Susan Stapleton, Chair | susan.stapleton@wmich.edu

Susan Stapleton has lived in Kalamazoo for over thirty years where she has been an active participant in city leadership/neighborhood conversations, community events, and with area volunteer opportunities.  While a faculty member and administrator at Western Michigan University, she garnered grants that have helped broaden the participation of and provided practical experiences for those who study and succeed in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, developed partnerships with industry and other education institutions and established success programs such as learning and mentoring communities for students, faculty and staff. Over the years Susan has served on a number of local, regional and national professional boards which set standards and reviewed performance, provided professional development, and accredited programs. In her personal and professional life, Susan strives for equity and inclusion; fairness and ethical decision making; transparency and honesty.

Luis Garcia, Vice Chair | l.garciacpsrab@gmail.com

Luis Garcia was born and raised in Venezuela. He lived there up until the age of 17 and then moved with his family to England where he pursued a career in the service industry. In early 2015 he moved to the U.S. and started as a volunteer for El Concilio with the goal of helping to achieve the mission and vision of the organization.  Luis currently sits as chairman of the board for El Concilio (formerly The Hispanic American Council). During his recent appointment, as of June 2017, he has led the organization during the transitional period of board member change over, reinvigorated relationships with other local organizations that focus on the advocacy and improvement of the lives of local community members, as well as, worked with foundations and other philanthropic members of the community. Luis vows to proactively work with KDPS and other government agencies to advocate for members of the community and to help provide permanent solutions for more balanced and harmonious interactions between Kalamazoo community members and local officials.

Jason H. Allen | jasonhallen2@gmail.com

Jason H. Allen, native of New Orleans, Louisiana, moved to Kalamazoo in 2006. Jason is married to a Kalamazoo Public Schools Educator and has two children that attend Kalamazoo Public Schools. Jason currently works for CSM and is a Lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and a Silver Lifetime member of the NAACP. He is also involved with various community initiatives, like ALPact, and is extremely enthusiastic about advocating for social justice with the judicial system.

Christopher Caldwell | caldwellc24@yahoo.com

A lifelong citizen of Kalamazoo, a Kalamazoo Public Schools (K-12) and Western Michigan University graduate with Bachelors & Masters degrees in education. Chris’ experience includes twenty one years teaching at Kalamazoo (KPS) and Battle Creek (PCBS) Public Schools, twenty three years with the Department of Mental Health (KRPH), twenty five years coaching (football) locally at K-Central High School (HS), Loy Norrix HS, Portage Northern HS, and Kalamazoo College.  Chris is interested in brainstorming ideas, providing input and feedback and assisting with building the community’s trust through communication and outreach.

Wally Ferrara | Contact CPSRAB

Wally Ferrara was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan where he attended the Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo. He attended Loyola University Chicago where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a minor in Catholic Studies, while serving his university residence as Peer Minister for community and recreational events.
Wally currently works at Willis Law as Operations Manager for the firm. Outside of work, Wally enjoys cooking, baking, finding beauty in the pristine nature of Pure Michigan, is an active member of his Church Community on Kalamazoo’s Eastside, and enjoys traveling the world to learn, experience, and taste the different cultures across the globe. Wally is eager to humbly serve his local community in helping foster and promote a greater sense of peace, justice, and respect. He is particularly excited about helping create a bridge of cooperation, communication, and understanding between those of the general public and community officers.

Barbara Hamilton-Miller | Contact CPSRAB

Barbara is a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo. She is a former Kalamazoo Public Schools board member as well as a former Kalamazoo City Commissioner. She recently finished her terms on the boards of Foundation for Excellence and the Kalamazoo Covenant Schools. Additionally, she has served on many boards in the community including the YMCA, Kalamazoo Community Healing Centers, Open Doors, Residential Opportunities, Inc., and Kalamazoo Communities in Schools.

Ebony Hemphill | Contact CPSRAB

Ebony Hemphill was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She is a Western Michigan University graduate and has lived in Kalamazoo for more than 20 years. Ebony is involved with various community initiatives and is extremely passionate about advocating for youth involved with the judicial system, which led her to commitment to the initiatives Parents United and Bent not Broken. Ebony and her family are owners of several small businesses in the areas of merchandising, barber and beauty, and health foods/drinks.

Larry Tolbert | Contact CPSRAB

Western Michigan University Graduate in 1975. Retired member of International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 47. Present member of the Homer Stryker School of Medicine Board of Directors, Metropolitan Kalamazoo NAACP Branch, Kalamazoo Citizens Public Safety Review & Appeal Board. Past positions of Michigan University Board of Trustees and served one year as Board Chair, Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local #47 Marketing/Organizer Representative and Political Action Director, Fetzer Institute – Fetzer Advisory Council Assistant Convenor of Labor, Trades and Crafts FAC.