MEET OUR TEAM
Our Board of Directors are committed to the mission and future of Gulfside. They are diverse and ecumenical with many committed because they have had the “Gulfside Experience.”
Board of Directors & Staff
Our Leadership
Cheryl Thompson
Executive Director
Rev. Dr. Elijah Stansell
Board President
Althea Belton, Missionary
Staff
Board Members
Rev. Dr. Elijah Stansell, President
Rev. Dr. Vincent Harris, Vice Chair
Vera Thomas, Vice Chair
Ora Franklin, Secretary
Rev. Lindsey Robinson, Treasurer
Bishop Sharma D. Lewis Logan
Eva Baham, PhD
David Beckley, PhD
Rev. Eugene Boger
Sasha Franklin
Jasmine Haynes
Brandy Huderson, PhD
Candance Payne-Johnson
Evelyn Parker, PhD
Rene Perry
Carolyn Richardson
Nina Ray Scott
Cory Sparks, PhD
Alice Jackson Wright, Esq
Why We Serve
As board members of Gulfside Assembly we are committed to preserving and sharing the history of Gulfside, supporting its ministries, and programs. The diversity of our board helps us to develop relationships and partnerships that enable us to better serve the community. We are determined to secure the future of Gulfside as one of the few African American Chautauqua’s remaining in the United States.
For Future Generations
Gulfside's programs helped shape me into the person I am today. I want to ensure other children and youth get the opportunity to experience the advocacy work of Gulfside on their behalf. I serve to strengthen Gulfside programs for the next generation.
- Ora Franklin
Honoring the Past
Gulfside is more than a bastion of education, and social justice, it is a part of my childhood. Serving on the board allows me to honor my family and the memories made here and to support an organization deeply rooted in history and change making in the community.
- Brandy Huderson, PhD
Contributions & Commitment
“Gulfside is a major supportive United Methodist Church organization serving all ages and races in the state of Mississippi and beyond. I continue to serve based on the contributions and commitment of Gulfside to advocate for the underserved”.
- David Beckley, Ph.D.
Continuing a Legacy
Many are called. Few are chosen. I was chosen. The board that works to preserve the legacy of Gulfside Assembly asked me to serve as a board member. I was honored. Gulfside has been an integral part of my history. I am the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Douglas M. (Carrie) Ray. During their lives they worked very hard to promote and preserve the values and activities of Gulfside Assembly. I serve to continue their legacy. I also serve because as I grew up I attended youth activities from church, and with the 4-H Club each summer that helped me to develop into an adult with integrity and great spiritual depth. My passion for Gulfside continues. I serve to ensure that people, especially young people, can benefit from the programs that were so important to my development and my life. I am proud to serve as a board member and as a servant of God.