President/CEO of the corporation and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Investors Committed to
Excellence, Inc., Gregory Boles was inspired to found the corporation by a word from God, given by a
man of God, Bishop T. Anthony Bronner. The vision is to transform communities by transforming the
minds, hearts and souls of people who are living inside and outside of the walls of the approximately
480 churches in the City of Buffalo. In return this would transform lives and communities, inspiring church goers to go forth in love and meet the neighbor where they live.
TIMOTHY HOGUES
1st
Vice President of Investors Committed to Excellence, Inc. The corporation is committed to
successfully transforming the communities of Buffalo by providing affordable housing opportunities to
potential homeowners along with financial training and educational services with a focus on proper
home maintenance and shifting one's mindset from having strictly a consumer mentality to thinking and acting as investors in self and community.
ROCHELLE CLEMONS
2ND
Vice President of Investors Committed to Excellence, Inc. Rochelle has a love for Real Estate;
she strongly believes in community revitalization and has done some real estate investing. Having
lived in the Washington, DC/Virginia metro area for seventeen (17) years, she remembers Buffalo's
former thriving communities. She sees the potential and has a vision for community transformation and revitalization, as evidenced by other cities.
RONALD BROWN
Treasurer, Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee and Tax Account, Ronald Brown earned his
B.S. in Accounting from the University of Buffalo in 1985. He is a self- employed accountant with an
accounting and tax practice consisting of over 1,200 customers covering fifteen (15) states. Activities
include management advisory, financial management consulting and market analysis. Activities also
include pro-bono services with several not-for-profit civic and church organizations.
His experience includes seven (7) years of Federal tax experience as a Revenue Agent with Internal
Revenue Service; two (2) years of instruction with New York City School Construction Authority's Minority Contractors
Program; three (3) years of instruction and advisement with Buffalo Economic Renaissance Program's Entrepreneurial
Assistance Program, five (5) years of instruction in the discipline of Accounting at State University College at Buffalo;
eight (8) years of Banking experience consisting of four (4) years of Small Business Lending and four (4) years of Large Commercial Lending transactions.
He is the Vice Chairman on the Board of Commissioners of the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority; Board member and
Treasurer of Sarah Minnie Badger Foster Care Agency; and an Executive Board member and advisor to the Finance Committee of Elim Christian Fellowship.
DEBORAH BOLES-SMITH
Chair of the Secretarial Committee, and a native of Buffalo, New York, Deborah earned an Associates
Degree in Business/Secretarial Science from Bryant & Stratton Business Institute, and a B.S. Degree
in Human Services from Medaille College--graduating Cum Laude. Her secretarial and administrative
experience covers a period of nearly 30 years. Much of her experience was achieved working in local
government and in human services. In these positions, she has been accountable to a Deputy
Executive Director / City of Buffalo Common Council Member, President/CEO, Board of Directors, and Human Resources
Vice President. Deborah's responsibilities included handling community and constituent casework, scheduling
appointments. recording and transcribing minutes of staff in the department, attending board meetings, supervising
secretarial services, supervising high school and college interns, and organizing political campaigns and fundraisers. In
addition, she was responsible for organizing and maintaining all employee records and applicant files, assisted in
recruitment and hiring process, and performed criminal background checks and NYC Central Register Clearance for potential hires.
SHAUN MADDOX
Chair of the Marketing Committee, Shaun Maddox is a self-employed real estate investor, property
manager and business owner. He teaches scriptural based Financial Peace classes to adults wherein
they learn how to reduce and eliminate debt as well as learn basic money management skills. He
also teaches a teen class on money management. Shaun has authored web-based articles teaching
the importance of goal setting. He also conducts tele-seminars on this subject. He is also the founder
of LivingSuccessNetwork.com a business dedicated to helping others with personal development and financial growth.
RUSSELL HAYES
Chair of the Acquisition Committee, Russell Hayes is a person who loves the business of real estate.
A licensed realtor for 17 years and a real estate investor for 10 years, Russell is also a 22 year N.Y.
state correction officer. Active in his church, he loves to play chess, bowl, shoot pool, play the piano,
skate, work out, and juggle. He believes in putting the Lord Jesus Christ first in his life.
WILLIAM SWIFT
Chair of the Rehab Strategy and Scheduling Committee, William Swift prefers to be called Bill. He is a
30-year window professional, with a concentration in estimating and window manufacturing. His
experiences include plant management, familiarity with all mechanical systems: electric, heat, air
systems, tooling, and facilities. Estimating, sales, engineering and shop drawing are integral parts of
his daily life. Bill has always worked with wood and can build just about anything. He is a project
manager for both union and non-union construction projects of up to a million plus dollars ($1 million
+). His vast experience also includes working on properties for less fortunate homeowners at
reasonable costs. His hobbies include computers, antiques, fishing, photography and renovating his newly acquired home in Buffalo's Fruit Belt.
