Dedicated to Making a Difference
Meet Our Team
Our board members play a critical role in the day-to-day governance of the Krimson Community Foundation. Our directors are comprised of representatives of the Greater Atlanta community. Each has unique leadership skills that support the foundation’s work.
None of our Board of Directors receive any compensation for their time and efforts, and they are governed by a strict set of Bylaws holding them responsible to financially supporting the mission and vision of the foundation.
Formed in 2001 as a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit organization to support, Leadership Development of young males through Mentoring and Educational Development programs to enhance their quality of life.
Our Vision: is that someday the young men whom we have mentored are mature responsible adults who mentor and enhance the life quality of other young men.
Lamont Bates
Chairman
Read About Lamont
A native from Kentucky, Mr. Bates currently serves as the Vice Chairman for the Krimson Community Foundation. He attended the University of Central Florida where he majored in Business Management.
He is an accomplished Information Technology Program Manager and Consultant well versed in all aspects of software development program/project management. 15+ years of proven ability working in large, global, complex enterprise projects and initiatives. Excels in talent acquisition/management, process re-engineering and improvement.
Effective in leading and directing teams with progressive management experience and repeated success in developing product/project initiatives and achieving revenue performance targets in a variety of industries including but not limited to Quick Service Restaurants(QSR), Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Media/Entertainment and the Public Sector
He is an accomplished Information Technology Program Manager and Consultant well versed in all aspects of software development program/project management. 15+ years of proven ability working in large, global, complex enterprise projects and initiatives. Excels in talent acquisition/management, process re-engineering and improvement.
Effective in leading and directing teams with progressive management experience and repeated success in developing product/project initiatives and achieving revenue performance targets in a variety of industries including but not limited to Quick Service Restaurants(QSR), Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Media/Entertainment and the Public Sector
Devon Thames
Treasurer
Read About Devon
Hello, my name is Devon Thames, and I am honored to serve as the current Treasurer of The Krimson Community Foundation. I graduated from Savannah State University with a BA in Accounting and immediately started my career as an Order Auditor at Novelis. After six months, I joined National DCP as an AR Financial Analyst, where I was eventually promoted to a Financial Analyst within a year.
During my four-year tenure at National DCP, I was promoted again to Sr. Financial Analyst for Change Health Care, where I managed four different product groups totaling $300M in revenue for the Revenue Cycle Management team. I currently work as a Sr. Financial Analyst at SiteOne Landscape Supply, where I support multiple functions.
I believe my extensive experience in financial analysis and management has prepared me well for my role as Treasurer of the board. I am committed to utilizing my skills to help achieve the goals and expectations set for The Krimson Community Foundation.
During my four-year tenure at National DCP, I was promoted again to Sr. Financial Analyst for Change Health Care, where I managed four different product groups totaling $300M in revenue for the Revenue Cycle Management team. I currently work as a Sr. Financial Analyst at SiteOne Landscape Supply, where I support multiple functions.
I believe my extensive experience in financial analysis and management has prepared me well for my role as Treasurer of the board. I am committed to utilizing my skills to help achieve the goals and expectations set for The Krimson Community Foundation.
Charisse Thompson
Secretary
Read About Charisse
Charisse Thompson has extensive experience in administration and over a decade of expertise in the healthcare software industry. Currently serving as a Senior Revenue Operations Analyst, she excels in optimizing revenue processes, implementing strategic initiatives, and delivering detailed reporting and analysis. Her skills are critical for managing board logistics and ensuring effective organizational communication.
Charisse has made significant contributions as a charter member, committee chairwoman, and parliamentarian on various executive boards, showcasing her leadership and commitment to enhancing operational effectiveness.
Her academic credentials include a Bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University and an MBA in Project Management from Walden University, equipping her with the strategic insight necessary to align with the Foundation's mission of empowering and supporting young men.
A dedicated advocate for community development, Charisse resides in Smyrna, GA, and actively engages in initiatives aimed at fostering youth success and leadership.
