Board of Directors

Heidi is a graduate of Mercer University’s Stetson School of Business with bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Management.  She is a certified Housing Development Finance Professional and Economic Development Finance Professional through the National Development Council.  Heidi is also a graduate of the Truist Banking School.

Heidi is passionate about helping to build relationships that empower mission-driven organizations to increase their reach in LMI communities.  She currently serves as a board member for Collaborative Solutions, Inc. (Board Chair) and Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County. She is also a member of the Asset Building Coalition of Forsyth County’s Financial Capabilities Committee and the Impact America, Inc Development Committee.

Gizdic holds a bachelor’s degree in health policy and administration from Pennsylvania State University, as well as an MBA and MHA from Pfeiffer University. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on several boards and committees, including the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board and the North Carolina Healthcare Association. His previous community involvement includes leadership roles with Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity and various health and business organizations in Wilmington.

Keyra Faulkner-Williams, MBA, CCP is a “data nerd” who couples that skillset with her passion for economic and upward mobility.  Her passion was realized when she served as an AmeriCorps VISTA, spearheading the creation of the local asset-building coalition. As a first-generation college student and homeowner, she understood the challenges and barriers in generational mobility.  Keyra earned degrees in Biology, Religious Studies, and an MBA from Wake Forest University. She works at Wake Forest University as their Senior Compensation Analyst, ensuring fair and equitable pay. She also helps start-up small businesses, offering them the professional guidance needed to become and remain successful. Keyra has served on the Winston-Salem Sustainability Committee, Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth Board, Greater Winston Salem Inc. Senior Academy Mentor, Asset Building Coalition of Forsyth County, and volunteers for many other organizations. Keyra’s life experiences along with her professional experience makes her an asset in many capacities.

He brings policy expertise and lived experience as a parent of an adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tim serves as Project Director for Weaving Connections, a statewide initiative supporting individuals with disabilities and complex needs.

A former Deloitte consultant, Tim has worked across major systems including Veterans Health and Indian Health Services. He has also led housing initiatives, including an IDD Housing Study and a community-led affordable housing project in Winston-Salem’s historic Happy Hill neighborhood.

Tim lives in Winston-Salem with his family and is dedicated to advancing equity and community well-being.

Member of the NC corporate extension garden friends in which I love learning about community gardens.

In my spare time I work in the Marketing Department at Novant Health Rehab Hospital and spend time with my daughter, Myan who is a Jr. at Appalachian State University!!

Dr. Kelley Mills is Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff at Winston-Salem State University, with 23 years of experience supporting presidents and boards at colleges and universities nationwide.

A North Carolina native, Kelley holds a Doctorate in Education from Vanderbilt University, a Master of Public Affairs from UNC Greensboro, and a Bachelor’s in Public Policy Analysis from UNC Chapel Hill.

She is active in the Association of Governing Boards and the National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education, where she has presented at numerous conferences.

In her free time, Kelley enjoys upcycling projects and is an avid animal lover.

In 2010, he co-founded Crisp Hospitality Group with Chef Sammy Gianopoulos, creating popular concepts including Fratelli’s Italian Steakhouse, Three Bulls American Steakhouse, and Sammy G’s Tavern — all focused on exceptional food, service, and community.

Beyond his restaurants, Johnny is dedicated to giving back, actively supporting his church, local schools, and charitable events throughout the Triad.

He began his career with the Winston-Salem Police Department in 1997 and has worked his way through the ranks until his most recent promotion to Chief of Police in January of 2023, serving in various capacities throughout the department.

Chief Penn is active in community service through Boy Scouts, HBCU Living Legends, Habitat for Humanity, and YMCA of Northwest NC. In addition, he is an inductee into Carver High School’s Hall of Fame, and most recently, was honored by the NWOA’s “Profiles of Prominence.”
He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Chief Penn continued his education at Winston-Salem State University, earning a master’s degree in Business Administration.

Brenda is actively involved in health initiatives, such as the Voices of African American Health at the Maya Angelou Research Center, and she has been a strong advocate for breast cancer awareness through the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, where she received the Komen Volunteer Award in 2017.

In the arts, Brenda has served on the boards of the Delta Fine Arts Center and the North Carolina Black Repertory Company. She is also a dedicated supporter of Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County, where she has served as both a volunteer and a board member.

Brenda holds a Master of Science in Library Science from Atlanta University and a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from North Carolina Central University. Her community involvement extends to roles with MyFace, Inc., the Women’s Fund Board of The Winston-Salem Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity.