Board of Directors

Founder & Chairman

​The Honorable Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond

Hon Dr. Ross-Hammond is a former Councilwoman for the City of Virginia Beach and Founder & Chairman of the Virginia African American Cultural Center, Inc. (VAACC)
She retired from Norfolk State University as Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Music and the Humanities as well as the Director of Service-Learning and Civic Engagement. She holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Education Leadership, Curriculum and Instructions, with a Minor in Ethnomusicology from the University of Denver; a Masters in Music Education from College of New Jersey and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Ithaca College, N.Y., Additional certifications include: Graduate, from the University of Virginia Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership and a Graduate from the National Association of Blacks in Higher Education, Administration Leadership and Mentorship Institute.

Prior to serving as an elected official, Dr. Ross-Hammond was elected to serve as Vice Chair of the Virginia Beach Electoral Board and appointed to several Gubernatorial Boards and Commissions by Governors Tim Kaine, Bob McDonnell and Terry McAuliffe.  In 2020, Governor Ralph Northam reappointed her as Commissioner for the Hampton Roads Transportation system. Other appointments included the Virginia College Affordability Policy Council and she was recently appointed Chair, of the Mayor’s (IDEA) Commission for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility. 

 A servant leader in the community, Dr. Ross-Hammond served as Chair of the United Way of South Hampton Roads Minority Advisory Council; Secretary for the Board of the Southside Boys & Girls Club, Inc. and chaired the Virginia Music Educators Conference Planning Committee's Multicultural Section. She is currently the Immediate Past President of the Young Audiences, Arts for Learning Virginia, President of the Virginia Beach Beautification Commission, and Secretary for the Vibes Creative District, and is a founding member of the National Black Women for Positive Change organization. 

Under her leadership, VAACC was unanimously gifted 4:83 acres of land by the City of Virginia Beach to build a Cultural Center. In partnership with the Virginia Beach Office of Cultural Affairs, VAACC commissioned its 1st Large Public Art: “Portraits from a Place of Grace” which was installed on the property.  The organization was recently honored as a recipient of the 2020 Proclamation for African American Heritage Month award from the City. 

Dr. Ross-Hammond is the recipient of numerous awards, including the International Denomination of Minsters Conference, the Urban League of South Hampton Roads Young Professionals Spirit of Service trophy and an Umacra Leadership shawl by the National Association of Blacks in Higher Education.  Due to her distinguished service while on Council, a Resolution of Accomplishments declared December 13, 2016 .as "Amelia N. Ross-Hammond Day" was proclaimed by the Mayor of Virginia Beach.  She was also the first recipient of the late Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf‘s Achievement in Government plaque by the Human Rights Commission and the Impacting Lives Award, by the New Journal and Guide African American Newspaper.  More importantly, a “Letter of Commendation for Community Service” was read at the U.S. Capitol by Congresswoman, Elaine Luria. She is the proud mother of one son, Anwar.
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A. Bruce Williams
President

William T. Calhoun
Vice President

Cheryl Davidson
Secretary

Kelvin Arthur
Treasurer

Shevette Jones
Parliamentarian

Michael Anderson
Board member

Dr. James Bonds
Board Member

Justin Cowell
Board Member

Wayne Jones
Board Member

Tony Spencer
Board Member

VAACC Oral History Committee

Purpose -To collect, videotape, preserve stories, photographs and articles that will be a part of the historical collection from African American seniors, Churches, Historians and other Civic-organizations throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

OFFICERS
Margie Coefield and Becky Livas - Co-Chairs
Denice Marsden - Secretary
Regina Taylor - Treasurer
Sharon Felton   - Parliamentarian
Georgia Allen-Prayer Leader

MEMBERS - Gwendolyn Brown, Linda Carrington, Cheryl Davidson, Alys Fentress, Deborah Freeman, Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond, Edna Hendricks,  Pam and Anthony Williams, Kia Cabbler, Jordan and Justin Lucas, Sara Benson, Lucynthia Rawls, Seko Varner, Mary Dotson and Rita Jones ​

ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR CAPITAL CAMPAIGN:
Malcolm O. Ashley - Director of Development, Sanaa Holdings, LLC & alumnus of "The House" Higher Ed’s 1st African American Cultural Center, Yale University
Hon. Michael Berlucchi - Councilmember, VA Beach & C.D., Chrysler Museum
Mayor Bobby Dyer - Mayor of Virginia Beach
Hon. Louis Jones – Councilmember & Former Mayor, City of Virginia Beach.
David Kamer – Attorney at Kaufman & Canoles
Stacy Lopez - Chief Operating Officer, FOTHA (Pharell Williams’ Foundation)
Rev. Gary McCollum, Author and Assoc. Minster, Historic Bute Baptist Church
Hon. Robert “Bob” McDonnell - former Governor of Virginia
Dunn Pearson - Grammy & Platinum Award winner: “ the Black Beethoven” 
Worth Remick - Senior Vice President, Colliers International
Hon. William “Will” Sessoms - former Mayor of Virginia Beach
Prescott Sherrod - President/CEO, PEMCCO, Inc.
Bruce Smith – National Football League Hall of Fame
Hon. Louisa Strayhorn – President, LSA Consulting USA
Rob Turner & Donna Speller Turner-President, Advantage Business Strategies 

A. Bruce Williams, President

Bio

President and CEO who directly provides his knowledge and experience to organizations such as Fort Norfolk Plaza Medical Associates, the Universoul Circus, American Petroleum Institute, Seven venues City of Norfolk and Blue Pyramid Productions and Africana Virginia Beach.

Previously responsible for development and senior account activities with the key clients including media negotiations on behalf of Virginia Power, a communications audit for Newport News Shipbuilding, marketing strategy development for Norfolk State University, comprehensive operations analysis and SEIS data collection for Hampton Roads Transit, among others.

He has held senior management positions with Cox Communications, Viacom Cablevision, TCI, Westinghouse Broadcasting and Cable and The New York Times-responsible for marketing management, customer care, marketing strategy, public relations, advertising, sales, promotions and consumer issues.

Mr. Williams, a native of New York City and resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia, holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from the College of William and Mary. He has won several awards including the Vision Award National Finalist for best video PSA, the NAACP Area II Award for Outstanding Community Service, the W.A.L.L.S. award for outstanding entrepreneur, and a two-time, Cable Television Administration and Marketing Society Marketing Case Study Competition.
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President/CEO A. Bruce Williams & Associates

William T. Calhoun, Vice President

Bio

Wm Terry Calhoun is a native of Cleveland Ohio and currently resides in Virginia Beach, VA after serving and retiring after twenty plus years in the U.S. Navy. His is married and has two adult daughters. Terry has a Master of Arts, Urban Education/School Counseling degree, from Norfolk State University and He currently serves as a High School Counselor, A Youth Mentor and Advisor within the VBCPS and Hampton Roads area. He is a graduate of the SHR Unite Way Project Inclusion Minority Board Development program and has served and continues to serve on a number of Community, Social and Fraternal governing boards. Terry is a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., NAACP, VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church and other uplifting organizations. He enjoys activities that encompass spending time with family, traveling and uplifting and advocating for the Global Majority.

Cheryl Davidson, Secretary

Bio

Cheryl Davidson is a Mortgage Loan Analyst at Towne Mortgage in Virginia Beach, VA. She is a graduate of Virginia State University, BA in Social Work.  She began her career in Mortgage banking at Bowest Mortgage Company in La Jolla California.  Cheryl has worked over 20 years in the mortgage field as a Mortgage loan processor, Community outreach originator, loan officer and Vice President of Lending.   In her current position she prepares mortgage loan applications for underwriters review, by obtaining information needed to determine credit worthiness, calculate debt to income ratio's to determine if applicants meet minimum guidelines for a mortgage loan, confer with underwriters to aid in resolving mortgage application problems. 

