Board of Directors
D’Brickashaw Ferguson
Chief Executive Officer
D’Brickashaw Montgomery Ferguson was born on December 10th, 1983, to Rhunette and Edwin Ferguson Sr. Raised in Freeport, a suburb in Nassau County, D’Brickashaw would attend Freeport High School, where he would realize his passion for football. D’Brickashaw chose to attend the University of Virginia in 2002. A four year starter, he would make his mark on the college football landscape. D’Brickashaw would set many records at Virginia, including one for the most starts by a freshman with 14 starts. He would also beat Ray Robert’s long-standing record for most starts by offensive linemen, starting 49 consecutive games. D’Brickashaw would earn All-American as well as All-ACC 1st team honors throughout his tenure, all while earning a B.A. in Religious Studies in three and a half years. The New York Jets selected D’Brickashaw Ferguson with their first pick (4th Overall) in the 2006 NFL draft. D’Brickashaw would pick-up where he left off, earning All-NFL rookie honors his first year in the NFL. Recently, D’Brickashaw was selected as a Pro Bowl alternate, for the 2008 football season and selected as a starter in the 2009 Pro Bowl. He has started every game during his time with the New York Jets, a mark, few can claim.
D’Brickashaw loves to give back to his community. In 2007, he founded the D’Brickashaw Ferguson Foundation, an organization devoted to offering scholarships to deserving students and the granting of assistance to food banks, clothing ministries and repairs to existing churches. D’Brickashaw is the face of the New York Jets’ new campaign “Eat Right, Move More”. He goes from school to school advising children on the necessity of healthy eating habits and being more active. D’Brickashaw has also given his time to assist with such events as the Special Olympics, the Lupus Walk, Autism and Muscular Dystrophy charities. Furthermore, he lends a hand to children who wish to follow in his footsteps and has assisted with football camps. He aided NFL’s Devard Darling, Alex Smith and David Clowny by teaching children both the proper techniques and necessary work ethics to become successful in their football pursuits. In May of 2009, United Way honored D’Brickashaw in recognition for his foundational work and his community efforts. Currently, DBrickashaw Ferguson is in pursuit of higher education. He is attending Dowling College , where he is studying for his MBA in General Business management.
Ed Ferguson
Chairman of the Board
Ed Ferguson grew up in Nassau, Bahamas and moved to New York City when he was 25 years old. Ferguson attended Baruch College in New York City. At Baruch, he took up the sport of Fencing and Body Building. Ferguson’s passion to be the best, earned him First place in the school’s Body Building Competition. Ferguson’s achievements did not stop there he took up a new sport, Shotokhan Karate. Ferguson encouraged his family to participate and together they achieved their Blackbelts. Ed Ferguson opened up the Lighthouse School of Moon and Water, where he was the head instructor. Ferguson continued to challenge himself and he attended Dowling College where he received his Master’s Degree in General Business Management. After working for the corporate office of 7-Eleven for a number of years, Ferguson’s entrepreneurial aspirations lead him to develop E.R. Management and Consulting Services. Ferguson has utilized this company to help athletes and others to further understand the nuances of business as it relates to their occupation and aid in their financial futures. Ed Ferguson is the loving husband of Rhunette Ferguson and the proud father of two sons, Edwin Ferguson Jr. and D’Brickashaw Ferguson.
Rhunette Ferguson
Executive Director
Rhunette Ferguson was born in East Meadow, NY and attended Roosevelt High School, NY. She began her higher education at Nassau Community College and continued on to New York University where she obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Nursing. Ferguson became a Neurosurgical Assistant Head Nurse at NYU Medical Center. Later, Ferguson changed careers and became a certified School Nurse Teacher in the Freeport School District. She taught health at the Atkinson School in Freeport, NY. Rhunette, also a Black Belt in Shotokhan Karate, was an assistant instructor at the Lighthouse School of Moon And Water, where she taught self defense.Ferguson continued to build her resume and later became a Certified Diabetic Educator sharing her knowledge and skills freely among communities in Philadelphia PA. However, Ferguson’s desire to touch a greater number of children throughout the community was realized when she was hired as Executive Director of The D’Brickashaw Ferguson Foundation. Rhunette earned her Master’s degree from Eastern University in Non Profit Management. In addition to her great strengths as a children educator, Ferguson teaches spiritual education as a Sunday School and Bible Studies Teacher at the Mother Bethel A.M.E Church in Philadelphia PA. Rhunette is the loving wife of Ed Ferguson Sr. and mother of two handsome sons, Edwin Ferguson Jr. and D’ Brickashaw Ferguson.
Edwin Ferguson, Jr.
Director Since 2007
Edwin Ferguson Jr. grew up in Freeport, NY and attended Freeport High School. Edwin’s passion for education and interest in the musical arts were apparent at a young age. Edwin was a part of the Freeport’s Sinfonietta as a violist, he competed in NYSSMA and later became an accomplished pianist. Edwin’s talent also resonated in the classroom, becoming a member of the National Honor Society and in college a member of the prestigious Jefferson Society as treasurer. Edwin attended the University of Virginia, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Policy, a Master’s Degree in Education and is currently working on his dissertation in order to complete his Doctorate degree. Edwin’s strong thirst for knowledge did not allow him to stay idle for long, for he recently graduated Catholic University in Washington D.C with a law degree and has recently pass the New York State Bar Exam. Edwin is now currently employed as an assistant district attorney in Queens New York.
