Empowering Diversity in Human Services
About The Action Council
THE ACTION COUNCIL
Board of Directors
James Starnes, BA
John Connery
Alfreda King, MA, Certificate Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Treasurer
Herbert Walker, MA, CPA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mark Bellamy, BA
Willie Bethune, LISW-AP/CP
Johnese Bostic
Shirley Furtick, LISW-AP/CP
Steven Gaither, MA
Mandy Halloran
Tessie W. Haywood, BSW, MA, CS, LAC
Carl Jones, Ph.D.
The Honorable Julius Jones, LMSW
Amber Lange
S. Elaine Leonard, MHA, BSN, RN
Nadine Livingston, M.ED, MBA, MA
Tracy Richardson, MA
Cornell Ruff, RN
Ernest Shaw, LMSW
SUPPORT & GUIDANCE
Our Commitees
Education
The Education Committee assists the Board of Directors in continuing and developing educational activities that address the goals of the Action Council.
Nadine Livingston, Chairperson
Finance
The Finance Committee assists the Board of directors in preparing an annual budget, and offers advice on capital development.
Herbert Walker, Chairperson
Hospitality
The Hospitality Committee assists the Board of Directors in the planning and implementation of events that have been approved by the Action Council, and that are consistent with the organization’s mission and goals.
Mark Bellamy, Chairperson
Long Range Planning
The Long Range Planning Committee assists the Board of Directors in identifying the goals of the Action Council, as well as the appropriate means to achieve those goals. The committee is also charged with the responsibility of insuring that those goals and any subsequent implementation are consistent with the Action Council’s overall mission.
Ernest Shaw, Chairperson
Membership
The Membership Committee assists the Board of directors in increasing and retaining membership in the Action Council.
Tracy Richardson, Co-chairperson
Nominations
The Nominations Committee provides a slate of nominees at the annual meeting for filling vacancies on the Board of Directors. In the event that one or more positions as Board Officers become available, the Committee will provide a slate of nominees at the second Board meeting after the annual meeting.
George Greene, Chairperson
Public Relations
The Public Relations Committee assists the Board of Directors in insuring that the Council’s overall reputation among the general public is positive, and accurately reflects the mission and goals of the organization.
Steven Gaither, Chairperson
Ways to Get Involved
Be Part of The Action
MAKE A DONATION
Join our collaborative community dedicated to cross-cultural mental health and human services. Membership offers valuable networking opportunities with fellow providers and access to learning experiences led by accomplished experts.
BE A VOLUNTEER
The Action Council Conferences provide opportunities for learning, networking, and for members of certain professions to earn continuing education contact hours that can meet the requirements for licensure in their respective fields.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Each edition highlights programs, resources, and community voices, supporting the Council’s mission to strengthen the involvement of culturally diverse citizens in the management, delivery, and use of mental health and human services.
Join us February 26 – March 1, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC
The 48th Annual
Cross Cultural Conference
FROM AWARENESS TO ACCOUNTABILITY: Including the Whole Community in Service Delivery