Rev. Jo Angelia Waters Master Arts Sociology, Master of Divinity

Board Chair

Rev. Jo Angelia Waters was born in Salzburg, Austria in 1958. Through adoption God placed her into the hands and hearts of a young military couple, Joseph Curtis, and Thelma Raye Waters. Jo graduated from St. Gerard's Regional High School on the Eastside of San Antonio, TX. (1976)  Ms. Waters received both a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health (1980); and  Master of Arts in Teaching Sociology (Magna Cum Laude,1996) from Texas State University in San Marcos, TX. Jo is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In May 2020 Rev. Waters obtained the Master of Divinity (Magna Cum Laude) with a concentration in Pastoral Care from The Interdenominational Theological Center Morehouse School of Religion, Atlanta GA. 

Ms. Waters retired from teaching in 2010, after 15 years of coaching in public schools and 15 years as a full-time tenured instructor of Sociology at St. Philip’s Community College (San Antonio, TX).  January 2013 to August 2016, she taught as an online adjunct instructor for Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. From 2016 to the present Jo continues to serve as an adjunct for St. Philip's College. Rev. Waters also serves as an adjunct for Stark College and Seminary in Corpus Christi, TX.

After the passing of her beloved husband, The Rev. Dr. E. Thurman Walker, Jr. in October 2009, and her mother, Mrs. Thelma Raye Bass in December 2010, Jo was inspired to write a book titled The Person Beside the Bed: Encouragement for Informal Caregivers (Creative Enterprises, 2013). Ms. Waters has served as a speaker and presenter for numerous churches, community gatherings, medical and academic settings throughout Texas, Michigan, Florida, Colorado, and Ohio specifically on the topic of caring for caregivers, and issues of death and dying. Due to her passion for this topic, Jo continues to develop and expand this ministry in efforts to include encouragement to pastoral families and those in church leadership. 

In 2012, Jo Angelia became a founding member and a speaker on behalf of Heal the Healer San Antonio, Inc., an organization founded by Dr. Melissa Walker. Through Heal the Healer Jo assists in planning symposiums and offers presentations geared toward the formal caregivers in the medical community, and informal family caregivers. 

In May of 2015 Jo Waters was called to the preaching ministry and licensed under Pastors Freddie and Marsha Piphus of Zion Global Ministries in West Chester, Ohio. Jo Angelia currently serves as the Congregational Care Pastor at Resurrection Baptist Church in Schertz, TX under Pastor Ray D. Brown, Sr. and Executive Pastor Anthony Cobbs.

Since 2010 Rev. Waters has served as Board Chair for The Dr. E. Thurman Walker Foundation, Inc. (formerly known as the Walker Institute of Learning and Leadership for Boys of Excellence or WILLBE);  a 501 © 3 focused on providing mentoring and scholarships to young men of color.

Jo Angelia has been a speaker, teacher, and presenter in the San Antonio and surrounding community for over 40 years. Through her passion for educating ,encouraging, and uplifting others Min. Jo has been blessed and gifted to inspire others to live life at a higher level through a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. Rev. Waters is a proponent for making sure to engage selfcare in ministry. Her many hobbies include riding a motorcycle, writing, chasing beautiful sunsets, and family road trips. Jo is a proud mother and “Gaga” of 3 (Raizel, Tayla, and Trae). 

Her life perspective scripture is Philippians 4: 6-7.

Veronica Metcalfe

Secretary

Ms. Metcalfe earned a B.A. in Political Science. She is an ambitious and optimistic leader with a proven record for achieving business goals while demonstrating a high degree of integrity and passion. Strong analytical skills and abilities in strategic planning, operational efficiencies, project management, process improvements, business transformation, risk management and overall claims management. Demonstrative ability to motivate staff to maximum productivity and control costs through the most effective uses of manpower and available resources.

