Our Board Members

Danette bryant batiste ('94), presidenT
email danette

Danette Bryant Batiste is President and CEO of GID Consulting, LLC which serves as a business consultant in the areas of sales, marketing and operations. Danette has previously managed operations and sales for a multi-million dollar IT company for 17 years. Danette received a B.A. in Communications from Oakwood College in Huntsville, AL in 1994 and is an experienced and dynamic leader.

As Chapter President, Danette serves as liaison with Oakwood University and presides at all meetings of the chapter and the executives.  Danette would like for the Southern California Chapter to be a leader in providing financial benefits and blessings to the students of Oakwood University.  This will be accomplished through fund raising events and by actively engaging alumni and friends of Oakwood University.

cynthia fenison briscoe ('92), vice presidenT
email cynthia

Cynthia Fenison Briscoe is CEO of The Camry Group Homes for boys, INC, which is a private residence for young people who cannot live with family members. Ms. Briscoe has been in the social services field for over 20 years. She received a B.S.W. in Social Work from Oakwood College in 1992 and is an experienced and excellent motivator.

As Vice-president of the Southern California Oakwood University Alumni Chapter, Ms. Briscoe works closely with the President to promote chapter growth increase membership enrollment, and perform assigned duties at the request of the President..

Anissa lacount, md ('94), vice presidenT
email anissa

Anissa is a family medicine physician currently practicing at Kaiser Permanente southern California medical group.  Her prior experience includes teaching in the school of medicine in Loma Linda University for a short period.   Anissa has served and worked for Indian Health services.

Anissa received her Bachelors of Science in Biology from Oakwood College in Huntsville Alabama in 1994. She also received her Doctorate in medicine in 2000 from Loma Linda University School of Medicine.

As Co-Vice president, Anissa duties will include becoming thoroughly acquainted with the president’s duties as to assist in any role deemed necessary.  Anissa’s goal is to support the alumni association so it can be used as a conduit to facilitate and support those students from Southern California who are attending Oakwood University.

BRIAN E. HARDY ('94), TECHNOLOGY Director
Email brian

Mr. Hardy has provided Professional Management Consulting solutions for over 20 years for numerous companies within select industries. He possesses vast experience particularly within the Telecommunications, Aerospace, and Government industry. His background includes managing and participating in the full range of operational planning and financial modeling activities that include the evaluation of emerging technologies to outsourcing global operations.  Brian is currently the Executive Vice President of ITConnect Incorporated, a Technology Services Firm and Founder/Managing Partner at Fifty Two Consulting.  Brian is a board member for several non profit organizations, including recently being selected as the Technology Committee Chair for the Association of Passive Optical LAN and a director on the board of the Benjamin Banneker Foundation.   Brian graduated from Oakwood College in 1994 with a B.A. degree in Communications and received his Masters of Business Administration (Technology Management) from the University of Phoenix.

As Technology Director of OUAA, Brian is responsible for utilizing technological tools to gain interest and provide digital platforms that support our initiatives.   Brian would like to "re-invigorate our youth’s interest in Oakwood University by showcasing the success of our Alumni in their respective industries."

kia thornton gamble ('95), treasurer
email kia

Kia Thornton Gamble, CPA is Sr. Finance Manager at Christie Digital Inc. which is manufacturer of digital projectors.  She has over 20 years of finance experience in the public and private arena at companies such as Ernst and Young, The Orange County Register, and Lab Corp.  She is a graduate of Oakwood Academy and later matriculated from Oakwood University with a B.S. in Accounting in 1995.

As Treasurer, Kia is responsible for the financial operations of the chapter.  The chapter seeks to provide scholarships and financial support to students so that all may attend Oakwood University.

