Board Members

CHAIRPERSON – Dr. Jacqueline McKissack Palmer

Dr. Jacqueline M. Palmer, along with her two daughters (Lauren and Cassandra) are the founders of The Palmer Fund. Dr. Palmer currently serves as the Chairperson for the non-profit organization established and named in the honor of her late husband Charles H. Palmer, Jr. Currently in the 6th year of operation in 2015, the Fund continues to provide book scholarship opportunities for students entering their first year of college.

Dr. Palmer is quite involved in her church and community and serves as the Deputy Chair of the Celebration Community Development Corporation (CCDC). She has also previously held Regional positions with Jack and Jill of America, Inc.; Board positions with the Howard County Community Action Council, and University of Delaware Parental Advisory Board. Dr. Palmer is an experienced educator and Student Affairs official. She has also held various leadership responsibilities for over 25 years in the corporate world of telecommunications She also receives great enjoyment in every opportunity to help others reach their greatest potential in all aspects of life and learning.

Dr. Palmer holds a B.S. in Administrative Science from Yale University, an M.S. in Administrative Science; Technology Management from Johns Hopkins University; and an Ed.D. in Higher Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.

VICE-CHAIRPERSON – Dr. Lauren Palmer

Lauren Palmer currently serves as the Vice President of the Palmer Fund. She is the oldest daughter of the late Charles H. Palmer, Jr. and strives to keep his legacy alive through the Palmer Fund focus of family, education and community. Lauren is a Physical Therapist practicing in the Baltimore, Washington, Metropolitan area. She works with the local group with her church and serves a coach with a local track team. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Delaware, a Masters in Physical Therapist from Howard University, and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Temple University in 2016.

SECRETARY – Mrs. Susan Reider

Susan Reider currently serves as the Board Secretary for the Palmer Fund. She had the privilege of working directly for Charles Palmer in his role of Branch Chief, Employee and Labor Relations, for a major Federal Government Agency. She continues to model his fairness, dedication, and respect for others as she now serves as the Branch Chief for a major Federal Government Agency. Susan began her career in human resources with the Department of the Navy, held leadership roles at IBM in human resources, taught leadership development classes, and has been with the Federal Government for over fourteen years. Susan is married with two children. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Maryland and a Masters in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.

TREASURER – Ms. Joyce Wells

Joyce Wells currently serves as the Treasurer for the Palmer Fund. She has known the Palmer Family for over a decade through mutual participation in various community organizations. Joyce has worked for a major airlines for over 35 years and regularly travels throughout Asia and Africa. With three sons, and her mom close by, Joyce has a very hectic schedule, but she always makes time to help others. Her motto is …“if I can help somebody, then my living won’t be in vain”. Joyce currently serves as a volunteer in the Community Cupboard Ministry at her church and has held past positions as Program Director and Financial Secretary for the Columbia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Joyce holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Trinity College.

Dr. Kenneth Jennings

Ken Jennings is very proud to be associated with the Palmer Fund. Ken and Charlie met at Yale as freshmen. They played football together and were good friends until his passing.. Ken is married and lives in Seattle, WA. He and his wife have one daughter who will graduate from Columbia in 2016. Professionally, Ken is a consulting geologist and environmental scientist. He holds his B.S. from Yale University and Ph.D. from UCLA.

Mrs. Tanya Ray

Tanya Ray is proud to serve as Board member for the Palmer Fund. She has known the Palmer Family for over two decades through mutual participation in various community organizations. Tanya has past professional experience in senior positions with the Federal Government and District Superior Court. She also stays connected with youth through her substitute teaching. Tanya is very active in her community and is also on the Board of Directors for the Helping Hands and Leadership program . Tanya holds a Bachelor of Arts degrees in Sociology from University of Maryland, and a Master of Science in Public Administration from American University.

Mr. Charlie Weatherspoon

Charlie Weatherspoon (better known to his friends as ‘Spoon’) is a former teammate of Charlie and one of the inaugural members of the Palmer Fund Board. Professionally, he serves as the president and founder of The Corporate CFO, established in 1999 to provide resource networking, business consulting and various management related services in finance and marketing. He is also active in non-profit organizations in his home state of Ohio and in Delaware. Charlie received a B.S. in Administrative Sciences from Yale University, New Haven, CT.

Mrs. Cassandra Okoya

Full Bio Coming Soon.