Board of directors
Mr. Fred Smith, Executive Director
Mr. Fred Smith retired in 2013 as the District Director of the Georgia Department of Labor, where he was responsible for career and unemployment services to citizens in 27 Georgia counties. Mr. Smith is the co-founder of the Athens Area Black History Bowl, serves on the board of the Athens Historical Society, and the committee he chairs has raised over $25,000 for Paine College and the United Negro College Fund, in addition to many other community involvements. Smith is the recipient of many awards, including the University of Georgia President’s Fulfilling the Dream Award.
Dr. Diane Dunston, Chair
Dr. Diane E. Dunston, MD, has been a member of the Athens Clarke County Community for the past thirty two years. She has served on the EADC Board of Directors for many of those years in her quest to bring equal opportunities to all the citizens of Athens-Clarke County. Dr. Dunston presently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors here at East Athens Development Corporation. When asked what she would like to see in the coming future for EADC, Dr. Dunston replied, "I want to see EADC help more citizens remain in their community through housing and economic opportunities."
j.t. jones, co-chair
Mr. J.T. Jones has dedicated 15 years to EADC, now serving as the Co-Chair to our Board of Directors. Before his retirement, Mr. Jones worked for the Athens Housing Authority and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he served 27 years. In the future, Mr. Jones would like to see a program for youth in the community that allows them to transition smoothly into trade schools or community colleges within the general East Athens area.
dr. Maurice Daniels, Secretary
Maurice C. Daniels is dean emeritus and professor emeritus of the School of Social Work at the University of Georgia and is founder and director of The Foot Soldier Project for Civil Rights Studies. He is an author and researcher as well.
Daniels holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master's degree in Social Work, and a Doctoral degree in Higher Education from Indiana University. In addition to his scholarly work, he is active in civil rights and social reform organizations. Daniels is a charter member and inaugural president of the Athens branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). He is co-founder of Athens Area Habitat for Humanity and the UGA Black Faculty and Staff Organization.
Jeremiah L Bohn, Treasurer
Jeremy Bohn is a seasoned financial leader and dedicated civic advocate who brings a powerful combination of corporate governance, strategic planning, and community-focused passion to the Board.
Professionally, Jeremy serves as a Plant Finance Manager, overseeing financial strategy, operational budgeting, and cost-control systems within complex manufacturing environments. He also creates community service events with which factory employees can participate throughout the year helping the food insecure, the un-housed, terminally ill children, and those affected by various forms of cancer.
Deeply committed to equity and systemic change, Jeremy regularly goes to the Georgia State Capital to advocate for marginalized groups such as those affected by mental illness, those in the LGBTQIA+ community, and those in poverty affected by environmental waste. His goal is to get the Georgia Civil Rights Act passed in the 2027 legislative session and will continue to fight until is is passed.
Jeremy's goal for EADC is to increase funding via new grants and recurring donations to grow the impact of the orgnization and economically empower the region.
Bennie roberson, jr., member
Serving as a member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Bennie Roberson, Jr. is a veteran of the U.S. Army and worked for the City of Athens Recreation Department. Mr. Roberson is the recipient of many awards, including the East Friendship Baptist Church Man of the Year Award, Northeast GA Black Leadership Council Great Leaders Award, and the Athens Tutorial Program Service Award. Mr. Roberson would like EADC to return to its basic foundation of providing job training and affordable housing in the community.
Taylor Pass, Member
Taylor Pass is the owner and Founder of Pass Pro Performance, LLC. He also serves as Site Manager at Athens Neighborhood Health Center – College Ave. Taylor is a native of East Athens, Georgia and a proud product of the Clarke County School District. He graduated from Cedar Shoals High School in 2008. He received his B.A. in Sociology from Morgan State University in 2013. Currently, Taylor is pursuing his Masters in Health Administration and Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
Taylor has a strong love for his community and a passion for helping others, especially the youth in the community. He proudly serves on several local boards in Athens-Clarke County. Taylor is a Deacon of East Friendship Baptist Church and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Some of his other affiliations include The Champions Foundation, Morton Theatre Board of Directors, Northeast Georgia Youth Football Conference, the Juvenile Offender Advocacy Program, the Clarke County Mentor Program, and the Evelyn C. Neely Leadership Program.
Tammie Foote, Member
Tammie Foote, resident of East Athens, employed with the Department of Family and Children Services.
Loretta Battle, Member
Loretta Battle is an East Athens resident and Childcare Provider with the Department of Family and Children Services. Ms. Battle has been in Childcare for over thirty-eight years with agencies including the Clarke County School district and private day care with Kiddie Land Daycare. She is a devoted member of the community as a member of Living Waters Christian Fellowship where she serves on the Usher board.
dr. frankie hill, member
Dr. Frankie Hill, a retired educator and community volunteer.
Trevor ross, member
Trevor Ross, employed with Athens Clarke County Leisure Services.