Paul and Lori Strong
Co-Founders
Paul and Lori are committed believers with compassionate hearts to minister to families affected by the incarceration of a loved one. Their 30 plus years’ experience of working with people from different cultures and beliefs enables them, together with their faithful staff and volunteers, to address issues facing fathers, mothers, and children in a variety of situations.
Priscilla Roberts
Board Chair
Priscilla Roberts is semi-retired from the public sector industry, which includes a successful career of 25-years at Hennepin County. Her most recent position was in the Human Resources Workforce Development Division, as a Youth Program Director. She also was a Senior Administrative Assistant for County Administration with service to county elected officials and senior management. She trained all levels of county staff on the implementation of Diversity & Inclusion fundamentals. She is a professional Voice-Over Actor and the announcer at her church, Shiloh Temple International Ministries for weekly and special events. Priscilla has a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Hamline University, and a Mini Master of Business (MBA) in Nonprofit Management, from St. Thomas.
Mike Brass
Board Secretary
Mike Brass is the owner of a Real Estate Firm; Titus Commercial Real Estate. Prior to starting his own business, he worked as Vice President in the Brokerage Services Division of Colliers International for 30 years. He has extensive experience in leasing, tenant representation, sales of industrial and office properties, as well as development projects for land. Mike has held a member position on the Parenting With Purpose board of directors since 1996. Mike is also a board member of White Bear Lake Economic Development Corporation, member of Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation, and a Board Member of TCM (a Leader in SBA Financing).
Jim Collins
Board Treasurer
Jim Collins is the chief banking and revenue officer at Alerus. In this role, he oversees all revenue and product areas of the company and leads teams across Alerus’ footprint to positively impact clients’ financial potential by providing unparalleled personalized service, holistic advice, and engaging
technology. An accomplished executive with nearly 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Jim has extensive expertise in commercial banking, private banking, and treasury management service. Before joining Alerus, he served as the Minnesota regional CEO and president of corporate banking for Old National Bank. Prior to that, he held various leadership roles for Anchor Bank over 13 years, including senior vice president of commercial banking, market president, region president, head of commercial and wealth. He served as director of commercial, community and wealth when the bank was acquired by Old National Bank in 2017. Jim has a strong desire to give back to the community.
Wayne Sharp
Board Member
Wayne Sharp is retired from the computer industry, which includes 13 years with IBM, and later, as owner of P.O.S. Business Systems from 1983 through 2006 which he grew to one of the largest Point of Sale Dealers in the country. During this time, he was active in the Point of Sale Industry, serving on the National Board for the industry association and on manufacturer advisory boards. He has also been on the board of several non-profit and Christian based organizations. Although ‘retired’, he is still active in sailboat charters, real estate buying, remodeling, rental, and sales with his son. As a Coast Guard Captain, Wayne occasionally works as Charter Captain, and does training and delivery of yachts. He is active in his church in Florida, and has been involved with Parenting with Purpose since 1996.
Ramon harris
Board Member
Ramon Harris operates a New Creation clothing business with his wife and has a thriving interior painting business. Ramon is also employed by Robbinsdale School District 281. He has served on the Parenting With Purpose board since 1999. Ramon and his wife are very active in their church in North Minneapolis. Ramon is the pastor over the prison ministry at his church, providing services at Rochester Federal Prison and Plymouth Workhouse for the past 17 years.
earl
Conley
Board Member
Earl has an extensive background working with Probation and Parole, MNDOC early work release program, labor unions, landlords, employers, for profit organizations, non- profit organizations, mental health and chemical treatment facilities in the areas of housing, employment and supportive services. He has built a career over the past fifteen years working with justice involved individuals.He has conducted
workshops and interviews inside of every state run correctional facility in Minnesota working alongside of the transitions team to prepare individuals for their upcoming release from incarceration. He has performed these duties as an Offender Workforce Development Specialist for DEED (Department of Employment and Economic Development) as well as performing his delegated responsibilities as a Program Director for a MN Department of Corrections work release program.
