Press Release
July 1, 2025
ALIVE! Welcomes New Board President Carlton Willis
Alexandria, VA – At the beginning of July, ALIVE! welcomed new executive committee members for the fiscal year 2026. The Executive Committee of ALIVE! serves to manage the day-to-day governance of the organization and is elected by its full board consisting of congregational representatives, program and committee chairs. While most of the Executive Committee will remain the same ALIVE! is welcoming Gaynelle Diaz, from ARHA and Oakland Baptist Church to her second term, former Mayor Justin Wilson will be joining the board, and Siobhan Mould from Community Praise Church will be serving as the new Vice President. Other changes include welcoming ALIVE!’s new President Carlton Willis, who has previously served as the Vice President of ALIVE! and is a fifth generation member of Alfred Street Baptist Church where he also serves as a Deacon. Rolf Blank, ALIVE!’s former President will become the immediate past-president and Rawles Jones, of Christ Church will be leaving the Executive Board, and long tenure on the ALIVE! Board to spend more time with his family.
“I hope to increase the level of involvement of ALIVE!’s 50 member congregations and expand the number of community partners who support our work and continue the legacy of community led service. I know that we will need to expand our fundraising efforts in the wake of cuts to government programs and rising operational costs. Also, I want to focus on improving the volunteer experience for everyone who gives their time to help our Alexandria neighbors in need, so we can grow our team of people who are passionate about service,” said ALIVE! President, Carlton Willis.
Previous Board President, Rolf Blank. “I am looking forward to seeing the organization build on the Strategic Plan we put in place during my term but focusing on its three priorities of centering the client, connecting with the community, and realizing efficiency and sustainability,” says Blank.
Jennifer Ayers, ALIVE!’s Executive Director, said, “Both Rolf and Carlton are forward thinkers who are leading the work of the organization by transforming the Executive Committee to think and act strategically to ensure the longevity and resources are in place to serve our community, and ensuring all 81 members, including interfaith members of its full board are prepared to tell the ALIVE! story and further its mission.”
Photos:
New ALIVE! Board President Carlton Willis (Right) accepts a donation from American Water Charitable Foundation.
Rolf Blank (Left) welcomes participants at ALIVE!’s annual StepALIVE! Walkathon with volunteers.
About ALIVE!
The largest organization preventing food and housing insecurity in Alexandria, ALIVE! serves 20,000 individuals each month through three key programing areas: Food, Housing, and Financial Assistance. Founded in 1969, ALIVE! is supported by an 18 member staff, 50 interfaith member congregations and thousands of volunteers, partners and donors. Each month, ALIVE! helps Alexandrians access food through our two Food Hubs, pantry partners, and distribution sites; respond to financial emergencies and prevent eviction; and secure other support services and essential needs such as housewares and furniture. More at: alive-inc.org
Media Inquiries
Karl Bach, kbach@alive-inc.org
202-280-5407
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