Gracie Bradford
Nomination Committee Chair
Ashley Dabney
Nomination Committee Co-Chair
Candidates Bios
Candidate Bios
As GUNAA President, I’ve championed initiatives focused on transparency, accountability and tangible results in a way that exemplified excellence! My unwavering dedication remains steadfastly directed towards what’s best for GUNAA, GSU, and the prosperity of our students.
Native of Opelousas, LA, my academic journey is marked by notable achievements, including BS degrees in Computer Information Systems and Accounting from GSU, an MBA from Tulane University, and a PhD from Union Institute & University. Over 30 years of executive experience at Fortune 100 companies like Microsoft and P&G, Inc., I’ve refined my skills in business acumen and global leadership.
Beyond professional endeavors, I am deeply committed to service, actively participating in GUNAA, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and various church leadership roles. Guided by the principle of servant leadership, I firmly believe in giving back to the community and in the principle, “to whom much is given, much is required.”
My husband Derrick (GSU alumni & Omega Psi Phi member) and I have been married for 31 years, blessed with sons: Diarra and Taaj. I cherish time with family and friends, as well as worshipping God, reading, traveling, and volunteering.
If re-elected as President, I am committed to continuing our journey towards transparency, accountability and impactful results while advancing GUNAA with integrity, innovation, and inclusivity.
Together, let’s strive to establish our association as a beacon of excellence within alumni networks, forging a legacy that reflects the values of our alma mater and uplifts our entire community.
Dr. Tammy Richardson, for PRESIDENT
I hold a Bachelor's of Arts degree from Grambling State University, where I majored in Criminal Justice. I have been a tireless college activist, creating pathways for deserving college students in Los Angeles for the past decade. I believe everyone should have an opportunity to attend college!
With this philosophy in mind, I serve as Southern California's (SoCal) Grambling Alumni Chapter President where I recruit, fundraise, as well as provide scholarships for academic success.
As a dedicated public servant and entrepreneur, I have worked tirelessly in the automotive industry for over 25 years serving in many capacities with Mercedes Benz franchises and I've owned an automotive dealership in Jackson Mississippi.
I continue to provide leadership as CEO of C&A Auto Broker in Thousand Oaks, California and COVID Consulting, LLC, specializing in sanitizing, disinfecting, and contact tracing for persons in need. "Making a difference in the community is important!
"You don't need to reinvent the wheel, just create a better one".
Courtland Dixson, for VICE PRESIDENT
A Buffalo, NY native, I graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Drafting Design and Engineering Technology. As a member of GUNAA, I've been actively involved in various capacities. I've served as the Chairperson for High School Relations in the Metro Atlanta Chapter, as well as the inaugural National Chairperson for High School Relations for GUNAA. Additionally, I've held roles as the South East Regional Representative, Co-Chairperson for the GUNAA 2016 National Convention in Atlanta, inaugural committee member for the GUNAA Bayou Classic Midnight Brunch, Chairperson for the GUNAA pilot program "Grind To Graduation," and chartering President for the Marion B. Colter Greater Georgia Alumni Chapter.
Currently, I am honored to serve as the Chairperson for the GUNAA Membership Committee and as a member of the 2024 GUNAA National Convention Committee. I was humbly honored to be awarded the Junior Prestige Alumni Award in 2018.
If entrusted with the honor of serving as Vice President of GUNAA, I pledge to prioritize listening to and encouraging interaction from our members. I am committed to fostering unity within the Board and placing the organization's best interests at the forefront of our deliberations and actions. My aim is to amplify our collective voice, empowering us to make a lasting impact on both our current student body and the broader community. I am dedicated to collaborating closely with the university, ensuring that our legacy endures and thrives. Together, let us ROAR as we advance our organization and its mission.
Crystal Sayles Milliner, for VICE PRESIDENT
I am Zimbalist F. Chalk, a proud graduate of Grambling State University, class of 1989, where I obtained a degree in Criminal Justice. Additionally, I hold a master's degree in Human Resource Management and Public Administration from St. Thomas University, class of 1999. Professionally, I have dedicated my career to law enforcement, serving as a retired law enforcement officer and currently as a Crew Chief with American Airlines in Miami, Florida. I have been married to my lovely wife Theodora for the past 8 years. I am honored to be a life member of the Grambling University Alumni Association and currently serve as the financial secretary for the Metro Atlanta Chapter of GUNAA. Furthermore, I actively contribute to the community through my involvement with various organizations, such as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where I am an active member of the Beta Beta Lambda Chapter in Miami, Florida.
Throughout my membership in these organizations, I have held numerous positions, demonstrating my dedication to leadership and service. I am driven by a sincere desire to make a positive impact on our beloved GUNAA. Over the years, I have successfully rallied alumni support for homecoming campaigns and encouraged active participation within GUNAA. These efforts have yielded impressive results, with over 100 alumni purchasing season tickets and paying their national dues. My ultimate goal is to increase attendance and membership, amplifying our collective voice and influence within GUNAA. To achieve this, I intend to propose updates and revisions to our bylaws and constitution, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and effective leadership. I am committed to working collaboratively with the elected board to bring about meaningful and positive change for the benefit of GUNAA.