Core Competencies

• Effective Communication
• Project Management
• Cross Functional Collaboration
• Litigation Management 
• Quality Assurance
• Employee Training
• Process Standardization
• Process Improvement
• Insurance and Risk Analysis
• Change Management
• Operations and Risk Management
• Fleet Management
• Vendor/Client Relations
• Loss Management
• Litigation Management
• Xactimate 28

Project Management:
● Initiated new process to improve quality while eliminating leakage. This new process resulted with 100% compliance expectation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Audit.
Project Development

● Collaborated with team of Senior Leaders, Managers and employees from various departments in the development of Claim Center Advancement (PLCS) system to improve processing time, capture data, reporting capability and customer service.
Process Improvement
● Created new/revised departmental procedures manual.
● Assessed organizational training needs. Completed cross training for 40 claims specialists and managers in three states.

Examiner: Property Damage/Homeowners/Manufactured Homes

September 2017 to Current

David Morse and Associates (DMA Claims Services)

Reviewed and recommended revisions of completed Home estimates that were written on Xactimate according to the Standard Operating Procedures defined by DMA. Called Homeowners to advise the current status of file and the next steps.  Answered all questions related to check distribution and any supplemental process.

Oversaw 47 Independent adjusters and Performed QA and audited bills that were submitted by the independent adjusters for their completed work. Made sure that the bill rate was accurately applied and the hours submitted were in line with the given fee schedule. Called Independent adjusters directly with any discrepancies and ensured compliance and correction.

Direct and Indirect Sales Manager: Auto / Property / Commercial /Life

July 2013 to September 2017

State Farm Insurance Company – Atlanta, GA

Took-high profile role, rapidly increasing sales performance and generating repeat business by grooming staff to facilitate customer loyalty. Added operational/sales efficiencies that will effect long-term impact. Managed inventory portfolio of 1800 individual clients while retaining 90% of Branches book of business with a 15% premium increase.

Hired new sales talent to cultivate strategic relationships to increase the customer base, and maximize account sales. Strategically planned and launched new Group initiatives that fostered a “team winning environment” Raised business profile to win title Best customer service for top level service and quality award.

Achieved goals that were currently established while creating others to raise the bar and challenge the team. Developed sales strategies for my assigned customers and potential customers. Developed a close relationship with all current employees both internal and external.

Became the Top Producer with a distinguished track record in sales, customer service and client/relationship management

Liability Claims Supervisor: Auto / Fire / Property / Casualty

September 2009 to June 2013

Farmers Insurance Company – Atlanta, GA

Identified, developed and retained high potential/high performing employees. Managed staff performance; implement strategies and plans to address staff development; identified and addressed training needs on an ongoing basis; provided frequent performance feedback. Successfully leverage data, managed information and technology to identify and make the most of opportunities to support business strategies and improve results. Focusing on resolution and process improvement at the same time. Developed and maintained effective relationships with colleagues, business partners, customers, agents, regulatory agencies and others to achieve organizational goals and create the best outcome.

Claims Branch Manager: Auto/ Fire/ Property / Casualty

September 2004 to August 2009

AIG –American International Group

21st Century Insurance Company – Alpharetta, GA

Managed claims branch office comprised of bodily injury, non-injury, and litigation adjusters. Hired, supervised, developed, and evaluated adjusters. Completed performance management, salary planning and administration, training and development, workflow planning, and disciplinary actions. Provided technical excellent, manage productivity, conduct open file reviews, reinforce corporate communications, enforce compliance issues, identify and resolve ethical dilemmas, and managed general personnel issues.

Claims Branch Manager: Auto/ Property / Casualty

October 2007 to February 2008

American International Group – Alpharetta, GA/Birmingham, AL

Provided analytical and data mining support to ensure that the leadership team within the Claims Operations functions received the data necessary to fully develop and execute their business and financial objectives. Determined metrics, goals, leading/lagging indicators and reports to help the leadership team within the Claims Operations determine the proper infrastructure and strategic initiatives necessary to properly execute the handling processes for PD, BI, Litigation, Appraisal, SIU, Subrogation and Salvage. Implemented and manage a data repository to enable claims to keep current on regulations and issues, industry activity and trends. Managed the processes and procedures to be used in the selection and management of external service provider agreements and vendor relationships, ensuring claims reporting data is maintained and monitored for compliance and results. Implement and manage processes, procedures and protocol for an effective budget planning and monitoring process. Implemented and managed a Quality Audit process, working with the Internal Audit Department and the leadership team in Claims Operations focusing on outcome measurement and file accuracy.



