SHEF Board of Directors
Richard Marshall “Mike” Yates, Chair
Mike Yates has served on Southside Health Education Foundation Board for 14 years and currently serves as the Chairman of the Board. Mr. Yates retired from the Colonial Heights Public School System where he served as a guidance counselor for 34 years. Mr. Yates also served as Chairman on the Colonial Heights School Board, serves on the Wesley United Methodist Church Board of Directors, the Colonial Heights Lions Club, and the Conjurers Neck Homeowners Association Board.
Larry Cortright, Vice-Chair/Treasurer
Larry Cortright currently serves on the Southside Health Education Foundation as the Vice-Chair and Treasurer. Mr. Cortright is the founder of Cortright Wealth Management and a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University. Mr. Cortright is very active in his church’s music and youth program and a member of the Fly Fishers of Virginia Club.
Dr. Betty Sue Hrouda, PhD, Secretary
Dr. Hrouda has served on Southside Health Education Foundation Board for 13 years as a Director and a member of the Scholarship Committee. Dr. Hrouda graduated from Southside Regional Medical Center School of Nursing and received her PhD from Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Hrouda was a practicing RN at Southside Medical Center and a professor at Southside Regional Medical Center School of Nursing. Dr. Hrouda has served on the Southside Medical Center, School of Nursing Advisory Board.
Deborah H. Garter
Deborah Garter has served as a Director on Southside Health Education Foundation Board for over 12 years and is a member of the SHEF Finance Committee. Ms. Garter is a resident of Chesterfield County and is employed through New York Life. Ms. Garter also volunteers with Crater Community Hospice.
Dr. Karen A. Faison, PhD
Dr. Karen Faison has served as a Director on Southside Health Education Foundation Board for over 12 years. Dr. Faison received her PhD from Virginia Commonwealth University, and has been a nurse educator for 29 years, a practicing RN for 40 years, and a nurse practitioner for 35 years. Dr. Faison was awarded the Nancy Vance Award for her decades of contributions to the nursing profession. Dr. Faison retired from Virginia State University and has served on the Cameron Foundation Health Advisory Council and the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority. Dr. Faison is a member of Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, Inc., the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation and the Equity and Health Fellow Program. Dr. Faison is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and The Links, Inc.
Dr. Yardley Farquharson, EdD
Dr. Yardley Farguharson currently serves as a Director on the Southside Health Education Foundation Board. Dr. Farquharson is a 27-year educator currently serving as a chief academic officer. Dr. Farquharson’s extensive experience in education includes roles as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University, a Master of Science degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo State University, and a Doctorate of Education from Virginia State University. Dr. Farquharson serves on the Southside College of Health Sciences Nursing Advisory Board and on the City Church RVA Scholarship Committee.
Dr. Wendy Thompson, DNP
Dr. Thompson joined Southside Health Education Foundation Board in June of 2024 and currently serves as a Director and is a member of the Fundraising Development Committee. Dr. Thompson earned her DNP from Liberty University and has practiced as an RN for 22 years and been an educator for over 7 years. Dr. Thompson currently serves as an Associate Professor of Nursing at Longwood University.
Stacey Shell
Stacey Shell joined Southside Health Education Foundation Board in September 2024 and currently serves as a Director and is a member of the Fundraising Development Committee. Ms. Shell is the Radiologic Technology Director at Brightpoint Community College. Ms. Shell earned a Master of Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Bachelor of Science from Virginia Commonwealth University. She also serves on the Board of Dinwiddie Church of the Nazarene.
Tracey D. Tatum
Tracey Tatum joined Southside Health Education Foundation Board in September 2024 and currently serves as a Director and is a member of the Fundraising Development Committee. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia and a Master of Science from the Medical College of Virginia. Ms. Tatum is currently employed with Bon Secours, Richmond Market, and is an active member of the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners. Her previous professional affiliations include the Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia and the Oncology Nursing Society. She has also contributed her expertise through service as an Executive Board Member with CancerLINC and as a scientific advisor for the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation.
Kristine Allen
Kristine Allen joined Southside Health Education Foundation Board in August 2025 and currently serves as a Director and is a member of the Fundraising Development Committee. A longtime resident of Chesterfield County, Ms. Allen brings more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry. She has spent the past 13 years with Primis Bank, where she serves as Market Center Manager. Ms. Allen is also an active community volunteer, contributing her time to organizations such as the Chester YMCA Food Drives, the SOVA Chamber, and Junior Achievements.