Board of Directors

Dr. Gary Lee Williams serves as President of the H.O.P.E. Leadership Group Board of Directors. An Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Dr. Williams has spent his career at the intersection of higher education, urban leadership, and community transformation. As the visionary founder of the African American Youth Summit, a landmark mentorship initiative that has served thousands of students for over 30 years, he brings a proven track record of building programs that change lives at scale.

His tenure as Director of the UWM Institute for Intercultural Research and his service as a Commissioner for the Social Development Commission reflect a lifelong commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and improving outcomes for young people. A national pioneer in restorative justice and urban education reform, Dr. Williams brings to this board the kind of institutional knowledge, strategic vision, and moral authority that only comes from decades of doing the work. His leadership as Board President ensures that H.O.P.E. Leadership Group operates with the highest standard of governance, purpose, and community impact.

Jessica Warner serves as Secretary of the H.O.P.E. Leadership Group Board of Directors. A seasoned professional at AT&T, Jessica brings corporate expertise in project management and communications that keeps the organization running with precision and clarity. Her deep roots in the Cibolo community make her an invaluable connection between the organization and the families we serve. Known for her trustworthiness and genuine dedication to the young people around her, Jessica embodies the values that H.O.P.E. Leadership Group was built on.

Kendra Marshall serves as Treasurer of the H.O.P.E. Leadership Group Board of Directors. As an Account Supervisor at JPMorgan Chase & Co., Kendra brings a high level of financial expertise and integrity to the organization, ensuring every dollar entrusted to us is managed with precision and transparency. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kendra has demonstrated a tireless commitment to the student-athletes and families of this community through her volunteer efforts and consistent show of support. Her presence on this board gives H.O.P.E. Leadership Group the financial foundation it needs to grow and sustain its mission for years to come.

James Butler serves as Member at Large on the H.O.P.E. Leadership Group Board of Directors. A San Antonio native and proud graduate of Judson High School, James brings a remarkable depth of experience to this role. After serving his country as an Army combat medic, he returned home and dedicated the next chapter of his life to education, spending 13 years at Byron P. Steele High School as an English teacher and coach in football, basketball, and track before rising through the ranks of school administration.

He currently serves as Principal in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District, where his leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student has the potential for greatness. His rare combination of military service, classroom experience, athletic coaching, and executive leadership makes him an extraordinary asset to our board and a living example of the values H.O.P.E. Leadership Group instills in every student-athlete we serve.

Summer-Marie Brown represents At-Large Place 7 on the Cibolo City Council, elected in December 2025. Born in Joplin, Missouri, and raised in the Netherlands as a military child, she brings a global perspective and deep commitment to service.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Master of Business Administration, and served nine years as an enlisted U.S. Army Soldier before receiving a Direct Commission as an Active-Duty Medical Service Officer. Her civilian career spans senior leadership roles in human resources, labor relations, and workforce development with a focus on compliance, accountability, and people-centered solutions.

Councilwoman Brown is committed to responsible growth, strong local institutions, and investing in the next generation — actively supporting youth mentorship, veteran organizations, and partnerships with local high schools.

Dr. Robert L. Sheridan III represents Place 7 on the Schertz City Council, having taken the oath of office in February 2026. Born in San Angelo, Texas, he brings over 35 years of combined military and federal service to his role as a public servant.

He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1986, serving as a medical specialist across bases in Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Turkey, with deployments supporting Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. His civilian career spans more than 17 years as a Department of Defense contracting professional, most recently as a Division Chief with the U.S. Army's 410th Contracting Support Brigade. He is the recipient of both the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal and the Air Force Civilian Achievement Medal.

Dr. Sheridan has devoted decades to youth development — coaching basketball, softball, and soccer — and currently serves as President of the Greater Randolph Area Youth Soccer Association (GRAYSA). He is committed to responsible fiscal stewardship, strong infrastructure, and long-term strategic growth for the Schertz community.