Bethel EDC

Reverend Philip Eugene Ross is the Pastor of Bethel AME Church, the founding church of Bethel EDC. Phillip grew up at Grant AME Church, Los Angeles where he was actively involved in a host of organizations. He attended Kenyon College in Ohio where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music and is currently seeking his Masters Degree from Regent University. Reverend Phillip was ordained as an Itinerant Elder by Bishop Francine A. Brookins and prior to locating to Portland, OR he served as Pastor at Primm Tabernacle AME Church, Seattle, WA.

Greg Smith is the co-founder of Cannady Smith & Associates, a consulting and executive coaching firm focused on education and healthcare, where he provides independent college counseling services for students applying to colleges and universities throughout the country.

Debrah Ingram-Payne works for Visit Vancouver WA as the Office Administrator/Manager, board experience as President of the Leisure Hour Jr. Golf Program for over 25 years; she helped establish Bridge2Success. Bridge2Success drives to ensure that all students are supported through transition out of high school by providing clearer direction, lifelong tools and enrichment for all students regardless of the selected path and currently serves as First Lady of First AME Church Zion, Portland Oregon and Grace United Methodist, Seattle, Washington.

Tanya Lyn March joined Bethel AME in 2015. She has a PhD in Urban Studies from PSU. Gained experience with project development of affordable housing while interning at Habitat for Humanity in NYC, towards her Urban Affairs Masters from Hunter College. She owns a small history walking tour company. See is on multiple boards: Slabtown Kiwanis Club Treasure, NWDA board member and parks committee chair.

Elaine Hartzog retired from Portland Public Schools in 2000, after 27 years of service, including as Principal of Faubion School. After retirement, Elaine became an educational consultant and returned to Portland School District to coach/mentor new principals and vice principals, as well as volunteer in classrooms and special student programs. She is a founding member of Bethel EDC and a trustee and board member of the Bethel Economic Development Corporation. She serves on the Bethel EDC Education Committee..

Brooklyn Marx Sherman is a recent PSU graduate. He has been a volunteer for many years in our food pantry. When he’s not working as a PPS bus driver or helping to run his mom’s small business, it’s common to find Brooklyn testifying at City Commission or School Board meetings, protesting and rallying for education from PPS headquarters to the State Capitol, helping out with the Vanport Placemarking Project and other community initiatives, or cheering for his brother at a Roosevelt Roughriders football game.​

Carol Chism has been a Member of Bethel AME Church since 1989; returning to the EDC board in 2017. Former member of the North-Northeast Enterprise Zone Advisory Board, The Tri-Met Interstate Avenue Transportation Committee and PDC Urban Renewal advisory board. Chism holds a MSSA degree in social work and LCSW license in Oregon.

Pastor Dr. Dennis Payne II is an ex-officio board member and chair of our Housing Committee. He currently is the pastor of AME Zion Church and Grace United Methodist, Seattle, Washington. He has worked as an organizer for CACI, a church-based community organization which assists congregations in building communities within their churches and surrounding neighborhoods. CACI is the vehicle that ordinary people of faith will use to participate in sharpening the work around them.Dennis has helped churches to develop Strategy to transform their city for the better and has recruited, trained, and supervised all the volunteers from the congregations and fund-raising events.

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