NAACP San Diego Branch Executive Committee 2015-2016 OFFICERS President Dr. Andre J. Branch branchnaacp@gmail.com Dr. André José Branch earned the Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, at the University of Washington, Seattle. He earned the Masters Degree in Counselor Education at North Carolina State University, Raleigh. He earned the Baccalaureate Degree at The King s College, Briarcliff Manor, New York, and also studied at the Institute of Holy Land Studies, Jerusalem, Israel and at Oxford, England. Dr. Branch has taught students at all grade levels in public schools in the United States and abroad. He is presently a tenured Associate Professor at San Diego State University, where he teaches and conducts research in Education, Ethnic Identity Development, and Valuing Human Diversity. Dr. Branch also directs the Career Breakfast Mentoring Program for middle school male students of color at Bell Middle School in San Diego, CA. Since Dr. Branch started this program, student achievement has risen and he has moved these students to a successful career path and achievement. 1st Vice President, Freedom Fund Chair Asst. Treasurer Akilah Carter-Davis Akilah.naacp@gmail.com Akilah Carter- Davis graduated from Stanford University in 2006 with a BA in Political Science with a Public Policy Focus. Shortly after graduating Akilah put her political education to work, serving on the 2008 Barack Obama Presidential Campaign staff as an Organizer, Deputy Regional Field Director, and member of the Political Team. Akilah currently works in the financial industry as a Licensed Relationship Banker.
2nd Vice President Chair, Membership/Life Membership Stewart Payne paynesj@att.net Stewart is a retired Marine Corps Veteran. During his military career, he served tours of duty as a Drill Instructor, formal school instructor, and a logistics & combat service support specialist. While on active duty, he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Master s Degree in Public Administration from National University. He also has a Master of Arts degree in Sport Management from the University of San Francisco. Payne has served as track coach for over 20 years at the youth, high school and community college level. He has been a member of the NAACP San Diego Branch since 2013. In 2014, Payne served on the Education Committee where he focused on variety of issues related to equity in education. 3 rd Vice President Kathleen Harmon Chair, Fundraising Committee KathleenHarmon7@cox.net Chair, Community Coordination Kathleen Harmon, who is well known throughout San Diego and the State of California, received her double Masters Degree from SDSU School of Social Work and graduated in 1978 at the top of her class. Her professional career includes Nursing at Mercy Hospital for 20 years, Social Worker/Group Counselor at House of Hope for 6 years and at the San Diego County Welfare Department for 10 years. Ms. Harmon has been in the political arena for over 40 years and been a Democratic Central Committee Member. Ms. Harmon has attended numerous Democratic conventions as a delegate. Ms. Harmon is the mother of seven. Secretary Rachel Arrington Rarrington1@yahoo.com Rachel Arrington earned her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Jackson State University in Mississippi. Arrington presently works at the San Diego County Probation Department as clerical support. Arrington has been on the Executive Committee for over 8 years and has served two terms as Secretary and the ACT-SO Co-Chair.
Treasurer/Finance Committee Alvin C. Wilkerson Alvincw2000@hotmail.com Alvin Wilkerson, also known as our financial guru, started a paper route at 10, where he then opened his first bank account with his parent s assistance. He attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee Florida. In 1986, Alvin relocated to San Diego and worked for Aetna Health Care for 15 years. He joined our Executive Committee in 1988. Alvin has held the positions of Housing Committee Chairman, Parliamentarian, and serves as Treasurer, and Financial Literacy Consultant. MEMBERS-AT- LARGE Chair, Political Action Past President Alvin has been a member of the University Kiwanis Club for 5 years. In 2007, Alvin started a Homeless Food Ministry that feeds between 140-170 people every month. In 2011, Alvin Coauthored a religious book called, The Wisdom of Bishop Henry L. Porter. For 12 years, Alvin has been an independent contractor with World Financial Group (WFG) as a financial consultant. Alvin is a faithful member of the, Fountain of Life Church of God In Christ, since 1989, and serves as an Usher, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, and Sound Engineer. Alvin s goals are to continue to faithfully serve in the NAACP, and to Petrina bring racial M. Branch, equality Esq. and empower African Americans, and all races, Petrina.branch@gmail.com through financial education. 619.840.8548 (cell) Petrina M. Branch is an attorney providing legal services in areas of business, personal injury and estate planning in the Law Office of Petrina M. Branch. She received her undergraduate degree from Harvard University and Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in Cambridge, MA. Petrina served as President of the NAACP San Diego Branch from 2001 2002. Currently, she is Chair of the Political Action Committee. In 2010 Branch received the NAACP San Diego Branch President s Award for exemplary support of the association. Ms. Branch is also a past president of the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association which represents African American attorneys, judges, law students and professors in San Diego County.
