Josephine Lowery

Executive Director & Co-Founder

Josephine, recipient of the Vulcan Park Foundation Game Changer Award in 2022, and named as one of the 25 Women Who Shape the State by This is Alabama in 2020, is a retired attorney from corporate/real estate law. Since CCF's inception in 2014, Josephine has helped over 70 students find their best and most affordable college fit. She has forged meaningful relationships with Deans of Admissions and Financial Aid directors as well as cultivated a close working relationship with area guidance counselors and community partners. Josephine has organized fundraisers, participated in college fairs, and spoken about college admissions to various audiences. Josephine is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham and served as PTO President of the Homewood Middle School where she helped create their website and obtain their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

Barry Smith

Resource Development Director

Barry has a master’s degree in journalism, and is currently on the City Council of Homewood, Alabama. She has served in multiple chair positions. She will assist with development, marketing fundraising, daily operations and mentoring Scholars.

Cassandra Joseph

President

Cassandra has been a PTO President at Homewood High School. Cassandra will help with mentoring students. Cassandra also is a community liaison.

Julie Gentry

Vice President

Julie is the founder and Director of Homewood's Community Garden. She also helps her husband run the popular local restaurant, Little Donkey. As an Executive Board Member and Mentor, she is invovled daily with CCF operations.

JENNIFER WALLACE

Treasurer

Jennifer is an accountant with Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, P.C., and has been PTO Treasurer at Shades Cahaba Elementary School, Homewood Middle School School, and is Assistant Treasurer at Homewood High School. She will handle treasurer duties, and assist with fundraising and Scholars.

Tim Bembry

Tim is a Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors who will oversee the financial aspects of the Foundation.

Sharon Broach

Sharon is a Deputy City Attorney with the City of Atlanta. Previously she owned her own practice, and practiced with the United States Federal District Court for twelve years.

Nancy Hale

Co-Founder

Nancy also serves as one of the Foundation's officers. See her profile under Officers for more information.

Carl Thomas

Carl J. Thomas, MPA – Carl is a retired Berea College Associate Director of Admissions and Coordinator of Minority Services. Carl brings 40 years of experience in college admissions and will provide consultation on the college admissions process and mentor scholars. Received the Berea College President Medallion for exemplary service in the advancement of Berea College and its Commitments. Held membership of several professional organizations National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), Alabama Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (ALACRAO), including serving on the executive committee of the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (SACRAO).

LORI BATEMAN

UAB School of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine (Instructor), Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center (Associate Scientist)

Mark Bateman - Director Emeritas - Deceased

Co-Founder

Mark passed away in November, 2023, and will be deeply missed. As a professor for much of his life, most recently retired from Samford University, he had a passion for higher education: its opportunities and challenges, its perils and promises, its history and future. He also had a gift for seeing the promise and possibility in everyone who crossed his path, and helped countless individuals embrace their callings and pursue their dreams.

Cassandra Joseph

Cassandra has been a PTO President at Homewood High School. Cassandra will help with mentoring students. Cassandra also is a community liaison.

Josephine Lowery

Co-Founder

Josephine also serves as Executive Director. See her profile under Officers and Staff for more information.