Charisse has made significant contributions as a charter member, committee chairwoman, and parliamentarian on various executive boards, showcasing her leadership and commitment to enhancing operational effectiveness.
Her academic credentials include a Bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University and an MBA in Project Management from Walden University, equipping her with the strategic insight necessary to align with the Foundation's mission of empowering and supporting young men.
A dedicated advocate for community development, Charisse resides in Smyrna, GA, and actively engages in initiatives aimed at fostering youth success and leadership.
Cory Wheaton
Beautillion Director
Read About Cory
Mr. Wheaton is a native of Chicago, IL and an alumnus of Morehouse College. After graduation he became employed with a Fortune 50 Insurance Company where he operates as a content developer in their Agency, Marketing and Learning department.
Cory’s passion for youth development served as the magnetic force that drew him to the Krimson Community Foundation. He has been involved with the Beautillion Program since its inception in 2005-2006 and now serves as Beautillion chairman.
After demonstrating his strong commitment to the mission and vision of the foundation, Cory became an active member of the KCF Board and currently serves as Secretary for the Foundation.
Cory’s passion for youth development served as the magnetic force that drew him to the Krimson Community Foundation. He has been involved with the Beautillion Program since its inception in 2005-2006 and now serves as Beautillion chairman.
After demonstrating his strong commitment to the mission and vision of the foundation, Cory became an active member of the KCF Board and currently serves as Secretary for the Foundation.
Ron Frieson
Funds Development Director
Read About Ron
Ron Frieson is Chief Operating Officer of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. In this role, Frieson leads all clinical operations of the healthcare system. He joined Children’s in June 2008 and has served as COO since July 2020.
Frieson previously served as President, Foundation and External Affairs leading the philanthropic efforts of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation. Prior to joining Children’s, Frieson served as Interim President and CEO of the Atlanta Urban League, where he provided leadership during a difficult period in the organization’s history.
Most of Frieson’s professional career was spent in the telecommunications arena as President of Georgia Operations for the BellSouth/AT&T Corporation where he was responsible for the regulatory, legislative, public policy and external affairs areas for the company. Additionally, Frieson was the first Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for BellSouth.
Frieson serves as an advisory board member for Truist Bank Atlanta and on the boards of Akebia Therapeutics, Colorado Technical University and The University of Tennessee Foundation. His prior board leadership includes the American Kidney Fund, Children’s Miracle Network, the Atlanta Urban League and Zoo Atlanta.
Frieson holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Tennessee and an MBA in Information Systems from Georgia State University.
Frieson previously served as President, Foundation and External Affairs leading the philanthropic efforts of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation. Prior to joining Children’s, Frieson served as Interim President and CEO of the Atlanta Urban League, where he provided leadership during a difficult period in the organization’s history.
Most of Frieson’s professional career was spent in the telecommunications arena as President of Georgia Operations for the BellSouth/AT&T Corporation where he was responsible for the regulatory, legislative, public policy and external affairs areas for the company. Additionally, Frieson was the first Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for BellSouth.
Frieson serves as an advisory board member for Truist Bank Atlanta and on the boards of Akebia Therapeutics, Colorado Technical University and The University of Tennessee Foundation. His prior board leadership includes the American Kidney Fund, Children’s Miracle Network, the Atlanta Urban League and Zoo Atlanta.
Frieson holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Tennessee and an MBA in Information Systems from Georgia State University.
Alphonso Holt
Fundraising Director
Read About Alphonso
Mr. Holt is a retired United States Army Reserves Colonel with 31 years of service. Holt is currently a member of Georgia Pacific’s (GP) Legal team in Atlanta, Ga., as Product Warranty Manager for GP Wood Products Division. Holt has been employed with Georgia-Pacific since 1997. He is responsible for managing claims throughout the US and Canada. Georgia-Pacific is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of tissue, pulp, paper, packaging, building products and related chemicals. The company employs more than 30,000 people at approximately 300 locations in North America and South America.