RICHARD LAWRENCE, ASSISTANT TREASURER
email richard

Richard J. Lawrence is currently a popular adjunct professor in the Human Communication Department at California State University Fullerton and in the Humanities Department at El Camino College Compton Center where he teaches courses in public speaking, critical thinking/debate, interpersonal, and intercultural communication. He has also recently become sought after as a public speaking consultant, bringing his relaxed and easy going teaching methods to groups and individuals, helping them to overcome what is arguably people’s biggest fear: speaking in public.

Prior to his work in higher education, Richard held various positions in the retail, telecommunication, and automotive sectors before returning to school to earn a BA in mass communication from California State University Dominguez Hills and an MA in communication management as well as completing doctoral studies coursework in communication with an emphasis in rhetoric and culture from the USC Annenberg School for Communication in Los Angeles.

Richard has served the Southern California chapter for a number of years, most recently as treasurer. Though his time spent in Huntsville was brief, he is nonetheless a huge supporter of the university.

Tracey white ('96), development director
EMAIL tracey

Tracey White is a high school mathematics teacher and has taught at Redlands High School for 16 years. Tracey previously was a teacher's assistant at The Ohio State University while a graduate student and taught remedial math undergraduate courses.  She also taught discussion sessions in the math department at the University of California Riverside for a year before being hired by Redlands Unified School District. Tracey received a B.S. in Math Education from Oakwood College in Huntsville, AL in 1996.

As Development Director, Tracey uses her passion for Oakwood University by helping to coordinate all fundraising programs and activities of special interest to the local Southern California chapter.  Tracey also serves as chairperson for the chapter scholarship committee which sets the criteria for students who desire funding to attend Oakwood. Additionally, Tracey assists in promoting OUAA events and news on social media.  

Danielle Wortham, SECRETARY
EMAIL DANIELLE

Danielle Wortham is a physical therapist currently practicing in a privately-owned orthopedic clinic. She has worked in a variety of physical therapy/healthcare settings across Southern California. She graduated from Oakwood University in 1994 with a BS in Natural Science. She went on to earn a Master of Physical Therapy from Howard University in 1998, and recently received a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the College of St. Scholastica in 2016.

Ms. Wortham believes in helping her community, which includes promoting Christian Education, as she is a proud product of Christian Education. She has given numerous scholarships to deserving and motivated students of all ages throughout her career. This is her passion.

Danielle currently serves as Secretary and is an unofficial ambassador of Oakwood University.

Kim Macky Gentry, music director
EMAIL KIM

Kim attended Oakwood University (OU) and is a graduate of the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).  Kim is in Human Resources and has had the opportunity to work for a variety of business and industries.  Kim is passionate about providing as many students as she can with scholarship opportunities to Oakwood University.  She believes in Christian Education and the valuable experiences Oakwood University gives to students who attend this Historic Black College and University (HBCU).  

Kim currently serves as Secretary and is actively involved in coordinating the music for our various OUAA Days at the churches around Southern California.

WADE FORDE ('02), CHAPLAIN/PARLIAMENTARIAN
EMAIL WADE

Pastor Wade Forde is a dynamic leader and speaker who has achieved significant success throughout his career in ministry and business.  Pastor Forde believes like Lance Watson that, "If you're not passionate about what you do, find something else to do!".  Pastor Forde is currently the Senior Pastor for Lake Perris Church and the Perris 5th Street Church located in Perris, California where he leads both churches in regular worship service and prayer meetings.  Pastor Forde has also served a Youth Pastor for Kansas Avenue SDA Church, Crosswalk SDA Church and 16th Street SDA Church.

Pastor Forde attended and graduated from Oakwood University where he learned further about service and building relationships.  It is Pastor Forde's desire to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the students from Southern California who are attending Oakwood and to ensure that students who are considering attending College fully understand all that Oakwood has to offer.  As the Parliamentarian Pastor Forde will answer questions of the parliamentary procedures base on Robert's Rules of Order and serve as the Chairperson of the Constitution and By Laws Committee.  As the Chaplain Pastor Forde will ensure that every meeting is started with prayer and that each meeting maintains a Godly atmosphere as we collectively work to serve God and our Oakwood community.