Board of Directors
Monica L. Swann, Chair & Secretary
Monica L. Swann is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TAS’ Place, a 501(c)(3) non-profit youth center serving the metro Atlanta area whose goal is to uplift, encourage and expand the opportunities of children and young adults.
Often our youth are told they cannot achieve a particular goal due to race, creed or color. Our youth have the potential to soar to unlimited heights but they lack role models and mentors to supplement what they lack at home and school for emotional and educational growth. The lack of alternatives puts them at risk of succumbing to the negative elements of the street or even worse, death.
There is an African proverb that says "It takes a whole village to raise a child". TAS’ place serves as one hut in that village by providing a venue where our youth can go to avoid trouble in the streets and be empowered to become future community leaders. With nothing more than a since desire to support all children in need, she established the organization two years ago and is involved in all of its operations from mentorship and educational services to strategic management and promoting public awareness of her organization. She has completed her MBA in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix and is currently working to completer her PhD in Public Policy with a focus on non-profit management and leadership from Walden University.
Her passion for impacting the community gives her the motivation to continue her philanthropic services and is a direct precursor to her success. In her free time, she volunteers for the local church teaching Sunday school and bible study to middle school students. Her style is so well received that there are several students in her classes that are in grade school as well as those that are in high school. In addition, she enjoys reading enjoys reading, running and watching classic movies. In the future, Monica hopes that the organization will establish a nationwide presence.
Howard M. Robinson, M.D., Vice Chair
Dr. Howard M. Robinson is President of IMED, Inc. and operates a private medical practice in Northwest Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Robinson specializes in Internal and Addiction Medicine. A highly sought after expert in his field, Dr. Robinson currently serves on several subcommittees at John C. Lincoln Hospital Deer Valley where he is also on staff. Dr. Robinson is licensed to practice medicine in the states of Arizona, California, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Dr. Robinson serves on several local and national boards. He currently is a Board Member for Gentiva Home Health Company, the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Addiction, Phoenix Chapter and is Medical Director the Northwest Phoenix Maxim Health Care office. He has been a Professor for MidWestern University Medical School, Glendale, Arizona since 1999. He also serves as a Board member for the Philadelphia College of Medicine Alumni Board since 2002.
An accomplished musician and an advocate for a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Robinson is a student of music and plays the double Bass for the ProMusica Arizona Community Orchestra. He has been practicing martial arts for over 20 years and currently holds a 3Degree Black Belt in Kung Fu. He is also an Assistant Instructor at United Martial Arts in Phoenix, Arizona where he continues combining the study and practice of martial arts and medicine for a more complete healthy lifestyle leading toward longevity.
Jarrod Simmons, Board Member
Jarrod is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University in which he obtained a B.A. in Political Science and a Master's in Public Administration. Jarrod is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy & Administration with a specialization in Urban and Economic Development Policy. In understanding the plight of minorities, "at-risk" youths, and the disenfranchised, Jarrod has made a lifelong commitment to be an advocate and a voice for those individuals who have been disproportionately underrepresented as it relates to social, political and economic policies. As a result, Jarrod entered into public service and has over nine years of combined experience as a public servant in the local, state, and federal government as well as involvements in the non-profit and private sectors. Jarrod's source of motivation is driven by his faith in God that is deeply rooted in Christianity. He has overcome personal challenges through the support of his family and loved ones. He recognized that only God was able to bring him through the pitfalls that life often presents to us.
Recognizing this amazing rescue and deliverance by God, Jarrod realizes that he must use his time, talent, and treasure to give towards the glory of God and to also be of service to humankind. It is this belief and motivation that keeps him going. It is his determination that keeps him grounded.
James E. Ward, Jr., Treasurer
James E. Ward, Jr. is the Managing Partner of Quest Wealth Advisors, LLC, a financial services firm, which specializes in income tax preparation and consultation, investment counseling, financial planning, and credit counseling for individuals, small business, and churches. In addition to working with churches in the areas of budgeting, accounting, and financial controls, Mr. Ward conducts seminars in real estate investing, small business organization and personal money management. Mr. Ward is a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals and the National Society of Tax Professionals.
Mr. Ward has Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and Master of Science in Management degrees from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). For more than 10 years, prior to founding Quest Wealth Advisors LLC, Mr. Ward worked as a management consultant helping a variety of clients solve their problems using process improvement and technology.
James is an avid reader and his hobbies include bicycling, motorcycling, golf, and gourmet cooking. He is a diehard football fan and follows his hometown Washington Redskins, adopted hometown Atlanta Falcons, and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets with a passion. James resides in Stone Mountain, GA and is a member of the Voices of Faith Ministries, located in Stone Mountain.
