Board Members

The Board

Andrew Boykin

Founder of The Restoration

Andrew has committed much of his professional career to identifying, understanding, and accepting human communication patterns and reasoning. With more than 35 years of exposure to and experience with adult reasoning, he has dedicated himself to helping others successfully identify and navigate through situations where ‘missed-understandings’ and ‘missed-communications’ exposed one’s ‘Mental Blight’.

In 2003, Andrew started a men’s support group known as Dinner n Dialogue. For the next 17 years, men safely identified, owned, and addressed their personal ‘Why’ regarding the concerns in and around their lives. After publishing his 1st book, “The Top 10 Reasons Why (Men) I Refuse To Say I Love You”, Andrew began constructing a long-term plan designed to help future generations better identify and address certain generational programs. In 2018, he launched his 32 year plan known as … The Restoration.

Executive Experience

United States Air Force
Partnership Development, Department of Commerce
Community Builder, Department of Housing and Urban Development
Founder, Dinner n Dialogue

Executive Experience

B.A., Interpersonal Communications, University of Missouri at Kansas City

Andrew’s loves include: a good chess game, golf, teaching others the meaning of scrabble, and Grampa~ing.

Bridgette M. Thomas

Bridgette has devoted her professional career to helping leaders expand their capacity for growth. With more than 20 years of HR experience, Bridgette has partnered with the executive suite to develop strategy, organizational structure and talent. Viewed as a trusted resource and advisor, she has held leadership roles at a variety of management consulting firms, including Prism Healthcare Partners, Wellspring Partners/Huron Consulting Group, and Century Business Services (CBIZ).

In 2007, Bridgette relocated to the Turks and Caicos Islands where she founded and managed an HR consulting practice, BNC Consulting Group, Ltd. During her time in TCI, Bridgette worked with local government and business leaders to help build HR infrastructure and develop human capital. She consulted in a range of industries including hospitality, financial services, and government.

Executive Experience

Director, Prism Healthcare Partners
Managing Director, BNC Consulting Group
Vice President, Wellspring Partners/Huron Consulting Group
Regional Director, Century Business Services

Executive Experience

B.A., Human Resource Management, DePaul University
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching

Bridgette resides in Tampa, Florida, and is an avid golfer. When not on the links, she serves as a mentor with “The First Tee” program teaching youth life and golf skills.

Edgar A. Wright

Edgar A. Wright is a Financial Advisor that believes in the importance of investing time with clients to understand their goals, before investing their money. By working closely with a client’s Financial Team, including their CPA, Attorney and other professionals, Edgar custom designs holistic financial strategies.

Before becoming an outstanding Financial Advisor, Edgar had a very successful career in Sales and Sales Management with several Fortune 500 companies. With service to others as his mission, Edgar began his career by serving our country for more than ten years in the US Army, as an Enlisted Soldier and Commission Officer in the Signal Corp.

Edgar earned his Bachelor’s degree from Chicago State University and a Master of Business Administration from the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.

Passionate about volunteering and community service, Edgar is especially committed to supporting and assisting children, teenagers and college students. He serves on numerous professional associations as well as Non-for-Profit Leadership committees. Kids in Progress {KIP} whose mission focus is providing grade school students with medical exams/vaccine requirement and school supplies is an organization to which Edgar contributes time and energy. In addition, Edgar is co-founder of Odyssey, a community-based group mentoring organization for at risk teenage boys.

As President of the National Sales Network Chicago Chapter, Inc., Edgar is directly responsible for the Mentoring Committee and programs that support the continuous learning process of Chicago State University Honors College Students. This Committee’s efforts have provided thousands of dollars in merit based educational scholarships.

Edgar is dedicated to the values of lifelong learning, continuous improvement “pressing towards the Marks of Excellence”, being a thought leader in his profession of Sales and leaving a legacy of giving back to his faith, family and community. His unique vision and servant leadership style has made an impact in the lives of so many.

In his service as a Board Member for the National Sales Network-Chicago Chapter, Inc., South Suburban Small Business Association, Kids in Process, Co-Founder of Odyssey Mentoring and as an Advisory Board Member of DePaul University Center for Sales Leadership, Edgar deposits valuable life lessons to each group.

Sherry Lee (Brown) Toliver

Sherry has a heart for history. While tracing her family lineage back 4 generations, her journey unearthed the depths of truths, pains, and victories that would have remained unknown to those who were born from those hidden treasures. In 2015, Sherry compiled and published the Book – “A History of Lincoln High School”. Her efforts, charted the growth and journey of the students of Ft. Smith Arkansas’ all black High School.

Prior to and during her historical journey, Sherry served faithfully in many roles. Sherry devoted almost 30yrs to the Social Security Administration. In 1993, she and her dear friend founded the Lincoln Echo Newspaper; which later earned the distinction of being the longest running black owned newspaper in the state of Arkansas.

