DAVID J. SAUNDERS
CHAIRMAN, ZION COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SUMMARY:
Executive Manager with over forty+ years of professional experience within federal government, private sector and non-profit arena as well as in a self-employed status. Energetic team leader recognized for designing innovative methodologies and strategies towards impactful solutions. Rewarded for generating effective and efficient productivity measurements and resource utilizations. Demonstrated analytical business acumen and proven leadership skills. Creative problem-solver, self-motivated and accomplished success with the enhancement of an organization’s prestige, performance and profitability. Recognized as a proven motivator of colleagues and clients alike.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Strategic Planning
- Program Analysis
- Project Management
- Process Improvement
- Policy/Procedure Development
- Logistics Management
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: 1990 to Present – Capital Consultants Corporation – Principal.
Providing Idea Seeds for Growing Your Entrepreneurial Endeavors. Principal of Capital Consultants Corporation – a full-service business consulting services company that has been in existence for thirty+ years. Clients ranged from start-up entrepreneurs to federal government agencies to major corporations and foundations. Former Adjunct Professor of International Business at Howard University’s Small Business Development Center.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: 1997 to Present – Venue International Professionals, Inc. – Chief Executive Officer
Your Full-Service Travel and Tourism Consulting Firm on the African Continent. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Venue International Professionals, Inc. (VIP) – a full-service travel and tourism consulting firm that specializes on the Continent of Africa and has visited thirty African countries (at least once) over the past thirty+ years. Sought after speaker and writer of travel and tourism investment opportunities.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: 1980 to 2000 – U.S. Department of Defense – Program Analyst
Builder of Interrelationships with Key Stakeholders in order to Achieve Significant Changes in Work Culture for Sustainable Results. Federal government experience encompassed supervisory and managerial responsibilities, administrative and facilities management, strategic planning and quality assurance, business development and proposal writing. Successfully achieved significant cost savings/avoidances of more than $100 million over a twenty-year period. In addition, facilitated mentorship, entrepreneurial training and youth internship development initiatives (both academic and start-up entrepreneurship) for one thousand at-risk youth in underserved communities within the District of Columbia.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE WITHIN ZION BAPTIST CHURCH:
Member of Zion Baptist Church since 1960 and recognized by my peers as a “servant-leader”. Currently serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zion Community Enterprise, Inc. (ZCE) a 501(c)3 non-profit community-based organization. Currently focused on designing and implementing alternative revenue strategies such as real estate development projects and grant opportunities focusing on seniors and at-risk youth. Previously served as a member of the Board of Trustees (2008-2020) as well as served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees (2016-2020) of Zion Baptist Church. During my tenure as the Board Chair oversaw management of finances, property and personnel as well as project director for major infrastructure programs. In addition, currently President of the Men’s Ministry (2012-Present), Chair of the Transportation Ministry, Vice-Chair of Chatman’s Army, member of the Charles B. Walker Culture Club and member of the Zion Baptist Church Historical Commission. Previously served on the Church Merger Task Force Committee and the GNJ Senior Day Care Advisory Council as well as an Original Incorporator of Zion Community Enterprise.
OTHER COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER SERVICE
Volunteer Docent at the National Museum of African Art (NMAfA). Assist with guided tours and volunteer at special events. Boy Scout Troop Leader for twenty years (1980-2000) in the National Capital Area Council. Served as Master Trainer to other adult leaders of the Boy Scouts of America and designed Eagle Scout training modules and certification competencies.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Business Degree American University Wash., D.C. 1980.
JAMES E. BROWN, ESQ.
