executive directors

Ray Herring is the current Regional Director of Athletics Development at the University of Notre Dame. Over his career there, he has raised over $125M to support different initiatives, capital projects, and endowments for the University. Herring is in the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame and is a Melbourne, FL native who attended Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy. 

At Holy Trinity, he accomplished being a four time all-state football player, and received a full scholarship to play for the Fighting Irish in South Bend. He has two undergraduate degrees from Notre Dame - computer applications programming & sociology, and an MBA in management from Florida Institute of Technology. He is also a graduate of the prestigious Sports Management Institute executive program.

In 2010, Herring was the first hired to help build Brevard County's new college football team - Florida Tech Football, and was the Defensive Backs/Recruiting Coordinator for three years before becoming a college athletic administrator.

Herring has always wanted to give back to the Brevard County community in an even better way, and that is how the 321Empowerment Inc. organization came to fruition. His goal is to simply work with the best and brightest leaders in Brevard County to help create purpose and a clear vision for our youth.

Hurlie Brown is a graduate of the University of Miami with a degree in Business Administration, and also attended Merritt Island High School. He played professionally for the Washington Redskins and San Francisco 49ers before transitioning to the CFL. Brown has a tremendous amount of experience leading the youth in his high school and college coaching careers. As the current Head Football coach at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Brown comes with over 25 years of coaching experience on the gridiron. His tremendous experiences have helped him be recognized as Brevard County Coach of the Year in 2022, Cape Coast Conference Coach of the Year in 2021, Dairy Farmers Class 5A Coach of the Year in 2021, and Brevard Sports Network Coach of the Year in 2021. 

As a college coach and player, Brown coached in the National Championship (1992 Miami vs Alabama) and won two National Championships as a player (1989 & 1991 - U. of Miami). He has coaching stops at Lafayette Louisiana (2006-2010), Florida International University (1999-2006), and back at his alma mater the University of Miami (2010- 2015).

Dr. Jannette Connor is the Principal of Space Coast Junior Senior High, where she proudly serves the communities of Cocoa and Port Saint John. A Brevard County native, Dr. Connor, was born and raised in Melbourne, Florida, and is a proud graduate of Eau Gallie High School. She has dedicated the past 15 years to Brevard Public Schools, serving students and families across the district with a deep commitment to educational excellence and community engagement.

Dr. Connor earned her bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Business from Florida State University. Following graduation, she relocated to Manhattan, New York, where she worked in the fashion industry with Seventeen Magazine. While professionally successful, she ultimately felt called to return home and pursue her lifelong passion for education and giving back to the community that helped shape her. She earned a master’s degree in School Counseling from Nova Southeastern University and most recently completed her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida.

Throughout her career with Brevard Public Schools, Dr. Connor has served students from the southern to the northern regions of the county. She began her teaching and school counseling career at her alma mater, Eau Gallie High School, and later served at Palm Bay Magnet High School. Her leadership roles include Testing Coordinator at Cocoa High School, Assistant Principal of Discipline at Satellite High School, and Assistant Principal of Curriculum at Titusville High School. 

As an educational leader with a strong background in curriculum, she has guided countless students to earn their high school diplomas and pursue meaningful postsecondary pathways, including college, trade school, the military, or the workforce. Dr. Connor places a strong emphasis on academics, student involvement, and extracurricular opportunities, firmly believing that students set themselves up for success and open doors for life after high school when participating in a sport or club. As the first female board member, Dr. Connor is honored to represent and advance empowerment within the 321 community.

Debbie Thomas has been the Senior Director of Business Development for WELBRO Building Corporation since 2020, and is responsible for overseeing all business development initiatives while enhancing the company’s involvement and reputation in communities across Central Florida. Under Mrs. Thomas’ leadership, the company has grown their presence in the Central Florida region and throughout Florida.

Prior to coming to WELBRO, Mrs. Thomas’s professional background includes working with the United Way, expanding corporate philanthropic support across the Space Coast.  In addition, Mrs. Thomas worked as a Teacher for Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy and as a licensed Paramedic for Harbor City Ambulance Service.

From 2014 to 2022, Mrs. Thomas served as an elected official and Vice Mayor for the City of Melbourne and served as a board member for the Airport Authority for the Melbourne-Orlando International Airport. While serving as an elected official, Mrs. Thomas played an instrumental road in ensuring that the city had key infrastructure improvements that positioned the city for future growth.

Most recently, Mrs. Thomas serves the community through membership on the Board of Directors for the Economic Development Commission (EDC), the Habitat for Humanity, the Board of Governance for the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce, Executive board member of the Melbourne Chamber,  Executive board member for the Osceola Chamber, board member for the Osceola Foundation, and a Campaign Cabinet board member for the United Way. Additionally, Mrs. Thomas acts as WELBRO’s company representative actively participating in the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Space Coast Home Builders and Contractors Association, the Associated Builders and Contractors Association, National Space Club of Florida, Propeller Club at Port Canaveral, Florida Tech We Venture and as a Brevard County Planning and Zoning Board Member.