Claims Branch Manager: Auto/ Property / Casualty

August 1994 to September 2004

Progressive Auto Insurance Company – Duluth, GA

Managed multi-functional office of Claims professionals and support staff. Evaluated employees to ensure the best utilization of unit talent. Identified team-staffing needs and took necessary measures to ensure appropriate levels of service. Consistently monitored workflows to maximize efficiency. Maintained acceptable level of service and customer satisfaction and retention. Communicated and collaborated with all of the operating units and various departments/teams with whom the customer may interact or impact through daily processes. Evaluated training needs, developed training plans and ensured implementation. Developed unit goals, objectives, processes, procedures, and systems. Participated in development of annual departmental budget, monitors budget and identifies budget discrepancies.

University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Political Science: Bachelor of Arts

Professional Leadership: National Co-Chairperson for one of AIG’s Employee Network

Community Involvement: Board Member, Emory University Hospital- Family Action Board; Member, CAMP

Professional Development: Project Management; Time Management; Professional Leadership, Xactimate

Professional Affiliations: March of Dimes; American Heart Association; Susan G. Komen

Professional licensees: State of Georgia Adjuster license

**Licensed in the States of Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Kentucky, Michigan, South Carolina and North Carolina

State of Georgia Resident Adjuster License

State of Georgia Insurance Agent License

**Other Licenses held: Agent Property Casualty, Health and Life

Reverend Charles A. Morris 

Treasurer

Reverend Charles A. Morris was born in Tampa, Florida and raised in Tallahassee. He attended FAMU DRS and received his Bachelor of Science degree, in Political Science from Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, Florida (1975); he earned a Masters of Public Administration from Florida State University (1976) and a Master of Divinity Degree (Summa cum Laude) at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia (1991). In July of 2006, he received the Certificate of Completion at the Summer Leadership Institute at Harvard Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass. In 2012 Pastor Morris completed the prestigious Foundations of Christian Leadership program at Duke University.

In February of 1991, while still in seminary he was employed with Trinity (United Methodist Church) Community Ministries, in Atlanta, Georgia where he served as Transition House Manager. Rev. Morris became pastor of Mount Ararat AME Church (Waukeenah, Fl.) 1995-1998. In April 1998, he became pastor of Anderson Chapel AME Church in Tallahassee, Fl, where he served for ten years. The congregation burned their mortgage in three years, created dynamic ministries and purchased three adjacent properties. In November 2008 Bishop McKinley Young assigned Pastor Morris to Bethel (Pensacola) where he led that congregation for the next five years culminating in hosting the 148^th Session of the Florida Annual Conference. In September 2013 Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson Jr. brought Pastor Morris closer to home to New Bethel (Quincy) where he now serves a progressive group of believers who have retired their mortgage note seven years early. Additionally, Pastor Morris has served as Director, Christian Education-Eleventh Episcopal District (Florida and the Bahamas) from 1999-2004 and was voted Pastor of The Year (Tallahassee District) 1998-99.

He is a certified Pastoral Counselor, a certified U.S.G.A Performance Auditor, a Christian Educator, a Bible Teacher, an Exegetical Engineer, and a Workshop Facilitator.

Pastor Morris was initiated into the Alpha Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in May of 1972. While still an undergraduate in 1973, Morris founded the Tallahassee Kappa League the very first Kappa League in the entire Southern Province. Brother Morris has been voted the Tallahassee Alumni Chapter Man of The Year. In 2017 was named the National Hook Up of Black Women ‘Person of the Year’. Other awards include the Gadsden County Democratic Women’s Club ‘Working to Improve Gadsden’ (2016);The Capital City Democratic Women’s Club ‘Christian Social Justice Award’(2017):The Big Bend United Housing Partnership ‘Civil Rights Award’ (2018); Gadsden County Veterans’ ‘Veterans Advocate award (2018).

