Transforming Youth Through Mentoring

 Frank Lee Williams serves as the inaugural distinguished recipient of the Eternal Lou Henson Award and brings decades of experience in leadership and community service. An educator at Joe Middle School, Mr. Williams has spent his entire career dedicated to youth development and educational excellence. His deep understanding of the challenges facing disadvantaged youth, combined with his proven track record in educational leadership, makes him an exemplary Board President. Mr. Williams's commitment to breaking cycles of poverty and creating pathways to success embodies the core values of D2BD. 

 Ephraim Lucas is a Partner at Spizzirri Law LLC, bringing over a decade of sophisticated expertise in federal tax litigation, estate planning, and strategic business advisory. His distinctive background includes serving as a Senior Attorney with the IRS Office of Chief Counsel, where he litigated complex cases before the U.S. Tax Court and counseled high-level IRS divisions. Ephraim's multidisciplinary approach is fortified by an LL.M. in Taxation, a J.D., an M.B.A., and a B.S. in Electronic Engineering Technology, enabling him to merge technical precision with real-world business acumen. Driven by a profound belief that service is a calling, Ephraim is passionately committed to investing in the next generation through mentorship, education, and community engagement. 

 Dr. Rodger E. Perkins, Jr. is an accomplished educator, author, and former military leader dedicated to fostering equity and transformative learning. As a founding teacher and assistant principal at Sojourner Truth Montessori Public Charter School, he drives educational innovation. His previous service as an Army Ranger and Air Force Counterintelligence Agent, which included multiple deployments and advisory roles to senior Department of the Air Force leadership, instilled a unique discipline and strategic perspective. Holding a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice and a Master's in Education with a Montessori credential, Dr. Perkins is a recognized expert on dismantling systemic barriers. His published works focus on tackling racism and inequality in education and dismantling the school-to-prison nexus. 

 Tarshann Washington brings youth development experience, technology expertise, and executive financial leadership to the D2BD board. As founder of The Academy in Gallatin, Tennessee, he provides sports training, mentorship, and leadership development to youth in partnership with Unlimited Potential CDC. With over 20 years as a healthcare solutions architect and financial executive—including roles as Associate Vice President of Revenue Cycle Operations and Vice President of Aergo Solutions—Tarshann has driven digital transformation, revenue optimization, and operational efficiency across complex systems. He applies this same technology-forward, results-driven approach to scaling youth organizations. At D2BD, Tarshann ensures the fiscal stewardship, technological infrastructure, and strategic systems necessary to scale mentorship programs that transform lives and break generational cycles. 

 Reverend Lamar W. Claypool brings decades of ministry and correctional chaplaincy experience to the D2BD board. A native of Gary, Indiana, Rev. Claypool holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is a certified Chaplain through the National Association of VA Chaplains. An ordained Elder in the Global Methodist Church, Rev. Claypool has served as chaplain in correctional facilities across Indiana, Rhode Island, New York, and Texas—including maximum security units and youth detention centers. His profound understanding of rehabilitation, spiritual guidance, and the challenges facing justice-involved youth makes him an invaluable voice in D2BD's mission. Rev. Claypool and his wife co-pastor Divine Savior Global Methodist Church in Temple, Texas, and co-founded Priscilla and Aquila Support Ministries, Inc., dedicated to strengthening local church leaders.