Board of Directors
Dr. Elfreda Blue, Ph.D.
Vice Chair
Dr. Elfreda Blue is a veteran teacher and university administrator / professor. She believes deeply in making learning accessible to every learner. Dr. Blue’s research focuses on socio-cultural perspective and literacy for students with learning disabilities and preparing teachers to teach diverse populations. She is a 2004 recipient of the International Reading Associations’ Albert Harris Award.
Among other responsibilities, Dr. Blue is currently the Vice Provost for Graduate and Undergraduate Studies and Professor of Specialized Programs in Education at Hofstra University, where she also serves in the role of associate professor of special education / program director for Elementary Special Education Programs. She previously taught at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where she served as Associate Dean for Urban Education and Program Development. Dr. Blue is a founding board member of two non-profit organizations: the Harlem Education Guild and Adventists Against AIDS in Africa.
Dr. Blue earned her Ph.D. in Special Education with a concentration in literacy from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She also holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Andrews University.
Keithly Garnett, M.B.A.
Treasurer
Keithly Garnett is a corporate finance and transaction services executive with over 19 years of corporate client serving and operational experience, that includes Fortune 500 companies internationally. He has extensive experience in performing valuations of business enterprises, common stock and intangible assets associated with businesses combinations and other strategic purposes, with Ernst & Young LLP Transaction Advisory Services. Mr. Garnett has also provided various financial consulting, operational alignment consulting and valuation services, for both publicly and closely held businesses in a variety of industries, including: entertainment, high-technology, communications, environmental consulting, aerospace and defense, retail, construction, manufacturing, transportation, consumer products and food industries.
Mr. Garnett holds a M.B.A. in Corporate Financial Management from the University at Buffalo. He is an Accredited Senior Appraiser (American Society of Appraisers, Business Valuation).
Dr. Bob Martin, Ph.D.
Operations / Compliance Lead
Non-Profit Relationship Lead
Marketing Director
Fundraiser
Dr. Bob Martin began his career in Investment Banking at Prudential Bache-Securities and Morgan Stanley, addressing Risk Management. He began his career with NYC government in Internal Audit Unit and served as Director, Assistant Commissioner / CFO. He served as Senior Project Manager at Lower Manhattan Development Corporation before moving to the Mayor’s Office of Citywide Emergency Communications, the Mayor’s Office of Appointments and Public Health Solutions (Corporate). At ACS, Dr. Bob Martin currently serves as Senior Advisor to the Leadership.
Dr. Bob Martin holds undergraduate degrees in Accounting / Economics & Business Management from St. John’s University, a Master of Arts Degree in Labor & Urban Development, a Certificate in Community Engagement & Leadership Development, respectively, from the CUNY Graduate Center’s School of Labor & Urban Studies, and a Ph.D. from LIGS University.
Dr. Linford Martin, D.Min.
Chair
Dr. Linford Martin began his career in ministry over 60 years ago on the island of Jamaica, West Indies. During that time, Linford has served the Seventh-day Adventist world church as pastor of more than 25 churches and as a regional conference administrator (Communications Director, Stewardship Director, Executive Secretary). Dr. Linford Martin is certified by the Seventh-day Adventist church as an ordained minister and as a chaplain. He is also the author of the book, “The Challenge of the Empty Pew.” Although Dr. Linford Martin is now retired, he continues to speak and conduct workshops / seminars nationally.
Dr. Linford Martin earned his Bachelor of Theology degree from West Indies College (now Northern Caribbean University), his Master of Divinity degree (M.Div.) from Luther Rice Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Ministry degree (D.Min.) from Andrews University. He holds a Clinical Chaplain certification from the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy. Dr. Linford Martin also holds a certificate in Emotional Health and Cognitive Learning from Loma Linda University.
Dr. Juilet McFarlane, Ed.D.
Associate Secretary
Event Planning Lead
Dr. Juilet McFarlane is a retired educator whose educational journey spanned a period of 47 years. Over the years she taught students from the primary to tertiary levels and spent the last 20 years mentoring, coaching, and providing professional development to educators at the local school level and for the Community School District in which she worked. Dr. McFarlane’s educational experience is not limited to the classroom, but extends to her church and community. Although now retired, she continues to instruct and mentor prospective educators.
Dr. McFarlane graduated with a Teacher’s Certificate, majoring in mathematics and general science from Mico Teachers’ College (now Mico University College) in Kingston Jamaica, a Bachelor’s in Business Management, and a Master’s in School Administration & Supervision from Mercy College, New York, a Master’s in Special Education from the College of New Rochelle, New York, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago.
Maxroy Mitchell, J.D.
Secretary
Maxroy Mitchell is an experienced legal professional with experience as a Vice President & Assistant General Counsel in the litigation department of a major financial institution. Prior to going in-house, Mr. Mitchell spent over a decade as a transactional lawyer representing clients in a range of deal types including structured finance, syndicated lending and other bank finance transactions.
Mr. Mitchell is a graduate of New York University School of Law and Wesleyan University.