Our Talent
Ms. Zachary meets organizations where they are and helps them ignite and enact a broader, bolder mission-aligned vision of their role in community transformation. With more than 21 years as a CEO, Ms. Zachary’s leadership style combines her business and community acumen with her experience in and passion for health and human services and continues to create confidence in the many stakeholders needed to cultivate thriving collaborations. Since 2009, she helped the ACAM Network expand nonprofit organizational development by leading six initiatives with more than 650 projects in areas such as food security, organizational development, homelessness prevention, and health access, while developing more than $16.2M in resources to support them. She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology and is experienced in strategic planning, program development and evaluation, nonprofit management, and developing public-private partnerships. She views nonprofit organizational development as key to growth and sustainability and as an essential component of grantmaking to ensure investments create lasting impact. She has served a diverse group of organizations, including both government and nonprofit and both direct service and intermediary.
Adriana Wilson, Greater Houston Opportunity Youth Collaborative (GHOYC) Managing Director
Adriana Wilson is the Greater Houston Opportunity Youth Collaborative (GHOYC) Managing Director. She leads a team of passionate individuals focused on driving the work of GHOYC and works as an advocate to foster positive outcomes for young adults disconnected from education and career pathways throughout the Gulf Coast region. Adriana is dedicated to the advancement of individuals from all backgrounds and has spent over 15 years contributing to the success of youth, young adults, adults, and families as they pursued higher education. She began in education as a tutor and was so inspired by the students she worked with she went on to become a college professor. Driven by a motivation to improve access to education opportunities, Adriana transitioned to working for education non-profits where she served in various roles collaborating across teams and with partners to expand and innovate programming and ensure program quality, collaboration, growth, and impact. Born and raised in California, Adriana moved to Houston in 2009 to attend the University of Houston and is now proud to call Houston her home. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an M.A. in Sociology from the University of Houston. Adriana is passionate about fostering access, equity, growth, and prosperity for all and is honored to be part ACAM, an organization that does that in so many ways.
Billy Reddick, Workforce Network Optimization Director
“All things are difficult before they are easy.” – Thomas Fuller
In January 2024, Billy Reddick assumed the role of Workforce Network Optimization Director at ACAM, bringing with him a rich background of 15 years in Workforce Development. His extensive experience spans across three different states—Oklahoma, Florida, and Texas. With a proven track record, Billy has successfully led teams ranging from a robust 60+ staff members to more intimate groups of three.
Billy holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Florida A&M University (FAMU) and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Bacone College. Beyond his professional achievements, Billy is a devoted father to his son, Braylon, whom he actively supports in football and basketball pursuits. As an assistant basketball coach for Braylon’s AAU team, the Houston Rebels Elite 2027, Billy extends his passion for sports beyond the sidelines.
When not immersed in impacting lives or coaching, Billy indulges his curiosity by delving into research to expand his knowledge in leadership and finances. His commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of young individuals and fostering the development of his team remains a driving force in both his personal and professional endeavors.
Bren Gorman, Resource and Program Development Director
Bren Gorman is the Resource and Program Development Director at ACAM. She is responsible for setting strategic direction and providing oversight and management of ACAM’s fundraising operations. Bren brings many years of non-profit experience and a passion for empowering individuals and families to ACAM. With a background in grassroots advocacy, social services, healthcare, and juvenile justice, Bren has spent her career championing human rights, addressing poverty, homelessness, and abuse. Bren received a Master’s in Public Affairs with a concentration in Nonprofit and Philanthropic Studies from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT Austin, which she attended on full scholarship. As a nonprofit development professional for nearly two decades, she is experienced in nonprofit program design and evaluation, marketing and communications, volunteer and donor stewardship, and grants management. Bren strives to bring resources to the boots on the ground doing the hard work – namely, ACAM’s Network of human service providers. She approaches all opportunities to fulfill her personal mission with gratitude and is honored to be a part of the ACAM team.
