JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Six community leaders have been nominated for appointment as board members for the newly reformed Kids Hope Alliance, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry announced Wednesday.
Curry filed legislation for the six nominations, who have been identified as: Rebekah Davis, Kevin Gay, Dr. Nathaniel Glover, Joe Peppers, Dr. Marvin Wells and Tyra Tutor.
The City Council still has to approve the appointments.
The Kids Hope Alliance was created “to strengthen and improve programs and services that meet the critical needs of Jacksonville children,” the city said in a prepared statement. The group launched in August.
Davis, a registered nurse and medical director, brings expertise in women, infants, children and community health. She has worked at several local hospitals and served as Community Connections Director of Wellness, Healthy Schools LLC Director of Nursing, and as a member of the Jacksonville Children’s Commission board of directors, the city said.
Gay is the founder and CEO of Operation New Hope-Ready4Work, an organization dedicated to bringing hope in the form of new housing and new skills leading to new jobs and a revitalized community. Gay previously worked in marketing at Zurich Insurance and the PGA Tour. He is also a graduate of the Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2015, according to the city.
Glover, who has been president of Edward Waters College since 2010, made history when he was elected as the first African-American sheriff in the history of Jacksonville. He served two terms in that role before retiring from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Glover continues to be involved in community service activities, including service on the board of trustees at St. Stephen AME Church and as a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and of the Rotary Club.
Peppers is a military veteran who served nine years in the Army, including three tours in Iraq, the city said. Following his distinguished military career, which earned him a Bronze Star, Peppers worked in operations at Amazon, followed by roles including regional manager in distribution operations at Apple and general manager at Fanatics, Inc. Peppers recently returned to Amazon to help launch one of the two new fulfillment centers that opened in Jacksonville. He’s known to volunteer at local high schools and speak to students about the value of education.
Tutor is currently a senior vice president of corporate development and social responsibility at The Adecco Group North America. She is also a certified public accountant who is involved in a number of community involvement activities, including service as a board member for the Jacksonville Chamber, Dreams Come True, Year Up Jacksonville and Beaches Episcopal School, Jacksonville Beach, the city said.
Wells is the founder, owner and surgeon at his practice, Wells Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Association. The first African-American to graduate from UF College of Dentistry, Wells has earned leadership positions with recognized health providers throughout the area. His community affiliations have included service on the Episcopal High School of Jacksonville and Jacksonville University board of trustees.
Gay, Glover and Wells were all listed as Jacksonville natives.
One final vacancy on the board remains, but a decision will be made at a later date.
“Key priorities for my administration continue to be public safety and youth development,” Curry said. “I am confident both of these priorities will be strengthened by the service and programs provided through the Kids Hope Alliance. These individuals are dedicated members of our community who share my commitment to safe neighborhoods and serving local youth. They will serve our city well.”
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