Staff
MEET OUR LEADERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kevin Turpin
President, Founder, Life Enrichment Center
Deeply passionate about the impact of literacy, Kevin’s vision is to enrich the lives of underserved children and families in Hampton Roads, and throughout the commonwealth of Virginia. Involved in church, community and city initiatives to empower individuals, Kevin serves as senior associate pastor at New Life Church with campuses in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk, VA, is adjunct assistant professor of Psychology at Tidewater Community College, and is founder and president of the Institute for Personal and Professional Development, a limited liability corporation based in Norfolk, VA. He holds a B.S. in psychology from the University of Buffalo, Master’s in Counseling from Canisius College and a Master’s in Practical Theology from Regent University. He is currently in PhD level psychology classes at Regent and ODU and is a LEAD Hampton Roads graduate.
Wanda Turpin
Literacy Site Director, Office Manager
Wanda oversees the administration of LEC literacy programs in Title I elementary schools, and manages office operations. Wanda has a degree from Bryant and Stratton and attended Delhi State University of New York (SUNY Delhi), studying business administration. A certified trainer for the Phoenix Program, she has a long history and extensive experience in health care customer service. She has a passion to see children succeed in academic pursuits, especially reading.
Maurice Byrd
Director of Student Assessments
Maurice is responsible for monitoring testing protocols and overseeing the administration of reliable and valid pre and post literacy assessments of all students participating in the LEC Literacy Tutoring Program. Maurice worked as a teacher, principal and central office administrator for more than 30 years. A graduate of Hampton University and University of Illinois, Dr. Byrd specializes in curriculum development, assessment, grant writing, and leading high-poverty-high performing schools.
Sandra Christmas
Administrator & Literacy Site Coordinator
As a leading literacy coordinator, Sandra Christmas manages the literacy tutoring initiatives at St. Helena, and assists with LEC outreach initiatives at office headquarters. Sandra earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Coppin State College in Maryland and Master of Arts Degrees in Human Services Counseling and Practical Theology from Regent University in Virginia. She is founder and president of EWES Ministries,Inc., a faith-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to equip women for excellent and effective service.
Tammie Wade
Assistant to the President
Tammie provides administrative support to the President, and the Literacy Site Director and Office Manager including correspondence to donors, tutors, coordinators and organization leaders.
Corinthia Gregg
Bookkeeper
Cornithia oversees all aspects of finances for LEC including managing financial records, payroll, donor statements, daily and weekly transactions and financial reports.
Jerry Hargett
IT Specialist
Jerry trains all LEC coordinators and tutors who participate in the LEC Virtual Literacy Tutoring Program. He also provides technical support to school site coordinators and tutors and works closely with the schools to ensure that technological requirements for online programs are established and maintained and assists in the design and implementation of online parent enrichment workshops.
Devail & Nikki Echols
Directors of Recruitment & Online Marketing
Devail and Nikki share roles in the recrutiment of literacy tutors who serve in partner schools throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. They also provide support in web and social media development and communications.
Ha Koehler
Public Relations Consultant
Ha Koehler serves as LEC’s Public Relations Consultant. She assists with logistics, the fall banquet, marketing efforts and annual fundraising.
Mike Carosi
Public Relations Consultant
Mike Carosi serves as LEC’s Public Relations Consultant. He assists with annual fundraising, marketing events, social media campaigns and media relations. Mike also serves on the LEC Board of Directors.
Shelby Dell
Public Relations Consultant
Shelby Dell serves as LEC’s Public Relations Consultant. Shelby assists with social media, website content, event planning and the Golf Classic.
Board Members
Kevin H. Turpin
President, Board Chairman
LEC Founder
Daniel V. Backens
Board Vice Chairman
Pastor, New Life Church
Senior Director, One Focus Network
John M. Napier
Board Secretary
President, Pax Napier
Mark A. Nowak
Board Treasurer
IT Executive, Christian Broadcasting Network
Mark A. Johnson
Vice President, Truist Bank
Clement O. Abrams
Attorney at Law, Davis Law PLC
Dave P. Cheney II
Executive Director, Chick-fil-A