Davidson is an active citizen in the City of Virginia Beach, while working as the housing chair for Virginia Beach NAACP. She was instrumental in acquiring the current NAACP office and has held many position within the NAACP and is a life time member of the NAACP. She has been an active member for the Workforce Housing board since November 2011. As a board member she conducted the First time buyer’s classes and has qualified buyers for Workforce Housing.  While serving on the Workforce Housing board, seven homes were built for qualified borrowers.  She has also been a member of The Virginia Beach Health Services advisory board since April 2013 and a member of the Virginia Beach Mayor’s African American Roundtable. 

Davidson’s greatest strength is compassion for helping others and her commitment to her community, she has volunteered for the Salvation Army, United Way and Voter Registration.

She lives in Virginia Beach with her husband.  She is a mother of two adult sons’ graduates, Hampton University and Virginia State University. When Davidson is not working she enjoys reading a good murder mystery.

Kelvin W. Arthur, Treasurer

Bio

Kelvin Arthur is a Virginia licensed Certified Public Accountant with over 35 years of accounting, tax and financial management experience. 
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Mr. Arthur began his career in 1984 in the government business sector with International Business Machines, (IBM) in Norfolk, VA. After four years of financial management experience, he joined the Internal Audit staff of Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and relocated to the Washington DC area. In 1995, Mr. Arthur moved into non-profit sector as the Assistant Controller for MacNeil-Lehrer Productions, producers of the nightly PBS news show, “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.” After five years in this role, Mr. Arthur relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina area and served as Finance Director for the Charlotte, North Carolina Arts & Science Council, and later as CFO for the York County, South Carolina Museums and Foundation. Throughout his time in the Carolinas, Mr. Arthur was committed to volunteerism serving on corporate and advisory boards of numerous civic and community organizations. In 2008, Mr. Arthur returned to his alma mater, Old Dominion University to oversee accounting operations, endowment administration, financial reporting for the University’s Educational, Athletic and Real Estate foundations. During each year of his tenure as Foundations CFO, all three of the University Foundations received unqualified audit report opinions with no required adjusting entries. Mr. Arthur left ODU in 2011 to establish his  own tax consulting practice, specializing in service to small business owners and nonprofit organizations. 
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Then, in October 2012, the Norfolk State University (NSU) Foundation Board decided to restructure its operations and establish its own management team. Mr. Arthur was offered the opportunity to become the NSU Foundation’s first Managing Director. In this role, he would report directly to the NSU Foundation’s Board of Director and would be responsible for the establishment and implementation of foundation fundraising, administrative and financial policies. Mr. Arthur led the NSU Foundation’s operations for the next six years growing its endowment, implementing new fundraising initiatives, restructuring its financial reporting, and establishing new community partnerships.   
In March 2019, Mr. Arthur decided to return to private practice. 
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Continually committed to his belief in volunteer service, Mr. Arthur recently completed multiple terms as a Director on the Boards of the ODU Alumni Association and the Larkspur-Salem Recreation Association. He currently serves as Financial Counselor of the City of Virginia Beach Minority Business Council (MBC) and as President of the Salem High School Sundevil Baseball Association.

CPA

Shevette Jones, Parliamentarian

Bio

Shevette Jones, a North Carolina native, is currently semi-retired, working mainly as a homemaker and organizer of local charity giving events. Shevette comes to the area as a spouse-in-tow to her husband Kevin Jones who joined Dollar Tree from Wal-Mart Stores where he spent 17 years in various roles within the supply chain culminating as the Vice President of Inbound Transportation. Prior to the move to the Tidewater area Shevette volunteered with several local organization in Northwest Arkansas, including Ronald McDonald House of Arkoma Charities, Inc., Dress For Success and Bentonville Public Schools where she was known for her innovative outlook on fundraising and giving back to the community. Even before getting settled into the Tidewater Area, Shevette once again focused her skills and energy on fundraising and began working with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, hosting a unique fundraiser involving local news anchors. Shevette is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, but arrived at her degree after attending Spelman College, University of NC at Charlotte and several other universities as a military spouse. She has been married for 34 years to Kevin and they have 2 adult children, Brianna and Phillip.

