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Carla Johnson – Executive Director, Community Leader, and Youth Advocate

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Carla Johnson is a dynamic leader and committed advocate for young people. She is devoted to fostering positive,  proactive community engagement and creating pathways for both personal and professional growth within all those she works with. 

As the Executive Director of Southcentral PA Sickle Cell, Carla leads with a strategic vision and a deep commitment to addressing health disparities; relative to the core mission of the organization. In this role, she focuses on advancing education, building support, and securing necessary resources for individuals and families impacted by sickle cell disease.

Carla is also the founder of Blessed 2 Give Inc. (B2G), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth in the City of Harrisburg. Under her leadership, B2G has launched transformative initiatives such as but not limited to: Project H.U.S.T.L.E. (Helping Urban Students Through Entrepreneurship) and facilitated countless events and after-school programs

Her strong connection to the community was further pronounced through her work as a Family Engagement Specialist at Rowland Academy. There she strengthens partnerships between schools, families, and the broader community. Carla has also been asked to serve with peers to ensure communities are properly served as a member of MLK 365 of HBG, the Mayor’s Equity Roundtable, The Rotary Club of Harrisburg and the NAACP of Greater Harrisburg. She continues to serve on the HBGSD Family and Community Advisory Committee, amplifying her impact on the region.

Carla’s innovative programs include hosting youth flea markets (for entrepreneurial enlightenment), organizing mentorship opportunities, establishing a safe home for youth aging out of foster care, and leading vision board workshops for at-risk youth. These efforts are a testament to her dedication to reducing violence, fostering stability within communities and providing young people with positive, structured activities.

Known for her ability to unite community leaders, parents, and organizations, Carla has built a reputation as a collaborator and effective advocate. Her unwavering commitment to youth and families inspires meaningful change and uplifts the Harrisburg Region in totality. 

 

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Glenn Williams, III
Board President

​Mr. Williams retired from the Commonwealth of PA in 2018 with over 28 years of service.  He served as director for the Bureau of Administrative Services within the Department of Human Services in the Office of Administration for twelve years.  Prior to that position, he served as the director for the Bureau of Contracts and Public Records for eight years in the PA Treasury Department.  In addition, he served as the director for the Bureau of Public Assistance Audits in the PA Auditor General’s Office for over seven years.  Glenn’s service with the Commonwealth included extensive administrative, audit and professional staffing operations. 

Vincent J. Hill, Sr. 
Board Vice President

Vincent J. Hill, a seasoned professional with over 30 years in the investment management industry, has expertly balanced roles in client development, leadership coaching, and risk management. A proud holder of the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation from the College for Financial Planning, Vincent has passed rigorous examinations and met strict experience requirements. He currently serves as a FINRA Arbitrator. Vincent's commitment to community service is evident through his past board affiliations with organizations like the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation and the Reading Public Museum. He actively supports Dayspring Ministries in Middletown, PA, and advises the nonprofit Blessed 2 Give, which works to enhance youth opportunities in and around Harrisburg. A dedicated member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Harrisburg Chapter, Vincent embodies the fraternity's values in his professional and community activities.

Dr. Gwendolyn Poles
Board Member Emeritus

Dr. Gwendolyn Poles is a retired physician, board certified in Internal Medicine, who served as Medical Director at Hamilton Health Center and Kline Health Center, Pinnacle Health System. She was Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine and Drexel University College of Medicine from which she received the Dean’s Special Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching and the Golden Apple Award.
She led health care quality improvement initiatives and provided guidance in policy making decisions for PA’s Medical Assistance Program where she was the Medical Director of the Office of Medical Assistance Programs.

Jacqueline Felton
Board Secretary

Jacqueline Felton is an accomplished administrative professional with a wealth of experience in providing invaluable support to executive management and team members. With a career marked by dedication and a commitment to excellence, Jacqueline has honed her skills in office management, scheduling, and record-keeping to perfection. Throughout her career, Jacqueline has demonstrated a knack for maintaining precise schedules, efficient filing systems, and seamless office operations. Her attention to detail and organizational prowess make her an indispensable asset to any team she joins.  As a seasoned administrative professional with a proven track record of success in providing comprehensive support to executive management and employees alike, her skills, experience, and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the South Central PA  Sickle Cell Council.

Dr. Gayle Smink
Board Member 

Dr. Smink is a pediatric hematology and oncology physician at Penn State Health where she is the director of the pediatric sickle cell program.

 

Dr. Smink received her bachelors of science from Geneva College and then went to Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. She completed her pediatrics training at Wake Forest and hematology and oncology training at Washington University/St. Louis Children's Hospital. She has been a physician with Penn State since 2015 where she focuses on the care of individuals living with sickle cell disease.

Dr. Herman Lawson, Jr.
Board Member

Dr. Herman Lawson is a board-certified physician in family medicine. He is semi retired physician. He is a Harrisburg native and a graduate of Lincoln University. He taught school in the Harrisburg school district for several years before entering medical school. He is a graduate of Penn State university medical school. His residency training was in family medicine. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburg medical school‘s  residency program at the McKee sport Hospital in McKeesport Pennsylvania. He was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society for several years. He currently is the Medical Director of the Harrisburg school district.