Sarah Malcolm, Resiliency Programs Director
Sarah Malcolm is the Resiliency Programs Director at ACAM. She conducts regular technical assistance meetings with ACAM’s partners and vendors for programmatic needs. Sarah brings her passion of data analysis and grant evaluation to the housing stability programs at ACAM. She enjoys maintaining, cleaning, and reporting program evaluations and state reports. Sarah completed her master’s degree in general experimental psychology at California State University Northridge, focusing her research on a figured world approach to identity and agency for college student athletes. She was previously employed with a non-profit in the program development department at a mental health and substance abuse hospital, where she specialized in data evaluation and federal grant management.
Amber Gauff, Opportunity Youth Eligibility and Navigation Manager
Amber Gauff is the Opportunity Youth Navigation and Eligibility Manager at ACAM. “If serving is beneath you, leadership is beyond you” is one of her favorite quotes to maintain motivation. Amber eagerly accepts the task of overseeing the success of the ACAM network’s nonprofit organizations by supporting and maintaining continuous quality improvement within the Workforce Solutions Opportunity Youth Services Initiative. A Detroit, Michigan native, Amber has called Houston her home for the last six years and has dedicated this time to growing her professional career in Workforce Development. She has focused her service on those with criminal history and young adults ages 18-24. She advocates for professionalism first and leads by example, reminding herself of what she was like as a young adult and the resources she wishes she had at that age. She has dedicated her professional career to becoming a faithful youth services servant, mentor, and counselor. Amber was recently accepted into Louisiana State University’s Non-Profit Management Master’s program and looks forward to attaining more knowledge to further her passion for helping others.
Casey Davis, Workforce Compliance Manager
Casey Davis is the Workforce Compliance Program Analyst at ACAM. She is responsible for maintaining program delivery, compliance, and reporting consistency. Casey brings many years of knowledge in Workforce Development and all its funding streams. After spending ten years in the field, Casey decided to continue her education and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Sam Houston State University. While at SHSU, her love of assisting people continued as an Academic Advisor and then she returned to Workforce Development several years later. Casey’s philosophy can be summed up by a quote: “If you are fortunate to have the opportunity, it is your duty to make sure other people have options as well.”
Amanda Renee Parker, Development Coordinator
Amanda Renee Parker is the Development Coordinator at ACAM. She has 12 years of experience in branded communications, fundraising, and event production. A graduate of St. John’s University, she has worked with organizations such as NBCUniversal, Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation, Fox Sports 1, Austin Film Society, and Louis Black Productions. Passionate about uplifting communities, Amanda managed an initiative to educate dozens of socially conscious documentary filmmakers across the state of Texas about project management, grant research, campaign strategy, and marketing. At ACAM, Amanda aims to promote opportunities for collaboration within the region and develop a deeper sense of community amongst our network partners.
Derek McCollor, Opportunity Youth Outreach & Enrollment Coordinator
Derek McCollor is the Opportunity Youth Outreach & Enrollment Coordinator at ACAM. He comes to ACAM with a background in young adult recruitment, outreach and case management in the nonprofit and higher education arenas. His primary focus is to recruit eligible young adults for the NextGen Program. The program places emphasis on the underserved counties of Fort Bend, Waller, Brazoria, & Montgomery. Derek has passion to help young adults gaining a better today and a greater tomorrow through his work and personal time. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from East Texas Baptist University.
Zoe Cagan, Training and Development Coordinator
Zoe Cagan is the Training and Development Coordinator at ACAM and manages the Training & Networking Program. She completed a Master’s degree and Graduate Diploma from the New England Conservatory of Music where she earned two awards given to a single distinguished student for their contributions to the life, education, and fellowship of the school. With a background in music performance, concert curation, training, and events coordination, Zoe understands the importance of collaboration and the power of bringing people together. Zoe’s goal at ACAM is to organize exciting and informative training sessions and fulfill her love of learning alongside the ACAM Network.
Jawad Alawi, Program Evaluation Analyst
Jawad Alawi is the Program Evaluation Analyst at ACAM. He reviews and analyses the program progress reports received from ACAM partners and present them to the Local Board. Jawad comes to ACAM with more than nine years of experience in international development focusing on agriculture development and women economic empowerment. Jawad joined ACAM because of his passion for serving individuals and families needing support. He completed his bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Pune, India with specialization in financial management.