Dr. Rosy Collins is an accomplished educational psychologist and higher education leader with more than two decades of experience in teaching, research, clinical practice and community service. She earned her Ph.D.  in Education with a concentration in Educational Psychology from The  Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and has held  faculty appointments at institutions including the Florida Institute of  Technology, Long Island University (C.W. Post Campus), Metropolitan  State College of Denver, New York University, and Hunter College  (New York City). Her academic expertise spans educational psychology, adolescent development, classroom management, social-emotional  learning, and research methodology. In addition to her university  teaching, Dr. Collins has consulted internationally, including teacher and  family support with the American International School of Budapest, and has presented at national and regional conferences on school reform, teacher development, and educational practice. 

Dr. Collins also brings meaningful governance and accounting  experience to board service. She served as Co-President (2021–2024)  and Treasurer (2017–2021) of the Holy Trinity Athletic Boosters Board  in Melbourne, Florida, providing strategic leadership, financial  oversight, and organizational stewardship. Earlier in her career, she  served on the Sewell Board of Directors in Denver, Colorado. A former  Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Guam), Dr. Collins combines  clinical insight with academic rigor and collaborative leadership. Her  career reflects a deep commitment to strengthening educational  institutions, supporting families and communities, and advancing  thoughtful, data-informed decision-making at the board level. 

Dr. Collins deeply understands that sustained success in competitive environments  depends not only on talent and work ethic, but also on strong support systems, healthy identity development, and proactive mental health practices. She is committed to fostering cultures that prioritize holistic development—where  achievement in sports is strengthened, not compromised, by  individualized academic excellence, psychological resilience and  community and family support. 

Dawn Bradford is an accomplished professional and dedicated community advocate with more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry. A native of Dayton, Ohio, she earned her B.A. in Mass Communication from Wright State University before beginning her career with Smith Barney in 2000. After relocating to Brevard County in 2008, she continued to expand her expertise across investment, brokerage, and banking services. Since 2023, she has served as the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer of Space Coast Credit Union.

Ms. Bradford has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to community service and nonprofit leadership. Since 2012, she has actively supported numerous organizations throughout Brevard County. She is a founding member of Space Coast Brigade of Hope, where she serves on the Board of Directors and holds the position of Treasurer.

Guided by core values of loyalty, equality, and compassion, Ms. Bradford is dedicated to empowering individuals, particularly young women and student‑athletes, to recognize their potential and pursue personal and academic excellence. Her work reflects a deep belief in supporting others not only in times of need but also in their journey toward confidence, growth, and long‑term success. 

Matt Williams is the Managing Principal and majority owner of Matthew Development, a full-service commercial real estate investment firm based in Melbourne, FL. Developing over $100 million worth of real estate across Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, Matt brings both strategic vision and hands-on leadership to every project.

Born and raised in Melbourne, FL, Matt attended Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, where he was the first quarterback of the school’s newly formed football team. He continued his academic and athletic journey at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, playing varsity football, participating in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and earning induction into the Mortar Board honor society.

Beyond his professional work, Matt is deeply invested in his community. He serves on the Board of Neighbor Up Brevard and the Greater Melbourne Chamber of Commerce, and is an Ambassador at Rock Harbor Church. Matt’s commitment to both his business and his community reflects his passion for fostering growth—whether through commercial development or by giving back to the people and places in Brevard County.

Alex Goins is a District 1 Councilman for the City of Cocoa, and has been employed by ABC Land Clearing and Development for 21 years, where he is currently the construction manager. He is a graduate of Rockledge High School and Bethune Cookman University in Business Administration, where he was a  4 year football scholarship defensive back. 

He has been a member of the City of Cocoa Board of Adjustment, the Tourism Development Council of Brevard, the Brevard County Youth Football and Cheerleading board , the NAACP, and is currently the business manager for Mid Florida Football and Cheer, and the Cocoa City Council. 

Goins has won the 2016 living legends award, 2017 Legacy award, 2023 Angel of Hope Award (TLOD) , 2023 National association of Social workers Florida Chapter Elected official of the year , and the 2023 Brevard county black History Hero award. 

Anthony Smith is a Christ follower and prioritizes faith, family, and community in his life. In addition to his professional and family commitments, Anthony has been deeply involved in youth sports, volunteering his time with Viera Youth Football, Holy Trinity JV and Varsity Football, Viera Community Basketball, and Palm Bay Youth Basketball.

He is an accomplished software engineer, research scientist, and educator with over two decades of professional experience. He was employed at L3 Harris as a software engineer and research scientist before transitioning to academia, where he serves as an Associate Professor in Computer Engineering at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT).

