Life’s journey has taken me on unexpected detours and I have been blessed to find unlikely heroes in unexpected places. Being the only civilian in our close-knit family of 5, my favorite heroes are close to my heart. Throughout the journey, our faith has been the guiding force for our family, the foundation upon which we have built our lives. We thank God for the abundant goodness and grace that surrounds us and we want our lives to reflect the Light that lives in us.
Each of us has a story that is as unique as our fingerprint. This is mine. I was born in Jamaica and lived there until I was 16. My mom, a nurse, was recruited to a hospital in Kenedy, Texas, and that is where our family started our journey in the States. I graduated from Howard University with a Bachelors of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and started my career in Public Accounting with KPMG, LLP, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I got married to the love of my life, Tex, who was active duty Navy, and we started our family in South Florida where our daughter Alexia was born. While in South Florida, I completed my MBA at Florida Atlantic University. I also earned my CPA certification. Tex’s Naval career took us to several cities including Jacksonville FL, where our 2 younger children David and Julia were born, Pensacola, FL, and Norfolk, VA. My career as an accountant and business professional followed. In Jacksonville, I worked for Barnett Bank in internal audit and managerial accounting. In Pensacola, I was the Business Administrator for Montessori School of Pensacola, and also launched a small business consulting practice. In Norfolk, I resumed a career in public accounting with KPMG and later moved into healthcare financial leadership with Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System. In 2014 while living in Virginia, I earned my Doctor of Health Administration degree from Central Michigan University.
2017 was a significant transition year for our family. In 2017, I left my role as regional CFO for Bon Secours Hampton Roads health system to start a new chapter in my career as CFO for Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA. Our close-knit family has transitioned to Tex and I being empty-nesters, with all 3 of our children choosing to serve our county as they each accepted appointments to the United States Air Force Academy. In 2017, our daughter Alexia graduated from the Academy and was commissioned as an Air Force Officer just a few weeks before our youngest daughter Julia started basic cadet training at the Academy, joining her brother David who started at the Academy the year before.
Throughout the journey, our faith has been the guiding force for our family and the foundation upon which we have built our lives. We thank God for the abundant goodness and grace that surrounds us and we want our lives to reflect the Light that lives in us. I can say with deep gratitude, “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst into songs of thanksgiving.” Psalm 28:7.
