CLUB AND PROGRAM DIRECTOR BIOS

BERNAL E. SMITH CLUB

CLUB DIRECTOR, ZACHARY KERR - Zachary is originally from St. Louis, MO and is a graduate of Roosevelt High School. While growing up in St. Louis he was a member of the Boys and Girls Club and after high school Zach played baseball in college, he was drafted in the Major League’s Baseball Draft in 1988 and played four years in the Baltimore Orioles’ system until an injury ended his baseball career. In addition Zach is an ordained minister and has worked with youth for many years in hopes to giving back the opportunities he received while growing up.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, COREY PRYOR - Corey is a native Memphian and a graduate of Westwood High School. He attended Lemoyne Owen College and is the father to four beautiful children. Corey is the Pastor of Powerhouse Ministries and his mission is to help mentor and grow our future successors.

JOHN DUSTIN BUCKMAN CLUB

CLUB DIRECTOR, RON NELSON - Growing up, Ron was a member of the Dixie Boys Club for 11 years under the direction of Bernal Smith. In 2005, he became the Program Director at the John Dustin Buckman Branch. While serving in this capacity, he has instilled positive character and leadership skills and quality programming for over 500 youth.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, AVIS MONSO - Avis Monso is a native Memphian where she graduated from Northside High, The Health Care Institute, and Tennessee State University. She is a certified CNA and has a B.S. in Family Consumer Science with an emphasis in Child Development and Family Relationships. Before serving as Program Director she was a Pre-K Teacher in Georgia and soon returned back to Memphis where she found her way to the Buckman Club. Avis has a strong passion for working with the youth.

IRA SAMELSON JR. CLUB

CLUB DIRECTOR, GWENDOLYN WOODS - Gwendolyn Woods was born and raised in Memphis. Raised by a single mom in the inner city of Memphis after her father passed away from leukemia, she was shaped by her hardship. Her experiences blessed her with several opportunities to work with youth in different organizations and is excited about being a part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, DERRON SANDERS - Derron Sanders was born and raised in Memphis, TN. He is the youngest of four children and the son of a minister. He attended Sheffield High School and continued his education at Rust College receiving his degree in Mass Communications. “Mr. Dee” has worked with youth for the past 6 years in many different areas including the school system & in the community.

Sycamore View Club

CLUB DIRECTOR, PAULA GUYTON - Paula Guyton is a native of Memphis, TN. Paula is an outgoing, dedicated, hardworking young lady who loves working with youth of all ages. She has been a staff member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis since 2001. Paula has worked at four units, all in which she has been promoted. Paula believes in “Inspiring Youth to BE GREAT!”

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, AKUMDI OKWUNBUA “IFE”- Ifeakumdin’chi (My Wealth Is In The Lord) was raised in Memphis, TN. Ife is a creative and an outgoing individual who loves to engage in fashion design, sports, and fine arts. He has mentored and worked with inner city youth since his early teenage years and has been a staff member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis since 2006.

Porter Goodwill Club

CLUB DIRECTOR, ELDRIDGE “ANTOINE” WALKER - Antoine is a native of West Point, Mississippi and a graduate of Mississippi State University. He has 13 years of non-profit management/youth development experience with as well as is a licensed & certified insurance broker. Antoine has a true passion for helping people, especially youth, as he believes it is his calling from God. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, reading, playing basketball and spending time with his son, Ethan.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, DEBORAH MASON - Deborah Mason is from the great city of Chicago and came to Memphis in 1989. She has worked in several industries but none have been as fulfilling as the Boys & Girls Clubs. She started with BGCM in 2010 at the Sycamore View Club as the front desk clerk and had the opportunity to interact with youth of all ages. This past November she became the Program Director at the Porter Goodwill Club. Deborah believes youth are our future and every opportunity to assist young people is always a plus.