Board of Directors
Modern Stewards of Hope: Board of Directors of Christian Shelter
At Christian Shelter in Salisbury, MD, our Board of Directors plays a vital role in ensuring that we remain true to our commitment to helping the homeless and vulnerable populations in our community. Composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds, our board members provide strategic oversight, foster accountability, and ensure that we have the resources to operate effectively and sustainably
As stewards of Christian Shelter, they embody the values of compassion, integrity, and faith. Together with staff and volunteers, they strive to create an environment where hope flourishes and lives are transformed.
We invite you to learn more about our dedicated board members and their invaluable contributions to our organization.
J. Anthony Dickerson, Executive Director
J. Anthony brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his previous jobs, making him fit to lead the Christian Shelter. From 1991 to 2008, he worked as a retention specialist and in various roles related to job training and vocational training.
Then, he moved jobs and became the Director of Career Services at Lower Shore Enterprises from 2008 to 2009. His main responsibilities include overseeing Life Skills Classes, Vocational Assessments, Employment Development, Job Coaching Services, and Job Placement Services for individuals with disabilities.
From 2012 to 2016, J. Anthony worked as a Case Manager for the Fatherhood Program at the Caroline County Department of Social Services. He helped fathers reconnect with their children and assisted them with employment opportunities, ensuring they were able and current on child support.
Then, he worked as the Job Readiness and Project ReConnect Coordinator at Goodwill Chesapeake from 2016 to 2019, assisting individuals with barriers to gainful employment. Additionally, he formed partnerships with employers to implement customized transportation solutions, helping employees get to their workplaces without any problems.
Since 2019, J. Anthony has served as the Executive Director at the Christian Shelter in Salisbury, MD, a Christ-centered ministry for homeless and lost families in the community. He is in charge of overseeing operations, leading the team of volunteers, and planning projects that align with the organization’s mission and vision.
He has also been the Senior Pastor at Greater Mt. Olive Full Gospel Baptist Church in Cambridge, MD, since 1996, teaching, preaching, counseling, and shepherding the flock of Christ.
- Center for Credentialing and Education, Inc.
- Maryland Institute for Employment and Training Professionals
J. Anthony Dickerson is a certified Career and Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, Mentor, and Advocate. He has been married to his wife, Annette, for 28 years, and they are proud parents of five children and five grandchildren.
- Bachelor of Science in Theology, International Bible Institute and Seminary, Orlando, Florida
- Honorary Doctorate Degree in Divinity, St. Thomas Theological Seminary, Jacksonville, Florida
Bryan E. Murfree
Bryan is the President, CEO, and Owner of Telewire Incorporated in Salisbury, MD, where he has been involved since 1985. Born in Devil’s Lake, ND, he moved with his family several times before settling in Salisbury during his early childhood.
He graduated from Wicomico Senior High School and the University of Maryland College Park. After graduation, Bryan joined his father-in-law in a start-up telecommunications company that has successfully evolved into a Voice and Data Managed Telecommunications Service Provider (MTSSP).
Christian Shelter (Chairman)
Salisbury Urban Ministries (Property Committee)
Greater Salisbury Committee
Grace UMC (Vice Chairman, SPRC, Stewardship)
GSC Foundation (Chairman)
Project O.U.T. (Vice Chairman)
I.P.P.P.S. Mentoring
Delmarva Council BSA Executive Committee
BSA District Advisory Board
BSA Tri-County District (Chairman)
I-55 Project
Bryan is married to his wife, Rosemary Weber. The couple has a blended family of 6 grown children and 12 grandchildren. They enjoy spending time and visiting with family and friends. He is a local business owner and community supporter.
Bryan enjoys volunteering for various organizations, meeting new people, and engaging in multiple hobbies. He is particularly interested in golf, hunting, hiking, grilling, traveling, and enjoying live music.
Bachelor of Biological Science and Zoology, University of Maryland in College Park, MD
Carlton Bradshaw
Since June 1989, Carlton has served as the Principal Engineer at Delmarva Power. His extensive work experience includes: designing electric distribution and delivery systems, overseeing outage restoration, and managing commissioning and maintenance activities for protection and control systems across the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Lower Delaware.
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- Power and Engineering Society (PES)
Carlton has been married to Kim since 1989. He is the father of four—two biological and two “God-appointed” (adopted) children: David, Mary Beth, Joy, and Lydia. He’s an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church, where he served on the Board of Trustees for six years and teaches Adult Sunday School.
