BOARD MEMBERS

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Janis Brunson is the Founder/President of Millennial Direction Inc. (MD), a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization based in Prince George’s (PG) County, Maryland. MD’s goal is to assist millennials, i.e., youth and young adults ages 18-32, in PG County with workforce development and job readiness training, and facilitate access to support services.

With more than 30 years of broad-based experience, Ms. Brunson is highly motivated, zealous and detail-oriented, with a proven record of experience in project management and information technology.

Ms. Brunson was taught by her parents at a young age the value of volunteering, being involved, and giving back to your community. She has been involved with several nonprofit organizations including serving on the Board of Directors for the Northwest Center, Washington, DC, an organization that counsel’s pregnant teenagers. She understands first-hand the need to protect the well-being of children and has consistently advocated higher education for disadvantaged youth.

Janis began her career in accounting and banking, and worked for 15 years for MCI Telecommunications in Systems Engineering followed by employment with Information Technology as a Project Manager, where she managed multiple projects worth more than $15 million. She successfully worked with cross functional teams for on-time delivery, within budget and according to specifications. Ms. Brunson received an award from MCI for her outstanding community service.

For the last 15 years, Ms. Brunson has worked as a project manager/senior business consultant for both private and government sectors in senior-level operational roles where she managed teams of up to 30 people, budgets and enterprise-wide systems with assets worth more than $9 billion, while gaining important operational experience in training,  human resources,  training, audits/ internal controls, ISO 9001 quality management, process improvement, product development, data management, proposals, communication and administration.

Ms. Brunson has the demonstrated capacity to harness her business acumen, hands-on problem-solving skills, positive attitude and unwavering commitment to redefine and surpass organizational goals. Additionally, she enjoys working and nurturing relationships with people from various backgrounds and cultures using her excellent communication skills to establish good rapport with both her clients and peers.

Ms. Brunson holds an MBA, Concentration Acquisitions and Contracts, and a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, which she acquired with honors from Strayer University, Washington DC. She takes a vision and transforms it into reality through sound leadership, strategic planning and management. She is distinguished by her ability to develop relationships, manage resources and develop talent.

Gerald Patterson is a management executive with over 40 years of experience with for profit and non-profit organizations. Mr. Patterson is well versed in guiding comprehensive operations including customer service, distribution, outsourcing, procurement, acquisitions, and consulting with focus on cost, growth, efficiency, and service indicators. He has extensive knowledge and expertise in management, budgeting, contracting, fund raising, implementation, accounting and organizational development. Mr. Patterson is highly proficient in providing leadership, infrastructure development, and establishing productive relationships with critical stakeholder groups including employees, benefactors and charities. He has a strong background in leadership having implemented several major projects for the Kellogg Company and Walker International Transportation.

Mr. Patterson has held corporate and operational positions with MedX Global Healthcare Solutions, GRL Group, ADG Enterprises, Inc., Kellogg Company, Amway Corporation, Walker International Transportation, and BAX Global. He has also held Board positions with Yesarelah Ministries, Junior Achievement of Central Pennsylvania, Top Speaking Docs, and currently is Board Chair of the Eastside Community Action Center (Lansing, Michigan) and Vice President of the board of Millennial Directions (Bowie, Maryland). Mr. Patterson’s extensive background and experience includes Business Process Re-engineering, Supply Chain Management, Quality Control/Quality Assurance, Risk Management, Lean Six Sigma, Organization Design, Leadership Development, Outsourcing, Change Management, Supplier Management, Strategic Sourcing, Quality (ISO9000), Project Management and Process Improvement.

His educational background includes a M.A., Central Michigan University, B.A. Michigan State University, Six Sigma Green Belt, Accounting Specialist Certification, Wayne State University, and Executive training at Michigan State University, Northwestern University, and Tuck Business School at Dartmouth.

