Reverend Dr. Alex R. Hill, Sr., has been Pastor of New Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church for over 30 years. He co-founded Tri-City with Reverend Dr. William J. Smith as the fulfillment of his commitment to the people of this community, of which he is also a resident. He has spearheaded the Eden Park Community Project (EPCP) and, in addition to his numerous personal and professional responsibilities, is the Chairman of this committee.

He is a member of the Downriver Ministers Alliance, Baptist Pastors Council, and Metropolitan Council of Churches... a former Chancellor of the Institute of Theological Studies and served as the moderator of the Evangelical Baptist District Association; board member of the Michigan Institute for Nonviolence Education; and Community Advisory Panel of Marathon Oil.

He is also a proud husband, father of three, and grandfather. His love extends to many children brought up under his ministry for over 31 years. He is a true man of God whose life exemplifies what he preaches.

Dr. Smith co-founded this organization with his wife (Dr. Lorretta G. Smith), and organized its function and programming for almost 17 years before he fell ill and was called home to glory. He was no stranger to the work of community development, having organized two other successful ventures with SURVIVAL CDC & Greater New Light CDC.

His prowess as an Educator, Leader, Theologian, and VALUE PRODUCER will forever live on with Tri-City and its continuing interests within the community.

Rev. White ("Bubba") is the Pastor of Springfield Baptist Church located in Detroit, Michigan.

Dr. Farris has a long-standing and reputable name in the community of Detroit. Having founded the Michigan Institute for Nonviolence Education in 1998, Dr. Farris maintains the distinction of being the only Level 3 Trainer of the Kingian Nonviolent Conflict Reconciliation Training Program inspired by the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and continues as a working program of the King Center located in Atlanta, Ga.  She is also the Eden Park Community Project (EPCP) Steering Committee Co-Chair. 

She has over 35 years of non-profit organizational experience and was also a former Adjunct Professor at her alma mater the University of Detroit-Mercy. She is also the Eden Park Community Project (EPCP) Steering Committee Co-Chair. She is also a founding member of the University of Detroit's chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorrority, Inc.

Mrs. Bates-Hughes is also a Group-Servicing Liasion of Blue Cross - Blue Shield of Mi.

Dr. Smith is picking up the baton and running with it as her husband ran the first leg of the marathon. She is intent on keeping the legacy moving forward having traversed this path many times.

She retired from Comerica Bank after 47 years  During her career she was the Human Resources Manager of staff Employment for Michigan. She continued using those skills as Vice President of Public Affairs & Community Reinvestment.

Instead of matching candidates with jobs, Smith was now matching local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations with the resources they needed for local area and economic development. The position presented another opportunity to enhance the lives of the people.  It was Smith’s job to identify those communities' needs and offer solutions.

After many years of community service and countless programs, Smith is proud of her work in the community and the establishment of the CRA Associations of Michigan. In the last 15 years, the number of associations has grown to nine... with compliance officers from banks across Michigan participating.  

Dr. Coleman also serves as Superintendent of the River Rouge School District.

Rev. Hill, an associate minister at New Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church, also serves as a behavioral health manager at the Detroit Health Department.