Mr. Alphonso Holt is a native of Atlanta, GA and alumni of Savannah State University.
Education: BS Savannah State University and EMBA Mercer University. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc since 1983.
Mr. Alphonso Holt is a native of Atlanta, GA and alumni of Savannah State University.
Education: BS Savannah State University and EMBA Mercer University. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc since 1983.
Howard Waits
Chaplain
Read About Howard
Mr. Waits serves a Chaplin for the Krimson Community Foundation. Waits is a retired United States Air Force Officer with over 21 Years of Honorable Service. In his Military Career he has served as a Missile Combat Crew Commander in control of a Multi-Million Missile Launch Facility, following that assignment he served as Director of Logistics on the United Sates Air Force Inspector General Team, after that assignment he went on to serve as the Director of Logistics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, responsible for managing a $10M budget during Desert Storm. During his military career he received numerous Military Awards and Decorations.
,br. Following his retirement in January 1994, he purchased two franchises which were the top producers in the State. He went to become the CEO of Custom Crating Packing and Relocations Service. Finally, he was hired as a Logistics Consultant for Delta Air Lines.
,br. Following his retirement in January 1994, he purchased two franchises which were the top producers in the State. He went to become the CEO of Custom Crating Packing and Relocations Service. Finally, he was hired as a Logistics Consultant for Delta Air Lines.
Larry Johnson
Parliamentarian
Read About Larry
Mr. Johnson is a retired senior corporate executive with extensive line management and P&L responsibilities in sales, marketing, strategy planning, IT engineering and IT field service. He brings to the table extensive leadership skills and experience in leading teams/organizations. Mr. Johnson is an experienced Entrepreneur, with recognized ability to drive shareholders value through profit grow and exceptional customer satisfaction.
He holds a B.S. Kinesiology, California State University, Hayward Business Administration, California State University, Hayward California Teaching Credentials, California State University Hayward. Numerous executive development certificates Wharton Harvard Babson including numerous IBM internal executive development programs.
He holds a B.S. Kinesiology, California State University, Hayward Business Administration, California State University, Hayward California Teaching Credentials, California State University Hayward. Numerous executive development certificates Wharton Harvard Babson including numerous IBM internal executive development programs.
Anthony Outland
Scholarship Director
Read About Anthony
Mr. Outland is the Sr. Manager of Global Offerings for Honeywell Building Technology in Atlanta, GA. Leading a team responsible for developing and launching Honeywell’s Integrated Solutions for Fire, Security, and Building Management in seven regions globally, he has made a significant impact. Moreover, he serves as the Vice Chair of Honeywell’s Black Employee Network (HBEN), where he plays a pivotal role in recruiting, developing, and retaining diverse talent.
With over 22 years of experience in the automotive industry, he has demonstrated consistent leadership in technological innovation and business strategy. Known for his customer-focused approach, Mr. Outland consistently delivers revenue and margin growth for his business.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in Physics from Xavier University of Louisiana, another in Electrical Engineering from Tuskegee University, and an MBA from Georgia Tech’s Scheller College of Business, he is committed to ongoing personal and professional development.
During his spare time, he actively volunteers in the community with organizations such as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Furthermore, he nurtures his passion for experiencing different cultures by traveling the world
With over 22 years of experience in the automotive industry, he has demonstrated consistent leadership in technological innovation and business strategy. Known for his customer-focused approach, Mr. Outland consistently delivers revenue and margin growth for his business.
Holding a bachelor’s degree in Physics from Xavier University of Louisiana, another in Electrical Engineering from Tuskegee University, and an MBA from Georgia Tech’s Scheller College of Business, he is committed to ongoing personal and professional development.
