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Theresa E. Smith-Mercer, CPE, MS Founder & Chief Executive Officer Rev. Mercer has 23 years of experience in program and community development working with faith-based, grass roots and professional organizations throughout the country. She was the project specialist for the Maryland Faith Partnership Initiative for the Cabinet Council on Criminal and Juvenile Justice through the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention. As such, Rev. Mercer partnered with faith-based organizations and state agencies to facilitate training and technical assistance to over 500 community leaders throughout Maryland. She has worked with other professionals to design conference agendas and curricula that address the nuances of the faith- based, nonprofit community. Prior to the Governor’s Office assignment, Rev. Mercer was the visiting fellow to the U.S. Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) in Washington D.C. There she developed and managed the national Value-Based Initiative. Rev. Mercer served as the Director of Chaplaincy for the Baltimore City Police Department, the Maryland Police Corps and the Liberty Medical Center for Baltimore. Rev. Mercer has a Masters in Counseling from the Family Bible College & Seminary and a certification in Clinical Pastoral Education from Sheppard Pratt Hospital. |
- Rochelle Purnell, RN, MS Director of Program Development
Rochelle Purnell, brings 22 years of nursing experience to IFLP. She has a Master's Degree in Nursing with a concentration in
Community/Public Health Nursing. She is the Acting Director of the Adult Evaluation and Review Services with the Baltimore City Health
Department where she has been employed for 17 years. Ms. Purnell provides clinical instruction for the Community Health Nursing
Students at Coppin State University and is the President of the Nursing Alumni at Coppin State University. She mentors volunteers in
community service and is a strong advocate for under served populations. She is responsible for the health education and training
component for IFLP, which includes the development and implementation of health fairs and workshops and more. Ms. Purnell is also
the culinary coordinator for all community food service projects for IFLP.
She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta, Inc and is the 2nd Vice President of the National Council of Negro Women, Greater Baltimore
Section. Owner and Director of Nursing of Kairos Health Services, a nursing agency that provides nursing services, personal care and
companion services to the frail and elderly. Ms. Purnell provides community services based on biblical principles, Hebrews 13:16, do not
neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. She loves what she does, making a difference,
realizing that we all benefit from sharing our gifts.
- Rev. Michael Watson Senior Director of Clergy Relations
Rev. Michael Watson has over 15 years of experience in working with churches and faith based organizations. Rev. Watson's creativity
and enhancing skills for faith projects earned him numerous awards for his contributions to several leading Maryland ecumenical
ministries. Rev. Watson currently serves as Auxiliary Bishop for the Maryland Central Jurisdictional Church of God in Christ. He also
serves as a member of the ordination board for the Gospel Messengers of Maryland.
Rev. Watson's earned a Bachelors in Religious Studies from Morgan State University and a Masters in Divinity from Howard University.
Theresa Harris, M.Ed. Senior Director of Curricula Development & Training
populations and adult education programs in Baltimore City and Howard County, Maryland. Her expertise in is curriculum design for grass roots initiatives serving at-risk and special needs groups. As a professional teacher and a nonprofit management instructor, Theresa Harris has trained local and national service providers, particularly faith-based leaders, in the areas of program development, fundraising and services for special populations and is a Curricula Development Specialist. Theresa has a Bachelor’s in foreign language education (Spanish and French) from Morgan State University and a Masters in Education and Counseling from Coppin State, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She has also completed an extensive training in nonprofit development and training from the Habakkuk School of Fund Development. |