Affiliations:

• Life Member, NAACP
• Member, Chesapeake/Virginia Beach Chapter of The Links, Incorporated Member, LULAC
• Member, National Council of Negro Women
• Member, Association of Fund Raising Professionals
• Member, The National Silhouettes of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc

Community Volunteer

Mike Anderson

Bio

Mr. Mike Anderson works in Architectural/Commercial sales for the Riverside Brick and Supply Co. He graduated from Patrick Henry High School in Ashland, VA in 1980 and attended Ferrum College from 1980-1982

He married Dawn Jones Anderson in July 1986 and moved to Virginia Beach

They have 2 adult children (Abbey and Phillip) Abbey is an Elementary Special Education teacher in Virginia Beach and Phillip is working at the YMCA and getting his personal training certificate

Mike has lived in the Larkspur Neighborhood of the Kempsvile District since June of 1993

Community Service

• Mike started his first community service in 1985 with the Hanover Jaycees, then moved to Tidewater in 1986.
• He was a member of the Sunshine Rotary Club Norfolk 1992-1996
• He volunteered as a Baseball Coach from 1999-2009 and later served on the Kempsville Pony Baseball board for 6 years, becoming its President for 2 years

Other outstanding service on community Boards included:

• The Larkspur Swim & Racquet Club Board from 1997-2002
• The Builders & Contractors Exchange Board 2010- and is President-Elect for 2020
• Mike joined the Historic Kempsville (Citizens Advisory Committee) CAC in 2011 and was later appointed to Chair of Redevelopment Committee.

He was appointed to the City’s Beaches and Waterways Commission by Councilwoman Dr. Amelia Ross- Hammond in 2016 and will serve in this leadership role until 2026

He also serves as President of the Larkspur Civic League Board and is a member of the recently established Board of VA Builds workforce development arm for the construction industry.

Architectural/Commercial sales- Riverside Brick and Supply Co.

Dr. James C. Bonds, Board Member

Bio

Dr. James Bonds holds a Doctor Degree in Public Administration 2016 from Capella University, a Master Degree in Public Administration with emphasis in Public Management 2004 from Troy State University, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology 1982 from Bethel College; additionally he is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Graduate from NAVSEA.

 On 06 February 1983, Dr. Bonds reported and completed Basic Training in Orlando Florida. Concurrently he attended IC “A” school in San Diego, California and numerous other advance electrical “C” schools including C-7 School.

Dr. Bonds  Enlisted Sea/Shore assignments were  USS IOWA (BB-61) battleship home ported in Norfolk, Virginia from 1983-1986. He was ordered to NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA SECURITY DEPARTMENT 1989-1991, while onboard he was promoted to Petty Officer First Class 1989.  His last sea tour as enlisted was onboard USS STUMP (DD-978) A Spruance Class Destroyer home ported in Norfolk, Virginia from 1992-1997 during his tenure onboard he qualified as Engineering Officer of the Watch, Combat System Officer of the Watch, Junior Officer of the Deck (underway), selected STUMP’s Sailor of the Year, selected DESRON 2 Sea Sailor of the Year and nominated Atlantic Fleet Sea Sailor of the Year for 1995.  Prior to transferring Dr. Bonds was selected to Chief Petty Officer  while  serving at Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity (SIMA). He was commission an ENSIGN under the LDO/CWO Program June 2000. 
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Dr. Bonds initial sea assignment as a Commission Officer was onboard USS NORMANDY (CG-61) a Guided Missile Cruiser home ported in Norfolk Virginia 2000-2003. His next sea assignment was aboard USS PONCE (LPD-15) home ported in Norfolk Virginia February 2006- May 2007. Ashore, Dr. Bonds was assigned to Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic as OIC of the Casualty Response Cell (N43R1) September 2003-October 2004. ​His final shore assignment was at Assault Craft Unit Four as Repair Officer, December 2009-2011. Dr. Bonds retired as a Lieutenant from the United States Navy February 01, 2011 after serving faithfully and dutifully this Great Nation for over 27 plus years.   
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Dr. James C. Bonds is currently a Senior Quality Assurance Instructor and curriculum developer for McKean Defense Group a Federal Contracting Agency supporting the United States Navy Workforce Development Program located in Virginia Beach Virginia for the past four and half years.  He has had continual support from his wife the former Regina Ann Goings from Toledo Ohio for the past 35 years. They have two adult children Carl (36) and Crystal (32).  He also has an older son, Monroe (38).