DAVID RICHARDSON
Co-Chair of Rehab Strategy and Scheduling Committee, David Richardson is an Electrical Technician,
with 30 plus years of experience in the industry. Working 25 years at American Brass as an
Electronics/ Electrician, 4 years at Ivaco steel as the lead Electrician, and 3-1/2 years as an
Electrical Technician at Great Lakes MDF, David is currently working as a Master Electrician at
Washington Mills. He attained the Master Electrician status by completing his apprenticeship at
American Brass while simultaneously taking the Electrical Technology courses at Erie Community College, North
Campus. David is member of Elim Christian Fellowship, where he serves on the Usher Board and the "Son's Of God" Men's Ministry
KERWIN KELLEY
Chair of the Education Committee, Kerwin Kelley is an instructor, coach & financial sales executive
with twenty plus years experiences in the financial industry. He currently instructs students at the
Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center as well as individuals in the community in financial literacy.
Kerwin has been an adjunct instructor for the Buffalo EOC for the last three years. Prior to the Buffalo
EOC he was a volunteer instructor for the Urban Financial Services Coalitions financial literacy course.
In addition, Kerwin is a part time branch manager of a local Buffalo bank where he has been employed
for the last 14 years. He is a board member of the Jubilee Community Loan Fund and loan committee member of the Child & Family Services Ways to Work, Wheels to Work loan fund.
Kerwin is a graduate of New Hampshire College where he received his B.S. in Accounting in 1982. Kerwin is a member of
Elim Christian Fellowship where he is a mentor for the Boys to Men group.
ANTHONY D. BOLES SR.
Executive Facilitator, Anthony D. Boles, Sr. has been a Minister of the Gospel since 1985. He is a
2002 graduate of Houghton College where he earned an Associate in Arts and Science, and a
Certificate of Pastoral Ministry. Minister Boles is a member of the Education Committee, he looks
forward to teaching new homeowners the benefits of homeownership, budgeting, maintenance, and up-keep of their home in order to help better their community.
ROBERT NERO
Robert Nero has been a member of the City of Buffalo Firefighters for over 21 years, and has achieved
the designation of a Certified First Responder. He has received numerous awards for bravery and for
works above and beyond the line of duty. For more than 26 years, Robert has used his artistic
talents in the field of home remodeling. He has worked in his father's home improvement business,
and specializes in custom designed decks, and also kitchens and baths. He is a member of St. John
Baptist Church, where he participates in the Male Chorus, serves on the Christian Men Fellowship as Co-Chair and is a
Certified Sunday School Teacher. Robert has used his remodeling experience to do many remodeling projects for St.
John Baptist Church, its membership and the people in the community.
LORETTA FREEMAN
Loretta Freeman is a native New Yorker born in the Bronx. The family moved to Amityville Long Island.
She is a graduate from Copiague High School, completed training at the Solano County Training
Institute in Vallejo, California for Automated Office Specialist, University at Buffalo Educational
Opportunity Center for Data Entry, and attended Medialle College for Computer Information Systems,
and attended the Democratic National Committee Comprehensive Activist Training in New Jersey.
Every year she volunteers for WHRD Inc's Project Joy part I and II and for the annual WHRD Luncheon.
She is a volunteer for the Buffalo Association of Black Social Workers. She is a Fillmore District Committee Member. Her
Hobbies are reading, working on puzzles, computers. Loretta has a commitment to community, real estate and homeownership.
GREG CHAMBERS
Greg Chambers is an experienced electrician and property rehabber. Greg has worked on a number of
rehab projects and is knowledgeable about many aspects of the rehabbing and electrical business.
He is a member of the Rehab committee and will contribute a wealth of knowledge to ensure that each rehab is done with excellence.
He is currently employed at Praxair Inc as an Analytical Technician. In this career Greg is responsible for ensuring that
specific analytical gas equipment is working correctly, corresponding with suppliers and customers to ensure accuracy of
equipment and set up, and traveling to various job sites for plant start-ups.
Greg obtained his Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Farmingdale University in Long Island NY,
and is currently working on his Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering at Buffalo State College with an anticipated graduation date of May 2009.
CALLISTUS U. IBEGBU, PH.D.
Callistus received his doctoral degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo where he
majored in Sociology of Education/Higher Education. He also holds a Masters degree in Public
Administration from the State University College at Brockport. He A graduate of the State University
of New York at Buffalo with a degree in Computer Technology, Erie Community College with a degree
in Business Management and Kessler Community College with a degree in Information Management.
SONG LARUE
Song LaRue is an experienced manager, auditor, financial analyst, purchasing agent. She has acted
as a coordinator on a number of projects during her tenure at Praxair Technology Center. Her current
job responsibilities consist of acquisition of new assets, depreciation, and purchasing of new assets.
