Angela M. Evans is the president of the Vermont Village community development corporation. She is chief operations officer of Crenshaw Christian Center (CCC), one of the largest churches in the nation. Mrs. Evans co-founded the Fredrick K.C. Price III School, which includes pre-school, elementary, and secondary divisions. She is a member of the Crenshaw Christian Executive Board and the FKCP III Advisory Board, and it’s trustee of the Crenshaw Christian Center U.K. Charity. Mrs. Evans has received many awards and recognition, including the certification of special congressional recognition, Office of the Governor.
Barbara Byndon, Secretary
Barbara Byndon’s committed to service for Crenshaw Christian Center for over 20 years, Barbara has been the anchor in the Executive Vice President’s office providing executive administrative support as well as providing leadership through the planning and execution of ministry-wide events. Her partnership with the City of Los Angeles Personnel Division and the Los Angeles Police Department Recruitment Division have resulted in public recognition for her dedication and service. Trained in the Total Quality Management (TQM), Project Management, and Conflict Resolution disciplines, and currently studying Spanish as her second language, Barbara is never stagnant when it comes to self-development. By doing so, these skills, along with life experiences have enhanced the business acumen Barbara possesses as she effectively co-owns a production company providing leadership and continuity. Being a resident in South Los Angeles for 34 years, Barbara has witness first-hand the changes in her community and the thrust of neighborhood block clubs, concerned residents and various entities quests to reduce violence, create more employment and bring back vitality to Los Angeles. From being a participant in community clean-ups, to attending block club meetings, to strategizing with neighbors on how to make our communities safer, Barbara’s mandate to her community is being a committee of one is better than being a committee of none.
Keith A. Sharp, Member
Keith A. Sharp was admitted to the Calfornia State Bar in 1983. He graduated from Loyola Law School (J.D., cum laude, 1983). Mr. Sharp worked with Attorney Nagashima & Ohno, Tokyo, Japan from 1986-1987. He is a member of the St. Thomas More Law Honor Society, the Los Angeles County and American Bar Associations. Mr. Sharp’s membership on Boards of Directors includes: the Watts Health Systems (1991-present), Shelter Partnership (1992-present) and Vermont Village Community Development Corporation (1999-present). He is a Commissioner of the City of Glendale Civil Service Commission (1994-present).
Charles “Chuck” Quarrels, Member
Owner/Proprietor, The Bedford Group has specialized in revitalizing urban landscapes. As one of Los Angeles’ most active urban infill development firms, Bedford has developed a reputation as a builder of uncompromising quality and style. The company’s flexibility in the marketplace has allowed it to develop in accordance with cyclical real estate markets. Whether building exclusive custom estates, affordable housing communities, market rate townhomes, luxury condominiums or mixed-use projects, The Bedford Group is committed to providing attractive properties with lasting value. Since its inception, The Bedford Group has been an integral part of urban development throughout Southern California. Rich in the firm’s history has been an unwavering commitment to reshaping communities. Its attention to detail, commitment to excellence and action, and sincere dedication to the housing needs of urban enclaves demonstrate the core values of the firm. The Bedford Group’s goal is to redefine the concept of urban living by developing properties with advantageous locations, unique designs, quality construction techniques, and personalized finishes. Bedford is an urban innovator and a community visionary. The Bedford Group sees opportunities where others see obstacles!
Renee C. Bizer, Member
Former Regional Manager Community Development Group. Now Independent Consultant, Renee Bizer worked as the Regional Manager of the Los Angeles based Community Development Group at Wells Fargo Bank. She was responsible for the company’s financial analysis, marketing, government relations and executive staffing community and economic development through the L A Metro Region: Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Ms. Bizer oversaw the Bank’s participation in Wells Fargo’s commitment to lend, invest and provide quality client service in undeserved communities. Renee served on the following boards: Southern California Housing, Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services, Lula Washington Theater, Canaan Housing, and Los Angeles Trade Technical College where she instructs classes in Community Reinvestment and Affordable Housing, and now on our Board.
Duane E. Bennett, Attorney, Member
Is currently the General Counsel/Port Attorney for the San Diego Unified Port District in all legal matters. He is diverse on matters related to be Browns Act, conflict of interest, environmental, public contacts, and litigations involving state and federal court. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara and UC Davis School of Law, J.D. in 1982, Duane was raised in South Los Angeles, and served as an intern with the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office before working with U.S. Department of Justice, Deputy City of Attorney, City of Santa Ana, while being an advisor for the Santa Ana Police department. Afterwards, he became an Assistant City attorney for the City of Oceanside, then promoted to City Attorney. He has worked both professionally and personally with a number of causes over twenty (20) in all from South Los Angeles, to San Diego County, on mentoring, counseling, police advisor, faculty and teaching staff, while traveling over 160 miles round trip each week to his local community church of Crenshaw Christian Center. He is also a board member of the single purpose Vermont Village Human Services Corporation, which shares like board members of VVCDC.
Robert Rubin, Member
Robert Rubin-assumed the position of Executive Director in 2006. Mr. Rubin has immediately sought to implement the VV CDC plan for revitalization for the “Vermont Corridor” project. He has fully developed the program strategy incorporating a new funds acquisition process centered on expanding funding opportunities for the organization to further actualize the VV CDC mission. Mr. Rubin has built and managed affordable housing, coordinates a delivery system of education, supports services for youth and adults. Job development, referrals and training in the same target area. Under his former employer of 14 years, Mr. Rubin managed several general partnerships of affordable housing for families and seniors, totaling over 400 units. He also managed new construction, rehab and sold over 15 single family homes to first time home buyers, with a total housing budget of well over $60,000,000 over the course of 14 years. Lead the effort for the Vermont/Manchester Coalition of Neighborhood Developers in the early nineties that completed a community plan that was used by CIty Planners of Los Angeles to submit for the Empowerment Zone designation! HE also led the change to organize the Alameda Corridor Jobs Coalition (ACJC), former treasurer, and founding member of this organization ACJC. Robert worked closely with CUED (Churches United for Economic Development) at USC, while at Greater Bethany EDC during its formative years, and helped to acquire land and planned the future housing development of Bethany Square’s $100 million proposed development on Hoover street from 83rd to Manchester. The final development chapter was the oversight of 45,000 square feet warehouse conversation into a church facility in Gardena; known as the City of Refuge. Mr. Rubin’s background in banking, some finance, accounting, construction, and non-profit operations over the years has successfully caused to be built 77 units of affordable housing on 84th and hoover, 8 units at 81st street and Hoover, 90 units of senior housing in Watts, rehab 68 units in the mid-wilshire area and 180 units of senior housing in Bakersfield California.