The Knoxville Area Urban League has announced the addition of five new members to its board, which comprises business, civic and community leaders who lend their experience, expertise, knowledge, and vision to the nonprofit.

The five new members, who were announced at the annual membership meeting, are: Gabriel Bolas II, president, and CEO of Knoxville Utilities Board; Harry Boston, founder and president, Boston Government Services, LLC; Andre Celedon, external affairs manager, Comcast; David Colquitt, native Knoxvillian and owner of The Swag resort in North Carolina; and Petie Wilson, insurance agent and owner, State Farm.

“We welcome these five enthusiastic community leaders to our board of directors,” said Phyllis Y. Nichols, president, and CEO of Knoxville Area Urban League. “We value our board member members’ commitment to our vision to promote diversity, economic and social equity for all citizens.”

The 2021 Board officers include: Chair Jan Brown, senior manager and alternate designated agency ethics official, Tennessee Valley Authority; Vice Chair Dr. Jim McIntyre, director, University of Tennessee Center of Educational Leadership; Secretary Ursula Bailey, attorney, Law Office of Ursula Bailey; and Nichols. Cavanaugh Mims, president of Interstate Ventures, is the immediate past chair.

Continuing their board tenure are: Colin Anderson, CEO and president, ORNL Federal Credit Union; Kiame Biandudi, representative, KAUL Young Professionals; Brian Bills, senior vice president, SunTrust/Truist Mortgage; Bob Booker, senior manager, DENSO; Randy Boyd, president, University of Tennessee; Tammi Campbell, district ombudsman, Knox County Schools; Orlando Diaz, vice president, Partners Development; Vincent Fusco, CFO, Regal; Alan Hill, regional director of external affairs, AT&T; Lonnie Jones, principal, Allstate Insurance; Justin Maierhofer, vice president, Tennessee Valley Authority; Rosa Mar, community volunteer and advocate; Gwen McKenzie, director, Legacy Housing Foundation; Rev. Harold A. Middlebrook Sr., retired pastor; Cynthia Moxley, CEO, Moxley Carmichael; Al Pirie, vice president of human resources, Uster Technologies; Tim Romero, regional vice president, Enterprise Holdings; Tyvi Small, vice chancellor for diversity and engagement, University of Tennessee; Nikitia Thompson, owner, Realty Executives – Nikitia Thompson Realty; and Dr. Anthony Wise, president, Pellissippi State Community College.

Established to serve as a civil rights, economic development and social services organization, the Knoxville Area Urban League focuses on workforce development, entrepreneurship and small business opportunities, housing, community initiatives and education. The Knoxville Area Urban League is an affiliate of the National Urban League chartered in 1910 and helps thousands of people in the Knoxville community every year.