Since 2008, Carlton has also participated in the Appalachia Service Project (ASP), where he became a Board Member in 2011 and a Leader in 2016. The ASP group dedicates nine months each year to preparing for their mission in Appalachia by serving dinners at Christian shelters and constructing wheelchair ramps through the Chesapeake Housing Mission.
- United Methodist Lay Academy, 1995
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland, 1989
- Bachelor of Science in Physics, Salisbury State University, 1988
David V. Downes
David V. Downes is a licensed Professional Engineer in thirteen states and is the CEO of Downes Associates, Inc., an engineering company based in Salisbury, MD. His firm serves clients and manages projects along the eastern seaboard, from Massachusetts to Florida.
David has over 40 years of experience in the power and energy industry under his belt. He specializes in power systems, energy infrastructure, energy deregulation, energy economics, power interconnection, and alternative energy.
- Board of the Christian Shelter, Salisbury, MD (Secretary)
- Board Member of Chesapeake Housing Mission (Christian Volunteer Ministry)
- Member of a number of professional associations, including IEEE, NSPE, MSPE, AIPE,
- Rotary Club of Salisbury (Former President and Rotarian of the Year)
- Wicomico County Board of Education, Committee on Efficiency and Facilities (Former Chairman)
- Asbury UMC, Appalachia Service Project (Former Board Member)
- Wor-Wic Community College Foundation (Former Chairman)
- Local Advisory Council for Wor-Wic Community College (Former Chairman)
- President of Wicomico County Soccer Federation (Former Coach and Mentor)
David has been married to Linda “Lenny” Swift Downes, a local CPA for 44 years. Together, they have two sons: Nathan Justis, who runs an IT consulting business in Salisbury, MD, and Joshua Asher, a student at the Wor-Wic Community College.
David is passionate about mentoring youth and engaging in Christian missions, particularly helping those living in poverty, as well as the disabled and elderly. He has spent nearly two decades coaching youth sports—soccer, baseball, and basketball—positively impacting many local young lives.
As a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Salisbury, David has participated in the Appalachia Service Project for twenty years and has been actively involved with the Christian Shelter since 1999, where he became an Associate Board Member over a decade ago.
Aside from charity work, David enjoys spending time with his family and occasional cycling and water activities.
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineer, University of Maryland in College Park, MD, 1975
- Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Western Maryland College (McDaniel) in Westminster, MD, 1972
Jane A. Hoy
Since 2017, Jane has served as the Assistant Director at Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc., where she assists the Executive Director with daily agency operations. Her responsibilities include managing customer intake for residential mortgage applications (including verifications and underwriting), processing loan documents, and qualifying applicants for various loan products and grants.
Jane also meets with applicants for pre-qualification sessions and refers customers for counseling when needed. She also prepares loan-related documents, presents loan requests to the committee for approval, ensures compliance with loan policies, coordinates settlements, and processes applications for the State of Maryland Rehab programs.
Additionally, Jane conducts site visits for rehab loan applicants and maintains files for delinquent accounts while keeping the Executive Director informed about changes in the lending process and completing required reports for financial supporters.
Prior to this role, she was the Homeownership Services Manager/Counselor at the same organization from 2006 to 2017.
- Delmarva Toastmasters Club
- DTM Distinguished Toastmaster
- CDN Housing Counseling Steering Committee
- MD Notary Public
Jane is married to Michael L. Hoy, Sr., and they have three children and seven grandchildren. As an avid reader, her favorite author is James Patterson. In addition to reading, Jane enjoys traveling and has visited many places across the United States and the Caribbean.
Jane is also an active member of the United Faith Churches of Deliverance, where her husband serves as an Elder and they both sit on the church’s Leadership Board. She has initiated and led various ministries, including starting the Junior Usher board over five years ago and serving on the Senior Usher board.
As a missionary, she visits the sick and shut-ins to pray and serve communion, teaches Sunday school at her Bishop’s request, assists with vacation Bible school planning, and participates in the church cleaning committee. Additionally, Jane is involved in the “With Arms Wide Open” ministry, which serves dinner at a local shelter once a month.
