WHO WE ARE
IT STARTED SIMPLY WITH RELATIONSHIPS…
Birthed out of a vision of Dr. John Perkins and other leaders in the Jackson metro area, the Jackson Leadership Foundation was formed as an answer to the question, “Is there a way to empower Christians to spiritually and physically transform Jackson’s under-resourced communities?”
Our Leadership Team is made up of nonprofit, business, and church leaders who carry decades of experience in working with ministries in under-resourced communities and connecting Christians to these ministries.
JLF STAFF
Samuel Bolen
Executive Director
sbolen@
Samuel’s life passion is to connect the church across cultural, socioeconomic, and geographical lines. He has served in ministry for over a decade, both in establishing and leading community ministries in low-income neighborhoods, as well as working in pastoral ministry in churches. As Executive Director, Samuel and his team get to work with Jackson’s “superheroes,” her grassroots ministry leaders working in communities throughout the city. He also gets the privilege of connecting individuals, families, churches, and businesses to invest their time, talent, and treasure in Jackson’s leaders. Samuel, his wife Hallie, and their three sons reside in Jackson and are members of Redeemer Church.
Candace Robins
Director of Programs
crobins@
Candace, a Jackson native, has served as a ministry leader in the Jackson Metropolitan Area for more than 15 years. Serving as the Director of Programs, Candace helps connect community leaders with the support and resources needed in order to thrive. Candace graduated from Jackson State University and is currently pursuing her M.A., with an emphasis in intercultural city ministry, at Reformed Theological Seminary. Candace is passionate about developing fruitful, Gospel-centered outreach ministries that impact communities in meaningful ways. She is the proud mother of Nylah, Zeek, Brayden, and Christen Grace.
Sarah Myers
Admin & Communications Manager
smyers@
Sarah is passionate about building meaningful connections and using communication and creativity to support ministry work. A Mississippi Gulf Coast native, she graduated from Mississippi College with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Servant Leadership. Sarah works remotely to help tell JLF’s story and support the people and ministries serving throughout Jackson. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, George, who is pursuing his law degree, and their son, Baker.
Merrin Meyer
Partner Support Coordinator
partner@
Merrin has lived in and around the Jackson Metro Area for her entire life, and is glad for the opportunity to serve the places she has called home as the Partner Support Coordinator. She attended Saint Augustine School in high school, and graduated from Mississippi College in 2025 with a degree in English Literature. She is a member of Grace City Church in Jackson where she serves in various capacities, including their prayer, guest services, and college ministries.
PROGRAM STAFF
DAVID HENDERSON
236 Place
Building Manager
TERRI THORNTON
Red Door Jackson
Program Director
FELECIA MARSHALL
Grant Me Justice
Program Director
BETH MASTERS
Maggie’s Mission
Program Director
LEVI GILL
Hope Exchange
Program Director
KATERI GILL
Hope Exchange
Assistant Program Director and Content Curator
SYLVIA LEGGETTE
Hope Exchange
Art + Soil Community Garden Manager
JASON (SMILEY) ABRAMS
The Barnabus Project
Local Coordinator
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chad Berry, Treasurer
Major Brown
Chris Bruce
Bill Caldwell
Jonathan Ford
Michael Hartman
Chris McAlpin
Matt Peaster
Shameka Reed, Vice President
Shirley Tucker, President
Christian Vance
Larry Williamson, Secretary
A LIFE THAT SHAPED OUR MISSION
Dr. John M. Perkins (1930-2026)
Dr. John M. Perkins was a pastor, teacher, and leader whose life and ministry shaped communities across the country for decades. His work helped the Church recover a vision for loving our neighbors and remaining present in the places God has called us.
He served as a Distinguished Advisor to Jackson Leadership Foundation and played a meaningful role in shaping the vision of our work. Through his encouragement and example, he helped lay the groundwork for the kind of leadership we seek to cultivate in Jackson today.
We give thanks for his life and the lasting impact he continues to have on our work.
Physical: 236 E. Capitol St. - Jackson, MS 39201
Mailing: P.O. BOX 4671 - JACKSON, MS 39296
INFO@JACKSONLEADERSHIPFOUNDATION.ORG