Dr. Jonita Reynolds ............................................ Gulf Coast Community Services Association Inc

Dr. Jonita Reynolds

COMMUNITY HERO 2013

Dr. Jonita Reynolds affectionately called, Dr.J, is a native Houstonian, and notable leader in the community. Upon graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Houston in 1992, she began working for the Houston Independent School District as an English teacher at Sterling High School. In 1994, she was promoted to Magnet Coordinator at Sterling Aviation Sciences. During that time, she earned a Masters in Administration and Supervision. In 2002, she was promoted to Director of Strategic Management and Quality Improvement for HISD, where she and her team worked on projects at the request of the Superintendent of Schools. In 2004, she earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Cultural Studies from the University of Houston. Since December 2004, Dr.J has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Gulf Coast Community Services Association, Inc. (GCCSA), the largest Community Action Agency in the state of Texas. With an annual budget of $20 million, 300 fulltime employees, and a host of community partners, GCCSA has facilitated the economic independence of Harris County’s most vulnerable populations as the overseer of over $1 million in supportive programs. Although a CEO’s responsibilities are demanding, Dr.J is also Vice Chair of the City of Houston’s Department of Health & Human Services’ Foundation; and 1st Vice President of the Texas Association of Community Action Agencies Executive Board. She is an American Leadership Forum Fellow, and a member of the Legislative Ladies Club, NAACP, Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., Missouri City Links, Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. This former Ms. Black World Houston Pageant Winner has received numerous honors, including the American Red Cross’ Distinguished Humanitarian Award; YMCA’s Minority Achievement Award; Rolling Out Magazine’s Inaugural Group of Houston’s 25 Most Influential Women; Extraordinary Events’ Mother of the Year Award; Texas Black Expo’s Outstanding Mentor of the Year Award; The Association of Black Social Workers’ Outstanding Community Service Award; Houston Style Magazine’s Top 5 Most Stylish Community Leaders in Houston; Top Ladies of Distinction’s Healing Hand of Houston Award; Holman Street Baptist Church’s Legacy & Leadership Award; featured in the Inaugural Edition of Who’s Who in Black Houston as one of Houston’s Most Influential African Americans; and named by d-mars Magazine as One of Houston’s Top Women “In it to Win It.” Jonita is the wife of State Representative Ron Reynolds, Esq. Together, they are members of The Church Without Walls, and parents of Lacey (9 years old) and their 20 months-old twins, Reagan and Ron Reynolds, III. Dr.J firmly believes that we are spiritual beings, sharing this human experience; therefore, as long as she has breath, she vows, to be deeply rooted, ever-growing, and forever serving.

Dr. Jonita Reynolds Chief Executive Officer

Gulf Coast Community Services Association, Inc. 9320 Kirby Drive Houston, Texas 77054 (Office) 713.393.4789