Leadership
Executive Team
Annette Dove
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Annette Dove is Founder of TOPPS and also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit organization. Her academic background consists of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education K-12, a Master of Science Degree in Education, an Elementary Education Administration Certification, an Arkansas Teacher’s Certificate, and a Training Arkansas Profession Pathways (TAPP) Certificate as a State Trainer. Annette also has more than 30 years of experience working directly with youth. She has taught in the Pine Bluff school district for 11 years, served as the director of the federally funded program “Home Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters” (HIPPY) for 11 years, served as the church youth director for 12 years, and also served multiple years on the Early Childhood Commission.
Mike Dove
Director of Programs
Mike Dove has been working for TOPPS since 2005. He earned two bachelor degrees from the University of Arkansas, in Criminal Justice and Sociology, with a focus in Child Sociology. Mike earned his Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati, with emphasis in Juvenile Justice. He is one of the co-founders of the Marcus C. Harris II: Moving Forward Program and one of the leading brains behind the development of the DREAMS program. Mike has mentored more than 100 young men and women throughout Arkansas and Texas.
Kasee Dove
Program Coordinator
Kasee Dove has worked for TOPPS Inc. since the founding days and serves a multitude of roles. The most prominent role Kasee holds is the Program Coordinator for the TOPPS Graphics shop. A graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Kasee achieved a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science. This education has assisted her with developing the success of the TOPPS Graphics shop, where she’s responsible for training the TOPPS student workers in the designing of products. She also serves as the program coordinator for the Changing Steps girls mentoring program.
Raychelle Grant
Program Coordinator
Raychelle is the project director of our BEAT (Breast health, Education, Access & Treatment) program. She is also the coordinator for the DREAMS (Dreams Require Educating and Motivating Students) program. Grant holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Business Management from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. Grant has been volunteering with the TOPPS organization since its opening days, but it was in 2012 when Grant played a vital role in the success of the DREAMS program. Grant also serves as a mentor for both girls mentoring programs.
Paulette Barnes
Food & Nutrition Coordinator
Paulette is a native of Altheimer, Arkansas. She graduated from Altheimer-Sherill High School and attended University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in the field of Early Childhood. Paulette has 20 years experience as a store manger and ten years as a substitute teacher in the local school district. Paulette has volunteered with TOPPS for over five years. Paulette’s duties include training of staff and sites, menu preparation, organization of food distributions, meeting all USDA Health departments requirements and data collection.
LaTaylor Rembert
Director of Mental Health
LaTaylor is the youngest daughter to Roderick and LaTyeshia Rembert. A proud native of Pine Bluff Arkansas; born in Mobile, Alabama. She is a 2016 graduate from Pine Bluff High School. Surrounded by a family of service, she knew early on her life’s dedication would be bigger than herself. LaTaylor is a 2020 Graduate of The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). After pursuing higher education and graduating from UAPB, she worked for the Federal Government for over two years. During that period LaTaylor learned more on the depletion of resources for people of color leading her to return to her hometown and serve her community where she currently works with Targeting Our People’s Priority as Mental Health Director. LaTaylor has actively been present with TOPPS in Leadership for over two years now and has been volunteering here for over seven years serving in roles such as the program coordinator of Changing Steps, Beginning Steps, and DREAMS. She is currently pursuing higher education for a better opportunity to serve her community in a pivotal way and lifelong goal of learning and educating herself and others.
Jordan Sims
Director of After School
Jordan Sims was born and raised in Pine Bluff, AR. I graduated from Dollarway High School in 2017 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology Management with a focus on Applied Engineering from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 2021.
In my free time, I enjoy reading and watching classic 90s movies. I am passionate about community service and am committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people. As Denzel Washington once said, “Without commitment, you will never start; but without consistency, you will never finish.”
Board of Directors
Ivan Thomas
President
Ivan Thomas is a native of Tucker Arkansas, Ivan graduated from Dollarway High School. He received his Master’s degree in Physical education and coaching administration from the University of Arkansas Monticello. He received his bachelor’s degree in Physical education and Recreational Studies from the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. He has been in education for 15 years and is now employed with Friendship Aspire Southeast School. Working with kids has been a big focal point in his life. At an early age, I learned that hard work, dedication, and discipline are keys to being successful in a lot of things we do in life.
In February of 2022, he founded a recreational Facility called DA Sports Academy LLC. The mission is “We determine our purpose every day not with a skill set but a strong mindset. We strive to teach our kids Discipline, Hard Work, and Dedication. With those principles to go by we believe you can go anywhere in life you put your mind to. It is located here in Pine Bluff. It offers a variety of sports training for athletes of all ages.
Gina Alley
Vice President
Gina Alley, Director of Community Outreach and Client Relations, specializes in fostering relationships with the clients and the community to ensure open communication before, during, and even after services are performed. Gina departed from Con-Real about four years ago to complete her Masters in Public Administration at the University of North Texas. Upon her completion of the graduate program, Gina served as the Senior Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Grand Prairie, Texas. A majority of Gina’s position at the City of Grand Prairie encompassed community outreach and special projects with a focus on mentoring children. Gina’s plans to serve as the Con-Real representative in fostering relationships with clients and identifying potential opportunities for Con-Real.