- State of Maryland Real Estate Course
- NeighborWorks Training Institutes
- Certificate Courses at the University of Delaware
- Graduate of Wilma Boyd Career Center
- Studied at Delaware State University
Jeffery C. Downes
Since 2000, Jeffrey has been the Director of Facilities Planning and Capital Projects, Architectural at Salisbury University in Salisbury, MD. He oversees the planning, design, and construction administration of the projects on the university’s 200-acre campus.
Jeffrey’s responsibilities include managing major projects and overseeing in-house design and construction for several million dollars’ worth of annual projects at Salisbury University. He also handles the procurement of new properties and plans for future growth to ensure the university’s facilities meet the changing needs of students.
- United States Green Building Council (USGBC)
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- Society for College and University Planning (SCUP)
Jeff is happily married to Alice Weatherford Downes. The couple’s family consists of their four children—who are all married—and three grandchildren. He enjoys life on their small farm, as well as hobbies like fishing, racquetball, and gardening. He is also an avid traveler who has explored various places across the globe, including the United States, Europe, Mexico, Bahamas, Canada, Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, and Panama.
Family, church, and community are important to Jeff; he serves as an elder at Providence Presbyterian Church and has been Chairman of the Board at Salisbury Christian School. He had also been involved with the Wicomico County Community Relations Commission and the Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Currently, Jeff is a Board Member at The Christian Shelter, where he uses his construction knowledge to assist with planning and maintenance while serving the homeless in the Salisbury community.
- Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Berea College in Berea, KY
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY
Rita A. Plaskon
Since 2000, Rita has worked as an account manager at Affordable Bookkeeping Corporation. She provides full bookkeeping services to more than 15 companies, including payroll, sales tax returns, and W2 and 1099 processing. Building trusting relationships with clients is essential to her, as she still serves clients from when she first started in the business.
- Adopt A Block Ministry (Team Leader)
- Christian Shelter (Board Member)
Rita is originally from Pittsville and now lives in Parsonsburg with her husband, Roger. They have been married for 31 years and have two grown children who are both married. During her free time, Rita enjoys reading, gardening, and visiting the beach at Assateague.
Rita started volunteering in September 1995, when she was invited to Emmanuel Wesleyan Church. Since then, she has dedicated her life to the Lord and never looked back.
Rita has spent years helping out in the children’s church, greeter ministry, pantry, and trunk-or-treat events. She was also one of the original team leaders of the Adopt A Block Ministry, which started more than six years ago and aimed to provide food, clothing, prayer, and hope to the community around the Christian Shelter.
Rita currently serves as Treasurer for the Christian Shelter.
- Extensive Quickbooks Training
Mark S. Thompson
Mark served as a Senior Manager at FedEx Corporation from 1983 to 2004. He then moved to The Salvation Army and assumed the Executive Director position from 2004 to 2010.
After leaving The Salvation Army in 2010, he joined Wicomico County Public Schools where he became the Pupil Personnel Worker/Mentoring Coordinator—a title that he still holds up to this day.
- Maryland Association of Pupil Personnel Workers (2nd Vice President)
Mark and his wife Felicia are proud parents of two sons, David (25) and Joshua (21). He lives by the song lyric “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.”
Mark is deeply committed to ministry and community service, volunteering as a Chaplain at Coastal Hospice and serving on various boards in Salisbury, including The Christian Shelter, Wicomico HOPE, Lower Shore Children’s Center, Wicomico Housing Authority, and PAC14. In addition to these, Mark is a member of the local Rotary Club.
After resigning from FedEx in 2004, where he served for 23 years, he became the Executive Director of the West Salisbury Youth Club, now known as the Richard Hazel Youth Center of The Salvation Army. He spearheaded many of the organization’s successful programs, including the New Day Youth Development Center for students who were suspended or expelled from school
Currently, he directs the Adopt-A-Block Outreach Ministry at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church, providing food assistance to over 250 people bi-monthly.
- Associate Degree in Theology from World College of Theology
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Management from Gannon University
- Master’s Degree in Education from Wilmington University
Gus Lebois
Gus retired in July 2016 after 38 years of service at Perdue Farms, where he held the position of Vice President of Wholesale Industrial Sales. His responsibilities include overseeing sales to all wholesale and industrial accounts with annual sales of around $500 million.
Prior to being the Vice President of Wholesale Industrial Sales, Mark filled in for various roles in the company. He was also a Live Production Service Supervisor, Live Production Manager, Field Sales Representative, Director of Retail Sales, Quality Improvement Process Manager, and Vice President of Club/Mass Merchandising Sales.
