Melvin Black
CEO – Board of Directors
- Rev. Melvin Black
CEO Melvin D. BLACK , BS, MBA, Masters in Divinity
Rev. Black brings a strong business background & social entrepreneurship to the mission field. He spent over 30 years in business, rising through the ranks of Digital Equipment Corporation, which later became Hewlett Packard. Melvin was field controller of Texas, Colorado and New Mexico (annual sales 4 billion dollars), the largest division of the company at that time. Leaving the Fortune 500 world was a chance to recalibrate Melvin’s vision for his life, turning the page to a life of service and giving back.
After receiving his Masters in Divinity in 1999 with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling/Missiology, Melvin’s sole purpose became making a difference in the lives of others. This took various forms — a chaplain in intensive care at Emory Health Care System, group counselor at a long-term addiction center, and general pastoral counseling supporting families overcome marital issues.
Reverend Black finds his true calling on the ground working with severely challenged populations. He has ran several after school tutorial programs for disadvantage children, set up food cooperatives and assisted with other feeding programs for the poor in the United States. He also works in collaboration with Agape House to help ex offenders and men with addiction issues get their feet on the ground and make a contribution to society.
For the past four years, Melvin has combined his keen business acumen and social consciousness to support the building of a home for abandoned children in North Cotabato, Mindanao Philippines. Currently he is working on two programs in the Philippines, (1) providing a full time nurse at an orphanage with medical supplies. (2) Establishing a shelter for women with children that live on the streets.
Rev. Black brings this combination of results oriented business sense, social entrepreneurship, service and social consciousness in support of the area directors. His passion is to expand the possibilities for those most in need and provide a platform for self-reliance, independence as well as a sustainable skill set that fosters a way out of poverty and despair.
| Melvin holds a BS in accounting and MBA are from Western New England University. He also attained a Masters in Divinity is from Morehouse School of Religion – ITC. |
Contact: melvin.black@thewayemi.org
John H. Layne III
President
- Rev. John H. Layne III
John was born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. He was originally Christened and Baptized in John Wesley Baptist Church in Verona, Pa. He is currently the Director of Marketing Crowne Office Suites and Center Manager for Offices @ 1100 in Atlanta, Georgia. Raised in a loving home, John experienced an environment that served as a place that those that were without (shelter, food, clothing, etc.), could find refuge and support. This was to play a major influence in his passion for helping others. After attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania, John became an educator with The Pittsburgh Board of Education where he quickly rose to the position of Assistant Director of The Pittsburgh Alternative High School. It was here that he found a place to best serve those in need – At-Risk Children. Through Conflict Resolution, Mentoring, Educational Assistance, In-Class Direction, In-Home Intervention, combined with Sports and The Arts, a comprehensive and measurable program (Prospect Multi-Cultural Center) was developed and implemented with much success. In 1999, John decided to move to Atlanta, Georgia with his wife and 5 children, as well as 9 of the young men that he mentored. NuBorn Centers For Youth Development was soon opened in Decatur, Ga which was dedicated to assisting children in Educational Excellence. The community received the program well. Soon after, John joined Omega Holiness Church and began to Minister under the tutelage of Dr. Richard Cobble and Rev. Melvin Black. And in 2005 John attended The Interdenominational Theological Center. As a result of his community action (Rock-A-Thon for Homelessness – Cabbagetown, Ga.) and the Churches support, a computer learning center – Omega Centers – was built. Rev. JH Layne III has received numerous awards for his work in the Atlanta, GA and Pittsburgh, PA communities, the most recent being named as Family of The Year by the Atlanta Concerned Black Clergy with Official Recognition by the State of Georgia. Rev. Layne is the first Ordained Pastor of The Friendship International Church in Atlanta and current President of The Way Empowering Missions International.
Contact: john.layne@thewayemi.org
Jackson Yenn-Batah
CFO – Board of Directors
Dominic S. Thurston
- Dominic Thurston
Secretary – Board of Directors
Dominic is an Atlanta, GA native and was educated in the Atlanta Public School system. He attending Morehouse College and is a graduate of the Southern Technical Institute now called Southern Polytechnic State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology in 1986.
Dominic has been very active in his community and church. He has serves as a deacon at Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in College Park, GA for some 20 years. He has been a Boy Scout assistant troop leader and coach youth in football, basketball, baseball and soccer. He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. He is very concerned about the youth of today and wants to ensure they have the education, financial, communities, and spiritual foundation and support them need to be great citizens of the world.
Dominic works for FM Global Insurance Company which is a worldwide Property Insurer and serves as a Senior General Adjuster. He brings extensive experience in managing large and complex insurance claims to completing the projects. His desire to facilitate and help manage projects is a valuable asset he brings to “TheWayEMI”. This vast amount of experience will be helpful in managing and facilitating projects which enriches and enhances the lives of people and communities.
dominic.thurston@thewayemi.org
Catina Stewart
Board of Directors
Catina Stewart was born in Fort Wayne IN. She is currently the owner of NonStop Entertainment USA. Raised in a loving home, Catina was encouraged to volunteer with programs for those that were without clothing, food, and shelter at an early age through participation with Groveway Community Group and Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Roswell, GA.
Elder James Savage
Board of Directors
- Elder James Savage
Elder James L. Savage Jr. was born in Ybor City, Florida. After graduating from Middleton High school, he was drafted into the United States Army in July of 1964. He served in the military for 6 years touring many countries. After receiving an Honorable Discharge he returned back to Tampa. He joined the workforce of the Tampa Bay area, retiring from the City of Tampa Water Department. Currently Elder Savage is employed with the Hillsborough County School Board. At the age of 13 James was converted, giving his life to the Lord and being baptized at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist church. This was only the start of his early Christian life, but through many trials and tribulations he remained committed to his desire to help people. In 1978 he met Bishop H. L. Simpson, who mentored Elder Savage and under his tutelage was introduced him to Foreign Missions. Elder Savage traveled to the Island of Jamaica on several Missions. He was designated as Liaison to the Foreign Missions. As Liaison Elder Savage’s job required him to recruit charitable organizations to support his mission work in the Caribbean. He initiated food drives. He contacted medical specialist who volunteered their time and expertise on the mission trips. Elder Savage also coordinated Pastors on the island of Jamaica to support the clinics or hospitals. During the first years of traveling to the mission field the team was instrumental in carrying medical supplies to the Percy Junior Hospital in Spaulding, Jamaica. Several dental clinics were held in the local churches and civic centers throughout Jamaica. Elder James Savage has a heart for helping people and for the Missions Field.
Contact: james.savage@thewayemi.org