2022 Board of Directors
Dr. Connie S. Cooper, Board President
Dr. Connie S. Cooper has a passion for working with families and children and has continued to do so after retirement. Connie holds a Bachelor of Arts from Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, a Master’s of Social Work from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Over thirty years of employment afforded her the opportunity to work in several positions in social work and education. She spent the majority of her career working for the Savannah Chatham County Public School System, first as a School Social Worker and later as an Administrator for Special Projects and Alternative Programs. She spearheaded the organization of the Teen-Age Parenthood Program and served as the district’s first Director. After twenty years with the Board of Education, she joined the Department of Juvenile Justice as the Educational Leader of the Chatham County schools.
Anne Marie Darsney, 1st Vice President
Anne Marie Darsney has a background of working with and supporting young children and families. She was born and raised in Massachusetts where she married and raised her two children. Her undergraduate and graduate degrees were obtained from Wheelock College in Boston. She spent many years working for a nonprofit organization in Vermont focusing on early intervention services for children and educational and social supports for parents. She developed and expanded services related to the Federal Part C Early Intervention program and other home visiting programs. She provided coordination and leadership for a regional initiative to promote early childhood social-emotional health. She worked closely with childcare programs to establish curriculum that promotes resiliency. Since moving to Savannah, Anne Marie has volunteered her time at local non-profits and is a current member of the Skidaway Kiwanis. She has been on the board since August 2018. She is excited to be a part of an organization that has such a long history of providing services to the children and families of Savannah and is looking forward to contributing to Greenbriar’s future growth.
Dr. Clemontine Washington, 2nd Vice President
Dr. Clemontine Washington was born and raised in Midway, Georgia. She earned an Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University, an Ed.S. from Georgia Southern University, a master’s degree from the University of Iowa, and a bachelor’s degree from Savannah State University. She retired from a long and successful career as a public-school teacher and administrator. Dr. Washington has served on Greenbriar’s board for 20 years and volunteers on the United Way of the Coastal Empire-Liberty County advisory board, at the Dorchester Improvement Association, Inc, in Midway and at Savannah State. Dr. Washington loves serving on Greenbriar’s Board of Directors because it affords her the opportunity me to use her skills and talents in a multiplicity of ways to make a difference in the lives of the children who will be tomorrow’s leaders.
Juanita Adams
Mrs. Adams has been on the board of Greenbriar Children’s Center for over 8 years. She is known throughout the Savannah area and Chatham County Low Country as a motivational and inspirational speaker. A product of the local public schools, she is a 1965 honor graduate of Sol C. Johnson High School, received her B.A. degree with honors in English from Savannah State College (now Savannah State University), and later completed graduate studies at Atlanta University, now Clark Atlanta University.
She retired from Savannah State in 2005 after 36 years as an Assistant Professor, Director of Public Relations and Coordinator of Freshman Year Experience. She remained retired for all of three months before returning as a part-time on-line professor.
In addition to her work on the Board of Greenbriar, she is devoted to the local community where she served two terms as a Commissioner with the City of Savannah’s Cultural Affairs Commission; sits on the Board of Directors of the King-Tisdale Foundation; is Vice President of the Savannah Delta Foundation; President of the Mandingo Socio-Civic Club and a member and Past President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Savannah Chapter. She is also the Youth Talent Coordinator of the Savannah Black Heritage Festival, and a member of Savannah Branch of the NAACP.
Dr. Connie S. Cooper has a passion for working with families and children and has continued to do so after retirement. Connie holds a Bachelor of Arts from Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, a Master’s of Social Work from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Over thirty years of employment afforded her the opportunity to work in several positions in social work and education. She spent the majority of her career working for the Savannah Chatham County Public School System, first as a School Social Worker and later as an Administrator for Special Projects and Alternative Programs. She spearheaded the organization of the Teen-Age Parenthood Program and served as the district’s first Director. After twenty years with the Board of Education, she joined the Department of Juvenile Justice as the Educational Leader of the Chatham County schools.