The social justice ministry of empowerment has long been a passion of Pastor Morris. Since coming to Gadsden County Pastor Morris has engaged the New Bethel A.M.E. Church family in several ministries including the Gideon’s Quota (GQ) ministry, the Gadsden County Health Council, the Quincy Community Redevelopment Agency, and the very first “Souls to the Polls” rally in Florida’s only majority Black county. In 2015 Pastor Morris joined with 33 other churches and Social Action groups in forming United Gadsden Incorporated. United Gadsden Inc., engages in voter registration, voter education and voter mobilization. The group believes in leadership accountability to foster a vision led community determined to make Gadsden County a model of excellence. Pastor Morris believes strongly in Christian Stewardship and Practicing Christian disciplines that are Christ-Centered; Bible-Based; and Spirit-Filled!

Pastor Morris is well traveled taking the message of hope world-wide for the glory of God. Destinations include Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, India, Hawaii, Lesotho, The Swaziland, South Africa and in March 2007, Pastor Morris visited the Holy Land for two weeks. In 2010 Pastor Morris returned to Israel, this time with 12 members of his Bethel-Pensacola congregation. In December of 2017 Pastor Morris travelled to Havana, Cuba. Pastor Morris was a member of the Mafico Institute Travel group and visited Ghana in June of 2019.  He is a child of King Jesus.

Rev. George W. Pinkard MDIV, PHD

Board Member

Rev. George W. Pinkard is a 53 year old ordained minister in the Disciples of Christ tradition (Christian Church in the United States and Canada) where he currently serves as pastor of God’s City of Refuge Christian Church. While currently working on his PhD dissertation in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Ecclesiology from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA, his prior educational journey includes a Masters in Divinity and Masters In Christian Education from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Ga and a bachelor’s in Leadership and Administration from Beulah Heights University. While also in the process of perusing a full time teaching job as adjunct to become professor, he retired after 31 years but still works part time as a ladies shoe buyer for Friedman’s Shoes in Atlanta, GA. His goals and purpose in life is to empower leaders with skills and resources to embrace local and global organizational and ecclesial trends with resonance, dignity, and wisdom.

33 years of organizational and managerial experience in small and large group settings incorporating Emotional Intelligence, Visual and Retail Merchandising. Excellent interpersonal cross-cultural communication skills building cohesive relationships influenced by social, environmental, and trend demands.

GOD’S CITY OF REFUGE CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DOC) Hapeville /Atlanta, GA

Senior Pastor 2015 – Present
– Serve as liaison and informant between matters related to the church and the broader
community
– Global Missions
– Teach
– Counsel
– Moderate relationships and affairs between individuals serving the financial, business,
and spiritual components of the ecclesial institution.

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST DENOMINATION State of Georgia

Regional Elder of the Christian Church 2019 – Present
– Liaison between the concerns of the 56 churches in Georgia and the regional office
– Ensure relationships between churches remain heathy and in consistent identity with
the mission and vision of the Disciples of Christ in the United States and Canada
– Work with the regional minister and other regions in the US and Canada to find resolve to
humanitarian, social, and environmental concerns

FRIEDMAN’S SHOES INC Atlanta, GA

Shoe Buyer / Retail Manager 1987 – Present
– Manage consumer relationships between retail establishment in response to trends.
– responsible for instore and internet retail merchandise selection
– digital image merchandising
– oversee marketing budgets
– mange relationships between retail establishment and vendors
– Shoe market travel

Regent University Virginia, Beach, VA
PhD Organizational Leadership 12 / 2020
Concentration (Ecclesial Leadership)

Interdenominational Theological Center Atlanta. GA
Master in divinity 5/2015

Interdenominational Theological Center Atlanta, GA
Master in Christian Education 5/2015

Beulah Heights University Atlanta, GA
Bachelor of Arts in Leadership & Administration 6/2008
Concentration (Biblical Studies)



Mable Baily Fashion College & School of Modeling Columbus, GA
Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandising & Business Management 6/1987