Song places great emphasis on establishing effective channels of communication, organization of
resources, attention to detail, and coordination of project components among team members. Throughout her professional
career, she has demonstrated her ability to create and maintain complex records, research customer issues, audit
records for strength of operational controls, and coordinate the efforts of various individuals to achieve shared goals. With
these skills and employment background, Song will have the ability to contribute her knowledge on the Finance and
Investment Committee. She will also be an active member in the Acquisition Committee where she will learn what to look
for when choosing real estate properties in order to contribute to the success of Investors Committed to Excellence. Song
will also start the Interior Design Committee in the near future.
Song LaRue's education includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Syracuse University and a Masters in Business Administration from Medaille College.
LOLA BANKS
A graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo with a degree in Computer Technology, Erie
Community College with a degree in Business Management and Kessler Community College with a degree in Information Management.
Skillful and dedicated Operations Manager with extensive experience in the coordination, planning and
support of daily operations with a proven track record of accurately completing research, reporting, information
management, and marketing and business development efforts. Lola was employed by the BUFFALO NEWS as an
Operations Manager/District Manager. Her experience was enhanced with her employment at AIC MANAGEMENT in
Charlotte, North Carolina, where she was an Accounting Technician, assisting the Controller in all accounting functions.
FREDRICK HARRIS
Fred Harris has been in the real estate and construction industry since 1986. He has been with the
NYS Thruway Authority for 21 yrs. He currently serves as a Code Compliance Specialist, overseeing
major construction projects, ensuring NYS code compliance. For NYS he has also served as a
Building Maintenance Supervisor responsible for maintenance repairs and preventive maintenance
programs for all systems: air conditioning, plumbing, roofing, boiler, carpentry and electrical systems. In this capacity he has supervised up to 21 people.
Fred is a Retired Sergeant Major from the Army Reserves. He served as a Combat Construction Engineer from 1987 –
2005, where he constructed and demolished cinder block buildings for temporary use, supervising a staff of up to 250 people.
Fred is a NYS Certified Code Enforcement Official. He is a member of the NYS Building Official and National Fire
Prevention Organization. Fred has an Associate Degree in Math and Science from Erie Community College. Fred continues to take classes to enhance his knowledge.
JOE SADLER
Founder/Owner of "Modern Residential Remodeling," Joe has eighteen years of experience in the
home improvement industry. Joe has provided services for over 800 clients in the greater Buffalo area
and surrounding suburbs. With his knowledge and experience, he has helped save his clients
thousands of dollars in home improvement costs. Since 1998, Joe has pursued his career as an
Independent Associate of Prepaid Legal Services, where he markets Legal and Identity Theft
Protection Plans. Over the past nine (9) years, Joe has recruited and trained over 2000 Associates, and reached one of
the top levels with the company. He has helped his team have time and financial freedom by helping them earn a residual
income from home. Joe has twelve (12) years experience in community leadership by being a role model and mentor for
young men in the community and churches. He is a volunteer at Pinnacle Charter School in Buffalo, New York, where he
loves spending time, mentoring and pour back into his legacy. He is the proud father of six (6) daughters and one (1) granddaughter.
TEOFILO "Ted" MALDONADO, SR.
Ted Maldonado is a 30 year veteran City of Buffalo Fireman, starting in 1977. In 1980, Ted opened
Teddy M., a commercial and home improvement business. His business focuses on all areas of
improvement and rehabilitation, including roofing, siding, windows, electric, plumbing, and carpentry.
In 1987, Ted began building homes, and continued to concentrate in this profession for a number of years. He has managed teams of up to fifteen workers.
Ted has worked on projects such as: Connecticut Street Armory's Roof, Ellicott State Prison Chapel's Roof, built Four
Unit Apartment Building for Roswell Park Hospital. He has also built garages and concessions for his customers. Ted is
certified in Rubber Roof and Torch Down Roof Installations.
In his spare time, Ted serves as a stage hand for events at Shea's Buffalo, the Convention Center, HSBC Arena, Darien Lake, Kleinhan's and U.B.
Additional members include:
Michelle Clark, Dawn McMillan, Rita McCaa, Veronica Meadows, David Lebron, Daniel Lewis, Kimberly Lewis, Quinton
Smith, Edward Stallworth, Ianthe Toles, Tillman Ward, James Waters, Robert White, Anthony D. Boles jr, Daria
L.Pratcher, Anthony Clyburn, David Reid, Arthur O.Eve Sr., Kelly Funderburk, Joseph Pliszka,Teofilo Maldonado jr., John
C. Manney, Robert M. Johnson, Robert Porter, Thomas H. Coleman, Jessie Givens,Kelly D. Dockery, Chisoanya Ibegbu, and Hughes Hendrick Jr.
GREGORY C. BOLES