Kenny Johnson graduated from Bayside High School and went on to play collegiate football on a full athletic scholarship at Charleston Southern University. While there he earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Upon an early graduation, he returned home to Brevard County where he worked as a juvenile case manager, juvenile detention officer, teacher, coach, mentor, and personal trainer. In 2016, he started his own business called Top Notch Training of Brevard, Inc., whose mission has been to provide area residents access to affordable and effective health and wellness plans, so they may exceed their fitness goals through education, nutrition, and safe action.

Since 2013, Kenny has been dedicating his time and efforts to mentor and educate the youth of our community through self-organized mentor programs at schools, his place of business, and other community events. One of his first acts as a councilman was creating a Youth Advisory Board for high school students to have a platform to share their ideas and perspectives on how to continue improving our city. He also established Palm Bay’s Annual Black History Event; a Business Assistance Web Page to teach potential business owners everything they would need to start a business in their community; Palm Bay’s Inaugural Veteran’s Day Parade; and a Civil Citation Program to provide law enforcement additional tools to address the possession of misdemeanor crimes. He is also currently working with organizations on addressing homelessness, the opioid epidemic, and affordable housing. Kenny understands what’s important and that's co creating a community of prosperity.

Anthony “Mitch” Mitchell is Owner/CEO of “Mitchell Athletics Training Systems” with 30 years of coaching, training, and development of current and former collegiate, high school, and youth athletes in North Brevard County. 

Mitchell is a Titusville High graduate and proud University of Michigan alum. At Titusville, Mitchell was a 2-time State Champion at QB (1982 and 83), where his #15 jersey is retired. He was also a 1st Team All-State in 1983 and 1984, and was honored as being a 1st Team All-USA All-American 84’. In 2018, he was inducted into the Space Coast Hall of Fame Inductee 2018 (Football). 

While attending University of Michigan, Ann Arbor as a 4-year scholarship recipient in football, he earned a B.A. degree in Sport Management and Kinesiology, and played in 2 Rose Bowls, Fiesta Bowl, and Outback Bowl. His personal goals are to continue giving back to his community, and the youth by touching as many lives as possible in a positive way. 

Michael Williams graduated from the University of Florida. Although he graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering and continued on to become a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Florida, he pursued a career in Construction. In 1987, Mike decided to start his own construction company, M. H. Williams Construction, Inc.

As hard as Mike has worked on his career, he is also deeply committed to giving back to the community. He has served on many boards including Young Life, Melbourne Police Athletic League, Exec Board of United Way, Exec Board of the Economic Development Commission of the Space Coast, Home Builders and Contractors Assn of Brevard, Board of Overseers member of the Florida Institute of Technology College of Business, Brevard County Building Construction Advisory Committee – still serving, Associated Builders and Contractors Association, and the Rock Harbor Church Leadership Team. 

Mike was also one of the founding Members of the Construction Industry Advisory Board that was formed to initiate a B. S. of Construction Management Degree at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT).

A few of his local Brevard County awards are the Melbourne-Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year award for 1995, Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame Laureate 2006, 2007 Business of the Year – Florida Today – Volunteer Recognition Awards, Economic Development Commission of the Space Coast Volunteer of the Year 2011, Founders Forum Entrepreneur of the Year for 2012, and the Home Builders and Contractors Hall of Fame 2022 inductee.

Loretta Adelakun, an accountant and finance manager with over 33 years experience in the non-profit sector arena, was born and raised in Georgetown, Ga. Loretta graduated from Georgia Southwestern College in Americus, Ga. with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration and a minor in Marketing. 

Loretta later moved to Brevard County, Florida in 1983 and worked for Harris Semiconductor as a Quality Assurance Manager. Throughout her career, Loretta has been instrumental in helping churches as well as non-profits obtain their corporate as well as their 501(c) 3 certifications. Currently she works as an Accountant /Payroll Manager for Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, is a Income Tax professional, and is the Finance Manager for 321Empowerment.

Loretta holds a Mortgage Originator License as well as a Florida Real Estate License, while also offering many seminars on budgeting and simplifying your finances for the Brevard County Community.

Kiera Walker is a Mass Communication–Public Relations student at Louisiana State University with a strong background in marketing, communications, and brand storytelling across sports and media environments. She has gained hands-on experience supporting digital content creation, event coordination, and strategic communications initiatives through roles with LSU Athletics, the Manship School of Mass Communication, and major sporting events including the College Football Playoff and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. 

As the founder and creative director of MediaByKion, Kiera has built and managed a global media brand specializing in photography, videography, and innovative visual storytelling, successfully cultivating client relationships and audience engagement. Her experience also includes producing podcast content during Super Bowl Weekend with the Revolt Podcast Network, where she collaborated with executives and talent to deliver polished, high-impact media. With strengths in content strategy, leadership, and creative problem-solving, Kiera brings a dynamic and results-driven approach to her role as a Marketing Intern.