The Team

The Center for Black Excellence and Culture stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of a team of diverse Black leaders. Developed by Black planners and designed by Black architects, the team ensured Black culture informed every facet of its creation.

Leadership Team

Dr. Alex Gee

Dr. Alex Gee

CEO, Chief Visionary & Founder
Ms. Lilada Gee

Ms. Lilada Gee

Co-Founder
Janine Stephens Hale

Janine Stephens Hale

Chief Operating Officer

Jason Fields

Chief Strategy Officer

Board Members

Brian K. Russell

Brian K. Russell

Treasurer
Hon. Frances Huntley-Cooper

Hon. Frances Huntley-Cooper

Vice Chairman
Nyra Jordan

Nyra Jordan

Raymond Allen

Raymond Allen

Chairman
Rev. Dr. Alexander Gee, Jr.

Rev. Dr. Alexander Gee, Jr.

President/CEO & Founder

Staff Members

Alexandra Gee-Lewis

Alexandra Gee-Lewis

Events Experience Team Member
Annik Dupaty

Annik Dupaty

Director of Visual Arts and Volunteers
Brianna Billingsley

Brianna Billingsley

Executive Administrator Coordinator
Dana Pellebon

Dana Pellebon

Director of Performing Arts
Gideon Amoah

Gideon Amoah

Ambassador for African Diaspora Relations
Joshua Havens

Joshua Havens

Director of Web and Digital Experience
Lexi Gee

Lexi Gee

Librarian
Qwantese Winters

Qwantese Winters

Programs and Events Coordinator

Project Team

Special thanks to the following businesses who helped make The Center a reality.

Amanda White Consulting

Amanda White Consulting

Fundraising
Baker Tilly

Baker Tilly

New Market Tax Credit Advisors
Bower Group, LLC

Bower Group, LLC

Development and Project Management
Carlson Black O’Callaghan & Battenberg LLP

Carlson Black O’Callaghan & Battenberg LLP

Legal Services
Findorff

Findorff

Construction Management
Firecracker Consulting, LLC

Firecracker Consulting, LLC

Strategic Communications
Hiebing

Hiebing

Branding, Marketing, Public Relations
Hon. Rick Phelps

Hon. Rick Phelps

Project Strategy, Former Dane County Executive, Chaired Redevelopment of East Washington Ave/ Capital East District
Huffman Facilities Management

Huffman Facilities Management

Design and Construction Oversight, Owner’s Representative
JLA Architects

JLA Architects

Architecture
Lord Cultural Resources

Lord Cultural Resources

Cultural Planning Services
Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development

Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development

Cultural Strategy, Administrative Support
Neil Lerner

Neil Lerner

Business Plan Development
Scholz Nonprofit Law

Scholz Nonprofit Law

Legal Services

Will You Join Us?

The team behind The Center for Black Excellence and Culture goes beyond the names listed here. You too can contribute to The Center’s success by donating or becoming a member today.