Michael L. Suggs is the President of the Goler Community Development Corporation, a faith-based community development corporation that is revitalizing a community in downtown Winston-Salem. A former marketing and governmental executive with RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, Mr. Suggs is leading the $100 million effort to restore the area through the construction and renovation of an industrial area into a mixed-use and multicultural community.
Mr. Suggs attended North Carolina A&T State University where he graduated with honors in Business Administration. His education continued at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned an MBA in Marketing. Mr. Suggs gained additional work experience at Procter and Gamble, Miller Brewing Company, and Champion International.
Prior to joining RJ Reynolds, Mr. Suggs worked as a Brand Manager for Hanes Hosiery where he was responsible for building the company’s share in department stores and mass merchandiser accounts. At RJ Reynolds, Mr. Suggs was Senior Director of Public Affairs, responsible for the company’s outreach to its numerous constituent organizations, including civic leaders, business owners, elected officials, and community leaders. Early in his almost twenty-year career at RJ Reynolds, Mr. Suggs held several positions in the Marketing Department, including Brand Manager for Vantage, More, and Now, as well as Special Markets Manager for Salem.
Mr. Suggs and his wife Dana own and operate a boutique/art gallery called Body and Soul in Winston-Salem’s Art District which has become a destination for locals and visitors for over 13 years. Mr. Suggs’ civic activities include former Chairman of the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership, a board member of Winston-Salem Business Inc., and a member of The North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development.
Image courtesy of Innovation Quarter
Garrett Bolden is responsible for developing and maintaining accounting, audit, and fiscal management policies for Goler CDC that ensure his ability to responsibly manage organizational funds. This includes managing funding from federal, state, local, and private sources. Goler has consistently received unqualified audit opinions under his management. Mr. Bolden is a North Carolina A&T State University graduate with over 30 years of experience and a demonstrated record in public, corporate, governmental, and not-for-profit accounting.
Tasia Wilson serves as the Program Coordinator for our TechCareers, our workforce development initiative serving unemployed and underemployed citizens of the Greater Winston-Salem area who are interested in entering the IT industry.
Mrs. Wilson holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a Masters of Healthcare Administration from Winston-Salem State University, where she developed a solid foundation in policy and management principles. She is an active member of Winston-Salem State University Alumni Association, Order of Eastern Stars, Top Ladies of Distinction, The NAACP and more. She is deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of community well-being, proactive community engagement, and community development. Her genuine desire to contribute to individuals through strategic management and innovative solutions underscore her dedication to creating inclusive and sustainable solutions.
Prior to joining Goler CDC, Mrs. Wilson worked with The Winston-Salem Housing Administration, where she played a pivotal role in connecting eligible individuals with safe and affordable housing options. She successfully managed the allocation and distribution of Housing Choice Vouchers and facilitated housing stability for individuals and families in Forsyth County. She has also been a dedicated and results-driven Healthcare Administrator at HOPE Counseling & Consulting Services Inc., with over 3 years of experience in effectively optimizing and managing operations in a mental health organization. Throughout her career, she has successfully overseen the implementation of programs aimed at enhancing outcomes while ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards. Her expertise also extends to budget management, resource allocation, and the development of streamlined processes to improve overall operational effectiveness.
Mrs. Wilson is adept at building strong relationships with staff, participants, and stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to community services. She is deeply committed to upholding the highest standards and promoting a culture of continuous improvement within the organization and is driven by a genuine desire to contribute to the well-being of the community through strategic management and innovative solutions.
Lisa Prescott is the Case Manager for the TechCareers program. Her dedication to TechCareers and the students reflect her love for building meaningful connections. Ms. Prescott works closely with prospective and current students to ensure that all needs are met and to provide support to each student. In addition, Ms. Prescott frequents career outreach events as a representative for Goler and TechCareers to increase brand awareness. In her free time, she loves to practice her faith and read about history. Ms. Prescott also loves anything animals, but only from a distance. A Statesville, NC native, Ms. Prescott enjoys spending time cooking classic southern dishes like peach cobbler, but her best dishes are Italian. All in all, Ms. Prescott is a proud member of the Goler team and we are beyond grateful for all of her amazing work.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Fred E. Phifer | Board Chairman
Garland Burton, Member
Ron Fisher, Member
Cornelius Graves, Member
Alana James, Member
Mary Jac Brenan, Member
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