VICE-CHAIR, ZION COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SUMMARY:
Executive Manager with over fifty+ years of professional experience within Corporate America, District of Columbia Government, Institutions of Higher Education, and Private Law Practice as well as in a Self-Employed Status. Energetic team leader recognized for designing innovative methodologies and strategies towards impactful solutions. Rewarded for generating effective and efficient productivity measurements and resource utilizations. Demonstrated analytical business acumen and proven leadership skills. Creative problem-solver, self-motivated and accomplished success with the enhancement of an organization’s prestige, performance and profitability. Recognized as a proven motivator of colleagues and clients alike.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
- Strategic Planning
- Legal Analysis
- Project Management
- Policy Development
- Process Improvement
- Financial Management
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
- General Food Corporation: Financial Analyst
- DC Public Defender Services: Staff Attorney
- Antioch School of Law: Law Professor and Department Chairperson
- James Brown Law Firm: Private Law Practice
- DC Board of Education: General Counsel
- DC Public School System: Staff Attorney
- University of the District of Columbia: Adjunct Professor Teaching Business
- James E. Brown & Associates, PLLC: Law Practice Principal
VOLUNTEER SERVICE WITHIN ZION BAPTIST CHURCH:
Member of Zion Baptist Church since 1981. Currently serve as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zion Community Enterprise, Inc. (ZCE) a 501(c)3 community-based organization. Currently focused on designing and implementing alternative revenue strategies such as real estate development projects and grant opportunities for at risk youth. In addition, currently serve as a member of the Board of Trustees (2018-present) as well as served as Chairman of the Facilities, Utilization and Long Range Planning Committee (FULRPC) (2019-2021) of Zion Baptist Church. During my tenure as the Chair of the FULRPC oversaw management of design and construction phases of the Main Sanctuary’s Enhancement and Technology Upgrades Project which included expansion of the pulpit and choir areas, installation of a removable modesty wall between the pulpit and the choir areas, installation of a state-of-the-art LED video screen, sound and stage lighting system, and installation of a state-of-the-art audiovisual room in the church balcony. In addition, currently a member of the Men’s Ministry.
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor of Science (BS): Accounting & Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration (MBA): Computer Information & Systems Science
- Juris Doctorate (JD): Business Law
HORACE JEFFERY ABNEY
TREASURER, ZION COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SUMMARY:
Executive Manager with over thirty+ years of experience in marketing engineering and architecture services to various state, county, municipal governments, federal government and private entities. Prior to involvement in marketing and business development provided planning and engineering design services for various site development, master planning, sanitary and environmental, bridge, transit, and highway improvement projects. Energetic team leader recognized for designing innovative methodologies and strategies towards impactful solutions. Rewarded for generating effective and efficient productivity measurements and resource utilizations. Demonstrated analytical business acumen and proven leadership skills. Creative problem-solver, self-motivated and accomplished success with the enhancement of an organization’s prestige, performance and profitability. Recognized as a proven motivator of colleagues and clients alike.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
- Strategic Planning
- Marketing Analysis
- Business Development
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
As Regional Marketing Manager, Vice President, Chief and Director of Marketing for several construction and engineering firms’ expertise, experience and responsibilities have included all areas of marketing and business development with a primary goal of creating awareness and demand for the services of the firms represented. Constantly focused on maintaining a clean and reputable image of the firms represented by writing and coordinating various project submissions, proposals, and qualification statements. Also provided coordination of information materials needed by other branch offices of the firms, which also included project presentation materials and helping to formulate the best approach to use in each firm’s presentation to potential clients. Obtained or helped to acquire various notable major projects in the area of transportation and building structures with an aggregate total of more than three-and-a half billion dollars.
List of Construction and Engineering Firms and Positions Held:
- AMEC/Foster Wheeler-Regional Marketing Manager – November 2006 to December 2016
- Legion Design/Campbell & Associates – VP and Chief Marketing Officer – October 1988 to November 2006
- Fleming Corporation – Director of Marketing for the Eastern Region – May 1981 to October 1988
- Fleming Corporation – Urban and Regional Planner – January 1978 to May 1981
- Williams and Shelaida, Inc. – Chief Draftsman – March 1977 to January 1978
- David Volkert & Associates – Civil Draftsman – October 1971 to March 1977
- Parson Corporation (Formerly Deleuw Cather and Company) – Civil Draftsman – May 1970 to February 1971
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Strike Command Division – Spec. 5 – S-1 and S-2 – April 1968 to April 1970
- Parson Corporation (Formerly Deleuw Cather and Company) – Structural Draftsman – June 1966 to April 1968
VOLUNTEER SERVICE WITHIN ZION BAPTIST CHURCH:
Member of Zion Baptist Church since 1982. Currently serve as Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Zion Community Enterprise, Inc. (ZCE) a 501(c)3 community-based organization. Presently focused on marketing and implementing alternative revenue strategies such as real estate development projects and grant opportunities. Previously served as a member of the Board of Trustees (for eighteen years) mainly serving on the Facilities Maintenance Committee as well as served as Secretary for The Great Stained Glass Window Project. In addition, served as the Assistant Treasurer (for twelve years) for the Men’s Ministry in conjunction with being an active member of this Ministry.
