OUR LEADERSHIP

Dr. Susan Holmes brings a legacy of academic excellence, leadership, and community impact. Her national vision for UMBA centers on increasing alumni engagement, supporting current students, creating scholarship pipelines and collaborating with Black alumni from universities across the country..

Dr. Holmes most recently served as UMBA National Vice Chair, where she helped guide national initiatives and city engagement. Her prior service included roles as Student Engagement Director and Co-Lead for Detroit. Dr. Holmes has extensive professional nursing experience in acute care at Michigan Medicine and Henry Ford Health, higher education experience at the Bethune-Cookman University and the University of Michigan Schools of Nursing, and currently with Oregon Health & Science University as a Research Nurse Care Manager with the Psychiatry Department. 

As a three-time graduate of the University of Michigan, her leadership reflects a deep commitment to advancing UMBA’s mission and uplifting the legacy of Black Wolverines worldwide.

Vance K. Jackson Jr. is a nationally recognized consultant, University of Michigan lecturer, and civic leader with nearly two decades of cross-sector experience spanning finance, municipal fund development, philanthropy, and social impact innovation. 

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Founder and Principal Consultant of NEXX Consulting Group, a strategic advisory firm offering in fund development, grant writing, real estate development, government consulting, and executive organizational capacity building for municipalities, corporations, mission-driven organizations, and social enterprises.

His career includes service in the City of Detroit Mayor’s Office, Fund Development Grant Management, where he served on a 5-member team that secured more than $1 billion in public and private investment in the City of Detroit. 

As National Vice Chair, Jackson will support global strategy, speaker’s bureau, university partnerships, and UMBA’s initiatives leading into the 50th Anniversary and beyond.

As Secretary, George L. Davis II brings strong governance, organizational leadership, and operational oversight to UMBA’s executive team. In this role, he will steward board records, ensure compliance with bylaws, and support transparent, effective board operations that strengthen UMBA’s national infrastructure and member engagement.  He previously served as Co-Chair for UMBA City of Detroit.

A chief strategist and effective communicator serving in the public, private, and non-profit sectors over the last 30 years. As the current Director of Security, Public Affairs, and Real Estate at the Detroit Salt Company (DSC). Before joining the private sector, George served as Deputy Group Executive to City of Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer for Public Safety where he led strategic initiatives targeting emergency preparedness and environmental security for the City of Detroit. 

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George serves as Vice President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Iota Rho Lambda Chapter in the Pontiac/Greater Oakland County Area and serves on numerous nonprofit boards. 

Charmeece serves as Treasurer of UMBA, providing financial leadership and oversight to support organizational growth and sustainability. With over 18 years of experience in public sector software solutions, Charmeece is a skilled expert in ERP systems, financial management, and court solutions. She is currently a Director of Solution Consulting at Tyler Technologies. She holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Michigan. Her professional style is marked by strong communication, attention to detail, and self-motivation.

Charmeece provides vital financial leadership and fiduciary oversight to ensure the organization’s fiscal health and sustainability. In this role, she oversees financial planning, reporting, and stewardship of organizational resources, supporting UMBA’s growth in programming, scholarships, and national initiatives. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Charmeece is deeply committed to service through volunteering and active participation in community initiatives. She believes that giving back is essential to creating positive change. She volunteers through a variety of programs and serves on the board of a non profit.

An accomplished leader with over 30 years of experience spanning information technology, program management, entrepreneurship, and community impact. 

A University of Michigan–Dearborn graduate and former athlete, she is a PMP-certified Sr. Program/Project Manager at Volkswagen Group of America, leading complex, cross-functional initiatives. 

As National Director of Marketing for the University of Michigan Black Alumni, she leverages her strategic, technical, and community-driven expertise to grow engagement and elevate the organization’s national impact.

Dr. Tish Gallon is a dynamic educator and leader with over 20 years of experience in higher education, human services, and organizational management. As the Founder of TLC Life Plans and a doctoral-level mentor, she has dedicated her career to fostering professional development and personal empowerment. Her leadership is backed by a robust academic foundation in Psychology (University of Michigan-Dearborn ‘96), Organizational Management, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. Throughout her tenure as a Business Department Chair and Professor, she received several honors, including the League of Innovation and NISOD Excellence Awards, for her commitment to integrity and student success.

Beyond academia, Dr. Tish brings a unique, holistic approach to her work by integrating evidence-based mindfulness practices as a certified yoga instructor. A seasoned researcher and international speaker, she frequently engages audiences on the intersections of technology, education, and generational mental health. Her ability to synthesize data-driven evaluation with compassionate mentorship allows her to cultivate resilient, high-performing teams.  She is an expert in building meaningful partnerships and aligning organizational goals with community needs. Whether leading complex administrative initiatives or facilitating international speaking engagements, Dr. Tish remains focused on her core mission: motivating others to achieve a balanced, resilient life while upholding the highest standards of excellence in every community she serves.

​Charice is a Michigan native, born in Detroit, but spent most of her childhood in Wayne, and later, Inkster. She is a 1997 graduate of the College of LS&A. She is a Budget Director with an independent special district of local government in Palm Beach County, FL.

ID is Chief Financial Officer at a private school in Detroit and is also Owner/Broker of IDJ Insurance Agency. As a tried and true Wolverine, ID created a Wolverine family with his wife Brenda BA Soc '91, MPH/MSW '93, daughter BPH '19, and son BGS '21.

My goal as Detroit Chair is to establish a strong and vibrant network of U of M alumni in Detroit, providing opportunities for connection, collaboration, and community-building that benefits both the alumni and the university.