Get To Know Our Nonprofit Group’s Committee Members
Sam Reynolds
BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEMBER
Mr. Samuel (Sam) R. Reynolds is a resident of Enterprise, Alabama. Mr. Reynolds served 25 years as a professional soldier in the U.S. Army before being honorably retired in 1997. In his spare time, he offered his professional skills as an adjunct instructor with Enterprise State Community College for more than ten years. Mr. Reynolds is a successful entrepreneur; he owns a professional photography business. Mr. Reynolds holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Technology Management from Troy University and a Master of Science degree in Information Systems from Strayer University.
Missy Balmir
BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEMBER
For over 20 years, Missy Balmir has worked for many of New Jersey’s policy leaders at the state, federal and municipal levels serving in senior roles in government. Missy was a former member of the City of Trenton School Board and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Trenton Alumnae Chapter. She is a proud graduate of Trenton Central High School. Missy has a degree in Political Science from Rider University and a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs and Politics from Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. She was a Graduate Fellow at the Eagleton Institute of Politics and is currently an adjunct professor at the Eagleton Institute. She lives in Roselle, NJ.
Amie Rukenstien
BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEMBER
Amie is, by education, a lawyer, but she used that legal training for many other things. Professionally, she worked as a fundraiser for Rutgers Law School-Newark before joining her family’s Planning firm in 2000 as the CFO. That business ultimately became L&S Residential Management, which provides safe, attractive, family-oriented, affordable housing throughout New Jersey. She also is the Managing Editor of MercerMe.com, the Hopewell Valley’s only source of daily local news.
Gail Taliaferro
BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEMBER
Gail recently retired as an Investigator from the State of New Jersey Department of the Treasury to spend more time pursuing my passion for motivating and inspiring others to achieve their goals! I've spread motivation through various media platforms such as:
*Co-Hosted the Place to SOAR Comcast Cable Show
*Co-Hosted the IWeU Inspirational Wake-Up Radio Show on hamiltonradio.net
*Host the Sista Talk Radio Show on hamiltonradio.net
I've conducted Goal Setting and Personal Enhancement Workshop in the Trenton Public School System and facilitates personal enhancement courses online, leading toward individuals designing and living fulfilling lives!
Lorenzo Jackson
BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEMBER
Lorenzo is the Municipal Superintendent of Weights and Measures for the City of Trenton. While I was born and raised in Newark, my home is now in Trenton, and I would like to share my extensive knowledge and skills in the Weights and Measures field with my community. I am a leader and advocate for nontraditional careers.
Kendra Lee
BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEMBER
Kendra Lee is the Workforce Development Director at The JPI Group who possesses more than 20 years of experience in workforce development and planning. She takes pride in being a connector as she engages with industry stakeholders, academic and technical institutions, government agencies, non-profits, and community-based organizations. Her demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, program development, implementation, and evaluation, emphasizing innovation, has allowed her to create reliable and customized solutions focused on diversity and inclusion. Kendra translates policy into action. She leverages technology, data analytics, and funding resources to help organizations reimagine innovative pipeline strategies designed to drive success.
Verlina Reynolds Jackson
BOARD OF TRUSTEE MEMBER
Verlina is a public service professional passionate about living a purpose driven life to eliminate social determinates. She is a proud graduate of Trenton Central High School. She earned a BA in Sociology from Trenton State College/The College of New Jersey, an MSA in Administration from Central Michigan University, and a certified municipal finance license from Rutgers University, School of Government Services. Her career as a Social Worker for 20+ years has led her to focus on developing hope-filled communities.