. Maintain financial records such as invoices, financial contracts, etc. Approve expense reimbursements and pay accordingly. Maintain budget spreadsheet of incoming and outgoing funds and regularly report in writing to the board (each meeting). Make recommendations regarding spending. Ensure deposits are made regularly and timely. Serve as a voice to the board on critical issues and decisions. As co-chair, be engaged in all key areas of MLK DW leadership. Support goals and vision of chairman as needed. Provide updates to board via a typed committee report to communicate financial status.
Nika White – Marketing Communications Director – Oversee management of all marketing communications efforts for MLK DW. This includes working with agency partners to execute all marketing needs, securing media vendor sponsors, ensuring exposure for MLK DW throughout the Upstate.
Sonji Mims Adams – Director of Operations/Diversity Banquet Chair- Manages all operational functions of MLK DW including: drafting and distributing meeting minutes, distribute Executive Committee coorespondence as necessary, check and reply to voice mail, secure meeting venues, prepare sponsor/partner reports and distribute to all appropriate persons, etc. Related to Diversity Banquet Chair, duties include recruiting committee of helpers as needed and lead the team in overseeing the planning and execution of the Diversity Banquet. This includes venue negotiations, menu selection, working with executive board on determining program participants, ensuring speaker travel arrangements and preferences are accommodated for, plan décor for the event working with venue representatives, determine layout and set up of facility, secure entertainment, work with marketing on creation of AV materials (PPT); determine table assignments and ticket distribution plan, ensure all program participants have proper details related to their participation (arrival time, attire, complimentary guest ticket, instructions on where to report); determine head table seat assignments, solicit volunteer help and facilitate volunteer training as it relates specific to the banquet; ensure special guests receive invitation/tickets. Provide updates to board via a typed committee report to demonstrate progress of efforts toward goal.
Lyshedra Williams – Director of Event Planning/Dreams in Action Day Chair – Recruit committee of helpers as needed and lead the team in overseeing the planning and execution of the Day of Dreams event. This includes venue selection, securing lunch vendor, working with executive board on determining program participants and secure them accordingly, determine order/structure/flow of the day; solicit volunteer help; facilitate volunteer training, determine layout and set up of facility, secure entertainment, work with marketing on creation of AV materials (PPT); determine room assignments and participant check in process, ensure all program participants have proper details related to their participation (arrival time, attire, instructions on where to report). Provide updates to board via a typed committee report to demonstrate progress of efforts toward goal.
Pastor Curtis Johnson Founder & Chairman
Dr. Phillip Baldwin Co-Chairman
Sonji Mims Adams Operations Director
Nika White Marketing & Communications Director
Lyshedra Williams Event Planning Director