Chair
Chris began his career with the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice and established a reputation for taking on and winning complex, difficult cases in jurisdictions across the nation. Chris investigated and successfully prosecuted law enforcement officers who violated people’s Constitutional rights, as well as individuals who committed hate crimes and human trafficking offenses.
Following his tenure with the Department of Justice, Chris clerked for Chief Judge Carl E. Stewart of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Chris then worked at the law firm Jones Day where he represented Fortune 500 corporations in high stakes complex litigation and white-collar investigations.
He is now the Managing Attorney at Lomax Legal, a South Florida-based law firm dedicated to solving problems and securing justice on behalf of its clients. In addition to his full-time legal practice, Chris serves on the teaching faculty for Harvard Law School’s Trial Advocacy Workshop and as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami School of Law. As board member for several non-profit organizations, including Touching Miami with Love and Locust Projects, Chris leads very successful fundraising projects raising over one million dollars.
Vice Chair
David Williams, Jr. is a seasoned scientist with over 33 years in the pharmaceutical industry and has been a Miami Gardens resident for more than 35 years. After retiring early, he devoted himself to his passions for early learning, family, and environmental advocacy. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Health from Florida A&M University and advanced certifications in various medical and health fields from institutions such as Duke University and the University of Miami.
Throughout his career, David has earned numerous awards and served in influential roles, including Chairman of several boards and committees. As a Miami Gardens City Council member for 12 years, he spearheaded initiatives such as the city’s first fruit-based botanical garden, an annual science and engineering fair, and a farmer’s market. His efforts have left a lasting impact on his community through educational programs, health promotion, and environmental projects.
Treasurer
Terri Smith is a seasoned finance professional with a solid educational background, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting from the University of Houston (2008) and an MBA from UT Tyler (2014). With over 16 years of experience, she has cultivated a diverse skill set, including credit analysis, financial planning and analysis, reporting, and economic forecasting. Since 2014, she has been with ConocoPhillips, excelling in various analytical and supervisory roles.
Board Member
LaTéssa Dotson Hall is a servant leader by DNA and a proven corporate Certified Meeting Professional and Project Manager by profession. Major Dotson Hall is a proud Air Force veteran.
As Executive Director of the Richard P. Hall Eagles Foundation, Inc., LaTéssa purposes to make an indelible mark by inspiring youth in underrepresented communities to soar in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) through annual aviation expos, medical career awareness, and undergraduate scholarships.
LaTéssa serves the community through the North Broward County (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and the South Broward Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is an active member of the Orange Bowl Committee and serves on the Executive Committee of the Florida International University (FIU) Foundation Board of Directors, and the Dean’s Advisory Board for the FIU Herbert Wertheim School of Medicine.
Co-Founder
Derek Negron, a Miami native and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) product, has dedicated his career to advancing education. After earning degrees from the University of Miami, Barry University, and Nova Southeastern University, he began his teaching career at Barbara Hawkins Elementary School in 2005. Excelling as a math teacher, he became a Mathematics Instructional Coach, leading the school’s math department to top 3% statewide recognition in student achievement. His leadership skills were further recognized when he was selected for the Florida Turnaround Leaders Program in 2013.
As an Assistant Principal, Negron spearheaded turnaround efforts at Barbara Hawkins and Carol City Middle School, significantly improving their state grades. His contributions were acknowledged in 2018 when he was named M-DCPS Assistant Principal of the Year. Currently, as Administrative Director, Negron oversees thirty-six of the district’s most fragile schools, all of which improved their state accountability grades under his leadership. His commitment to academic, social, and emotional success for every student underscores his dedication to educational excellence.
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