Meet Our Board
CAROL KIRBY BROWN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Carol Kirby Brown has dedicated over 35 years to serving the Lake Como community as the Como Center Coordinator. A product of Lake Como, Carol possesses a deep understanding of the challenges faced by its residents, which has fueled her commitment to creating impactful programs.
Throughout her career, Carol has been responsible for implementing a diverse range of recreational, cultural, educational, and social programs, often with limited resources. She has been instrumental in identifying and securing resources to provide structured programs for children, teens, adults, and seniors. Her initiatives have included health and nutrition education, parenting classes, pregnancy support, gang intervention, and drug and crime prevention programs, as well as a summer day camp.
Despite the economic challenges in the area, Carol has ensured the availability of quality after-school programming, such as the Kids Café for youth, a hot meal program, and various social services in partnership
with Community Action Partners where she currently serves as the board chair. By organizing a coalition among the Fort Worth Independent School District, the City of Fort Worth, and other private stakeholders, she successfully established one of the first structured after-school programs in the Como community, which has since served as a model for similar initiatives throughout Fort Worth.
Each year, approximately 200 children enroll in the summer day camp at the Como Community Center, where Carol actively seeks additional funding from local foundations to support the costs of camp and field trips, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent children from participating.
In 2015, Carol founded Como Lions Heart to sustain the programming and events in the community beyond her retirement. Her dedication to the Lake Como area was recognized in 2023 when she received the Neighbor of the Year award for her contributions to the community. Through her tireless efforts, Carol Kirby Brown has made a lasting impact on the lives of many residents in Lake Como.
Kendra Williams is a dedicated lifelong resident of Lake Como, proudly representing the community as a fifth-generation resident. Kendra serves as the executive director of Richelle's Heart, an organization committed to creating community growth, promoting higher education, and encouraging healthy living. In her role, Kendra oversees the implementation of programs and initiatives that align with the organization's mission.
In 2020, Kendra founded the Lake Como Juneteenth Celebration, an event that honors the history and culture of the African American community, promoting unity and awareness in Lake Como. Her commitment to community development contributed to Lake Como receiving the title of National Neighborhood of the Year in 2024. Additionally, Kendra holds the position of executive secretary for Como Alumni and Community Inc., further enhancing her involvement in local affairs. Kendra is also a passionate baker and runs a home-based bakery called A Sweet Taste, where she delights customers with her homemade treats. Through her various endeavors, Kendra exemplifies a spirit of service, creativity, and pride in her community.
KENDRA WILLIAMS
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CHARLES ANTHONY BYRD
Treasurer
Charles Anthony Byrd was born and raised in the Lake Como community, where he has built a life focused on family and service. Since marrying Sonyia Byrd in 1982, they have raised two children, Orion and Robert, and are proud grandparents to six grandchildren.
An ordained minister since 2005, Charles has dedicated himself to his church and the community. He plays several key roles, including serving as the Couples Ministry Leaders Advisor, Men's Discipleship Leader, Financial Committee Chair, and a member of the Security Team, all contributing to the spiritual and practical needs of the congregation.
Charles was also an original member of Como Youth Promoting Pride (CYPP) during the 1993-1994 period, reflecting his commitment to nurturing the youth in his community. He has been the treasurer of Como Lions Heart since 2015 and is also on the Lake Como Cemetery Association, helping maintain and honor the Lake Como history.
With a strong commitment to service and community, Charles continues to positively impact the lives of those around him.
DOROTHY DEBOSE
BOARD CHAIR
Dorothy DeBose, MBA, BS, is a retired Nurse Executive with demonstrated abilities including leadership, mentoring, personnel management, and financial management. She served as Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Service for over 10 years at JPS Health Network.
She received a Master of Business Administration from Amberton University, a Bachelor of Sciences in Health Care Administration from East Texas State University, and an Associate degree in Nursing from Tarrant County Junior College.
Dorothy is a devoted community member and currently serves on the JPS Health Network Board of Managers, City of Fort Worth Urban Design Committee, Como Leadership Council, Neighborhood Advisory Council, and is a Precinct Judge.
STEPHANIE DIKE
Board Member
Stephanie Dike is a dedicated community volunteer and a committed family member, residing in Fort Worth, Texas. She is married to Michael Dike, and together they have raised three children: Marshall, Benjamin, and Elizabeth. Since 2010, the Dike family has actively volunteered at the Como Community Center, demonstrating their commitment to giving back to their local community.
In addition to her work at the Como Community Center, Stephanie has served on the board of Como Lions Heart for five years, where she has contributed to various initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for residents in the area. She is also involved in several prominent organizations and committees, reflecting her dedication to community service and leadership.
Stephanie currently sits on the committees for the Jewel Charity Ball and the Canwick Club Fort Worth, where she collaborates with others to organize events that raise funds for various charitable causes. Furthermore, she is a member of the Chancellor's Advisory Council at Texas Christian University (TCU), providing valuable insights and support to the institution.
In her role as a commissioner for the City of Fort Worth's Buildings and Standards Commission, Stephanie plays a vital part in ensuring that the city's building regulations are upheld, contributing to the safety and well-being of the community.
Through her various roles and commitments, Stephanie Dike exemplifies a strong dedication to her family and community, making a positive impact in Fort Worth and beyond.
DEBBIE COOLEY
Board Member
Debbie Cooley, Founder and CEO, is a small business owner, community leader, and expert in the packaging and tactical gear business. She is the Founder of M-Pak, Inc., which she started in 1999 after leaving a successful career in packaging sales with a large packaging supplier. M-Pak maintains headquarters in Aledo, Texas, with locations in Illinois, Tennessee, Massachusetts, and Kansas. The Company provides customized packaging solutions to federal and state government agencies as well as hundreds of other companies and individuals around the world. If they don’t carry it - they will get it for you.
While leading her business, she is the first to say that she wouldn’t be where she is today without her exceptional team of talented professionals who handle day-to-day operations. As proof of this, the government has consistently given M-Pak an “Exceptional” rating - and they don’t hand those accolades out easily or frequently. Over the past couple of years, M-Pak has expanded and includes sport and tactical gear for outdoors enthusiasts, military, police, fire, and EMS teams to protect them while they serve and protect those in their community. The following is a partial list of the awards Debbie has received and the causes she supports.
LEADERSHIP AWARDS - Great Women of Texas, Fort Worth INC Entrepreneur of Excellence, Fort Worth Business, Press Women-Owned Business of the Year, Fort Worth Business Press Entrepreneur Hall of Fame, Fort Worth Magazine Women to Watch, Parenting Center Board Member of the Year, INC 5000 for five consecutive years, Small Business Administration Vendor of the Year
PHILANTHROPIC & CIVIC INVOLVEMENT - Como Lion’s Heart Board Member, TCU Neeley School Board Member, Tarrant County CASA Board Member, Women’s Policy Forum Member, Planned Parenthood Member, Back the Blue Sponsor, Amon G. Carter Expansion Project Sponsor, Parker County Election Judge, National Institute of Packaging & Handling Logistics Engineers Member, Young Women’s Leadership Academy Sponsor, One Safe Place Sponsor
www.facebook.com/mpakinc www.linkedin.com/in/DebbieCooley
CEDRIC JAMES
BOARD MEMBER
Cedric James is a dedicated community leader, mentor, and advocate for positive change. A two-time graduate and former student-athlete at Texas Christian University, Cedric now serves as the Director of Student Engagement at TCU's Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation within the Neeley School of Business. He is also an instructor, teaching courses that challenge students to think critically through design thinking and life design principles.
As a former professional athlete in the NFL, Cedric brings a unique perspective on resilience, leadership, and perseverance. He has channeled these experiences into a life of service, dedicating his time and talents to empowering underserved communities
WANDA RICHARDSON BOHANNAN
BOARD MEMBER
Wanda Kay Richardson-Bohannan is a dedicated community leader and ordained minister with deep roots in the historic west-side community of Lake Como, here in the great city of Fort Worth, Texas. She is the proud mother of two adult daughters (Sonyia, and TamAra) and a cherished MeMa to her five granddaughters, grandson, and lively seven-year-old great-grandson.
Wanda's academic career has presented her with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education, complemented by a minor in Psychology. Wanda enjoyed a distinguished 33-year career with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). Her exceptional service and expertise in the role of program manager ultimately led to her appointment as the State Education Manager for the Virginia DBHDS where she worked in the Governor's Office, from which she retired.
Post-retirement, Wanda continues to be a passionate and positive force in her community. She actively engages with local organizations and serves in various capacities to promote growth and development in her neighborhood. Currently, Wanda holds the Chair position for the Como Form-Based Design Committee, playing a
vital role in advocating for Como's physical and social landscape. Additionally, Wanda serves as an Alternate Election Judge and a Community Poll Worker, supporting efforts to ensure that the democratic process is accessible and fair for all community residents.
Wanda's unwavering dedication to her family, career, and community is reflected in her commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others; and her heart of service continues to be a testament of her faith, leadership, and the powerful enduring impact that we can all make within our community.
Erma Lee
Board Member
Erma Lee is a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma and has dedicated much of her personal time to causes that support youth programs and the arts. After relocating to Fort Worth in 1987, her board appointments began with an introduction to Lena Pope whose mission is to equip children, families, caregivers, and community with a strong foundation through counseling, education, and behavior interventions.
She continues to serve on the Lena Pope board and over the years her board appointments have included Chapel Hill Academy (current), Opening Doors for Women in Need (past), Young Women’s Leadership Academy (current), Camp Fire First Texas (current), Justin’s Place, and Multicultural Alliance (current). Erma has chaired fundraising events such as Fiesta de Oro (Lena Pope), An Artist’s Christmas (Camp Fire) and Women Empowering Women (Justin’s Place).
In addition to her board involvement, Erma is the judge manager for the Main Street Arts Festival and the Parade of Lights, judge manager and advisory council member for Art Fort Worth, bible study administrative leader, and volunteers as a an online chat host weekly for her church as well as a children’s ministry substitute after serving as a leader for 15+ years.
Erma’s professional career includes healthcare compliance and 29 years of service in the US Army Reserve where she retired as an officer. She’s a former marathoner and enjoys walking, exercise, cooking, spending time with family and friends and everything about the arts.