Zimbalist Chalk, for VICE PRESIDENT
Recognized by Dollars and Sense Magazine as one of America’s Best and Brightest Business Professionals and Forbes Best In-Class and In-State Female Advisors, Terri is enjoying the cadence of a progressive career that spans over thirty years in the corporate sector.
Currently the Senior Vice President and Wealth Advisor of a global Investment firm, Terri runs a practice with oversight and direction of financial portfolios that comprise her $300 billion dollars in assets under management.
A native of Miami, Florida, Terri holds a MBA and a BS in Marketing and Communications. She’s a mentor, an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated and currently serves as Chapter President of the Miami Chapter of GUNAA.
Terri Giles, for BUSINESS MANAGER
PROFILE Accomplished leader seeking an opportunity to transition sales, management, and administration skills into a
nonprofit fundraising and development role.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
President 2022 - Present Crescent City Chapter of Grambling University National Alumni Association New
Orleans, Louisiana
Vice President 2018 - 2022 Crescent City Chapter of Grambling University National Alumni Association New
Orleans, Louisiana
● Raised over $5,000 in silent auction donations
● Sincered $10,000 through donations from sponsors for the chapters scholarship fund
● Appointed to the Bayou Classic Presidential Gala committee for the 2019 Bayou Classic and
appointed to the Bayou Classic Committee in 2022
Office Manager 2021- Present Junior League of New Orleans, Louisiana
● Assist with membership management in Digital Cheetah (including but not limited to assigning volunteer,
training, and money to mission credits, assessing fines/late fees, posting credit opportunities, and changing
member statuses)
● Assist with managing members’ only Facebook group (respond to request for membership, remove those who
are no longer members)
● Ensure all supplies need for headquarters operation are ordered in a timely manner (office supplies,
beverages/snacks, paper products, etc)
● Assist with compiling monthly Board Packet
General Manager 2020- 2021 Carter's/OshKosh New Orleans/Gretna, Louisiana
● Exceeded annual sales revenue goal by 20% in a time span of one (1) year
● Top 20 stores in volume, units and credit cards for from August to January
● Served as Loss Prevention Representative for the Gulf Coast
● Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion representative for the company’s global initiative
Store Manager 2012-2020 White House/Black Market Metairie, Louisiana
● Developed and implemented training programs on policies and procedures, operations, and sales for
Southeast Region Assistant Managers
● Exceeded annual sales revenue goal by 15% over five year time span
● Contributed to the district’s top 50 stores in volume, average dollar sales, and units per transaction
● Served as Acting District Manager in the absence of District Manager
Co-Manager 2017- 2019 J. Jill New Orleans, Louisiana
● Responsible for the development and implementation of sales strategies to achieve revenue goals ○
Generated $1.5 million in the first year store sales
○ Increased previous year store goal by 10%
○ Implemented community outreach that contributed 20% of sales
● Hired and trained associates on policies and procedures, operations, and sales
● Work with district leadership to develop annual budget
● Maintained inventory management and quality control for the local store
EDUCATION
Grambling State University, Grambling, LA B.A.Vocal Music (2006)
AFFILIATIONS
● Crescent City Chapter of the Grambling State University Alumni Association (President)
● Crescent City Chapter of the Grambling State University Alumni Association (Vice President 2018 2022)
● Junior League of New Orleans (Photography, Provisional Adviser, and Co Chair of Passing the Gavel)
● New Orleans Opera Association (Past Junior Committee Board Chair)
● St Elizabeth’s Guild (Program Liaison)
● YWCA (Legacy Circle)
● Sylvain Society (General Member)
SKILLS
● Sales, Fundraising, Relationship building, Recruiting and hiring, Customer and employee relations, Volunteer management, ● Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
● Ranked top sales manager in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida
● Promoted from Assistant Manager to Regional Training Store Manager within a five year span
● Appointed to 2008 Steering Committee for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS
Torry Dean, for SECRETARY
As GUNAA Financial Secretary, I will bring integrity, commitment, skill set, teamwork, and results that will benefit the organization now and in the future. We will improve our financial accounting system and processes by using QuickBooks and other tools.
Currently, I am an Information Systems Analyst with the County of Los Angeles. I have over 35 years of experience in computer technology as a Software Developer, Network Administrator, and Information Systems Analyst.
Proudly, I’m a GSU Spring ’88 graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. I served as President of the GUAA-Los Angeles chapter from 2017-2021. Recently, I obtained a PhD degree in Theology and Christian Counseling, where I was the Valedictorian. Additionally, I serve as co-chair of the Deacon Board Ministry and assistant church clerk at my church; Treasurer (Exchequer) of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Los Angeles Alumni Chapter; and co-chair of the RWE Jones Scholarship Breakfast for the GUAALA chapter.
I am compassionate and committed to maintaining the vision our Founders and others have pioneered for GSU and the National Alumni Association. That’s why I like to utilize and demonstrate my financial secretary and treasurer skills for GUNAA, continue to assist and encourage students to attend GSU and strive for excellence, motivate Alumni members to be involved, and be supported and an ambassador for GSU, GUNAA, and the local chapters. My background qualities of leadership, achievement, honesty, humility, and being a team player will help to accomplish these goals.
Wilbur Washington, for FINANCIAL SECRETARY