During his spare time, he actively volunteers in the community with organizations such as Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Furthermore, he nurtures his passion for experiencing different cultures by traveling the world
MANDELL JACKSON
Director-at-Large
Read About Mandell
Mr. Mandell Jackson is an accomplished life sciences sales executive with 28 years of experience. He most recently functioned as the Vice President and General Manager of Health Equity at Quest Diagnostics. While at Quest Diagnostics, he held the following additional roles: National Vice President of Sales, Neurology & Neurogenetics, Executive Director of Commercial Learning, Southeast Region Executive Sales Director, and Southeast Business-unit Sales Director.
Prior to joining Quest Diagnostics, he spent 16 years in the pharmaceutical industry working in multiple sales capacities to include Specialty Care Regional Sales Director, Primary Care Regional Sales Director, and Sr. Director of Health Plan Sales. Additionally, he held complimentary positions in HR and Commercial Operations and completed the University of Virgina’s Finance for Non-Financial Executives course. He has disease state leadership experience in Cardiology, Diabetes, Neurology/Neurogenetics, Anti-infectives, Infectious Diseases, etc
Mandell was commissioned as a Naval Surface Warfare Officer and served on active duty for 4 years. He participated in Operation Desert Storm and led hundreds of military servicemembers ashore and at sea from 1991 through 1995. He holds a B.S. degree in Industrial Technology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Mandell and his wife Kimberly reside in Cumming, GA and are the proud parents of Taya Michele, a recent graduate of University of Kentucky, Strom Milan, a senior at North Carolina A&T State University, Ryan Amanda, a Junior at Georgia State University and James, a sophomore at Kennesaw State University. He serves as Vice President of the AggieGentz LLC board of directors, is a board member of the Veterans Empowerment Organization, an Advisory board member of the Arizona School of Health Sciences (A.T. Still University), and a member of the American Heart Association’s Diversity Leadership Council.
Prior to joining Quest Diagnostics, he spent 16 years in the pharmaceutical industry working in multiple sales capacities to include Specialty Care Regional Sales Director, Primary Care Regional Sales Director, and Sr. Director of Health Plan Sales. Additionally, he held complimentary positions in HR and Commercial Operations and completed the University of Virgina’s Finance for Non-Financial Executives course. He has disease state leadership experience in Cardiology, Diabetes, Neurology/Neurogenetics, Anti-infectives, Infectious Diseases, etc
Mandell was commissioned as a Naval Surface Warfare Officer and served on active duty for 4 years. He participated in Operation Desert Storm and led hundreds of military servicemembers ashore and at sea from 1991 through 1995. He holds a B.S. degree in Industrial Technology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Mandell and his wife Kimberly reside in Cumming, GA and are the proud parents of Taya Michele, a recent graduate of University of Kentucky, Strom Milan, a senior at North Carolina A&T State University, Ryan Amanda, a Junior at Georgia State University and James, a sophomore at Kennesaw State University. He serves as Vice President of the AggieGentz LLC board of directors, is a board member of the Veterans Empowerment Organization, an Advisory board member of the Arizona School of Health Sciences (A.T. Still University), and a member of the American Heart Association’s Diversity Leadership Council.
Torian Priestly
Director-At-Large
Read About Torian
Mr. Torian R. Priestly is the Chief Development Officer for The Benoit Group has over twenty-nine years of experience in the real estate development, consulting and construction management of various real estate projects. His experience includes hotels, mixed use condos, multi-family, assisted living, independent senior living, hospitals and elementary schools; as well as, land development, multi-family/independent senior housing, tax credit rehabilitation, mixed use, and public-private partnerships; with housing and development authorities.
As Chief Development Officer of Real Estate Development for The Benoit Group, Mr. Priestly is in charge of day-to-day oversight and management of Development, Development Advisory and Construction Management Operations for TBG. During his tenure with The Benoit Group, Mr. Priestly has developed over $650 Million in multi-family and senior housing.
Prior to joining The Benoit Group, Mr. Priestly served as Vice President of Development for Ambling Development Partners. In this position, he was responsible for overall development projects throughout the southeast, including the development of 887 units valued at $92 million. He also provides The Benoit Group with expertise in utilizing LIHTC, New Issue Bonds, Freddie TEL, Fannie MTEB, Tax-Exempt Bonds and HUD221(d)(4) financing.