EDUCATION:
- Washington Technical Institute School of Engineering, 1970-1972
- University of the District of Columbia BS, Urban and Regional Planning, (Magna Cum Laude), 1978
MEMBERSHIP:
- Southern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
- Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance
MAUREEN A. BARNES
SECRETARY, ZION COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SUMMARY:
Love the Lord and Member of Zion Baptist Church since 1978. Currently, Secretary of the Board of Directors of Zion Community Enterprise and before that served as Zion Baptist Church Secretary from 2000-2020. As the Church Secretary, was directly responsible for transcribing and recordation of meeting minutes for Board of Church Administration (BCA) and Semi-Annual/Annual Church Meetings. Also responsible for maintaining directory of all Church Ministerial Staff, Church Officers and Ministry Leaders. Currently a Member of Zion Baptist Church Gospel Choir and Co-Coordinator of Event Planning Ministry as well as serve as a Volunteer with the Church Repast Team.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
- Customer Service
- Train-the-Trainer
- Project Management
WORK EXPERIENCE:
American Association of Retired People (AARP) August 2004 to November 2020.
Began career at AARP as a consultant for four years and eventually retired as an employee. Provided training and technical support services to end-user customers as well as systems administration to AARP staff. Worked on a team, with other AARP project managers, such as Information and Technology Department, AARP Real Estate Department, Procurement and other AARP Leaders on the team.
Barnes Customer Training Systems (BCTS) January 1999 to June 2004.
As a woman-owned small business provided with the opportunity to receive contracts such as training, project management, etcetera. Worked for several commercial enterprises and as a consultant for AARP.
Avaya, Lucent Technologies, AT&T Information Center and AT&T June 1966 to June 1997.
Began career with AT&T as a customer service representative working with federal government agencies within the DC Metropolitan Area. Provided technical support and billing issues while working very closely with AT&T accounting departments. Later, after the break-up of AT&T, employed by AT&T Information Systems, then Lucent Technologies, and finally Avaya. Primary role at Lucent Technologies and Avaya was as a customer trainer, supporting all Federal Government Customers.
REV. DR. ELLA V. REDFIELD
CHAPLAIN, ZION COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SUMMARY:
Executive Minister to Zion Baptist Church with over thirty+ years of pastoral experience. Energetic ministerial team leader recognized for designing innovative methodologies and strategies towards impactful solutions. Rewarded for generating effective and efficient productivity measurements and resource utilizations. Demonstrated church organizational acumen and proven leadership skills. Creative problem-solver, self-motivated and accomplished success with the enhancement of an organization’s prestige, performance and profitability.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
- Strategic Planning
- Church Administration
- Religious Counseling
- Process Improvement
- Policy/Procedure Development
- Public Speaking
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Reverend Dr. Ella V. Redfield served as the Pastor of the New Creation Church located in Wheaton, Maryland for twenty-six years, which was organized under her leadership in December 1994. She is a graduate of the Howard University School of Divinity with both the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees. Dr. Redfield has offered the community a meaningful, powerful, and purposeful ministry. She has served as: Chaplain for the National Veterans Affairs Hospital in Washington, DC member of the Professional Advisory Committee of the National Institutes of Health, Spiritual Ministries Chaplaincy Program, Instructor at the Howard University School of Divinity Continuing Education Program, and Adjunct Faculty and Colloquy Leader at the Wesley Theological Seminar.
Dr. Redfield has also held several leadership positions regionally and nationally with the American Baptist Churches, USA Progressive National Baptist Convention; The former Washington Ministerium Howard University School of Divinity National Alumni Association and Past President of the District of Columbia Baptist Convention. She is currently serving as Vice President of both the District of Columbia Baptist Convention and 2nd Vice President of the Montgomery County Black Ministers Conference.
Dr. Redfield has preached and conducted a variety of workshops and seminars from Christian Education to Leadership Principles and subjects relating to living a spiritual life in churches and conventions throughout the United States. She and the New Creation congregation have been featured in stories by the Washington Post, local Gazette and Afro-American newspapers, as well as in American Baptist publications. She is also the co-author of The Circle Of Life, Waking Up To The Ultimate Design For Our Lives.
EDUCATION:
- Master of Divinity Degree from Howard University School of Divinity.
- Doctorate of Ministry Degree from Howard University School of Divinity