Anton Horton serves as Executive Director at BMEA. He leads the organization's Michigan-based staff and daily programming, drives fundraising strategy, and serves as a strategic thought partner to the President. Anton's career in education leadership began as a middle school dean, where he first developed the instincts for building culture and holding high expectations that would define his future leadership. He went on to serve as Assistant Principal, and before joining BMEA in his current role, he led a middle and high school as Principal, where he restored a robust school culture and built systems to close achievement gaps for students. Anton holds a Bachelor of Science from Adrian College and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, also from Adrian College, and is currently pursuing his Ed.D at Wayne State University. Reflecting his ongoing commitment to sharpening his leadership while building the leadership of others, Anton is a K-12 Certified Administrator and a RELAY Graduate School Certified Educator. Anton also served in the United States Army National Guard, including during its Capitol Support mission, an experience that shaped his discipline, composure under pressure, and commitment to service long before he entered education leadership. His work has earned him the Spirit of Detroit Award and the Martin Luther King Service Award. Beyond his professional work, Anton is a devoted husband and proud father to one son. He and his wife share a commitment to building a world worthy of their son, and of every child who comes after him, a conviction that quietly shapes the urgency and care he brings to his work at BMEA.

Cassandra Washington leads Human Resources & Compliance at BMEA, bringing more than two decades of executive level experience in organizational development, labor relations, and large scale systems transformation across public sector, education, and nonprofit organizations. She has stewarded budgets as large as $60 million, and built the infrastructure that allows complex organizations to operate with accountability and care. Cassandra's career includes senior HR leadership roles within Detroit Public Schools Community District and Flint Community Schools, where she served as Chief Labor Negotiator and Title IX Coordinator, negotiating three collective bargaining agreements and ending a five year teacher pay freeze. She went on to serve as Chief Operating Officer, leading enterprise operations for a multi campus charter network, and founded Washington Consulting Services, LLC, advising Presidents, CEOs, and Boards on organizational strategy, workforce planning, and governance. At BMEA, Cassandra manages all internal and external contracts and ensures compliance across every department and entity within the organization, bringing the same rigor and care to BMEA's systems that has defined her career. Cassandra holds an Executive MBA in Executive Management & Leadership, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management, and an Administrator Certificate with Central Office Endorsement from the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators.

Michael C. Payne, Jr. is the Chief of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships. With over 15 years of experience in K to 12 education, he has made a lasting impact on mathematics instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and school leadership. Payne began his career as a teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools, where he developed a passion for mathematics instruction. He has since served as a teacher, instructional coach, and educational strategist, advancing equity-driven initiatives that improve student outcomes and support educator sustainability. At BMEA, Payne strengthens school partnerships, professional development, and educator coaching across Michigan and New York, including BMEA's Liberating Learners School Partnerships and a strategic partnership with the New York City Department of Education. Through his leadership, partner schools have strengthened instructional practice, improved teacher retention, and deepened student engagement. Payne holds dual master's degrees in Secondary Math Education and Special Education from Lesley University and a bachelor's degree in Economics from Morehouse College. Beyond his professional work, he is a devoted father, volunteers as a coach and mentor, and is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. In 2024, he received Degree Forward's Community Impact Hero Award for his dedication to educational equity and community empowerment.

Staci L. Williams is BMEA's Chief of Operations & External Affairs. She is a strategic leader in organizational systems and narrative-driven resource development. With over 20 years of experience across education, nonprofit leadership, government, and media, she has built a career at the intersection of storytelling, systems, and sustainable impact. Staci began her professional journey in broadcast media and public relations in Detroit, where she developed a deep understanding of audience engagement, messaging, and civic influence. She later transitioned into education and public service, holding leadership positions within traditional public school districts and charter management organizations in Metro Detroit, as well as serving in municipal government, where she supported youth-focused policy initiatives and community advocacy efforts. At BMEA, Staci ensures the organization's operational systems run with excellence while strengthening its external presence and partnerships. She oversees grants management and compliance, leads major organizational events, and supports media relationships and external visibility that advance BMEA's growth and reputation. Staci holds a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications and a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Theater Arts from Eastern Michigan University. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. A purpose-driven executive and community leader, Staci remains committed to strengthening the systems that create lasting opportunity for communities.

Joe Bush is the Chief Director of Youth & Family Engagement at BMEA. With years of experience as a dedicated leader in Black male development and youth mentorship, he has built a career around a simple conviction: student leadership and workforce readiness are built through instruction that reflects who students actually are. Bush began his career as a middle school educator in Detroit, where he developed a passion for empowering students through mentorship and instruction rooted in their lived experience. He stewards BMEA's Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP), the organization's flagship educator pipeline. Under his leadership, YLDP guides high school young men through a structured, multi-year progression, from paid academic mentor to Site Coordinator Intern to certified classroom teacher, closing the gap in the national teaching workforce, where fewer than 1.3% of educators are Black males. This is the direct mechanism through which BMEA diversifies and strengthens the educator pipeline for the most resilient communities. Bush holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Elementary Education from Wayne State University, where he remains a proud Warrior and a committed advocate for educational equity and youth empowerment. He is dedicated to developing the next generation of educators, leaders, and changemakers. Above all, he takes immense pride in being a devoted father to his daughter, embracing fatherhood with the same passion and dedication he brings to his work in education and mentorship.