Justin Cowell, Board Member

Bio

Justin Cowell, a Veteran and Inventor, currently employed with the Mckean Defense Group was born and raised in Virginia Beach, Va. to a family of small business owners. While attending Plaza Middle School, he first learned about business working in his grandfather’s janitorial service. He was taught how to be a go-getter as he cleaned and maintained office buildings. His father owned several different types of businesses ranging from landscaping to apparel sales, and even medical transportation. He taught him the value of a dollar. Thanks to his family legacy as business owners, he entered the field of entrepreneurship.
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After graduating from Princess Anne High School, Justin served his country in the Military Sealift Command, including a tour during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following his 5 years of service, he had built up enough savings to finally step out on faith and pursue his goals as an entrepreneur.  His first business opportunity was as a restaurant owner at the young age of 23.After acquiring the agreement, his father coached him through the all facets of owning a business.  On the Grand Opening day, customers lined up outside the storefront, proving his naysayers wrong.  Within a year he decided to invest in yet another part-time business adventure.
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A few years later while witnessing how vulnerable consumers’ information during transactions within business, he decided to write down his observations and create a solution to this mounting problem impacting so many consumers. After conducting extensive research about fraud and identity theft in all industry sectors, his Security Privacy Protection Booth (SPPB)) was invented.  Spanning seven years and numerous rejections by the United States Patent Trademark Office (USPTO), in the Spring of 2018, Justin was awarded a patent by the USPTO for his invention. He is currently in the R&D phase of SPPB with and ultimate goal of having SPPB available for funding by Summer of 2019.

Wayne Jones, Board Member

Bio

WAYNE C. JONES is a 20 year US Air Force veteran and a graduate of Saint Leo University with a BA in Information Systems in 1989 and a Master of Business Administration in Information Systems from Golden Gate University, San Francisco California In 1918.  He recently retired as Old Dominion University’s Director of Information Technology Infrastructure and former Assistant Director of Communications Services. He served as co-principal investigator for a National Science Foundation funded research grant project to design and implement a “Science DMZ” environment and as chief design and implementation engineer for a next generation optical network linking six major research organizations in the Hampton Roads region.  He also led the university’s successful initiative to build the first 100 gigabit network link into the Hampton Roads region as part of a statewide research and education network. He was also a Co-PI in writing and receiving a grant for “CC*IIE Networking Infrastructure: CHARMED—Campus High Availability Scientific Research Environment and DMZ” from the National Science Foundation.  He collaborated and partnered with Mid Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation to secure a BTOP grant of $12 million from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to build out open access fiber from central to southeastern Virginia.