Public Service

Prosecuting Attorney's Juvenile Crime Task Force (1997)
Fort Smith Housing Assistance, Board Member (1990 – 2000)
State of Arkansas Minority Business Advisory Council (1998)
Future Fort Smith Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee (2013 - present)
Fort Smith Parks & Recreation, Commissioner (July 2013 – August 2018)
Mayor’s Bicentennial Committee (2016-2018)

Volunteer Service

United Way Board (1996)
Lincoln Childcare Center Board (1996-1997)
Art Center Board (1998)
Fort Smith Museum of History Board (1999 – 2000)
Lincoln Alumni Association, President (2010 - present)
Sunday School Teacher Ninth Street Baptist Church (2010 - 2014)
Fort Smith Christian Women's Job Corp Mentor (2010-2014)
Public School Partner in Education, Volunteer (2011 - present)
Altrusa International Volunteer (2012 - 2015)
Girls of Promise Planning Committee (2012 – 2013)
Fort Smith Historical Society-President (2013 - present)
NAACP- first vice president (2015 -2018)
FS Museum of History (2016-2017)
Unity MBC – Bible Teacher (2015-present)

Honors / Recognition

Fort Smith Spirit of the Frontier Award (1995
Mt. Magazine Girl Scout Council Woman of Distinction Award (1996)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award (1997)
SSA Associate Commissioner’s Citation Award (2004)
Mayor Ray Baker Perfect Harmony Award (2010)
Fort Smith Round Table Community Service Award (2011)
Sebastian County Democratic Party – Hattie Caraway Award (2015)
Compiled and Published the Book – A History of Lincoln High School (2015)
Elizabeth McGill Golden Hands Award (2016)
Gordon Youth Foundation, Inc. Unsung Hero Award (2019)

Sherry is a devoted and loving family Matriarch, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a self-proclaimed scrabble-ologist.

Edwin Lee Gibson

Edwin Lee Gibson is an actor/writer of international renown. His artistry extends beyond North America to Africa, Europe and China. A 40-years veteran of Theatre, Mr. Gibson has appeared in 103 productions, in addition to numerous television and film credits. In 2006, he received Off-Broadway’s highest honor, the O.B.I.E. Award (Off-Broadway In Excellence).

His artistic prowess has led to invitations as a lecturer, and guest artist at institutions such as Harvard’s American Repertory Theatre, Yale University, New York University, University of Mexico City, Emerson College (Boston), Western Michigan University, Carnegie-Mellon University, and Northern Illinois University. In 2001, he established Thespis Brown Laboratory as an incubator for art. TBL has since grown to also serve as a Think Tank. His project, Freedom Initiative integrates the works of August Wilson as a roadmap to freedom for those of African descent born in The Americas.

Mr. Gibson has served as:

Vice Board Chair of Throughline Theatre Company (Pittsburgh)
Advisory Board of Pittsburgh’s Arts In HD (Hill District) and the
Selection Committee for The Pittsburgh Park’s Conservancy’s “Cliffside Park” dedication to August Wilson.
Program Director at Pittsburgh’s Hill Association’s Kaufmann Centre for The Arts
Co-Theatre Program Director of Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts (NYC)

Education

BA degree in Social Theory and The Arts (Empire State College, NY), and an
MFA in Writing for The Screen (Point Park University, Pittsburgh)

As an avid golfer, Edwin has also works with youth via various First Tee Programs.

Kenneth Cheadle

Ken has devoted his life to interpersonal development. A Certified Life Coach, Entrepreneur, Best Selling Author, and Public Speaker, Ken has given detailed attention to many when most needed.

Growing up in Kansas City, he learned from the harsh realities of struggle, the need and purpose of inner strength. Ken’s journey of self-development was jumpstarted while serving his country in the US Army National Guard. There, he realized his 1st dream of earning a college degree, which then launched his entrepreneurial spirit.

After two years as a corporate consultant with Cerner Corporation, Mr. Cheadle responded to the call to serve his country again by accepting a position with the Department of Defense through the National Simulation Center. There, he trained allied forces in Germany, Japan, Korea and the United States to operate remote vehicles. Ken went on to consult and train in hospitals and clinics across the US where he supported CEOs, CFOs, physicians and nurses in optimizing policies, procedures, and flow.

Ken’s most recent love shares with others how to manifest victories from the face of life’s adversities. His podcast, “The Adverse Effect”, encourages people to seek greater satisfaction, overcome adversities and discover new ways to create lives that are a true expression of their talents, passion and potential.

Certified:

Certified Life Coach
BS Business Administration (Marketing), Missouri Western State University
Author, “The Millennial Takeover"

In Ken, you’ll find an encouraging, enthusiastic and unapologetic champion of your aspirations.

Willus Hall

Accomplished and results-driven, Willus draws from comprehensive military and corporate experience in organizational development, strategic planning, financial management, customer experience, business development, claims, and sales operations. His expertise in conceptualizing and establishing strategic initiatives and programs, propel achievement of corporate goals, enhance staff performances, and drive operational success.

