Since 2017, we have served the city of Philadelphia.
OUR HISTORY
ABOUT HOWARD L. LANIER
Howard L. Lanier, III (April 1, 1984 – March 30, 2016) was a well-rounded, hard-working husband, son, brother, friend, and mentor. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but raised in Washington Township, New Jersey. He devoted his life to spending time with his family, friends and the youth in many communities. Howard was selfless and an advocate for expanding the scope of youth experiences. Raised in White Rock Baptist Church, he gave his life to Christ at a very early age and was an active member.
Howard managed to accumulate a very diverse group of lifelong friends. His friendships developed from his love of sports and music. Howard’s love for sports began at the early age of one when he received his first basketball hoop. He was well versed in sports as he played a sport every season throughout his childhood, including basketball, soccer, and baseball.
Howard continued to be active in basketball through college and lived a healthy, active lifestyle thereafter. He started attending concerts as a child and carried that passion into adulthood. As Howard matured, he created music playlists for when he traveled. Traveling, abroad multiple times and to the islands, was important to him because it helped broaden his experiences, which allowed him to connect with people of all walks of life. His kind spirit and friendly smile made it easy to meet people of all ages in any setting.
As a young man, Howard struggled with academics but his drive to succeed was greater than his struggle. Howard continued his education into college where he learned to balance academics and basketball, increasing his determination to become the best version of himself. Upon graduating with his Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (USP) in 2007, Howard combined his love for USP with sports and became an assistant basketball coach from 2009 – 2013. He made connections with the players that reached far beyond the court. Destined to prosper, Howard achieved his Master of Business Administration from USP in 2010. After graduate school, Howard’s professional career flourished which led him to employment at AmeriHealth Caritas. After one year, he was promoted from Market Research Analyst to Manager of Government and External Affairs. Eager to build his resume, Howard accepted a seat on the Urban League of Philadelphia’s Leadership Forum where he graduated in 2014, acknowledging the demonstration of his commitment to personal and community development.
Blessed with many gifts and talents, Howard also chose to be a man of service. He helped many communities by leading basketball camps at White Rock Baptist Church, participating in after school homework help programs, and building playgrounds. Being a Big Brother, through Big Brothers Big Sisters, was a title Howard was very proud of. He formed a very impactful relationship with his Little Brother. Howard was determined to open doors for his Little Brother to enable him to see the world through a different lens. Howard’s philanthropic heart also enabled him to join the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Chester. Those community placements provided him with countless opportunities to continue investing in the community. At thirty-one years old his passing was sudden due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease, a condition that was unknown until his passing. Howard’s legacy will continue through the Howard L. Lanier, III Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit providing opportunities for youth to believe and go far beyond their reach.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President - Ethel M. Lanier
Ethel Lanier is a proud mother of 4 children and a wife of 44 years to Howard Lanier Jr. She loves giving back to her community and beyond. Ethel strives to make a good impression in the life of young people, along with building long lasting relationships.
Vice President - Howard L. Lanier, Jr.
Howard L. Lanier Jr is the son of Mrs. Vivian Lanier and the late Howard Lanier Sr. Howard was born in Philadelphia, Pa and has one brother Ronald A. Lanier. He is married to Mrs. Ethel Lanier, and the proud parents of four children, and nine grandchildren.
Secretary - Karen Slade
Karen Faust Slade, a life-long Philadelphian, is a graduate of Philadelphia High School for Girls and Hampton University. She is the mother of one adult son and enjoyed a fulfilling career spanning 40 years teaching language arts to teens and adults as she worked in…
Treasurer - Najah L. Haskins
Najah Haskins is the daughter to Howard and Ethel Lanier Jr. Najah is married to Gary Haskins Jr. and the proud parents of 5 children and one grandchild.
She graduated from Morgan State University in 2004 with her BS in Education and received her Master of Education in School Counseling from Wilmington University in 2011.
Voting Board Member - Yasmeen S. Thomas
Yasmeen Thomas has worked in the field of education for twenty-five years. With a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education from Morgan State University, a Master's of Science from Towson University, and a Supervision and Administration in Education I certificate from Johns Hopkins University, a strong foundation in education was acquired.
OUR ADVISORY BOARD
Andrew Pippet
Andrew (AJ) Pippett is the manager of Government Markets Reporting at Independence Blue Cross, where he works on the Stars program. He graduated from Philadelphia University with a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems.
Close friends since childhood, AJ and Howard bonded over their shared love for sports and music.
Richard Johnson
Richard Johnson has dedicated his life to service in the community. Presently in his position with the Commonwealth of PA, he diligently works to provide residents with heating assistance through the Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Clayton Sheldon
Clayton is a member of the White Rock Baptist Church of Philadelphia . He is a former member of the Trustee Board, and a member of the Committed Men.
Clayton served in the military as a Marine.
Oteria Sheldon
Oteria is a member of the White Rock Baptist Church of Philadelphia .She is a former member of the Trustee Board and served as the first female Chairlady.
She is a lifelong learner, a graduate of Cheyney University B.S. and Philadelphia University M.S. For thirty-eight years Oteria served as Mathematics and
Computer Science teacher.
Jonathan Webb
Jonathan Webb is the chief executive officer for the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP). During his time at AMCHP, he’s led the organization in developing a long term strategic plan, a vision for the organization’s future, which included a focus on equity, has increased the organization’s visibility and strengthened organizational partnerships.
Jim Ruffins
Jim Ruffins is currently an Associate Professor in the Counseling Department at the Community College of Philadelphia and his responsibilities include teaching and counseling developmental students. Upon earning a B.A. degree from the Coe College he taught at the elementary and high school levels in the Chicago Public School system.
Denise Jefferson
Denise Jefferson-Bailey has over twenty five years of mortgage lending, housing counseling and administrative experience in the non-profit sector. Currently, she provides administrative assistance to the executive staff of Beech Companies where she oversees the management of the office along with working on projects focused on economic development. Prior to joining Beech Companies,
Robert Davis
As a representative of the Hartford Funds, I work on Corporate Governance matters as they relate to the mutual fund and exchange-traded fund investment management businesses. I also work on the preparation of Federal regulatory filings required by the Securities and Exchange Commission. I hold a BS in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration in Management. I am a member of Delta Mu Delta International Business Honor Society. I’ve been a Board member of Octavia Hill Association for over 10 years. (a property management company in Philadelphia founded by Quakers in 1896). Along with the Lanier family, a member of White Rock Baptist Church, where I serve on multiple ministries, including but not limited to the Men Usher Board and the Board of Trustees.