WHO
WE ARE
STAFF.
Patrice
McDowell-Brown, MBA
Executive Director
Patrice directs and provides leadership on all aspects of Preston Brown Foundation. She graduated from the University of Dayton with a bachelor’s degree in Communications Management later receiving her MBA with honors from the University of Phoenix. In June 2020, in response to the Covid19 pandemic, she became certified, by the National Council of Behavioral Health, as a Youth Mental Health First Aid instructor. Patrice has over 20 years of corporate sales and human resource experience with Fortune 500 companies. An active member of the Professional Football Players Mothers Association and Alpha, Kappa, Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is actively engaged in service to Greater Cincinnati communities.
Paige Brown, M.Ed
Program Manager
Paige is responsible for establishing and maintaining our community partnerships and social media presence. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Central State University and earned a Master degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Louisville. She is also a certified Mindfulness Life Coach. Ms. Brown is a human services professional with over 10 years of experience in all facets of behavioral support and risk reduction plans for youth and adults. Paige serves her community in various capacities.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Mike Brown, B.S. Education
President
Mike has over 30 years of teaching experience in Florida and Ohio public schools. Most recently, supervising a staff of 10 teachers and 5 paraprofessionals at the Juvenile Court facility in Cincinnati, OH. With over 20 years of experience coaching high school football, boys and girls basketball, and track - he is successful managing athletic programs, and developing talent at all levels. Mr. Brown is a much sought-after motivational speaker and a true advocate for all children.
Keena McDowell Smith, MPA
Corporate Secretary
A successful executive and entrepreneur, Keena’s diverse career spans 25 years in public and private sectors where she focuses her leadership on economic and workforce inclusion. She has been responsible for over $1 billion in capital flow to under-resourced communities and small businesses. In 2016, the Columbus Business First regional newspaper recognized her as its Outstanding Head of Diversity. She founded the Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity, a non-profit dedicated to growing African American women owners, leaders and innovators across the country. An active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. A proud Buckeye, Keena holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Ohio State, where she also earned a B.A. in Economics. She is mom to Keeanna M. Smith, MD and Stewart A. Smith, MD.
Ingrid Bachelor
Treasurer
Ingrid is a Certified Public Accountant. She graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics/Accounting and went on to receive the Master of Accounting in from Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She served in the capacity of the controller for a prominent law firm before becoming the owner and president of Bachelor & Associates, Inc. Her firm provides specialized accounting and tax consulting services to professional athletes, churches, non-profit organizations, and growing businesses.
Wayne Box Miller
Marketing Chair
Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at St. Xavier High School (Cincinnati), Wayne Box Miller is an author, multifaceted media veteran as well as a respected diversity and inclusion professional. Wayne has published three books, From the Soul of A Man, The Power of Love and You Wake-up, You Win!”™ which focuses on developing a winning attitude in the face of adversity.
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Wayne is a graduate of Morehead State University, where he was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame for career achievement and contributions. He stays active in the community volunteering and mentoring. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and Crossroads Church.
ADVISORY BOARD.
Mary McAlister Cleveland, B.B.A., J.D.
An education advocate, Great Oaks Vocational Schools - Appointed Board Chair January 2023. elected to Princeton City Schools, Board of Education in 2013; re-elected 2017; Appointed 2014 to Board of Directors, Great Oaks Career Campuses; 2017 re-appointed; Planning and Policy Committee Chair. In 2018, appointed to the Ohio School Board Association, Southwest Region Executive Committee. Mary earned Bachelor of Business Administration from Thomas More College and Juris Doctorate from Salmon P. Chase, College of Law. Graduate of Executive Service Corps of Cincinnati's Executive Curriculum for Emerging Leaders. Mary was recognized in Who’s Who in Black Cincinnati as a community leader. Member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
Michael Johnson, MBA
President & Chief Executive Officer Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County Wisconsin
In eight years as their CEO, the Club made significant accomplishments: They developed a bold, five-year $15M plan that resulted in more than doubling the number of children and families being served in South Central Wisconsin, tripled the number of employees and grew their operating budget by 318 % during his tenure. Transforming the organization from a local children’s charity to a change agent for children and families. Johnson left Boys & Girls Clubs in June of 2018 to become President & CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati and resigned after four months to return to his role with the Club.
Michael earned a BA in Business Education from Chicago State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He also holds a certification in fundraising management from the Center of Philanthropy at Indiana University, a certification in human resource management from Cornell University and an Advanced Leadership Certification from the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business.