Judge Royce L. Morris, 
Board Member

With over a quarter-century of legal and civic service, Royce Morris ascended to the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas bench in 2018. Starting his career in 1991 at the Dauphin County Public Defender's office, he climbed the ranks to Chief Deputy before joining Goldberg Katzman law firm in 1999, becoming a partner in 2002. Specializing in criminal law, he has represented both individuals and corporations, often tackling complex and sensitive cases. An educator at heart, Morris has taught at Harrisburg Area Community College and currently lectures at Penn State. He's also Jurist in Residence at Widener University. Recognized as a "Pennsylvania Super Lawyer," Morris holds the highest peer rating from Martindale Hubbell. A Temple University and University of Maryland alumnus, he has also trained at the National Criminal Defense College. Currently, he oversees family, juvenile, and orphans court, in addition to handling criminal trials.

George Chandler
Board Member

George Chandler an Air Force Academy graduate that dedicated years to military service, emerged as a seasoned veteran with a Master's degree in Applied Statistics from the University of Northern Colorado. Over the course of his 20-year career in healthcare, he has skillfully managed multi-state  sales teams, working for industry powerhouses like Eli Lilly and CVS. Notably, George played a key role in the 2021 launch of CVS's specialized Sickle Cell Division, underscoring his commitment to healthcare advocacy. Expanding his reach in 2022, he cofounded a podcast and online community aimed at encouraging healthy aging through balanced nutrition and an active lifestyle. As a devoted husband and father, George's impactful career has not only spanned thousands of miles but has also positively influenced countless lives across the nation.

Jeff Dorenstat
Board Member

Meet Jeffery, an extraordinarily accomplished individual who has mastered the art of connection and relating to people from all walks of life. With over a decade of experience in sales, he has honed his skills in coaching and motivation, empowering high performers to reach their full potential. Jeffery's expertise extends to working with government contracts at the city, state, and federal levels. He plays a pivotal role in helping companies grow their business revenues and expand their reach by identifying their needs and providing innovative solutions.

 

As a Funding Consultant, Jeffery possesses a unique talent for understanding the funding requirements of both personal and business ventures. He employs his creativity and vast knowledge of financial products to find innovative and alternative solutions for residential deals, commercial transactions, special projects, and startups.

 

However, what truly sets Jeffery apart is his profound understanding of people. He is a champion of the people, capable of rallying teams, forging strong networks, and facilitating successful outcomes. Jeffery's remarkable skill in assembling diverse teams for various projects showcases his ability to balance multiple endeavors and deliver exceptional results. His unparalleled talent for forging connections and brokering deals is unmatched.

 

Furthermore, Jeffery serves as a business recruiter, leveraging his extensive network to identify and attract top talent for companies. He excels in facilitating mergers and acquisitions, bringing together businesses and guiding them through the complex process with finesse and expertise.

dedicated years to military service, emerged as a seasoned veteran with a Master's degree in Applied Statistics from the University of Northern Colorado. Over the course of his 20-year career in healthcare, he has skillfully managed multi-state  sales teams, working for industry powerhouses like Eli Lilly and CVS. Notably, George played a key role in the 2021 launch of CVS's specialized Sickle Cell Division, underscoring his commitment to healthcare advocacy. Expanding his reach in 2022, he cofounded a podcast and online community aimed at encouraging healthy aging through balanced nutrition and an active lifestyle. As a devoted husband and father, George's impactful career has not only spanned thousands of miles but has also positively influenced countless lives across the nation.

Phoenix Williams 
Treasurer

Deputy Chief Risk Officer at PHEAA

Joyce Flemming
Board Member

Joyce Fleming, B.S., has spent almost 30 years dedicated to working with clinicians and other healthcare professionals to provide optimal medical therapies and testing to their patients. Joyce has worked in sales, marketing, training and business development departments with unique expertise in consulting, education and product launches. She has participated on teams and/or directed successful first in class launches at leading pharmaceutical companies such as, Johnson and Johnson and Biogen, as well as, at innovative diagnostic testing companies, such as, Genomic Health and GeneDx. Although Joyce has concentrated most of her study and expertise in hematology and oncology, she has also worked closely with clinicians in the neurology, cardiology, nephrology, gastrointestinal, genetics and pain management communities from the east to west coast. With the development of target therapies in the pharmaceutical industry to the rise of companion diagnostics and next generation sequencing testing, Joyce has worked on the cutting edge of bringing the best medical treatments available to patients in need. 

Leah Holmes
Board Member

Leah Holmes has over 15 years of experience and knowledge within behavioral healthcare. Leah manages the hospital admissions operations at Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital and is committed to increasing access to care for those in need. Leah received her B.A. in Psychology at the University of Miami, and her M.A. in Forensic Psychology at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She is currently enrolled in a M.B.A. program through Widener University. Leah is passionate about serving others and places a strong emphasis on community health. Additionally, Leah serves as the Fundraising Chair for another local nonprofit organization, and is an accomplished violinist and Suzuki strings instructor. 

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