Mr. Shannon D. Reed

National Director of Young Men United, United Way Worldwide

Shannon Reed is a principled leader committed to delivering on promises, and his driving force is a profound sense of duty encapsulated in the mantra, Serve on Purpose™. With a primary focus on enhancing the civic well-being of Black boys and men in greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, Reed has played a pivotal role in shaping statewide initiatives spanning health, education, financial stability, and workforce development.

Boasting an impressive 11-year tenure within the United Way family, Reed’s journey began at the greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County chapter. Progressing through the ranks from Financial Portfolio Manager to the Director of Innovative Strategies for Boys & Men of Color, he culminated his local impact as the Director of Racial Equity. In this capacity, Reed successfully oversaw the management of a substantial $10 million racial equity portfolio—an ambitious initiative made possible through the generous support of philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

In 2022, Reed embraced a new chapter in his career by transitioning to United Way Worldwide. Currently serving as the National Director of Young Men United, he spearheads an initiative designed to provide support to local United Ways and young men of color across the United States over the next decade. The initiative’s core objective is to elevate post-secondary attainment and enhance workforce preparedness, marking a significant stride towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

Kevin Cobb

Operations Supervisor, Pratt & Whitney

Introducing Kevin Cobb, a native of Detroit, Michigan who now resides here in Columbus, GA.  He is a 20-year veteran of the United States Navy.  He served his country honorably. He has completed studies at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University obtaining his Associates of Science in Technical Management, Bachelor of Science in Project Management, and Master of Science in Management with concentration in Leadership. He serves in the community from different venues as a substitute teacher for Muscogee County School District. He currently is employed at Pratt & Whitney as Operations Supervisor. Kevin held the chair of the Pratt & Whitney United Way campaign for 2022-2023 year leading the charge in raising over $100K. He gives his time to the Read Across America program reading to children ensuring they are gaining all knowledge they can to read on or above their academic level of reading for their grade. He is a Champion in the Better Works Jobs For Life program which teaches young and older adults on how to obtain employment and the processes in which to go about doing so. In spare time he likes to officiate basketball, loves to bowl, and loves to sing.  Mostly he loves God!      

Dr. Jake Golden IV, EdD

Principal, Phenix City Elementary School
Pastor, Concord Baptist Church of Woodland Georgia

Prolific motivational speaker, preacher, author, teacher, school administrator, business owner, singer, actor, and appreciation to God a multitude of other talents… Dr. Jake Golden IV is a man sought after God’s own heart. Dr. Golden is the founder of Sigma 7. Sigma 7 is a nonprofit philanthropic organization that focuses on creating improvements to the vitality of the world through youth development by providing spiritual, educational, charitable, scientific, and literary programs. 

Dr. Golden is the son of Jake III & LaVerne Golden (Columbus). He has one sister Dr. Stephanie Yvonne Golden (Atlanta). Dr. Golden has a daughter, the beautiful Caylah Simone Golden born in December 2009. 

Dr. Golden received his Educational Doctorate Degree from Nova Southeastern University in May 2008. He is an alumnus of Kendrick High School, Valdosta State University, and Troy University. Dr. Golden has 20 plus years of public education experience. He is currently the Principal of the Phenix City Elementary School in Phenix City Alabama. Dr. Golden was also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Phoenix-Columbus campus and Argosy University Online Graduate Program. Dr. Golden has a coaching background serving as a life, football, wrestling, business, and track coach for over 15 years.  

Dr. Golden is an active member of the Alpha Phi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated (Columbus), The Urban League Young Professionals, a Hope Harbour Board Member, and a Prince Hall Affiliated Mason with the Pride of Lumpkin #50 Lodge. 

Dr. Golden serves as Pastor of The Concord Baptist Church of Woodland Georgia. This is his 4th year serving. He is a published author and his books are available now on Amazon 77 Ways to be a Father, 77 More Ways to be a Father and My Daddy did My Hair.  

Jarvis Hamilton

Community School Coordinator, Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School
Owner, Black Love by JBo and The Kombat Zone Nerf Arena

Jarvis “JBo” Hamilton was raised in Greenville, Alabama. 

In 2001, he moved to Columbus, Georgia, where he became a part of multiple organizations and boards. He is married to Dalecia Hamilton.  

His programs and volunteer work has landed him many awards and recognition, including: 

• 2016 Dr Ophelia DeVore Unsung Heroes Award 
• 2017 John H Clarke Black Voices News Honors 
• 2018 Kodak Community Service Award 
• 2019 “Who’s Who Award” 
• 2020 Hometown Hero Award 
• 2021 Heart Strong Volunteer of the Year 
• Nov.16,2021 Proclamation from Mayor Skip Henderson- “Jarvis JBo Hamilton Day” 

He is the Community School Coordinator at THE Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School with United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley’s Community Schools United strategy.  

He is the current owner of Black Love by JBo clothing line, “Just Breathe” Life and Relationship Coaching, Books and Bookshelves in Barbershops, and his most recent store, The Kombat Zone Nerf Arena 

Reggie Lewis

Co-Founder, Cure Violence Columbus
Director of Applications Systems Development Consultants. Bank of America Consumer Division of TSYS, a Global Payments Company

Reggie Lewis is the co-founder of the gun violence initiative Cure Violence Columbus that is an epidemic health model approach to reducing gun violence and bringing equity and prosperity to all marginalized communities. 

He was a former Columbus Police Officer assigned to the Motor Squad Division before being given an opportunity to work for TSYS as a client service analyst. He worked his way through the ranks and is now a Director of Applications Systems Development Consultants for the Bank of America Consumer Division of TSYS, a Global Payments Company. He was a 2012 recipient of the TSYS President’s Circle award, which is the highest accolade given to employees. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Southern Rivers, House of Heroes, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and the Muscogee Co Library.  

He is an alumnus of Leadership Columbus 2015-2016 and Leadership Georgia 2018-2019 leadership programs and currently is the Program Chair over the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce Leadership Columbus Program. He is an avid motorcycle rider who loves to do track days at Barber Motorsports Park and loves to travel with his wife Holly.