Velma R. Hart, CAE - Former Executive Director
Velma R. Hart, CAE served as the Executive Director of Giving Initiatives and Alternatives, Inc. from February 2011 to November 2011. She bought to the organization an accomplished career as a nonprofit professional and a leader in the community. She spearheaded the Atlanta Star Search Event in April of 2011 and it was a huge success.
With over 20 years of nonprofit management experience, Hart’s background includes a blend of experience in executive management, financial oversight, organizational planning and diversity and inclusion. She is a known national speaker and published author who has worked for several Washington, DC area nonprofits with a broad range missions, purposes and focuses. Her specialty is in the key areas of finance, fundraising, operations and strategic planning.
We salute Velma Hart for her hard work and diligence during 2011.
With over 20 years of nonprofit management experience, Hart’s background includes a blend of experience in executive management, financial oversight, organizational planning and diversity and inclusion. She is a known national speaker and published author who has worked for several Washington, DC area nonprofits with a broad range missions, purposes and focuses. Her specialty is in the key areas of finance, fundraising, operations and strategic planning.
We salute Velma Hart for her hard work and diligence during 2011.
Clinethia Chaney was born in Tampa, Fl. and raised in Addor, NC. She is an alumnus of North Carolina A&T, where she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts, with a minor in Special Education. During this time, Ms. Chaney worked with the Guilford County Board of Education as a long-term substitute teacher in Special Education, big sister, and facilitator for after school programs, She was also employed with Lindley Habilitation Services as a Habilitation Technician where she worked with clients and families, providing care to the CAP,MR/DD community.
After graduation in 2006, Ms. Chaney started work as a behavior specialist for Hillside Inc, a residential treatment facility for adolescents with behavior and emotional issues.. After four years, she transitioned to the Hillside's Community Intervention Program as the Clinical Coordinator, where she currently runs the Youth Matters program providing service for Dekalb County DFCS.
Ms. Chaney strives to be a positive role model to youth by taking a proactive stance in engaging and giving back to her community and church. As a member of Greater Travelers Rest in Decatur, Ga, she supports the Tabitha House ministry, to bring an end to sex trafficking of young females. She has served on various committees that focused on education developement, mental health isuues, and food for families living in poverty. In addition, she volunteers with Fist Class Ladies of Atlanta, which she cofounded in September of 2010. This organization is a group designed to bring diabetes awareness to communities by volunteering, donating, and education. Ms. Chaney has also volunteered with Cool Girls as a Cool Sister.
In addition to her passion of working with at-risk children, Ms. Chaney looks forward to being more involved in mission trips. She enjoys participating in 5K runs, writing poetry, reading, and traveling.
Ms Chaney spends her spare time with her partner of 11 years Alesha Whitaker and godson Isaiah Baker.
After graduation in 2006, Ms. Chaney started work as a behavior specialist for Hillside Inc, a residential treatment facility for adolescents with behavior and emotional issues.. After four years, she transitioned to the Hillside's Community Intervention Program as the Clinical Coordinator, where she currently runs the Youth Matters program providing service for Dekalb County DFCS.
Ms. Chaney strives to be a positive role model to youth by taking a proactive stance in engaging and giving back to her community and church. As a member of Greater Travelers Rest in Decatur, Ga, she supports the Tabitha House ministry, to bring an end to sex trafficking of young females. She has served on various committees that focused on education developement, mental health isuues, and food for families living in poverty. In addition, she volunteers with Fist Class Ladies of Atlanta, which she cofounded in September of 2010. This organization is a group designed to bring diabetes awareness to communities by volunteering, donating, and education. Ms. Chaney has also volunteered with Cool Girls as a Cool Sister.
In addition to her passion of working with at-risk children, Ms. Chaney looks forward to being more involved in mission trips. She enjoys participating in 5K runs, writing poetry, reading, and traveling.
Ms Chaney spends her spare time with her partner of 11 years Alesha Whitaker and godson Isaiah Baker.
Rita Fasina-Thomas
Began her long-term career in operations and training as a partner of Pennycook Supemarkets. She hails from Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica and was educated at Rosary Academy in Sparkill, NY and Syracuse University. From there, she worked for the Federal Government in Rome, NY and Madrid, Spain. Upon returning to the US, Rita began a 25 year career with Burger King Corporation, where she was recognized for her ability to lead and train teams. After her career with Burger King, Rita founded Distinctive Ops Services, a business consulting company specializing in operations, classroom workshops, training and human resource systems.
Began her long-term career in operations and training as a partner of Pennycook Supemarkets. She hails from Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica and was educated at Rosary Academy in Sparkill, NY and Syracuse University. From there, she worked for the Federal Government in Rome, NY and Madrid, Spain. Upon returning to the US, Rita began a 25 year career with Burger King Corporation, where she was recognized for her ability to lead and train teams. After her career with Burger King, Rita founded Distinctive Ops Services, a business consulting company specializing in operations, classroom workshops, training and human resource systems.
Olivia Howard, Treasurer
Was born in Atlanta, GA but has lived in Douglasville since she was 5 years old. She graduated Lithia Springs High School and later received her Bachelor of Science degree in teaching at Mercer University. She has over 29 years of banking experience and is currently the Branch Manager at Bank of the Ozarks overseeing operations of the Douglasville Branch. She is a member of the bank’s Procedures Writing Committee, a mentor, and a member of the acquisition team. She has also served as training coordinator for many years throughout her banking career. She is also a mentor with the Douglas County MATCH mentoring program. She began a mentoring relationship with a student in sixth grade who is now a sophomore at Douglas County High School. She is married to Chris Howard and together they have 3 sons and 3 grandchildren.