 Prior to his employment at Old Dominion University, he worked with Verizon as the Systems Engineer for the Large Business Services group producing an excess of $20 million in annual sales. Jones also worked as the Chief Systems Engineer for Virginia Department of Health where he served as lead for the state agency in planning, design and implementing wide networks throughout Virginia. 
In the community, he serves as board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Virginia Peninsula as well as Grafton-Tabb Youth Football League.  “Deac” as he’s commonly referred to at Ivy Baptist Church in Newport News, is a member of Board of Deacons, and other strategic committees.  He also serves on the Virginia Beach Broadband Task Force and Norfolk State University Research and Innovation Foundation Board of Directors.

Jones represents a family legacy of community involvement, civil rights, and education equality from as early as 1966 when he became one of the first African Americans to integrate previously all-white Gaston High School in Northampton County North Carolina.  He led the movement in Northampton County for education equality and was appointed, then elected as the first African American to serve on the school board. Wayne’s sister, Anna Jones, produced a historical documentary film, “Chairman Jones – An Improbable Leader”  depicting Wayne’s role as a student in bridging the divide between the races and ushering in equality in education for African Americans during that turbulent era. With 30 successful years of experience, he and his wife, Shirley, live in Yorktown, Virginia and have two adult children, Tasha and Louverture, and six grandchildren.

Shanti Mullen, Board Member

Bio

Capitalizing on her past accomplishments and experiences working for various levels of government, Shanti Mullen has become equipped with a multitude of skills. As a Political Science, Bachelors of Arts graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University with a minor in Non-profit management, and a Masters graduate from Walden University School of Public Administration specializing in Law & Public Policy, Ms. Mullen has gained an in-depth understanding of the systems of government and the analysis of activities and behavior; systems of laws, regulatory measures, courses of action, auditing and financial priorities concerning a given topic promulgated by a government entity or its representatives.
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Ms. Mullen also possesses the appropriate skills and capabilities required to examine how laws are shaped and the impact and effects on political, economic, and cultural forces. Additionally, she is knowledgeable on identifying laws, rules and regulations, internal controls, risks as well as effectively preparing formal reports. Ms. Mullen's scholastic efforts have equipped her with abilities to research and analyze data rendering and informed objective assurance to ensure efficiency and effectiveness, by adding value to the organizational objectives.

Shanti Mullen's zeal for serving and adhering to the progression of our government and the communities is continually demonstrated by her ten plus years of progressive experience, training, and working with diverse populations. This life passion prompted her pursuit of my academic endeavors and has enhanced her cultural awareness and fervor to influence positive change. Her schooling, past and present professional experiences and leadership opportunities allow her to apply her rigorous analytical training to generating solutions to add value and contribute to the development of an agency, communities, and our governing body.

Internal Auditor, HRT

Tony D. Spencer, Board Member

Bio

Tony D. Spencer has been working in the government contracting field for over 12 plus years and currently, is a senior project control analyst for a leading global provider of engineered products and services company.
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Mr. Spencer holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Norfolk State University (Behold the Green and Gold) and a master’s degree in Education-Instructional Technology from American InterContinental University.

He is a former Vice President and member of the local Virginia Beach Toastmaster International Club #3267.  Also, Mr. Spencer holds a CC, a competent communicator certificate and has earned numerous club awards.

Outside of his day job, Mr. Spencer is a book publishing entrepreneur, conversationalist speaker, writer, and author of 2 books, The New Me, Inc. and his current book, JoyWork, A Way of Life.  You can visit Spencerpg.com for additional information.  Additionally, he is working on his third book, “Life Is A Hustle, A Love Story.”

When Mr. Spencer is not working and spending time with his family, he is hard at work in the gym because he believes “good health is the wealth of life.”  Additionally, he has been touting the wonder of Bitter Melon, a superfruit of the world that aids in controlling blood sugar, after discovering and studying its benefits.  Feel free to ask him about his Bitter Melon experience. and how it has changed his life, especially as it relates to diabetes that affects millions of Americans.

Since there are many humps in life, Mr. Spencer encourages everyone to Keep Pushing forward to overcome and thrive.

Senior Project Control Analyst

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