Member-At-Large LaShae Collins Zozion11@gmail.com LaShae Collins graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Africana Studies and a Masters of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Multicultural Counseling. Collins currently serves as the District Director for Assembly Member Hon. Dr. Shirley N. Weber (AD-79). For the last 6 years LaShae served as the Event Coordinator for the San Diego Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner. Furthermore, she currently serves as the 1st Anti Basileus on the Executive Board of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Delta Upsilon Chapter, Financial Secretary on the Executive Board of the Association of African American Educators, President of the Johnson STEM Magnet Parent Teacher Association, a representative on School Site Council at Johnson STEM Magnet and Business Manager for the Pee Wee Division with Valencia Park Pop Warner. She is married to Ian Collins and has two children, daughter Zorihya Collins and son Zion Collins. Chair, Press & Publicity Earl W. Davis, Jr. Edavis95@cox.net Earl Wayne Davis, Jr. received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and an Honorable Discharge from the Navy before working for General Dynamics. Earl took a job as a freelance writer/photographer for the local weekly newspaper the San Diego Voice which led him to form his own newspaper - San Diego Viewpoint. Both papers were combined for the modern day The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint. Earl and his wife, Tina, published this paper for 16 years. Earl also worked for the Neighborhood House Association where he was the Public Relations Director for eight years before he retired. Earl is a Professional Event Photographer. Earl is active in the community. He is the vice president of the Board of Directors of the Legal Aid Society of San Diego; President of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Democratic Club; president of the Board of Directors of the San Diego Chapter of Better Investing; member of Bethel AME Church; member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and past president of San Diego Fair Housing Council. Chair, Education Dr. Michael Dodson Mdodson1158@gmail.com Dr. Michael Dodson began his career in education in 2001 after retiring from the U.S. Navy. He taught 4th grade for three years while completing his administration credential program. Dr. Dodson has been a school administrator for 11 years as a Vice Principal and a principal. He earned his undergraduate degree at Southern Illinois University, A Master s Degree from National University, and his Doctorate Degree at San Diego State University. Dr. Dodson is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Youth Council Advisor Tiffany Harrison sdnaacpcollege@gmail.com Tiffany Harrison started with the NAACP SD Branch as teenager with the W.E.B. Dubois Young Black Scholars. Tiffany was encouraged to start an NAACP SD Youth & College Chapter. For the past two years, 10-15 students would travel to the NAACP CA State Convention from San Diego to Oakland and Newport Beach. In April of 2012, the San Diego Youth Council & the SDSU College Chapters were officially chartered and recognized by the NAACP Board. Tiffany Harrison received her Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from SDSU. Tiffany is a member of New Creation Church and a native San Diegan. She part of the Occupy the Vote Campaign as an intern for the National Urban League Policy Institute. Her thoughts If our great civil rights leaders could get the word out and organize to protest for freedom and justice in the past without email, cell phones, or Facebook, surely we can encourage someone to vote. Chair, Legal Redress Past President Douglas A. Oden, Esq. dodenesq@ogtlaw.com 619.702.0800 Douglas A. Oden, Esq. is a Past President of the San Diego Branch and served as President from 2003-2008, the longest tenure as a NAACP San Diego Branch president in the modern history of our branch. Oden is a practicing an attorney that is a founding Partner of ODEN & GREENE. His law firm focuses in the area of Consumer Law, Personal Injury, Criminal Law and Bankruptcy. He is currently chair of the branch s Membership and Legal Redress. Oden obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from California Lutheran University and his law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Chair, Labor & Industry Slyvester T. Oliver 619sly@gmail.com Sylvester T. Oliver is a Journeyman Ironworker at the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Union, Local 229. Mr. Oliver is also an identified casual longshoreman at the Pacific Maritime Association in San Diego. Mr. Oliver has considerable experience working with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the National Labor Relations Board. Mr. Oliver is a community leader who strives for equality and diversity by committing himself to the Chair of the Labor and Industry Committee and is dedicated to helping insure that all people are granted the same access to employment and training opportunities.
Member-At- Large Franklin D. Petersen frankdpetersen@hotmail.com Franklin Petersen completed 30 years of distinguished Naval Service in June of 1991 and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer. Franklin attended Southern Illinois University (SIU). Franklin was associated with San Diego Community District (SDCCD) for 7 years and taught at City College and at the Educational Cultural Complex (ECC). Franklin has been a member of the San Diego University Kiwanis Club for over 30 years and has held several administrative positions with them. Our motto is: Children are our number one priority and we want to change the world one child and one community at a time. Presently Franklin is self employed in the Financial Services Industry teaching individuals/families/businesses how money works and how to get it to work for them. Chair, Health Committee Debra (D. Ann) Roberson, M.C.D.C.C. dannscorpi@aol.com D. Ann Roberson is a proud graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School and former Abraham Lincoln High School Senior Class President - Voted Most Community Service and Who's Who Among High School Seniors. Roberson graduated from SD City College with an A.A. in Black Studies, from SDSU with a B.A. Degree in Africana Studies, and a Masters' Degree in Career Development and Community College. A native of 'America's Finest City" Roberson is a former president of the SDSU African American Alumni Chapter. Roberson has admirably and professionally served in our educational institutions: an 11 year adjunct faculty/professor at San Diego City College, former adjunct faculty Mid-City Center and faculty, San Diego City College for 7 years, Counselor/ Transportation Coordinator, Officer and Board Member for the National Youth Sports Program San Diego City College,: former Adjunct Faculty and general counselor at South Western College; and Adjunct Faculty, at Palomar College.
Member- At- Large Immediate Past President Lei-Chala I. Wilson, Esq. leichala@earthlink.net Lei-Chala I. Wilson graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor in Arts in Economics in 1985 and a Juris Doctor from UC Davis, King Hall in 1989. Wilson has been a criminal defense attorney for over 25 years and was a Deputy Public Defender for 24 years with the Law Offices of the Public Defender, SD County. Wilson is now in private practice. Wilson served 6 years as President of the branch and has been on the Executive Committee since 1998. Wilson currently serves on the State Bar of CA Executive Committee as the Education Chair, on CABL as the Communications Chair and on the Board of the CA Civil Rights Coalition (CCRC). Wilson is a past president of the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association (EBGBA), California Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) and National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) San Diego Section.