Supporting the individuals, families, small businesses, and neighborhoods of Biloxi, Mississippi.
Executive Director
A former Biloxi High School teacher, William (“Bill”) F. Stallworth has served the city of Biloxi in various capacities since 1976, most recently as the Councilman for Ward II, a position he also previously occupied for 12 years. In addition, Stallworth was the city’s residential and business relocation officer, the Community Development Planner, Community Development Specialist, the Personnel Officer and Voter Registrar, and Vice President for Economic Development for the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. In addition to his public service, Bill Stallworth is a businessman, founding BFS Services, a construction and landscaping company, in 1985 and becoming a partner of Computer and Technology Support Services in 1992. Compelled to return to politics 12 years later, he was once again elected to the City Council as the only African American member shortly before Katrina struck, and since founded the East Biloxi Coordination, Relief, and Redevelopment Agency (later named the Hope Community Development Agency), and dedicated himself to the rebuilding of his community.
Board Members
The Board of Directors is comprised of 11 members with a diversity of expertise. In addition to longtime community members, the Board includes the president and a vice president of two local banks; the executive director of a housing development nonprofit organization; the executive director of a child care and community development organization; an attorney; the president of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); and two pastors. The full Board includes:
- Warren Conway, Chairman; Attorney, Conway and Martin
- Bishop DeBruce Nelson, Vice Chairman; Pastor, Lighthouse Ministries
- Stephanie Gray, Secretary; long-time resident
- Carol Burnett, Member; Executive Director, Moore Community House
- James Crowell, Member; President, Biloxi Chapter NAACP
- Reverend Kenneth Haynes, Member; Main Street Missionary Baptist Church
- Shari Prestemon, Member; Executive Director, Back Bay Mission
- Karen Sock, Member; Casino Executive
- Chevis Swetman, Member; CEO and President, People’s Bank
- Elmer William, Member; Vice President Coast Community Bank
- vacant seat
