Meet Our Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Gaynor Russell
President
Gaynor Russell is a Compliance Executive in the financial services industry in Charlotte. She is a Committee Member and President of the Jamaican American Cultural Association. She is also a founding member of JACA and a Charlotte resident for 38 years. Gaynor is committed to giving back to her community.
Gregory Marsh
Vice President
Greg Marsh, originally from Jamaica, currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has over 25 years of broad Finance and Strategy experience across Telecom and Financial Services industries. His professional career spans AT&T, Merrill Lynch, TIAA, Wells Fargo, and Citizens Bank. Greg holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and an undergraduate degree from Medgar Evers College. He enjoys golfing, traveling, and is committed to JACA and the work we do both locally and in the Caribbean.
Rhonda Fisher
Committee Member
Rhonda Fisher has over 15 years of experience in financial services and is deeply committed to making a positive impact in her community. Currently residing in Charlotte, NC, she is passionate about helping others and actively volunteers her time to various charitable organizations.
Perry G. Walker
Committee Member
Perry G. Walker is a tax accountant and business owner in the Charlotte community. Perry is a long-time Jaca supporter and currently a Committee Member. Perry believes in giving back to his community.
Jill Parris
Committee Member
Jill Parris was born in Trinidad and grew up in New York. She has had a very successful career in the financial services industry and has lived in Charlotte for over 38 years. She enjoys helping young people achieve their goals."
Melody Crooks
Committee Member
Melody was born in Jamaica and currently resides in New York. She has been in the education system for over 30 years and is a retired Principal. She is committed to education and making children equipped for the future.
Yvette Mills
Committee Member
Yvette Mills is a Certified Financial Planner with 20+ years in top firms like Merrill Lynch and Fidelity. She holds a BA Economics from Drew University and an MBA from Rutgers and serves on several nonprofit boards. Yvette lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband and two adult children.
Heline E. Beach
Committee Member
Impact Statement:
As I walk the journey of life, my aim is to leave a strong footprint for helping others through service, mentoring and coaching, and living by example.
Professional Experience:
Vice president, operations & business management, TIAA Charitable—a nonprofit organization that manages a donor-advised fund.
25 years of experience in the financial services industry as a business and technology professional with excellent project and portfolio management skills, successfully executing on complex strategic programs in infrastructure technology as well as strategic programs in the financial services business areas.
Previous employment included 9 years as a college administrator, with 6 years as an adjunct assistant professor of management and finance.
Education:
Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership—Duke University
Diploma in Computer Applications - Columbia University
MBA with concentration in Finance - Long Island University
Bachelor's Degree in English & Philosophy - University of the West Indies.
Volunteering:
Mentoring and coaching for students and new managers participated in corporate volunteer programs.
Served for 2 years as co-chair for TIAA-CREF Corporate Giving Campaign
Graduate of Leadership Charlotte Class XXVII - a 10-month program designed to prepare leaders to serve on non profit boards and in other areas of the Charlotte community.
Served as Chair person for the Board of Managers for the University City YMCA.
President - Gaynor Russell
Vice President - Gregory Marsh
Committee Members
Perry G. Walker
Jill Parris
Yvette Mills
Melody Crooks
Rhonda Fisher
Heline E. Beach