Edwin, though an impressive academic, is no stranger to the athletic field, for he has a Black belt in Shotokhan and was a member of the cross country team for his school. Edwin’s experience and knowledge has placed him in the political arena working on campaigns, to working in the classroom as a teacher, educating the minds of future leaders. Edwin’s wealth of knowledge makes him a pivotal part of The D’Brickashaw Ferguson Foundation.
Warner Augustus
Director Since 2007
Mr.Warner Augustus was born in Mobile Alabama. He migrated to New York in his early teens. Warner A. as he is affectionately known to his close friends, is married to a wonderful and lovely lady, Yvonne Augustus. He is also the proud father of three wonderful children. Currently, he is the owner of a very successful 7-Eleven operation, located in Wantagh NY. Among his business enterprises, Mr Augustus is also an investor in several real estate ventures both nationally and internationally. He is a member of Bethel AME. Church, Freeport NY and is very vested in community service projects.
Dorothy Castaldo
Director Since 2007
Dorothy Castaldo lives in Smithtown with her husband, Phil and their three children. She works along side her husband operating two 7-Eleven Franchises in Commack and is an active member of the United 7-Eleven Franchise Owners of Long Island Association. Prior to joining her husband in the family business she was employed as the office manager for a local accounting firm. During her children’s elementary school years, she was involved in the PTA holding various positions including treasurer, secretary and President. She is a Eucharist Minister at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Hauppauge.
Marietta Cleckley
Director Since 2007
Marietta Cleckley grew up in a small town outside Charleston, South Carolina after which she moved to Long Island, New York. Cleckley achieved her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Hofstra University and her Master’s degree in Biology from Long Island University. Cleckley has taught on Long Island for a number of years and during this time she has been afforded the opportunity to take her studies outside the classroom. Cleckley has taken part in an Archeological dig in Swaziland, Africa, searching for fossils of early man, DNA research, and has done research in the continent of Antarctica. Cleckley is also responsible for starting a chapter for The New York State Honor Society at her school. Cleckley is no stranger to the corporate world, she has worked in that arena for over 13 years. Marietta Cleckley is a proud mother of daughter Victoria Cleckley.
Toby Elmore
Director Since 2007
Elmore grew up in Queens but attended Sachem High School. He attended Hofstra University achieving his B.A. and Masters degree in Physical Education. Since 2000, Elmore has been the offensive line coach for the Freeport High School football team. In addition to his success as an offensive line coach, Toby Elmore spends his time aiding and teaching physical education to those with special needs. Elmore continues to aid his community by being a supporter and advocate of the Special Olympics. Elmore is also a successful entrepreneur, with the development of Sportworx , a venture that is committed to helping young athletes with the recruiting process. He has given athletes a chance to become better familiarized with the expectations that colleges have for aspiring athletes. Elmore’s other venture, an event planning company, advocates fun and fitness for young individuals. Toby Elmore is a proud father of three Kieran, Tyler and Logan and loving husband of wife Denise Elmore.
Bishop Jeffrey Leath
Director Since 2007
Bishop Leath has pastured Mother Bethel since 1993. Leath’s diligent work and tireless efforts propelled him to run for the office of Bishop . His mission is to move the A.M.E. church to higher realms by challenging what’s wrong and encouraging what is right. Dr. Leath’s agenda speaks to these issues that have distinguished the A.M.E. church for almost 200 years: seeking God first, integrity, accountability, international ministry and a ministry that uplifts people. Leath further believes education , social justice and developing the local church are critical areas of focus for our current era.
Bishop Leath is a third generation minister, standing on the shoulder of his father and grandfather, while upholding the traditions and values of the A.M.E church. Bishop Leath’s educational prowess stems from his studies at Yale University, where he achieved both his undergrad and graduate degrees. Bishop Leath is a loving husband of Susan J. Leath and a proud father of 3 children, Jennifer, Victoria and Jeffrey II.
Kirsten Ferguson
Director Since 2012
Kirsten Ferguson was born in Danbury, CT and attended Danbury High School. During her time at DHS, she was a member of the Junior Varsity and Varsity basketball teams. Kirsten began her higher education at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications. During college, Kirsten interned with a boutique PR firm named The Britto Agency and with VH1 in their public relations department. Upon graduation from F.I.T., Kirsten accepted a full-time position at the National Football League in the Sponsorship Marketing Department where she managed multi-million dollar sponsorship accounts and sponsorship activation at such events as the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, NFL Draft, NFL Combine, Kickoff and the International Series in London.
After 7 years with the NFL, Kirsten has recently decided to change career paths and focus on her desire to give her time to a number of charitable organizations that touches her and her husband’s heart, especially the D’Brickashaw Ferguson Foundation. Kirsten is the loving wife of D’Brickashaw Ferguson
Dawn Schlich
Director Since 2012
Dawn grew up in Freeport, NY but currently lives in Massapequa, NY. Upon graduation from Freeport High School she attended SUNY Binghamton receiving a Bachelors degree in Mathematics.
She stayed at Binghamton earning a Masters of Teaching in Mathematics. In 1986 she began her teaching career back at Freeport High School.While teaching she continued her education at St. John’s University earning a Professional Diploma in School Administration. She is proud of the 27 years she has spent teaching math at Freeport School District. Currently, she is the Mathematics Teacher on Special Assignment Dodd Middle School.
Dawn and her husband Bill have two children, Samantha and Billy. Dawn enjoys the outdoors, playing golf, running and kayaking but most of all she enjoys watching her children play sports. Sam is a swimmer at Providence college, and will be attending law school in the fall. Billy is graduating high School and will be playing baseball at Holy Cross.