Board of directors

  • A woman with short curly hair, glasses, and hoop earrings smiling at the camera. She is wearing a white top with colorful vertical stripes, layered gold necklaces, and is in an indoor setting.

    Alton J. West

    President & Board Chair

  • A man with curly dark hair, glasses, and a beard, looking to the side with a subtle smile, wearing a dark green sweater and a white shirt, indoors with a plant in the background.

    Eddie Joe Grant

    Vice-President & Vice-Chair

  • A woman with shoulder-length black hair smiling outdoors with green foliage in the background.

    Alsie Parks

    Recording Secretary

  • Dr. Eleanor Hopson

    Assistant Secretary

  • Lisa Anfield Stone

    Treasurer

  • Whitney Jaye

    Assistant Treasurer

  • Glennera Martin

    Parliamentarian

  • Yvonne Alford

  • Dr. Morris Brown

  • LeeAnn Chisolm Morrissette

  • Dr. Darryl Nettles

  • Yvette Oliver

  • Dr. Felecia Prince

Executive Director

Gerald Lee Ricks

Gerald Lee Ricks is a versatile professional with a unique career, excelling as a conductor, worship designer, executive leader, and restaurateur. A Florida native raised in Georgia, Gerald earned an Associate of Science in Education from Macon State College, a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Georgia Southwestern State University, and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Mercer University.

His distinctive style, creative skills, and bold charisma have propelled him into notable positions as a conductor and music director in the Southeastern region of the United States. Gerald has led music at various United Methodist connectional events and conferences and has served on the staff of several metropolitan Atlanta United Methodist congregations, including Ousley (Lithonia, GA), Wesley Chapel (McDonough, GA), Glenn Memorial (Atlanta, GA), and Central (Atlanta, GA). His most recent role was as the music and creative arts minister at Mississippi Boulevard Church. Gerald recently served as the Guest Artist Coordinator for the Cathedral Choral Society of the Washington National Cathedral.

With over 25 years of combined experience in leadership, administrative roles, and community development, Gerald is an accomplished professional in worship and artistic management. He excels in strategic planning and operational efficiency, consistently fostering a collaborative and harmonious work environment. With a proven track record in nonprofit and religious organizations, Gerald is prepared to bring his confidence and expertise to as Executive Director to Boggs Rural Life Center.