Board of Directors

A Letter from our Board

The Board of Directors thank all of our faith partners in the United States and throughout Africa that have joined The Balm In Gilead’s crusade to prevent diseases and improve the physical, emotional and spiritual health of all people.

We believe that faith communities must be on the front line of health promotion, disease management, health screenings, care and services. We honor and thank all of our faith partners for their courage and commitment to fight all forms of stigma and providing compassionate services and education to every person of all ages.

At The Balm In Gilead, we believe the continuous, alarming rates of health disparities among African Americans demands a focus-driven and committed response. Thus, we believe the most influential institution among African Americans, the Black Church, must have a mandate to establish a community-driven health ministry. The Balm In Gilead is your partner in this mandate. Our services are designed to support every congregation serving African Americans to become a community center for health. We partner with public health institutions and health care professionals in a comprehensive effort to ensure that cultural competence is central when addressing the health needs of African Americans.

May each of us commit to living our best life and supporting every person on the planet to do the same!

May God always bless you with wisdom, love and good health!

 

Dr. Barbara L. Shaw, Chair
The Balm In Gilead, Inc.

 

Dr. Barbara L. Shaw, Board Chair
Past International President, Women’s Home & Oversees Missionary Society of the AMEZ Church
Past President & Chair, National Council of Negro Women
Baltimore, MD

Dr. Elnora P. Hamb, Board Secretary
Past International President, The Women’s Missionary Society of the CME Church
Chicago, IL

Charles Owens
Richmond, VA

Erline Belton, Board Chair Emeritus
President/CEO, The Lyceum Group
Boston, MA

Bishop George E. Battle, Jr.
Senior Bishop, The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
Charlotte, NC 28282

Marilyn Valentine, MD
Physician/Medical Advocate
Merrick, NY 11566

 

Angela A. Aidala, PhD
Research Scientist
Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
New York, NY 10032

Sandra B. Crowder
International President
Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society
The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

Rev. Dr. Cheryl Ivey Green
President
The Baptist Minister’s Conference of Richmond & Vicinity President
Richmond, VA

Robert Jamerson
Chief Operating Officer
Detroit Police Athletic League
Detroit, MI

Dr. Pernessa C. Seele
Founder & CEO
The Balm In Gilead, Inc.