Early in his career, he had the privilege of working directly under Frank Perdue, which provided him with invaluable insights into the company’s operations. Gus attributes his long tenure at Perdue to Frank’s influence, stating that he made the company his sole employer throughout his career.
- DPI (Delmarva Poultry Industry) (Held several offices)
- Bethesda United Methodist Church Troop (Boy Scout Assistant Scout Master)
- United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (Held many board positions, including being Board President for the past 20 years.)
- Christian Shelter Board Member (2016-Present)
- Rotary Club of Salisbury Board Member (2016-Present) and current Sargent of Arms
Gus was raised in the small town of California, PA, and is the only son out of five children. His father, Dr. Gaston Lebois, was a professor at the University of California, PA, while his mother, Mary, was a homemaker.
After graduating high school, Gus attended Penn State University and earned a Master’s degree in Poultry Science in 1978. He immediately worked at Perdue Farms after completing his program. While working as a Field Sales Representative in New Jersey, he met his wife, Nora, whom he married in 1980. They have two sons, namely Evan and Ryan.
Evan graduated from the University of Delaware with a BS in Biochemistry, followed by an MS in Drug Discovery from Vanderbilt University, and a PhD in Neuroscience from Emory University. He is married to his wife, Lauren, and currently works as a Senior Research Scientist at Broad Institute in Cambridge, MA.
His other son, Ryan, graduated from the University of Maryland with a BA in Aerospace Engineering. He is currently an Aerospace Engineer at 3L Technologies in Columbia, MD. Ryan also has his own family of three; he lives in Mt. Airy with his wife, Erin, and their son Louis.
In his spare time, Gus enjoys yard work, boating, working out, walking, hiking, camping, and spending time with his family.
- Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, Penn State University, 1977
- Master of Science in Poultry Science, Penn State University, 1978
Ted R. Evans
Ted has over 20 years of sales and marketing experience with Lance Snack Foods and Nabisco Brands. In both roles, he was responsible for developing and nurturing trusting relationships with management while driving sales growth through effective merchandising and incremental displays. Throughout his tenure at both companies, Ted consistently exceeded the required sales objectives.
- Volunteer at the Christian Shelter
- Board member of the Christian Shelter
- Member of the Magi Choral Festival Committee
- Member of the National Day of Prayer Committee
Ted was born and raised on Smith Island, MD, before moving to Salisbury at the age of twelve. He has been married to Margie for 44 years, who is a retired case manager. Margie spent 20 years serving the Somerset County Health Department Developmental Disabilities Administration, a job she found both rewarding and challenging.
Ted attends Providence Presbyterian Church and enjoys competitive skeet shooting, as well as spending time with family and friends. Known for his wonderful and wacky sense of humor, Ted is grateful for his years of service at the Christian Shelter, where he learned about serving, empathy, and loving the homeless men, women, and children who stay there.
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Old Dominion University, 1969
Laura Hurley
Laura Hurley has served as the Wicomico County Council Administrator since her appointment in January 2017. She is a Registered Paralegal with extensive experience, having worked as a Legal Assistant in the Wicomico County Department of Law and as an Executive Office Associate in the Council Office.
Before joining the County in 2008, Laura was employed in the private sector, working for the former County Attorney, Edgar A. Baker, Jr., at Seidel Baker and Tilghman, PA, from 1999 to 2008.
- Member of the Maryland Association of Paralegals
- Member of the National Federation of Paralegals
- Tri-County Council Board (Ex-Officio Member)
- Tri-County Council Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee
- Christian Shelter (Board Member)
Laura has been married to Christopher Hurley since 1992, and they have two children and three grandchildren. As an active member of Allen Memorial Baptist Church, Laura regularly volunteers at church events and has previously contributed her time to Young Life of Salisbury. Currently, she serves as a Saturday volunteer at the Christian Shelter and is a member of the Human Resources Committee.
In her spare time, Laura enjoys walking, hiking, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
- Professional Development Academy, NACo, December 2018
- Paralegal Certification, Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam and Credentialing, April 2015
- Academy for Excellence in Local Governance, MACo, August 2013
- Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Salisbury University, May 2012
- AAS Legal Secretary, Wor-Wic Community College, December 2003
