Meet Our Team

Dr. William Vann holds Doctorate of Theology, a Masters in Leadership and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a certificate of ordination from Aenon Bible College. Dr. Vann is an adjunct professor for Tabor College Wichita and for over twenty years Dr. Vann has been involved in the design, support and implementation of programs to strengthen and encourage young people. Presently, he directs his emphasis towards the plight and hopelessness that is plaguing young men in our society in urban environments from a diversity of ethnic and economic backgrounds. He is dedicated to helping young men reach their full potential and become productive citizens and responsible fathers. Dr. Vann is an entrepreneur owning several businesses to include River City Plating and BaM Group. Dr. Vann was awarded the 1999 Minority Businessman of the Year award for the state of Kansas and received the Governors Distinguished Citizen award for his work in community service. Dr. Vann has set on several boards including North Branch YMCA, Union Rescue Mission, and Rise Up for Youth. 

Dr. Donnis McPhaul, PhD, Strategic Planning Committee Member (African American) academic accomplishments embraces a Ph.D. in Organization and Management, with a specialization in Human Resource Management, a Master of Arts in Human Resources Development and Management, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Western Governors University (WGU) has employed Dr. McPhaul as a Program Mentor in the College of Business for more than eight years. Dr. McPhaul has more than nine years of experience as an Adjunct Professor for Tabor College, Baker University, and Newman University. Prior to WGU, Dr. McPhaul had a 35-year career with The Boeing Company. Dr. McPhaul finds great pleasure in working with the elderly and children and often volunteers throughout the community supporting The Center, Academy of Excellence, The Boys and Girls Club, The Young Men Christian Association, Habitat for Humanity, and Salvation Army. Dr. McPhaul serves on Simply Hygiene Executive Board of Directors.

Dr. J. Michelle Vann serves as Executive Director of The Center, a community hub dedicated to strengthening the educational, financial, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of children and families. She brings more than 30 years of experience in education, ministry, wellness advocacy, and community engagement to her leadership. As an educator, speaker, author, and nonprofit leader, Dr. Vann is committed to building strong partnerships and creating programs that equip individuals and families to thrive.

John Singleton, Ret. Wichita, KS Fire Department -Treasurer,  held an illustrious three-decade career dedicated to public safety and community service. His unwavering commitment to the field of fire prevention and suppression is marked by numerous acknowledgments and the gratitude of the countless lives he has protected. Throughout his tenure, John has been at the forefront in the identification and neutralization of hazardous materials, safeguarding citizens and environment alike. His expert knowledge in these crucial areas stands as a testament to the comprehensive training and experience he gained over the years. Beyond his fire service, John's proficiency extends to critical medical emergency response. He is a certified Emergency Medical Technician, skilled in delivering life-saving procedures such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and adept in the application of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

Claude Thompson, Jr. BS, Retired USAF, Strategic Planning Committee Member (African American) retired from the Armed force after servicing 28 years in the Air Force. While serving in the Air Force he was a Production Superintendent in charge of aircraft deployment. He participated in Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He received numerous laudatory comments from his Group Commander, particularly for his lead role in the generation of six B-1 bombers that forward deployed during the initial phase of the war on terrorism. Mr. Thompson, originally from Sacramento California, arrived in Wichita via the Air Force in August of 2008. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for Kansas Driver Motor. Mr. Thomson is passionate about helping people and keeping the environment clean. He  volunteeres for numerous organization designs to help people and to protect the environment to include The Lord’s Diner, Young Men Christian org, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Adopt-a-highway, Christian food give-a-way and Top Three.

Robbie Ray, MHRD, Strategic Planning Committee Member (African American) is a retired Information Technology Manager for Boeing/Spirit AeroSystems Inc., and Program Mentor at Western Governors University (WGU), Graduate College of Business.  Robbie's academic accomplishments include a Master of Arts in Human Resource / Organizational Development and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Robbie’s professional experience includes 29 plus years in the Commercial Aviation Industry as an Information Technology Manager and Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Material Requirements Planning discipline and Enterprise Resource Planning systems (ERP). Along with five years in higher learner education as a Program Mentor. Robbie’s community service involvement includes, Iasis Christian Center, The Center, Wichita Urban League Auxiliary Guild, K-12 Mentoring with USD 259, Salvation Army Foster Care Program, Cultural Diversity Infinity Group President, and The Academy of Excellence (AOE).