Mr. Patterson’s expertise includes:

• Business Process Re-engineering / Cost Reduction Leadership Development;
• Lean Six Sigma Education and Training Strategic Sourcing;
• Procurement / Acquisition Workflow Management;
• Outsourcing Strategies/Implementation Supply Chain Optimization;
• Process Analysis;
• Organization Design and Change Training;
• Business Development Fundraising; and
• Governmental Regulations.

Ms. Pinkney has 45 years of experience in the professional/administrative area. Born in Topeka, Kansas and has lived in the Washington, DC and Maryland for the last 47 years. Ms. Pinkney has been employed by Holland and Knight, LLC for the past nine years in the Government Department. She has previously worked with MARC Associates, a Lobby Firm, for 25 years. She works closely with DC Council, Senate and Congressional staff.

Ms. Pinkney’s expertise includes:

• Strong work ethic, professional demeanor and great initiative
• Making travel/hotel arrangements for staff and client
• Coordinating meetings/fundraisers with clients and members of Congressional Staff
• Research projects
• Working directly with the Lobbyist
• Vast knowledge of Capital Hill
• Microsoft
• Knowlegis/Congressional program
• Senate and House Lobby Reports

Her educational background includes:

Highland Park High School Graduate – Topeka, Kansas;
Business School – Topeka, Kansas; and
Howard University – Public Speaking, Communications and Writing classes.

Crystal Courtney has more than 15 years of experience in web production, publications and executive administration for telecommunications, government and nonprofit sectors. Ms. Courtney is currently an Office and Events Manager for the College Access Network, which advocates for underrepresented and first generation college students. She is involved in managing administration, web content, publications and technical assistance. Ms. Courtney handles all event management for the organization, planning and working with all vendors, members, philanthropists and funders.

Prior to her role as an Office and Events Manager, Crystal was the Communications and Web Manager for EMC and Verizon Consumer Business divisions. She managed content for Verizon websites, consumer products and handled content services with numerous partners. Ms. Courtney was an integral part of developing Home Monitoring and Control systems, developing vendor partner relationships; and managing the Consumer Business divisions event planning and administration.

She was also an Editorial Manager for the American Geophysical Union where she managed publications, development, quality control and implementation, and managed the sale of publications through reprints that were provided to peer-members, college and universities.

Ms. Courtney has completed courses in Internet Technology and Business Management at the University of Phoenix, and is currently completing courses for her Conference Meeting Planner license as well as courses in education policy.

She is a native Washingtonian and resides in the metropolitan area. Ms. Courtney volunteers her time to breast cancer awareness, homeless youth and mentally challenged adult services. Her primary focus has been to use her experience, education and personality to motivate and help others.

Wilfred J. Keats has more than 15 years experience in the information technology industry as well as experience in public relations and marketing. Born in New Jersey, he has lived in the Washington, DC area for 25 years. He has also lived overseas in Europe.

Since spending a decade in international affairs working for the now defunct United States Information Agency, an agency that oversaw the cultural, educational, and informational activities of the United States Government abroad, Mr. Keats has worked for a variety of firms – large and small, private and government sector. He has extensive foreign policy, creative and technical writing experience, as well as web content, design and development experience.

Mr. Keats has also been a Technical Analyst at UUNet, which built much of the Internet backbone; Director of Operations at Next Strategy, a web design and development firm; a front-end web developer for the US Army website and at National Nuclear Security Administration (Department of Energy); and Site Administrator and Content Manager at the DC Retirement Board. He has extensive experience with technologies including LAMP and MAMP stacks; databases like MySQL, MS SQL and Oracle; responsive and accessible design and web languages including PHP, HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript (plus libraries and frameworks like Angular, Bootstrap, Backbone, and jQuery); and content management systems including Drupal, SharePoint and WordPress.

Mr. Keats holds a B.A. in Political Sciences and Economics from Drew University. While
attending George Washington University, he pursued graduate work in European Studies. He reads, speaks and writes several foreign languages.

