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 her skills to support impactful ministry work. As part of the team, Sarah works remotely to manage communications and administration that help support Jackson’s leaders and ministries. A Mississippi Gulf Coast native, Sarah graduated from Mississippi College with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Servant Leadership. Her background in ministry and social media helps her contribute to the mission of bringing hope to the city. Sarah is married to George Myers, who is currently pursuing his law degree. Together, they are committed to seeing communities thrive through service and connection.
Candiss Fortenberry
Admin & Partner Support Coordinator
partner@
Candiss is passionate about welcoming people and strengthening the relationships that help ministries thrive. As Admin and Support Coordinator, she serves at the front desk of 23:6 Place, greeting guests and helping create a space where partners, volunteers, and donors feel connected and supported. She also works behind the scenes to assist leaders as they move toward their ministry goals. Candiss and her husband, Scott, planted Soul City Jackson, a ministry serving the Midtown community. Through their leadership, they have invested deeply in the spiritual and relational health of the city. Candiss shares a strong love for Jackson and a desire to see its neighborhoods flourish through faithful service and Gospel-centered community. Candiss and Scott reside in Jackson and remain committed to serving the city they call home.
PROGRAM STAFF
DAVID HENDERSON
236 Place
Building Manager
KELCIE SHACK
Red Door Jackson
Program Director
CRYSTAL SMITH
Red Door Jackson
Data Specialist
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
FELECIA MARSHALL
Grant Me Justice
Program Director
JASON (SMILEY) ABRAMS
The Barnabus Project
Local Coordinator
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chad Berry, Treasurer
Major Brown
Bill Caldwell
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