Our Team

With more than 30 years of business experience and a long track record of providing strategic oversight and tactical support as a board member of multiple non-profit organizations, Rodney Brown is an established, globally minded, yet locally focused change agent.

His background includes finance, commercial credit, commercial collections, business-to-business sales, business management, and procurement. He has extensive global business experience, having worked in China, Korea, Japan, Mexico, and Canada.

His most recent corporate experience includes more than 20 years in procurement where his last position was Director of Global Procurement for a multibillion-dollar company. He has been recognized for his strategic accomplishments in supplier management and building supply chain relationships.

Rodney served as a Co-Director of the Continuing Education and Professional Development (CEPD) division of the Joseph Business School for almost 10 years. Together with the support of a very committed, faithful, and talented staff, they have developed an effective suite of courses and workshops. The curriculum was designed to meet the needs of adult students seeking self-improvement by using business education and entrepreneurship as a tool to make a difference in their lives, families, and communities.

Currently, he serves as the Board Chair of Kids Above All. In this capacity he provides governance and developed an evidence-based program model designed to help young adults get into college. He is also a Co-Founder of the North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council (NLCCC) where he serves as a member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Economic Development Committee. Rodeny is the Executive Director of the North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce too.

His educational background includes Bachelor’s in Business Administration (major in Finance), and a Master’s in Business Administration. He resides in the Chicagoland area with his wife, loves theatre, dining, and traveling.

Laverne Head has served as a Family Child Care Provider owning and operating a licensed child care business in the North Lawndale Community. Laverne currently serves as an Adjunct Professor with Erikson Institute and provides instructional training to adult learners with Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Laverne has earned her Associate’s in Child Development and her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Small Business Management. She has also earned her Master’s in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Leadership and Advocacy from Erikson Institute. She recently earned a certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University. Laverne is a resolute professional who is committed to engaging and expanding new and existing businesses in the North Lawndale Community.

Job Summary:

Support the enhancement of the economic well-being of small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs by providing a wide range of educational and coaching services to broaden their knowledge base to assist in the growth and development of their businesses.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide coaching and technical assistance to NCCDC clients as lead coach.
• Provide coaching and technical assistance to additional participants referred by New Covenant CDC partners.
• Submit the following information as required: 

a)  Coaching Log Form for each technical assistance coaching meeting

b)  Serve as an NCCDC instructor.

• Participate in discussions regarding individual and group coaching or workshops. Log group coaching and outcomes. 
• Prepare, review materials and teach classes.
• Review and provide feedback on homework submitted by participants.
• Provide coaching and technical assistance coaching session with students/clients.
• Conduct training sessions.
• Submit the following information over the course of the training session: 

a)  Class Attendance Sign In Sheets

b)  Homework Submission Log

c)  Technical Assistance Session Forms 

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong understanding of fundamentals of business
• Strong understanding of financial documents
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent sales and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software and virtual meeting platforms.

Education and Experience:

Undergraduate Degree in business related field or appropriate related experience

At least five years related experience required.

Current credentials or certification preferred.

Send Resume to dorine@new-covenantcdc.org

Robert Jones joined New Covenant CDC in April of 2021.  Robert has over 25 years of financial and executive experience in banking, lending, commercial lending, mortgage and was a licensed investment advisor for multiple firms. He has successfully worked for JP Morgan/Chase (Vice President) , Western & Southern (Licensed  Financial Advisor), Country Financial (Licensed Financial Advisor), Bank  of America (Assistant Vice President), LaSalle Bank NA/ABN/Amro (Assistant Vice President/Commercial Lender), Harris Bank, Household Bank, and Citibank. "My reason for joining New Covenant was to bring my real world experience to the North Lawndale community." 

Matthew  has more than 8 years of outreach experience with a focus on community  engagement. He works to engage with businesses and residents along the Ogden Corridor and North Lawndale area. He also  collaborates with the City of Chicago to create lines of communication  with small businesses and property owners. Matthew aspires to build more  personal relationships with business owners and community members to aid in progressing the development in these  under served communities 

 Dorine has been with the NCCDC family a  little over 9yrs. She is apart of North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council,  North Lawndale Chamber of Commerce and West Women United. She has  experience in customer service, Human resource, security, medical billing, data entry,  agriculture (building and growing food using the hydroponic system) and  in office management for more than 10yrs. Dorine has a certificate in  Bee Keeping and is an inspiring entrepreneur. She has received  The Community that Works Award and A Game Changer Award in North  Lawndale Community. Honoree of LISC Chicago Women History Month.