Lloyd Holcomb
Treasurer
Lloyd Holcomb is a Pine Bluff native, proudly graduating from Pine Bluff High School in 1993. He completed a degree in Religious Studies from Arkansas Baptist College. Currently, Lloyd serves as both the Funeral Director at Henson-Holcomb Mortuary as well as a Community Outreach Officer at Relyance Bank both located in Pine Bluff. In addition, he serves as a Pine Bluff City Councilman. Lloyd is an integral and effective part of the Pine Bluff community and is passionate about serving our community members.
Dr. Whitnee Boyd
Fundraiser Chairperson
Dr. Whitnee Boyd is a native of Humphrey, AR and graduated from Pine Bluff High School. She now resides in Fort Worth, TX and serves as the Coordinator of Special Projects for the Office of the Chancellor at Texas Christian University (TCU). She received her Doctorate of Education in the Higher Education Leadership from TCU. She graduated from the University of Arkansas where she received her B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. She went on to earn a M.A. in Higher Education from Louisiana State University. Whitnee is a former Albert Schweitzer Fellow serving in the Fort Worth community through building college readiness programs in the Morningside area and currently serves on the Board for the DFW Chapter of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship. She is a member of the Center for First-Generation Student Success Advocacy Group. Whitnee is a member of the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth where she serves as a youth leader. She is a Leadership ISD Fellow, member of the Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and she is active in her community through volunteerism and civic engagement. Whitnee is committed to creating and promoting change by challenging systems and creating a collective impact.
Ruby Deshzier
Financial Committee
Mrs. Ruby DeShazier serves as a Lab Specialist at Tyson Foods, Inc., where she brings years of experience in laboratory operations, safety compliance, and quality assurance. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Mrs. DeShazier has been a dedicated supporter of TOPPS for over 18 years, consistently investing her time, resources, and passion into the organization’s mission. Her commitment to youth development is deeply personal. The TOPPS Boys Mentoring Program is named in honor of her late son, Marcus C. Harris II, a founding member whose legacy continues to inspire and impact young men in the community.
Through her service and generosity, Mrs. DeShazier remains a vital advocate for empowering youth and strengthening families across Pine Bluff.
Dr. Rashaeda Brimley, MD
Board Member
Rashaeda Brimley is a native of Williston, a small town of about 3000 residents in South Carolina. She was her generation’s first to graduate high school, then college, graduate school and medical school. Rashaeda always knew she wanted to be a physician, as early as kindergarten. Rashaeda’s grandmother who was ger greatest inspiration had multiple comorbidities to include hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. Rashaeda knew that her life’s mission would include working with patient’s who suffered from these comorbidities. Rashaeda graduated high school in Smiths Station, Alabama. She then completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Miles College where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She also pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Eta Nu Chapter at Miles College in 2007. Thereafter she moved to South Korea for one year. After her year in Korea, she came back to the US where she went to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and did research for 18 months. Thereafter she completed a masters at Hampton University, an HBCU in Hampton, Virginia and then continued her studies to become a physician, completing a combined MD and MBA-Healthcare. Rashaeda graduated from Avalon University School of Medicine in Curaçao. She is a resident at University of Arkansas Medical Sciences-South Central in July 2021. Rashaeda still remembers the days she prayed for the things she has now. She lives by her current favorite scripture which says ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.’ Deuteronomy 31:6 In her free time Rashaeda enjoys peer mentorship, riding her Peloton, traveling the world with her amazing husband John and spending time with her 2-year-old daughter Nia Reign.
LaTisha Brunson, Councilwoman
Board Member
LaTisha Brunson proudly represents Ward 1 on the Pine Bluff City Council. Since being sworn in in January 2023, she has hit the ground running. A graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, she is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Ms. Brunson actively addresses food insecurity and has always advocated for those who may not have a voice, especially her 14-year-old daughter, who has cerebral palsy. In addition to serving her community, she worked as the Assistant Human Resources Director at her alma mater, helping to bridge the gap between the campus and the community through partnerships. This role allows her to influence policy, people, and change effectively.
LaTisha Brunson exemplifies the qualities and qualifications necessary for this board placement.
Dr. Tish Bullard
Board Member
Dr. Tish Bullard is an executive presence and etiquette consultant with a background in higher education leadership and hospitality. She is the founder of Elite Society Etiquette, where she helps professionals and emerging leaders strengthen confidence, communication, and professional presence in real-world settings. Known for her practical approach to modern etiquette and personal branding, Dr. Bullard travels to speak and facilitate workshops for organizations, colleges, and community groups. She is also active in civic leadership and service, using her work to help people show up well, lead with intention, and build lasting impact.
Alumni Advisors
Brandon Jolly
Abigail Herrin
Crystal Barnes
Taylor Nelson
Najallah Johnson
Wesley Richardson
Tiara Davis
