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President:
Rhonda V Jones
Rhonda Jones and her family have lived in Academy since the 1950's. Rhonda purchased her home from her Aunt in 2001 and immediately joined and worked with her block unit #430. She subsequently joined the Association and attended regular monthly meetings at Maple Temple Church. Rhonda was Appointed to the Board in 2018 and is currently Chair of the Communication Social Media Committee and Chair of the Housing Planning and Development Committee. A full time Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and 2020 University of Missouri's Chancellor Program, National Leadership Academy Graduate with a passion for the neighborhood and it's people, she is always looking for ways to connect and resources to better our community.
Vice President:
Larry Powell
Larry has been living in the ASP Neighborhood for approximately 11 years and has served six years in the Marines. After being discharged, he worked for the St. Louis Fire Dept. for 30 years and presently serves as a member of the board of Directors of St. Louis Fire and Community Credit Union. His desire is for this community to become a more livable community devoid of the wanton disrespect of another’s property and a reduction crime.
Board Member:
Dell Breeland
Dell Breeland has been a loyal and dedicated board member since 2014. She brings her 20 years experience as President of McRee Town Neighborhood Association and 2 year term as Vice President of The Garden District Commission, which redeveloped and revitalized McRee Town in So. St. Louis, 2004-2007. Dell assisted her neighborhood in the development of 120 new homes in what's now known as Botanical Heights. Dell is a community activist who keeps her boots on the ground. She currently chairs the ASPN Youth Council and the Grant Committee.
Board Member:
Merri Jeffries
Merri Jeffries is a faith driven Jesus follower and a faithful member of the Solomon’s Temple Church (STC) family, where the Honorable Bishop James E. Holloway, Sr is founder and Senior Pastor, Linda D. Holloway, Co-Pastor, and James E. Holloway, Jr, Youth Pastor. Merri enjoys participating in her church activities, and is an active member of the STC Street Ministry, as well as part of their Praise Dance ministry where she loves ministering the Word of God through dance. Merri is the mother of a wonderful daughter, Dr. Vielia Jeffries-Evans EdD, a marvelous son-in-love Loveless Evans, and loving grandson Joshua Jeffries, who she cherishes dearly, and give thanks to God for on a daily basis! Merri is known for her friendly smile, encouraging attitude and willingness to help out others wherever and whenever she’s needed. Merri has been employed by the Boeing Company since 2006, and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Studies from Fontbonne University in 2005, and went on to obtain her Master’s degree in Human Resource Management in 2009, from Lindenwood University. She has also obtained a Contract Management Certificate from Saint Louis, University in 2014, and a Lean Six Sigma certification in the spring of 2019.
Board Member
Catherine Smith-Morgan
Catherine Smith-Morgan is passionate about community and connection. A lifelong resident of St. Louis, she currently serves as Chair of Beautification for the Academy Sherman Park Neighborhood Association and was elected its President in 2019.
With over 20 years of experience in accounting and compliance across both public and private sectors, Catherine has used her expertise to advocate for and uplift her community. She is a graduate of the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows program (2020) and the Urban Land Institute of St. Louis (2022), both focused on community and housing development.
In 2023, she joined the Board of Directors at the Restorative Justice Movement Center and the Community Advisory Board of PreventEd. In 2024, she became a member of the St. Louis Chapter of The Drifters, Incorporated and was appointed President of the Saint Louis Association of Community Organizations (SLACO).
Professionally, Catherine serves as Vice President at Citi’s Independent Compliance Risk Management. She is also a devoted wife, mother, daughter, caretaker, and active member of The Westside Missionary Baptist Church.
Treasurer:
Dr. Cheryl Steed
Dr. Cheryl C. Steed has lived in the Academy Neighborhood for nearly 20 years. She completed her 1st Master’s Degree at Fontbonne University and completed her Doctor of Education (Ed. D.) in Leadership in Teaching and Learning at Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Dr. Cheryl C. Steed is a creative, highly motivated, visionary professional with over 20 years of experience in educational leadership and teaching. She is a Public School Special Education Process Coordinator. Additionally, Dr. Cheryl Steed created and facilitates SLPS the annual “Still I Rise” Advocacy and Awards Program, which celebrated over 10 years of honoring students of various abilities.Dr. Steed has also partnered with the Special Olympics as a coordinator of two annual sporting events of the Missouri chapter from 2015 to the present school year. This commitment to advocacy and service makes her an essential member of any organization.
Dr. Cheryl C. Steed is active in her local church as a certified fellowship minister at Temple Church of Christ in St. Louis, Missouri. She is the President of the National Association of University Women (NAUW), St. Louis Branch. In addition, Dr. Steed is the NAUW Central Sectional Chairperson for the Scholarship Committee.
Dr. Steed is known for her ability to serve as a change agent
Dr. Steed and her husband, Carlton Steed, currently reside in Saint Louis, Missouri. They have a blended family of three beautiful daughters, two sons, and five grandchildren.
Board Member:
Janice Moore
Janice is a proud 17 year resident of the Academy Sherman Park neighborhood, having raise her children and grandchildren in the neighborhood. She retired from the Boeing/McDonnell Douglas Company, after 32 years of service. Prior to 1989, Janice was a 911 dispatcher for the City of Creve Coeur and Pagedale. It is her honor to serve the neighborhood in this capacity.
Board Member:
Michael Franklin:
Michael Franklin, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, has dedicated his life to service, both in his professional and personal endeavors. A graduate of Cleveland High School's class of 1972, Michael's educational journey continued at the Basic Institute of Technology where he studied heating and cooling. He also attended various trade schools to further hone his skills.
Michael's professional career saw him retire from Laclede Gas Company, now known as Spire Gas Co., in 2010. His commitment to excellence and hard work spanned several decades within the gas industry.
Additionally, Michael served in the United States Army for seven years, displaying his patriotism and dedication to his country. His military service is a testament to his commitment to the greater good.
In his personal life, Michael is a devoted husband and father, balancing his family responsibilities with his professional and community commitments. His dedication to his family is mirrored in his ongoing contributions to his community.
Currently, Michael serves as a lifeguard at the Bayer YMCA in the neighborhood, where his presence ensures the safety and well-being of local residents. His role as a lifeguard reflects his continual commitment to serving others.
Michael Franklin's long-standing dedication to his community has now led him to join the board of the Academy Sherman Park Neighborhood Association as a new board member. His wealth of experience, commitment to service, and community-oriented mindset make him a valuable asset to the Association