Sonte’ DuCote, a versatile leader and strategic planning specialist, has extensive experience managing programs and multi-disciplinary teams. Her strengths include strategy development, change management, research and community building. Her professional experience includes:

• Policy Analyst, Council of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC (05/2017 – Present)
• Assistant Director, Healthcare Career Advancement Program Education Association, New York, NY (02/2016 – 10/2016)
• Coordinator, Member Benefits, and Strategic Planning Specialist, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Washington, DC (08/2007 – 01/2016)
• Coalition Organizer (A special assistant to the Executive Director) and Training Coordinator, 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds, New York, NY (11/1996 – 8/2007)

Mrs. DuCote’s education and related professional development includes:

• Master of Science, Organization Development, American University, Washington, DC
• Bachelor of Arts, Communications, Minor in English, Howard University, Washington DC
• Project Management, Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), 50 hours, University of the District of Columbia, Community College Washington, DC
• Marshall Ganz Strategic Planning Training, 28 hours, Harvard University, Boston, MA
• Conflict Resolution Certificate, 35 hours, Cornell University, New York, NY
• Grant Writing Boot Camp, 35 hours, Foundation Center, Washington, DC
• Best Practices in Event Management, 1.2 Continuing Education Credits, George Washington University

Monae Dortch, as a role model for Millennial Direction participants, she is currently pursuing a career in Retail Sales and looking for an opportunity to use her skills in customers service, account management, collections, cash handling and utilize her many attributes including being dependable, adaptive, a team player, detail oriented, and self-motivated. She is looking at careers that offers her the opportunity to enhance her knowledge and work experience.

Ms. Dortch is a 2015 graduate of James F. Rhodes High School in Cleveland, Ohio.

Ms. Dortch has been a volunteer for about seven years through her mother’s ministry and
at numerous homeless shelters.

Jasmine Robinson, as a role model for Millennial Direction participants, seeks to maintain academic excellence and gain valuable experience while working with a stable and profitable organization. As result of her experience in retail, she has developed the following skills:

• Customer service, Verbal and written communication
• Microsoft: Word, PowerPoint, Excel; PC and Mac knowledgeable
• Office skills: time management, work prioritization, ability to work within team environment or own my own, adaptability, tolerant to stressed situations

Ms. Robinson’s noteworthy college activities include:

• Georgia State University Emerging Leaders Program – Member (August 2013 – Present)
• Georgia State University Panther Leap Program – Member (January – March 2014)
• Clark Atlanta University Microbiology and Water Chemistry Summer Program (June 2012)

Her volunteer service includes Saturday School Tutor, Mentor & Technology Aide at Parkline Elementary (East Point, GA) and C. H. Gullatt Elementary School (Union City, GA).

Anijarae Dade, as a role model for Millennial Direction participants, is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, with an expected graduation date of December 13, 2017. Her diverse work experience includes a Congressional Internship in the Office of Congressman John Lewis, Atlanta, Georgia; Front Desk Agent, Loews Atlanta Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia; Operator/PBX Operator, Star Service; Political Consultant Intern, RaZor Solutions Group, Atlanta, Georgia; and Public Relations Intern, Fox Media & PR, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia.
Ms. Dade is gaining valuable experience in her role as a Congressional Intern for Congressman John Lewis where she:

• Serves as a liaison between constituents of the Georgia 5th District and federal agencies
• Aids Congressman Lewis with community outreach and accompany him to public appearances and ceremonial events
• Generates press releases for distribution
• Assists with development of fundraising communications tools

Cimone Gardner, as a role model for Millennial Direction participants, she is a detail-oriented, organized and dependable self-starter with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Her goal is to obtain a position that will allow her to provide needed services in a challenging, fast-paced working environment, as well as to enhance her skills and knowledge.

Ms. Gardner’s professional skills include: Front Office Management; Customer Service; Cash Handling; Inventory Control; and MS Office Suite.

She has worked in the retail and banking industries, and volunteered her time to many worthy causes including youth development and homeless youth.
Ms. Gardner is a 2006 graduate of Dunbar High School, Washington, DC.