Dick DeWilde
Since graduating from Harvard College and the University of Virginia Law School, Dick (and his family) have lived and worked in a number of US and overseas locations, including New York City, France, Connecticut, the San Francisco Bay Area and, for the past 8 years, Savannah Georgia. Most of his professional career has been spent at Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson and several start-up companies in Silicon Valley, serving in both marketing and general management roles.
Dick has been involved in a number of volunteer activities, and since moving to Savannah in 2012 his primary involvement has been as a member of the Greenbriar Board. He strongly believes that the best way to bring positive change to our society is to focus on our children, especially by investing in early childhood education and related family services that provide a safe and nurturing environment for our children. Which is why Dick believes so strongly in the Mission of Greenbriar and is honored to be a member of the Greenbriar Board.
Becky Hallowell
Raised in Massachusetts, Becky Hallowell and husband, Frank, moved to Savannah in 2018. Becky holds an MBA from Babson College, a master’s in city and social policy planning from the University of Rhode Island, and an undergraduate degree in urban studies from Harvard College. She spent 20 years leading institutional marketing for several investment management firms, including Fidelity Investments. Over the last 15 years, she returned to her first love of volunteer work dedicating herself to the health and wellbeing of women, families and community, serving in both public and non-profit roles. As a Commissioner on the Status of Women in Massachusetts for eight years, Becky represented the social, economic, health, and racial and ethnic discrimination issues of women and their families in Essex County. She also testified before various Massachusetts legislative committees and forums. At the same time, Becky spent three terms as a member and Board President of the Women’s Fund of Essex County, a social-change grantmaker which funded non-profit programs serving women and girls in need/at risk. From 2016-2018, Becky served on the Impact Essex County Advisory Committee, where she was part of an appointed team to identify needs and define solutions to improving the economic self-sufficiency of families in Essex County. Becky joined the Greenbriar Board in early 2020 and was immediately impressed by the dedication of its long-time staff. She is motivated by the power of early childhood education combined with parent engagement and support programs to build strong individuals, families and community.
Virginia Edwards Maynor
Virginia Edwards Maynor is a native of Savannah, Georgia. Mrs. Maynor is a 1963 graduate of Alfred E. Beach High School. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Savannah State College/ University. Master of History Education from Armstrong State College/ University; and an Education Specialist Degree from Georgia Southern College/University. Mrs. Maynor is a graduate of Leadership Savannah, Education Leadership Georgia, and Harvard University Principal Center. She is featured in several noteworthy publications and is the recipient of numerous awards. Most recently, she was selected as a History Maker and awarded the prestigious NAACP Esther F. Garrison Education and Volunteerism Award. Mrs. Edwards Maynor is a member of Butler Memorial Presbyterian Church.
She is the former Superintendent of Savannah- Chatham County Public Schools. Prior to assuming leadership positions at the system and district levels, Ms. Edwards Maynor served as a classroom teacher with distinction. Appointed by Governor Roy Barnes to the State Board of Education, Mrs. Edwards Maynor represented the First Congressional District. She has served with distinction and honor on numerous local, community boards. Current affiliations are: Alumna member of Savannah Chapter of the Links, Inc, Dawn Daughters Board of Directors, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Reverend Bennie R. Mitchell Scholarship Committee, an Alumna member of Savannah Chapter of the Moles, and a member of BAPS, “Books Are For Preserving The Spirit”.
Ms. Edwards Maynor says, “Greenbriar Children’s Center nourishes with love the soul and spirit of Children and Families. My service as a Board Member is an opportunity to connect with others and to help provide resources to accomplish the mission of this worthwhile organization.”
