Leslie C. Holley - President of the Board

Leslie C. Holley is a graduate of Roosevelt University (B.A.) and Saint Xavier University (M.A.T.) and has dedicated more than 25 years to public education. Her teaching career began in the Chicago Public Schools and has continued in Georgia and North Carolina. She has focused on middle grades science education but has also taught third and fourth grades, literature, and social studies.

Mrs. Holley is deeply committed to the belief that education has the power to transform lives and strengthen communities. Guided by the words of Nelson Mandela — “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” — she remains passionate about empowering students to become productive members of society.

Darryl Bridges - Board Member

Darryl Bridges was raised in a family that valued education, integrity, and service. As the son of a career educator, he developed a strong appreciation for lifelong learning and community involvement from an early age. He graduated from Luther High School South and continued his education at Concordia College in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he built the foundation for a successful and diverse professional career.

Throughout his career, Darryl has gained extensive experience as a Logistics Specialist, developing expertise in planning, coordination, problem-solving, and operational efficiency. His dedication, reliability, and attention to detail have enabled him to excel in managing complex logistics operations while fostering strong professional relationships.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Darryl is deeply committed to serving his community. As an active member of his Masonic fraternity, he participates in numerous charitable initiatives focused on supporting youth and families. His volunteer efforts include organizing backpack drives to provide school supplies for children in need and participating in “Take a Child Fishing” events that create meaningful outdoor experiences and mentorship opportunities for young people.

Darryl is also passionate about community engagement and philanthropy, regularly assisting with fundraising efforts and local events that strengthen neighborhoods and bring people together. Through both his professional achievements and community service, he exemplifies the values of leadership, generosity, and civic responsibility, making a positive impact on the lives of those around him.

David Brown - Board Member

David Brown, a 1980 graduate of Luther South, is a dedicated public servant with a lifelong commitment to service, discipline, and community stewardship. He began his career in the United States Air Force, serving honorably from 1983 to 2004, where he built the leadership, integrity, and work ethic that would shape his professional life.

In 1986, David also joined the City of Chicago and served with the Chicago Police Department for nearly three decades, retiring in 2023. Throughout his career, he demonstrated professionalism, supported public safety, and remained committed to community engagement, earning the respect of both colleagues and residents.

Beyond his public service career, David serves as an Elder at Resurrection Lutheran Church. In that role, he oversees building operations, manages facility access, maintains schedules, and coordinates maintenance. His reliability, humility, and hands- on leadership help keep the church safe, welcoming, and well run for all who enter.

Mr. Brown currently serves as floor committee chairman for the Northern Illinois District (NID) at the Missouri Synod Convention. Grounded in a lifetime of service and a deep commitment to helping others, David Brown remains a steady source of strength, faith, and dedication in every community he serves.

Derwin Richardson - Board Member, Compliance Strategy

Derwin Richardson’s passion for education is a family legacy, inspired by his mother’s 30- year career in the classroom. He is a former educator with the Chicago Board of Education. Earlier in his career as an attorney, Derwin volunteered his legal expertise to restructure the bylaws for the Youth and Adult Center, an organization training students in high-tech trades like solar power and drone technology. A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Derwin also assisted the formation and operation of the food-security nonprofit ‘Chicago Manna” and spent years mentoring young men through his church.

During his tenure at UPS Derwin served as a multi-site Safety Co-Chair and successfully leveraged corporate resources to support local community programs. As a founding member of the Father’s Club at his children’s school and a lifelong advocate for parent- teacher partnerships, he now brings his background in compliance and strategy to our board, ensuring teachers have the vital resources needed to shape the future.

Demetrius Garrett - Board Member

Demetrius has worked as a public servant for over 40 years. Starting his professional career as a psychiatric technician then continuing his career as a truancy officer. He became a case manager at Boys Totem Town and a Juvenile Detention Center for 6 years, then became a probation officer for 17 years. Demetrius ended his professional career as a supervisor at Ramsey county Juvenile Detention Center before retiring in 2022. While working, he has worked on a variety of committees including the community outreach program, a member of the Disproportionate Minority Confinement Committee for 10 years, where for 7 of those years he worked as the co-chair for the committee. Now retired, Demetrius is still a part of the Ramsey county hiring committee. Prior to his professional career, Demetrius attended Concordia University St. Paul, ultimately graduating from Metropolitan State University with a bachelors in Human Services and an associates degree in Community Corrections.