Our Board
Amanda Smith
Board President
Amanda Smith is a development director with a background rooted in academic medical centers and higher education. Deeply community-minded and socially conscious, she is passionate about strategic, accountable work that makes a difference. Amanda holds dual master's degrees in Business Administration and Public Administration from The Ohio State University.
Amanda Maria Edmonds
Board Secretary
Amanda Maria Edmonds an Ypsi-based consultant, educator, researcher, and longtime community leader with deep roots in local public and nonprofit service. She founded and led Growing Hope for 15 years and served as Mayor of Ypsilanti from 2014 to 2018. Through her consulting practice, Beehive Strategies, she supports mission-driven organizations with policy, strategy, and evaluation work. She also teaches at the University of Michigan and serves on or has led numerous boards across the nonprofit and public sectors. Her work reflects a commitment to Ypsi, community partnership, and advancing the public good.
Marsha Lathion
Board Treasurer
Marsha Lathion has been a proud member of YCSF since its inception. A dedicated community volunteer, she gives her time to a variety of youth and civic organizations throughout the Ypsilanti area. Marsha considers it a privilege to serve alongside her fellow members in pursuit of YCSF's mission: supporting the students, teachers, and staff of Ypsilanti Community Schools.
Audree Bass
Board Member
Audree Bass is an Optometrist at the University of Michigan with expertise in glaucoma, ocular disease, specialty contact lenses, outreach, and research. A passionate advocate for her patients and colleagues, she believes in the power of collaborative, positive teamwork to improve lives and work toward a world of sustainable health.
Andy Fanta
Board Member
Andy Fanta is an attorney with Washtenaw Legal Center, P.C., practicing in the areas of bankruptcy, criminal law, divorce, and family law. He brings a broad range of legal expertise to the Ypsilanti community.
Herman Humes
Board Member
Herman L. Humes Jr. is a retired Ypsilanti Community Schools educator with nearly 37 years in the classroom. Following retirement, he developed K–2 curriculum at WriteSteps Inc. and taught soft skills to special education seniors through LEAP Consulting. He currently serves as Scholarship Chairperson for the Ypsilanti Community Schools Foundation.
Jerilyn Lynn
Board Member
Jerilyn Lynn is a Technology Specialist with JMJ Technology and a 25-year veteran of Ypsilanti Public Schools, where she served as a Media Specialist, Art and Computer Instructor, and Webmaster. She holds a Master of Information and Library Science from the University of Michigan School of Information.
Linette Lao
Board Member
Linette Lao is the founder and creative director of Invisible Engines, where since 2001 she has helped mission-driven organizations amplify their impact through strategic design. Her clients include Washtenaw Literacy, EMU Next Scholars, Student Advocacy Center, Lake Michigan School Food Innovation Hub and many more. She is also a zinemaker and lecturer in Eastern Michigan University's writing program.
Regan Hizer
Board Member
Regan Hizer is a fundraising strategist and community connector with more than 25 years of experience advancing mission-driven organizations. She helps nonprofits build sustainable fundraising systems, strengthen donor relationships, and align strategy with story and culture. As the founder of Catalyst Fundraising Strategies, Regan works alongside leaders to create clear, practical pathways for growth, activating generosity across Ypsilanti and Washtenaw County.
Jeanice Townsend
Ex-Officio, YCS Board Liaison
Jeanice Townsend serves as a School Board Trustee/Treasurer for the Ypsilanti Community Schools Board of Education, College Career Readiness Program Coordinator for Parkridge Community Center, and the President of the Washtenaw Association of School Boards. She is also on the board of the Washtenaw County Community Action Board and Friends of The Rutherford Pool.
Dr. James Hawkins
Emeritus Ex Officio
Bio coming soon
Vonnie Taylor
Emeritus Ex Officio
Bio coming soon
Charles Ramsey
Emeritus Ex-Officio
Bio to come