Tony Davis
Tony Davis, a native of Harlem, New York, served in the Marine Corps from 1960-64. He then earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Long Island University in 1967. He worked for Spicer & Oppenheim as senior partner/commercial auditor before founding his own company, Clarence A. Davis Enterprises, providing financial and organizational accounting expertise. Mr. Davis also served as chief financial officer and chief operating officer of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants from 1998-2005 and then joined Nestor Inc., where he served as Chief Executive Officer. He worked as a consultant for the national office of the American Red Cross during Hurricane Katrina and has been Chair of Accountants of Public Interest/Support Center of New York. Additionally, he has been a faculty member at several prestigious educational institutions and currently serves on several public companies’ Boards of Directors. Mr. Davis and his wife, Ann M. Sanders, are the proud parents of Todd Davis and grandparents to Peyton Brook Davis and Addison Sophia Davis.
Sheila Hutcherson
Mrs. Hutcherson has been with the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education since 1999. During that time, she has implemented new technology learning tools, provided methods for integrating technology into the curriculum, analyzed data required for federal, state and local reporting, and provided strategies and procedures for school and district level personnel for state and federal reporting. In addition to her work at the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, Mrs. Hutcherson serves her community as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and is member of the Savannah State University Alumni Association. Mrs. Hutcherson holds an M.S. in Computer Technology, a B.S. in Computer Science Technology and a B.S. in Computer Engineering Technology
Randy Houston
Randy Houston is a native Carrollton, Georgia. He attended West Georgia College on a Track & Field Scholarship and later graduated from Armstrong Atlantic University with BA Degree in History. Professionally he has over 30 years of experience in Sales and Marketing. Recently retired from DuPont Safety & Protection Division as a Corporate Accounts Manager. Currently he owns an independent brokerage company, Houston Sales Solutions, Inc. He serves on the Board of Deacons at First African Baptist Church; Greenbriar Children Center Board Member over Facilities; George Leile Vision Board Member; Savannah/Hilton Head Airport Commissioner; Member of 100 Black Men of Savannah; Member of Prince Hall Masonic Order (32nd Degree); and Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. His spare time is spent golfing and as a voluntary Track & Field Coach at Benedictine Military High School. Randy is married to Rhonda. They have 3 children (Carisa, Galen and Camille) and 3 grandchildren (Lexus, Jordan and Jayden).
Allison Parsons
Ms. Parsons has over 14 years of experience in banking, insurance and private wealth management. She served as a Client Support Specialist early in her career at SunTrust, moving to Private Client Advisor for her last 8 years with the bank. Her responsibilities at Synovus include the efficient development and management of a portfolio of high net worth relationships.
In addition to her work at Synovus, Ms. Parsons has served on the Isle of Hope UMC Women’s Board, Skidaway Island Rotary Board, and as a volunteer for both the Ronald McDonald House and Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia. She holds a BBA from Georgia Southern University, and Series 6 & 7 licenses. She is also an insurance agent specializing in Variable, Life, Health and Accident policies.
Annette Mitchell
Mrs. Mitchell is a retired educator from the Savannah Chatham County Public School System, having served for 35 years. She holds a B.S. from Savannah State College (now University), graduated Armstrong State College (now Georgia Southern University) with two ME.d’s and also holds an Ed.S. in Education Leadership and Administration from South Carolina State University. She is a Life Member of the Gamma Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. In addition, she is a twenty-five year Life member of the Savannah Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. where she has received numerous awards. She is also proud to be a steering committee member of the Tremont Temple MBC Resource Center which opened July 1, 2020 in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr. Alfred Young
Dr. Young was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. He received his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Sociology from Louisiana State University at New Orleans. He received his Master’s degree in History and Ph.D. in Social Sciences from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. Dr. Young is an Emeritus Professor of History at Georgia Southern University. For over 20 years he has been the treasurer for the National Council for Black Studies and has served as an active member of the Greenbrier Children’s Center’s board since 2012. Dr. Young continues to maintain his strong commitment to GCC’s mission to promote the welfare of children and families in the Savannah community.
Administrative Staff
Executive Director
Gena P. Taylor
Executive Assistant
Stephanie Majors
Director of Development
Cherie Trice
Director of Early Childhood Education and Care
Jennifer McMichael