Board of Directors

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.

John Gizdic is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Novant Health, where he oversees operational performance, strategic integrations, and emergency preparedness across Novant Health hospitals and Medical Group services. Before joining Novant Health in 2021, he served as President and CEO of New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC), where he was instrumental in enhancing patient care, expanding the physician network, and managing $1 billion in capital projects. Gizdic’s earlier experience includes leadership roles at Carolinas HealthCare System, where he focused on administration, strategic services, and financial operations.

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.

Heidi Schoonover is the Managing Director of CRA Strategic Programs & Initiatives at Truist.  In this role, she provides strategic Community Reinvestment Act and Community Development guidance on lending, investment, and engagement strategies that address the critical community needs in Truist markets.  In collaboration with community partners, she also leads the design and implementation of impactful, innovative national and multi-regional initiatives focused on improving community access to affordable housing, capital, and essential services.  Heidi is also responsible for execution of the Truist Signature Capacity Building program designed to build the capacity of mission driven nonprofits serving low-and moderate-income (LMI) and/or small business communities.  With more than 25 years of banking experience, she previously held positions in Commercial Real Estate Lending and Risk Management.

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.

With 28 years of experience in corporate finance, Bobbi Doehner brings deep expertise in strategic financial leadership. She spent 20 years with Reynolds American, supporting consumer and trade marketing through commercial finance, and overseeing operations finance across all supply chain and manufacturing activities.

Bobbi currently serves on the Global Leadership Team Women’s Executive Network at British American Tobacco and is an Ally of Women in Leadership with BAT Global. She is a proud alumna of Leadership Winston-Salem (Class of 2017) and previously served on the Finance Committee of the Arts Council of Winston-Salem from 2011 to 2014.

Mary Ford, Boston Thurmond resident since 2007, VP of the Boston Thurmond Neighborhood Association, Health and Wellness team chair of the Boston Thurmond Community Engagement Roundtable, Health Connector for Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods, Core team member of Forsyth County Birth Stories.

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!!

Mike Grace focuses his practice on business and corporate law, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and private
equity. He advises clients on complex commercial agreements and transactions, representing portfolio companies of private equity funds and middle-market businesses across industries such as retail, consumer goods, technology, and business services.

Before entering private practice, Mike served as Legal Counsel at the Supreme Court of North Carolina, providing legal support to the Chief Justice in his role as head of the state’s judicial branch. He also clerked for Chief Justice Mark Martin of the North Carolina Supreme Court, where he conducted legal research and drafted judicial opinions on a range of civil and criminal cases.

A graduate of Wake Forest University School of Law, Mike was a licensed student advocate at the Innocence and Justice Clinic and worked with micro-enterprises and NGOs through Wake Forest’s Micro-Trade and Development Clinic in Nicaragua.

Mike has been recognized among Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (2023–2025) for Banking and Finance, Corporate Law, and M&A by The Best Lawyers in America®. His additional honors include the “Winston Under 40” Leadership Award (2022), a “40 Under 40 Most Influential African American in the Triad” nomination (2020), and selection as a “Top 100” attorney by the National Black Lawyers (2021).

Denise Hunt is a Habitat homeowner, foster parent, and dedicated community advocate. She calls her home in Glenn Oaks “The Lighthouse”—a welcoming space for children in foster care and others in need of comfort and stability.
Originally from Manhattan, Denise moved to Winston-Salem in 2011 and entered the Habitat program in 2015. She brings a deep understanding of poverty, resilience, and community. Her experience as a homeowner and caregiver fuels her passion for changing perceptions: “We’re not a cause—we’re people building strong, rising communities.”
Denise’s lived experience, compassion, and commitment to service make her a valuable voice for Habitat’s mission.

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.

Chief William H. Penn, Jr. is a 26-year veteran of the Winston-Salem Police Department. He is a proud Winston-Salem native, having grown up on the city’s east side.

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 Sloan is a committed community leader with a wealth of experience in health advocacy, the arts, and service. At United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, she has contributed to various ministries, including the Welcome Ministry, Health & Wellness, and has served as Chair of the Worship in Pink breast cancer awareness program.

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.

Daryl Smith is a devoted husband and father—roles he holds most dear. He brings decades of leadership experience in customer service and sales across various retail environments. Currently, Daryl serves as Branch Manager of the Kester Mill location of Woodforest National Bank, a community-rooted retail bank known for its commitment to exceptional customer service.
A proud North Carolinian and UNC Chapel Hill Tar Heel, Daryl has called Winston-Salem home for the past 14 years with his wife, Kendra. He is honored by the opportunity to serve on the board and contribute to the community his family is proud to be part of.
As their son Greyson (6) grows, Daryl reflects, “He’s teaching me to be a better man. I’m excited about this board role because it allows me to help teach him what it means to be a better human—and to have a meaningful impact on the world we share.”​

Dr. Corey D. B. Walker is a scholar dedicated to a broad and inclusive vision of human flourishing. He serves as Dean of the Wake Forest University School of Divinity, Wake Forest Professor of the Humanities, and Founding Director of the Program in African American Studies. Recognized as one of the nation’s leading scholars, Dean Walker was named the 2023-2024 Phi Beta Kappa Frank M. Updike Memorial Scholar, making him the first Wake Forest University professor to receive this honor since the program’s inception in 1956.