Council Members

Xavier Jones, MM

CEO/Chair

Mr. Xavier Jones is a music educator, choral director, and arts leader with more than a decade of experience developing high-performing music programs and advancing student achievement in Maryland. His choirs have earned multiple top ratings at district and state assessments and performed for civic leaders and major cultural institutions. A former higher education residence life professional, he brings expertise in student development, organizational leadership, and community engagement. Mr. Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Albany State University and a Master of Music in Music Education from Norfolk State University. He owns/operates HJ Music Studio and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Sue Polite-Williams, MPA

Member

Mrs. Sue Polite-Williams retired from Albany State University in 2021 after more than three decades of distinguished service, culminating as Director of Annual Giving (2018–2021). Throughout her tenure, she held several key leadership roles, including Director and Interim Director of Alumni Affairs, Administrative Coordinator, and Administrative Specialist in the Registrar’s Office. She also served as a part-time instructor for ASU 1101: Pathway to Success. A two-time ASU graduate, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Administrative Systems (1998), magna cum laude, and a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources Management (2000). Mrs. Polite-Williams is a life member of the Albany State University National Alumni Association and remains deeply committed to student success and alumni engagement.

Dr. Renaldo Blocker

Vice Chair

Dr. Renaldo Blocker is a Consultant in the Division of Health Care Delivery Research and is an Associate Professor of Healthcare Systems Engineering at a major tertiary and quaternary care medical center. Dr. Blocker is an Endowed Honored Investigator and Associate Director of Belonging. His research focuses on evaluating complex healthcare systems utilizing cognitive engineering and/or neuroergonomic principles to improve quality, enhance safety, reduce errors, and ultimately improve outcomes. He is also the Executive Director/Co-Founder of the “Why You?” Initiative, Inc. He received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (2003) from Albany State University. He received a Masters in Computer Science from San Francisco State University (2006). He received a Masters in Industrial & Systems Engineering (2010) and a Ph.D in Industrial & Systems Engineering (2012) from University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Dr. Candace Porter

Secretary

Dr. Candace Porter is an Associate Director of Biostatistics in the pharmaceutical industry, where she provides scientific leadership and oversight to teams of biostatisticians and statistical programmers supporting clinical research across all phases of development. Her experience spans a variety of therapeutic areas, including Alzheimer's disease, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis, and Crohn's disease. She is committed to advancing innovative therapies and improving patient outcomes through the application of statistical science and collaborative leadership.

Dr. Porter earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Albany State University in 2001 and a Master of Statistics with a Biomedical Concentration from North Carolina State University in 2003. She received her Ph.D. in Biostatistics from the University of South Carolina in 2011. Dr. Porter is a Life Member of the Albany State University National Alumni Association and is passionate about mentorship, lifelong learning, and giving back through her time, talents, and resources.

Keith J. Hammond, M.Div.

Member

Rev. Keith Jamal Hammond is a national and international pastor, activist, and community advocate. Born in Würzburg, Germany, and raised in Augusta, Georgia, he is an ordained minister who has served as Youth and Associate Pastor at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Atlanta. A sought-after preacher and keynote speaker, Rev. Hammond has ministered internationally, including in Japan, the Philippines, and the Bahamas. He is the author of Built to Be Broken and currently serves as Pastor of New Generation Baptist Church in Atlanta. Frequently cited by CNN, The Washington Post, and The New York Times, he is a committed advocate for justice and equity. He received his Bachelors in Criminal Justice and Communications from Albany State University and Master of Divinity from Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology.

Sherrell Byrd

Member

Sherrell Byrd co-founded SOWEGA Rising in 2019, serving as executive director of the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization. Under her leadership, it raised over $15 million and built partnerships addressing rural health, climate, environmental priorities, food access, and education equity.

Previously with Albany State University’s Institutional Advancement and First and Second Year Experience, Sherrell invested $4 million through SOWEGA Rising in minority health literacy, collegiate voter engagement, including Skate to the Polls, and food access with the SWGA Food Justice Coalition. The organization also provides ASU students and graduates with careers, internships, and fellowships.

She now serves as President and CEO of Georgia Rising, Georgia Rising Action Fund, and RISE Innovation Lab, advancing equity, resilience, and opportunity alongside nonprofits and community leaders across Georgia. She also serves as President of the Southwest Georgia Black Chamber, Board Chairwoman of Georgia Act, and Board Secretary for the Southwest Georgia Community Action Council.

Terrance Malone, MPA

Treasurer

Mr. Terrance Malone, a native of Albany, Georgia, is a Fall 2008 graduate of Albany State University. After graduation, he served in the United States Air Force, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Imaging Technology from the Community College of the Air Force and a Master of Science in Public Administration from South University.

Following his military service, Terrance transitioned into healthcare finance, advancing through several Revenue Cycle leadership roles at Georgia’s most respected health systems. His career has earned him numerous professional awards and industry certifications.

Terrance is a past president of the Georgia Access Management Association, a current board member of the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management, and a former member of the Spalding County Board of Public Health. He is also a member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Kappa Alpha Psi fraternities and an active alumnus of Albany State University’s Marching Rams Show Band.

Attorney Reggie Lampkin

Member

Attorney Reggie Lampkin brings experience in litigation, federal education law compliance, contracts, licensing, intellectual property, personnel, and policy matters. He serves as Associate General Counsel at LocumTenens.com. Previously, he was General Counsel at the University of North Georgia, managing the Office of Legal Affairs and advising the University President and her cabinet. He also served as Lead Attorney for Finance and Business Administration at the Georgia Department of Education and Assistant Legal Counsel at Kennesaw State University, supporting student affairs, athletics, contracts, and employment matters.

He earned his Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law and his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Albany State University. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia.

A native of Augusta, Georgia, Reggie currently resides in Douglasville with his wife, Dacia, and their two daughters, Riley and Dallas. He and his family are members of Elizabeth Baptist Church.