Mr. Priestly, a native of North Carolina, is a 1995 graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. He is an active member of the National Low Income Housing Coalition and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for NC A&T State University Real Estate Foundation from 2021-2023. Mr. Priestly is also affiliated many other committees and community focused organizations.
As Chief Development Officer of Real Estate Development for The Benoit Group, Mr. Priestly is in charge of day-to-day oversight and management of Development, Development Advisory and Construction Management Operations for TBG. During his tenure with The Benoit Group, Mr. Priestly has developed over $650 Million in multi-family and senior housing.
Prior to joining The Benoit Group, Mr. Priestly served as Vice President of Development for Ambling Development Partners. In this position, he was responsible for overall development projects throughout the southeast, including the development of 887 units valued at $92 million. He also provides The Benoit Group with expertise in utilizing LIHTC, New Issue Bonds, Freddie TEL, Fannie MTEB, Tax-Exempt Bonds and HUD221(d)(4) financing.
Mr. Priestly, a native of North Carolina, is a 1995 graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. He is an active member of the National Low Income Housing Coalition and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for NC A&T State University Real Estate Foundation from 2021-2023. Mr. Priestly is also affiliated many other committees and community focused organizations.
Rodney Sanders
Director-At-Large
Read About Rodney
Mr Rodney K. Sanders is the Senior Vice President / Regional Credit Executive, PNC Bank.
He graduated from the School of Business and Industry at Florida A&M University, completing the undergraduate Business Administration program, and earning his MBA with an emphasis in Finance.
Today, Rodney leads Credit Risk Management for PNC’s Corporate and Investment Bank for the states of Georgia and Alabama, for which his team manages credit approval for a $7 billion portfolio. Rodney also has Credit Risk Management responsibility for half of PNC’s $50 billion Asset-Backed Finance portfolio.
Rodney is currently a board member for the Peach Bowl Inc., which manages sporting events that contribute significantly to Metro Atlanta’s economy and provides charitable contributions to students nationally and financially supports numerous charitable causes. For Peach Bowl Inc., he recently accepted a request to be Chair of the Investment Committee.
Rodney is a board member for Drew Charter School and is on the School Performance Committee.
Rodney is a former board member for the Metro Atlanta YMCA, the East Lake Foundation, and the University System of Georgia.
Rodney has two daughters. He enjoys spending time with family and friends and playing golf.
He graduated from the School of Business and Industry at Florida A&M University, completing the undergraduate Business Administration program, and earning his MBA with an emphasis in Finance.
Today, Rodney leads Credit Risk Management for PNC’s Corporate and Investment Bank for the states of Georgia and Alabama, for which his team manages credit approval for a $7 billion portfolio. Rodney also has Credit Risk Management responsibility for half of PNC’s $50 billion Asset-Backed Finance portfolio.
Rodney is currently a board member for the Peach Bowl Inc., which manages sporting events that contribute significantly to Metro Atlanta’s economy and provides charitable contributions to students nationally and financially supports numerous charitable causes. For Peach Bowl Inc., he recently accepted a request to be Chair of the Investment Committee.
Rodney is a board member for Drew Charter School and is on the School Performance Committee.
Rodney is a former board member for the Metro Atlanta YMCA, the East Lake Foundation, and the University System of Georgia.
Rodney has two daughters. He enjoys spending time with family and friends and playing golf.
Brian Cheek
Director-at-Large
Read About Brian
Mr. Cheek is a native of Hampton, Virginia. He attended North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University where he majored in Architectural Engineering. He has served in a variety of roles to include Project Manager, Project Engineer and Senior Estimating Engineer. He is currently the Procurement Manager for Turner’s Georgia operations.
