Willie Mitchell, Board Chair
Owner, Willie Mitchell Construction
Upon graduation from Tennessee A&I University, Mr. Mitchell was a free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs and played in the Super Bowl twice in his NFL career.  After pro football, he returned to San Antonio and opened his own business -- Willie Mitchell Construction.  Mr. Mitchell sits on a variety of boards that include the United Way Board of Trustees and the San Antonio Water System Board.  He is a recipient of the San Antonio Distinguished Achievement Award and is a mentor for the CADCA (Community Anti-Drugs Coalitions of America) Greenhouse Coalition and the Board of Trustees.

Polly Kirven, Board Secretary
Clinician II Family Service Association
As a clinician for Family Service Association, Ms. Kirven provides counseling for children, adolescents and families with substance abuse issues.  Ms. Kirven received her Bachelor's in Sociology from the University of Arkansas and a Master's in Social Work from the Worden School of Social Service.  She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers; the Southeast Neighborhood Association; and a Professional Tennis Umpire at the following tournaments: U.S. Open, Davis Cup, Federation Cup, Lipton International and other major tournaments.  Ms. Kirven has been instrumental in starting the first Parenting group at Gates Elementary and began the first Parenting groups for the SAISD.  The first pilot program was conducted at Washington Elementary.

Nancy Bohman, Board Treasurer
School Teacher and College Instructor - Retired
Ms. Bohman served as chair of the SAFB board from 1993-1994.  She served on the San Antonio Water Systems Board; was a former member of the University Health Systems Board of Directors; and a former chair of the Martin Luther King Commission.  She is a charter member of the San Antonio Hall of Fame, and a founding member of the local chapter of the United College Negro College Fund.  For her volunteer efforts, she received the Governor's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service in 1996 and received the Martin Luther King Distinguished Achievement Award.

Rev. Ronald Benson
Pastor, Bethany First Baptist Church
Rev. Benson is the founder and Pastor of Bethany First Baptist Church. He holds three Bachelors degrees from St. Mary’s University and a Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s School of Law.  Dr. Benson has been a practicing attorney for more than 30 years and has received numerous awards for his service to the Air Force, including the Civilian Commendation Award for Excellence. He has also sustained superior performances from Headquarters Air Training Command, as well as for community service.

Carol Christian
Manager of the 186th Judicial District Court & Felony Drug Court
Ms. Christian has worked for the Probation Department for the past 29 years.  She is currently assigned to Felony Drug Court and Community Service Restitution.  Ms. Christian received her Masters at Our Lady of the Lake University and her Bachelor’s of Psychology degree at Incarnate Word University.  She has served as President of the Advisory Council for 10 years at the Eastside Boys and Girls Club and currently is on the Finance Committee, Trustee Board and Youth Leader at Calvary Baptist Church.

 Anthony C. Edwards
Vice President Emeritus of Community Programs, CPS Energy - Retired
Through his leadership and tireless efforts Mr. Edwards successfully launched the Student Assistance for Education (SAFE) program to promote higher education for professional careers in the utility industry.  Mr. Edwards worked for CPS Energy for 27 years and is currently on retainer as a consultant with CPS Energy to develop new outreach programs in the community.  He graduated from the University of Texas with a Master of Arts in Environmental Management and earned a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology  from the University of Incarnate Word.  He is an accomplished musician and artist and enjoys volunteering in the community.

Cheryl A. Gines
Clinic Administrator II, The Center for Health Care Services
Ms. Gines, a native of Biloxi, Mississippi, is employed with The Center for Health Care Services, Harvard Place Clinic at Ella Austin Health Center (Outpatient Adult Mental Health), San Antonio, Texas.  She has a Bachelor of General Studies degree with concentration in Education and Psychology from William Carey College, Gulfport, Mississippi.  She is currently pursuing a Master of Art in Health Care Administration at Webster University (Lackland Air Force Base).  Ms. Gines is also a student with University Health Systems Performance Leadership Academy, course work completion through Harvard University School of Business (Washington, DC). She will graduate from both programs in December 2008. Ms. Gines is a member of The San Antonio Fighting Back Board of Directors, and appointed to the budget committee.  She is a member of The Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.

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