OFFICERS

President

Whit Whitaker, is a DIAMOND Life Member of the NAACP, a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., a Life Member of the Military Officers Association of America, and a Life Member of the National Association for Black Veterans. He also serves as the Co-Chairperson of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington Commission for Racial Reconciliation, serves on the Mayor's Commission for Racial Justice and Equality, is a community activist and a community volunteer, and is an advocate for the arts who is a regular performing artist and executive arts manager administrator, and serves on several community organizational boards, including LexArts, Lexington Children's Theatre, and Kentucky Playwrights Workshop.

1st Vice-President

matthew d. williams, is a Lover, thinker, learner and healer, husband and father, connector and builder who aspires to be a bridge. He has had a plethora of lived experiences which inform his praxis and the person he continues to grow into. He has found healing, joy, and purpose in dedicating himself to finding and practicing innovative ways to spread Love, with the intention of actualizing a liberated world for all beings that he imagines. He often ponders the question, "What if Love was our most coveted currency and how do we get there together?"

2nd Vice-President/Secretary

Charles Duke has been the branch secretary for more than 10 years and in that role has an immense responsibility for the administration of the branch. He got involved with the NAACP while stationed in Charleston, South Carolina with the Air Force. He had tried to purchase a home and felt discriminated against. This incident fueled his desire to be a part of an organization that addressed discrimination. Charles is now a Life Member of the NAACP and a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Asst. Secretary

Vanessa Sanford joined the local chapter of the NAACP 17 years ago when she and her husband were trying to resolve a racial discrimination issue. She was an employee of the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government and sought help from the NAACP. She was later appointed by the Mayor’s Office to represent the city at NAACP meetings. Vanessa continues to be active in the chapter because people are still being judged by the color of their skin and not the content of their character. The NAACP began with whites and blacks working together to address racial discrimination, and Vanessa continues to passionately pursue that mission.

Treasurer

JoJuana Leavell-Greene is also the Community Outreach Liaison and Treasurer for the Lexington-Fayette County NAACP. She is the proud Owner/Operator of GreeneLandingKY and Nanny’s Land, growing sites of fresh produces in food desert areas. JoJuana is a Kentucky State University Alumna and is a Life Member of the NAACP and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.). Currently, JoJuana is the President of Kentucky Society of Certified Public Managers (KSCPM); Vice Chair at Community Ventures (CVC) of Kentucky, and member of Total Grace Baptist Church.

Asst. Treasurer

Missy Hagans is a retired educator of the Fayette County Public Schools. She first joined the NAACP when she was a student at Western Kentucky University in the early 80s. Since retiring she has focused on the needs of her community and is passionate about children receiving opportunities for excelling in education and life. She is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, The Links Incorporated, and the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association.

Immediate Past President

Jim Thurman is a twice past president of the Lexington-Fayette branch and leads a diverse group all working toward social justice. He is a lifetime member and first joined the NAACP's youth chapter back in the 70's. While a student at Kentucky State University, he joined the adult chapter. Thurman says it's important to be a part of the NAACP because it is a vital part of bringing equality in America and is as relevant today as at its inception.