In addition to facilitating and leading all the contractor and vendor relationships for Turner’s Georgia operations, Mr. Cheek has served in numerous leadership positions to include founder and chairperson for the I.M.P.A.C.T. (Intentional Minority Professional Advancement in Construction Today) Employee Resource Group for Turner Construction Company as well as serving as Senior Recruiter for corporate recruitment focused on North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He is currently a board member with the Aggie Gentz Foundation where he established an endowed scholarship for students in need and serves the Krimson Community Foundation.
Mr. Cheek chartered the Alpha Nu Alumni Network in 2016. Upon establishing the organization, he served as the first President from 2016 until 2019. He assisted with establishing an endowed scholarship to service the undergraduate students in need.
He lives by the concept of “Do the Right Thing, at the Right Time, with the Right People”.
In addition to facilitating and leading all the contractor and vendor relationships for Turner’s Georgia operations, Mr. Cheek has served in numerous leadership positions to include founder and chairperson for the I.M.P.A.C.T. (Intentional Minority Professional Advancement in Construction Today) Employee Resource Group for Turner Construction Company as well as serving as Senior Recruiter for corporate recruitment focused on North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He is currently a board member with the Aggie Gentz Foundation where he established an endowed scholarship for students in need and serves the Krimson Community Foundation.
Mr. Cheek chartered the Alpha Nu Alumni Network in 2016. Upon establishing the organization, he served as the first President from 2016 until 2019. He assisted with establishing an endowed scholarship to service the undergraduate students in need.
He lives by the concept of “Do the Right Thing, at the Right Time, with the Right People”.
Andre Tucker
Director-At-Large
Read About Andre
Mr. André Tucker is a business leader with in-depth experience throughout emerging retail channels, financial services, consumer electronics, and Information Technology (IT) Audit. André is recognized for his partnerships with merchandise buyers, manufacturers, on/off-shore IT developers, and product innovators for collaborations to bring unique product opportunities to the market for consumers.
For 24+ years, André has supported several business groups, including; Walmart Stores Inc., Microsoft, The Home Depot, and Fiserv. Today, André serves as the Senior Director for Product Management – Merchant Services at Fiserv.
André earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting information systems from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas. He also holds the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) designation.
In André’s down time, he enjoys training for half marathons, traveling with his wife, Nikkela, and parenthood to their sons, Nicklaus and Maxwell. In addition, practices being an Iron Chef and Sommelier, and serving his community in leadership roles through his local church and the Boy Scouts of America organization
For 24+ years, André has supported several business groups, including; Walmart Stores Inc., Microsoft, The Home Depot, and Fiserv. Today, André serves as the Senior Director for Product Management – Merchant Services at Fiserv.
André earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting information systems from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas. He also holds the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) designation.
In André’s down time, he enjoys training for half marathons, traveling with his wife, Nikkela, and parenthood to their sons, Nicklaus and Maxwell. In addition, practices being an Iron Chef and Sommelier, and serving his community in leadership roles through his local church and the Boy Scouts of America organization
Brandon Johnson
Director-At-Large
Read About Brandon
Mr. Brandon Johnson is a native of Denver, Colorado, he attended Langston University in Oklahoma for his undergraduate degree and returned home to complete his MBA. He did not stay home for long, as he met his (now) wife and moved to St. Louis, Missouri. Since then he and his wife have been Corporate “brats,” moving to California, Nebraska, Texas, and now Georgia. Professionally, Brandon spent his early career in Banking, and transitioned to the Talent Acquisition space in 2017, and is Currently at Visa.
He comes to the Krimson Community Foundation after being on several boards including Boys & Girls Club of Metro St. Louis, the Langston University Advocacy Board, and the Catholic Metropolitan League of Atlanta. Brandon and his wife (Ada) have 2 children Kade and Knox and live north of Atlanta, in Marietta.
He comes to the Krimson Community Foundation after being on several boards including Boys & Girls Club of Metro St. Louis, the Langston University Advocacy Board, and the Catholic Metropolitan League of Atlanta. Brandon and his wife (Ada) have 2 children Kade and Knox and live north of Atlanta, in Marietta.