Richard E. Griffin III is the BMEA Independent School Lead. He is a committed educator focused on culturally responsive instruction and innovative learning design. With over a decade of experience across classroom instruction and school leadership, Griffin has made a lasting impact in advancing academic rigor, restorative practices, and equitable learning environments for students in Metro Detroit. Griffin began his career as a classroom teacher, where he developed a passion for empowering students through engaging, standards-aligned instruction and culturally responsive pedagogy. He later served as Assistant School Director and Principal across traditional public and public charter school districts in Metro Detroit. These positions afforded him the opportunity to strengthen instructional practices, implement data-driven decision making systems, and cultivate inclusive school cultures rooted in student-centered learning. At BMEA, Griffin leads the BMEA Independent School, elevating academic rigor through culturally responsive, project-based, and AI-infused learning experiences. He holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with K-12 Administration from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Saginaw Valley State University.

Romney Lewis, as the Director of Marketing, Culture & Brand Quality, is the steward of the BMEA experience for every stakeholder we serve: staff, board, families, fellows, educators, partners, funders, donors, and volunteers. He leads BMEA's brand, culture, and execution quality, ensuring every interaction reflects the mission and values on which BMEA was built. Romney's career began as a Coordinator at Playworks in New York, where he developed a passion for mentorship, youth development, and program facilitation. He went on to serve as Senior Manager at Stoked Mentoring Inc. and Supervisor of Housing-Based Career and Education Initiatives at The Door, advancing workforce training, career mentorship, and alumni engagement programs. At BMEA, Romney shapes how the organization tells its story, from what it feels like to work here and partner with us, to what it's like to be a family in one of our programs, to the impact of the generous support from our funders and donors. Romney holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Advertising from Michigan State University and is certified in Design Thinking. He also completed the Boys of Color Protective Practices training with PACE in New York City, deepening his expertise in equitable mentorship and youth development.

John Johnson is the Senior Director of College & Educator Pathways at BMEA-Boldly Moving Education Ahead and a dedicated leader in postsecondary access. With more than 15 years of experience across secondary and higher education systems, he has made a lasting impact by expanding college access and strengthening the college-going culture, increasing long-term student success. John began his career in higher education administration, where he developed a passion for supporting underserved and non-traditional students as they navigate postsecondary systems. Over the years, he has served as Director of the Transition Center at Madonna University, College Coordinator, and Senior Director of Postsecondary & Alumni for a 10-school network in Detroit. In these roles, he built comprehensive college counseling models, secured scholarship partnerships, expanded dual enrollment, and ensured 100% postsecondary acceptance for multiple graduating classes. At BMEA, John leads efforts to expand the student-to-educator pipeline by strengthening YLDP fellowship implementation, university partnerships, and alumni tracking systems. He works to grow collaborations with universities to streamline transitions from high school to college and into careers. Through structured data monitoring and mentorship, he tracks fellow outcomes and supports their progression into careers in education, advancing BMEA’s long-term workforce development goals. John holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education & Training and a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication. An advocate for college access and equity, he remains dedicated to building sustainable pathways that prepare students to enter and remain in the education profession.

Giovannie Thomas is the Operations Manager at BMEA, bringing more than 18 years of experience in admissions strategy, enrollment management, and operational leadership across K-12 and higher education. With a career built on data-driven systems and strong family engagement, he ensures the daily operations of the BMEA Independent School and YLDP run with clarity and consistency. Gee began his career in post-secondary institutions, where he developed and implemented campus-wide retention plans to support students through degree completion. He later served as an Academic Advisor at The Art Institute of Michigan before returning to K-12 education, where he held roles as School Operations Manager, Enrollment Manager, and Senior Director of Student Admissions at the district level, leading enrollment strategy and compliance across Detroit’s largest charter school network. At BMEA, Giovannie manages daily school operations, including family communication, procurement, and vendor coordination, while supporting organizational logistics. His steady, organized approach ensures students, staff, and families experience a well-run and responsive environment every day. Giovannie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication from Michigan State University, with additional coursework in Marketing and Management.

Shawndra K. Lewis is the Executive Assistant at BMEA, bringing more than two decades of experience leading teams, managing complex operations, and working across several departments in healthcare and senior care settings. Her career reflects a rare combination of high-level administrative skill and genuine care for the people. Shawndra began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant before advancing into supervisory and leadership roles, where she oversaw staffing, training, and patient safety. She went on to launch and lead the Memory Care department at a premier senior living community from the ground up, and later as Deputy Director, overseeing payroll, staff training, family communication, and organizational culture for the community she led. Throughout her career, Shawndra has built a reputation for strong operational leadership, department restructuring, and a servant leadership approach that strengthens team cohesion and drives service excellence. At BMEA, she brings that same steady, detail-oriented leadership to supporting the organization's executive team. Outside of her professional life, Shawndra is a proud parent to one son and a graduate of Verve College Nursing School in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Sarah K. Johnson, CPA leads BMEA's Finance Department, bringing deep expertise in nonprofit accounting and financial oversight. She is the Managing Director of Johnson Accounting, LLC, which she founded in 2012 to provide professional accounting services for nonprofit organizations, including financial statement preparation and analysis, board presentations, grant reporting and invoicing, annual and programmatic budgeting, and IRS Form 990 review. Sarah has also served as an Adjunct Professor in the Accounting Department at Walsh College, teaching Governmental and Not for Profit Accounting, and has conducted lectures at the Baker Tilly annual Not for Profit Fiscal Workshop and the Michigan CPA Association. Earlier in her career, she served as an auditor with Plante & Moran, PLLC and as Finance Director for Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan. At BMEA, Sarah leads the Finance Department, overseeing the financial systems and reporting that support the organization's mission and funder relationships. Sarah holds a Master of Business Administration from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Michigan.