The Team
For the first time in history, Black Madison is leading every aspect of a multimillion-dollar initiative. Following decades of listening, The Center for Black Excellence and Culture’s leadership has brought the Black community together to create a resource they have yearned for. The project is Black inspired, Black designed and Black led and each member of this powerhouse team is committed to working together to affirm, inspire and advance the Black community.
The team is spearheaded by The Center’s founder and CEO, Reverend Dr. Alex Gee.
The Center’s Founder
Rev. Dr. Alex Gee is a lifelong Madison resident, pastor of Fountain of Life Church, founder/CEO of the nonprofit Nehemiah Center of Urban Leadership and host of the podcast Black Like Me.
Black Influencers
Brian Russell
Dana Pellebon
Emilie Songolo
Hon. Frances Huntley-Cooper
Joe Maldonado
John Milton
Kirbie Mack
Rev. Lilada Gee
Advisory Council
The Advisory Council is a coalition that represents many segments of Madison’s community. They are responsible for ensuring that The Center’s programming and services are shaped by the needs of Black Madison every step of the way.
Bob Wynn
Corinda Rainey-Moore
Damond Boatwright
Dr. Christy Clark-Pujara, Ph.D.
Dr. Fabu Carter
Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings
Dr. Jasmine Zapata, MD, MPH
Dr. Jerlando F. L. Jackson, Ph.D.
Dr. LaVar J. Charleston, Ph.D.
Dr. Linda Vakunta
Dr. Ruben L. Anthony, Jr., Ph.D.
Dr. Winslow Sargeant, Ph.D.
Emilie Songolo
Hon. Everett Mitchell
Hon. Frances Huntley-Cooper
Hon. Joe Parisi
Hon. Rick Phelps
Hon. Satya Rhodes-Conway
Jason Fields
Kaleem Caire
Kirbie Mack, Executive
Larry Frank
Neil Heinen
Ray Allen
Rev. David Smith
Rev. Lilada Gee
Tony Chambers
Vanessa McDowell
Wes Sparkman
Zach Brandon
Project Team
Individuals alone cannot bring this project to life. The following businesses are helping make The Center a reality.
Amanda White Consulting
Baker Tilly
Bower Group
Carlson Black O’Callaghan & Battenberg LLP
Findorff
Firecracker Consulting, LLC
Forbes Master
Graef USA
Hiebing
Hon. Rick Phelps
Huffman Keel Partners
JLA Architects
Ken Saiki Design
Lord Cultural Resources
Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development
Neil Lerner
Rev. Lilada Gee
Scholz Nonprofit Law
Program Team
The Center is pulling together a black-led team to direct its performance and Visual Arts. As well as, black-led community research and development. The following individuals are helping make The Center come to life.
Annik Dupaty
Dana Pellebon
Eli Steenlage
Jerome Garrett
Rasheid Atlas
Tony Chambers
Capital Campaign Leadership Committee
The Capital Campaign Leadership Committee is in charge of raising $36 Million necessary to bring The Center to life.
Alan Fish
Anthony Cooper, Sr.
Betty Harris Custer
Brian Burns
Cedric Ellis
George Austin
Hon. Frances Huntley-Cooper
Hon. Rick Phelps
Jim Bower
Jim Yehle
John Milton
Kim Sponem
Marla Frank
Michelle A. Behnke
Mike Victorson
Neil Heinen
Peter Feigin
Ray Allen
Rev. Dr. Alex Gee
Susan Pierce Jacobsen
Sverre Roang
Will You Join Us?
The Team behind The Center for Black Excellence and Culture goes beyond the names listed here. You too can become a part of building The Center by contributing to its success today.