Candice Mouton, Opportunity Youth Eligibility & Navigation Specialist
Candice Mouton serves as the Eligibility & Navigation Specialist at ACAM, where her primary role involves recruiting and enrolling Opportunity Youth aged 18-24. A professional with over ten years of experience in case management, social services, program coordination and advocacy in the nonprofit and profit arenas, Candice plays a pivotal role in guiding enrolled youth towards success. As a Texas born, single mother of one, Candice understands the importance of serving young adults with barriers, fostering empathy, relatability, inspiration, and resourcefulness to empower young adults to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. Candice’s personal mantra, “Your attitude determines your altitude, “has not only been a catalyst in her personal life but been a powerful reminder for young adults to cultivate a positive mindset, embrace challenges, and strive for personal and professional growth to unlock their full potential and soar to greater heights in life. Candice studied at Texas Southern University and has plans to further her education to expand her knowledge to better serve and impact daily lives.
Astrid Lopez, Opportunity Youth Eligibility & Navigation Specialist
Astrid Lopez is a dedicated professional, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration from PIMA Medical Institute. With a robust background as a vet tech for five years, I made a deliberate shift, channeling my expertise into a more impactful realm—dedicated to shaping the future of our youth for the better. My commitment to making a difference is unwavering, as I bring a distinctive blend of healthcare administration knowledge and genuine compassion to our mission. Fueled by a passion for creating a lasting impact, I am devoted to contributing to the creation of a brighter future for the next generation.”
Sid Short, Americorps VISTA
Sid Short is the Greater Houston Opportunity Youth Collaborative (GHOYC) AmeriCorps VISTA. He helps lead the Young Adult Action Advisory Council for the GHOYC where he meets monthly with youth from around Houston. He is driven by the belief that every young adult deserves an opportunity to pursue their goals. Sid graduated cum laude with a B.A. from Lawrence University in Wisconsin. He was a project manager for KidsGive where he worked in Sierra Leone overseeing the construction of a junior secondary school as well as a program for eye examinations. His interactions with the students there inspired him to focus his career on investments in young people.
Consulting Team
Under the leadership of ACAM’s CEO, board and staff, ACAM has assembled a highly skilled and specialized group of consultants to advise and support ACAM and its partners, positioning ACAM to operate with maximum effectiveness and efficiency.
Tina Council, I Am Pleased Development Center
Tina Z. Council is the Owner and Chief Consultant of the I Am Pleased Development Center, a Texas-based consultancy dedicated to developing individuals and organizations to their full potential. With more than 30 years in the finance, banking, real estate, fundraising and nonprofit sectors, Ms. Council has provided ACAM project support, project evaluation and organizational development assessments since 2009.
Valerie Ellis, Ellis Consulting
Valerie Ellis brings more than 15 years of fund development experience to ACAM. Ms. Ellis was the Associate Director of ACAM before she became a consultant. As an independent consultant, Ms. Ellis provides customized services for a wide variety of nonprofit organizations, helping them with development planning, public and private grant proposals and reports, organization and program budgets, corporate and foundation relationships, annual campaigns, individual donor strategies and program evaluation.
Wendy Ballard, WOW ME Consulting
Wendy Ballard is Owner of WOW ME Consulting, a strategic communications firm specializing in social media, brand awareness and constituent engagement. She has nearly 20 years of restaurant, retail and marketing experience with Caesar’s Palace, Landry’s, Marble Slab Creamery, Inc., Starbucks, Coach and the University of Houston. Ms. Ballard is active in her field and in the community, serving in the University of Houston Alumni Association, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Merchandise Committee and as a Member and Speaker for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. Beginning in 2017 she has managed ACAM’s social media accounts including Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Abi Bankole, Bankole, Okoye & Associates PC
Abi Bankole is the fiscal consultant for ACAM’s Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) since it was first awarded in 2014. He is extensively experienced and knowledgeable about the nonprofit industry with more than 30 years combined experience in private practice and in industry.