As an intellectually curious thought leader, his daily mission includes adding value to the personal and professional lives of senior leaders, peers, and team members. Skills shared include:

Critical Path Methodology (CPM)
Strategic Planning & Implementation
Change Management
Risk Assessment & Mitigation
Financial Analysis, Reporting & Forecasting
Team Building & Leadership

Education & Professional Licenses

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Bachelor in Public Relations, Lafayette, Louisiana
The United States Army War College, Master in Strategic Studies, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
FINRA Series 51 Municipal Fund Securities Limited Principle
FINRA Series 26 Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Principle
FINRA Series 63 Uniform Securities Agent State Law
FINRA Series 6 Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative
TDI General Lines Property and Casualty and Life and Health

Professional Affiliations: US Army Engineer Association, National Sales Network, Association of the United States Army

God ... Family ... Citizen Soldier

Dwayne O. Morgan

As a child growing up in Southeast Dallas, Dwayne Morgan II wasn’t one to sit still. Inquisitive, adventurous, and active were just a few descriptions used by his mother. With a strong affinity for basketball, academic determination, and a never quit attitude; Dwayne began an adventure that took him from Mountain View College in Dallas to Leeds Beckett University in England, where he obtained his master’s degree in sports business in 2017.

Dwayne’s “never quit” behavior was ever present as he had to rely on DART for transportation. He would often catch two buses and a train to Mountain View College starting around 6 a.m. He would use the long rides to catch up on school assignments. Though very to his academics, he was also very serious about basketball. Unfortunately, young Mr. Morgan did not make the Mountain View basketball team his 1st try but was to contribute to the team as a redshirt and as the team statistician.

Dwayne’s story is the epitome of when desire meets pure perseverance. Eventually, Mr. Morgan pulled his grades up at Mountain View College and received an induction into the international Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. In addition, when he did make the basketball team, he helped to lead the Mountain View men’s basketball team win the NJCAA Division III National Championship for the first time in the school’s history. After receiving his associate degree at Mountain View College, Morgan went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree with a double major at LeTourneau University graduating with a 3.6 GPA and an induction to HonorSociety.org. Young Mr. Morgan was also named to the Dean’s List 3 times while at LeTourneau. And … while playing basketball overseas in Leeds, United Kingdom, he lead his team to the their first ever BUCS 3A League Championship ... while attending Leeds Beckett University, England; where he obtained his master’s degree in sports business in 2017.

Professional Experience & Affiliations:

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Leeds Rhinos Rugby Club
Yorkshire County Cricket Club
United Kingdom Wallball
Active member of the North Texas Chapter of Black Sports Professionals
Active member of Dallas Influencers of Sports and Entertainment

My struggles strengthen my heart ... My heart developed my purpose ... My purpose is to now share the strength in my heart.

Lawrence B. G. Rhone

My life story is one that is diverse in nature and has afforded me a tremendous capacity to empathize with numerous cultural backgrounds, in numerous geographic locations. I have had the opportunity to experience the different social layers that exist in the United States, Germany (26 years), Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, France, and Great Britain, as a civilian. The capacity I have acquired provides me with unique insight on how fortunate we are to live in the State of Montana and this great country, the United States of America.

My passion is serving my community. Specifically, I seek to serve Veterans from every generation, in navigating the process of accessing their earned Veteran’s Administration benefits through active “boots on the ground outreach.” Educating my community on this select group of individuals and developing innovative solutions on how to serve them is our mission. The cornerstone of every single part of what we strive to achieve through service, is “Suicide Prevention through Engagement and Advocacy”.

Our journey started with purchasing our farm with a VA Loan, to purchasing our tractor and small semi with trailer through a FSA microloan, to transitioning into a farm operations loan to acquire the many implements and tools one needs to operate efficiently. This included contracting with NRCS on fruit tree planting and production (1200 native to Montana fruit), to a whole farm micro irrigation system, to cover crop planting for soil health management, and high-tunnel acquisition for extended growing season production.

Welcome to … Rhone’s Farm & Retreat LLC … a veteran’s solutions resource in transitioning from active service to civilian life. We provide firsthand insight into the journey of acquiring, establishing, and sustaining a Veteran owned, conservation oriented, organic practicing, farm, and ranch operation.

Welcome to … Rhone’s Warrior & Community Resources (nonprofit) … founded in January of 2018, this entity serves as a Warrior and Community resource in navigating all phases of life events through advocacy, coaching, support in farm & ranch activities, and education on topics of various community and government services. We work with the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) in Seminars throughout Montana, to provide mentorship for former service members (Warriors) in navigating their transition from the battlefield or active service to a farm or ranch setting.

Additional Service roles include:

Veteran … “Cold War Era”, and the “Gulf War Era”
Project Manager with the Farmer Veterans Coalition
Appointed to the Advisory Council on Vocational Rehabilitation, Veteran’s Administration in Washington D.C.
Office of General Counsel accredited Claims Representative
Member of the National Organization of Veteran’s Advocates (NOVA)
Defense Language Institute certified translator (German) and remain proficient as a simultaneous translator