Southside Health Education Foundation Board of Directors

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.

Nancy Wilkinson McNeer

Nancy McNeer was a founding member of Southside Health Education Foundation and has served as a Director since its inception. Ms. McNeer also serves on the SHEF Scholarship Committee. Ms McNeer graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Emory and Henry College and taught elementary education in Chesterfield and Colonial Heights. She retired after 30 years of teaching. Ms. McNeer was Teacher of the Year at Tussing Elementary School and served as President of the Colonial Heights Education Association and President of the Colonial Heights Retired School Personnel. Ms. NcNeer served as President of the Jr. Federated Woman’s Club, Sunday School Superintendent, President of the Women’s Group of Highland Methodist Church and President of the Wesley Methodist Senior Group.

Dr. Betty Sue Hrouda, PhD

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 12 years. Ms. Garter is a resident of Chesterfield County and is employed through New York Life. Ms. Garter 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. Dr. Thompson earned her DNP from Liberty University and has practiced as an RN for 22 years and been an educator for 7 years. Dr. Thompson currently is a professor assistant in the Nursing Program at Longwood University.

Stacey Shell

Stacey Shell joined Southside Health Education Board in September of 2024 and currently serves as a Director. 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. Ms. Shell also serves on the Board of Dinwiddie Church of the Nazarene.

Tracey D. Tatum

Tracey Tatum joined Southside Health Education Board in September of 2024 and currently serves as a Director. Ms. Tatum 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 a member of the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners. Ms. Tatum was a previous member of the Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia and the Oncology Nursing Society. Ms. Tatum has previously served as an Executive Board Member with CancerLINC and served as a scientific advisor for the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation.