OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meet the board of directors who guide our operations, governance, community ties, and mission fulfillment.
Edward Jackson
President
Edward Jackson, Jr. is a dedicated public servant, community leader, and advocate for economic and educational development. A native of Plains, Georgia, he currently serves as the Director of Community Development for the City of Americus, where he leads initiatives focused on community revitalization, housing, economic growth, infrastructure improvement, and citizen engagement.
In addition to his municipal leadership role, Jackson proudly serves as an elected member of the Sumter County Board of Education, representing District 3. Through his service on the School Board, he remains committed to advancing educational opportunities, supporting student achievement, and fostering strong partnerships between schools and the community.
A passionate believer in servant leadership, Jackson has dedicated much of his career to community engagement and public service. His work has included collaborations with local governments, nonprofit organizations, faith-based institutions, and civic groups to improve the quality of life for residents throughout Southwest Georgia.
Jackson earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Albany State University and later obtained his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Brenau University.
A man of faith, Jackson is a devoted member of Lebanon Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, where he actively supports the church's mission and ministries. His commitment to faith, family, education, and community service continues to guide his leadership and inspire his efforts to make a lasting impact throughout the region.
Through his professional accomplishments and civic involvement, Edward Jackson, Jr. remains dedicated to building stronger communities, empowering future generations, and creating opportunities for growth and success for all.
Daryl R. Dowdell
Vice President
Daryl R. Dowdell is a dedicated public servant, community leader, of Americus. Born and raised in Desoto, he is the son of Silas and Doretha Dowdell, whose values of hard work, faith, and service helped shape his commitment to his community.
A 1995 graduate of Sumter County Comprehensive High School, Daryl continued his education at South Technical College, where he studied Auto Body Collision Repair and the Commercial Truck Driving program. He also attended Georgia Southwestern State University, majoring in Business Management, further strengthening his foundation in leadership and organizational development.
Daryl has been a proud employee of the Sumter County Board of Commissioners for over 24 years, demonstrating a deep commitment to public service and local government. In addition, he has served as a Councilman for the City of Americus since 2015, including three terms as Mayor Pro-Tem. His leadership extends beyond government, as he currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for New Horizon Habitat of Americus and is a member of the Americus Tourism Board.
A man of strong faith and community ties, Daryl has been a devoted member of Welcome Lodge #249 for over 20 years and faithfully serves as the Chairman of the Deacon Board at Big Bethel Baptist Church in Desoto.
Outside of his professional and civic responsibilities, Daryl enjoys golfing, collecting antique cars, traveling, grilling. He especially values time spent hosting gatherings for family and friends, reflecting his passion for connection and community.
Daryl is a proud husband to Dominique Dowdell and a devoted father of four children. His life’s work reflects his ongoing dedication to service, leadership, and making a lasting impact in the Americus and Sumter County community.
“Service to others is the rent we pay for our time here—lead with purpose, give with heart, and leave every place better than you found it.”
Angela Foster
Treasurer
Angela Foster is a respected nonprofit professional and community leader whose career spans more than four decades in public relations, customer service, administration, and community engagement. With extensive experience serving organizations in Georgia and Alabama, she has dedicated her professional life to strengthening communities, supporting families, and advancing the mission of affordable housing.
A 20-year veteran of Habitat for Humanity, Ms. Foster has served in numerous leadership and support roles, including Public Relations Officer, Women Build Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Family Services Coordinator, Family Support Coordinator, and Administrative Assistant. Throughout her tenure, she worked closely with board members, staff, volunteers, and partner families across Georgia and with Habitat affiliates throughout Alabama, Maryland, New York, California, and Hawaii. Her contributions to public relations and community outreach earned recognition in industry publications, including PR Week, as well as Habitat for Humanity publications such as A Simple, Decent Place to Live, If I Were a Carpenter, and Partners in the Kitchen.
Ms. Foster had the unique privilege of serving under the leadership of Habitat founders Millard Fuller and Linda Fuller. She also served as a liaison during the renowned Jimmy Carter Work Project, working alongside former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. In addition, she worked with former First Lady Rosalynn Carter at the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, further expanding her impact in service and community advocacy.
Currently, Ms. Foster serves as Treasurer of New Horizons Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sumter County, where she continues to contribute her expertise in nonprofit operations, financial stewardship, and community engagement. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Georgia Southwestern State University and later completed studies in Accounting at South Georgia Technical College.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Foster is a devoted mother and grandmother. She is the proud mother of Natasha Foster and Marlin Foster and daughter-in-law Sasheen Foster, and a loving grandmother to Caleb, Khloe, and the late Caiden. Her lifelong commitment to service, compassion for others, and dedication to community development continue to leave a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves.
Lindsey Carol Edge
Secretary
Lindsey Carol Edge is a retired nonprofit professional with more than 37 years of dedicated service to Habitat for Humanity International. Throughout her distinguished career, she worked closely with more than 1,200 Habitat affiliates across the United States and Canada, providing leadership, guidance, technical assistance, and strategic support to strengthen local organizations and advance their missions.
Through her work, Lindsey played a vital role in building affiliate capacity, fostering organizational excellence, and helping communities expand access to safe, decent, and affordable housing. Her extensive experience, institutional knowledge, and commitment to service contributed significantly to the success of Habitat’s ministry throughout North America.
Now retired, Lindsey continues her lifelong dedication to community service as a member of the Board of Directors of New Horizons Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sumter County. She remains passionate about empowering organizations, supporting families, and creating opportunities that strengthen communities. Her commitment to servant leadership and her desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others continue to guide her work and inspire those around her.
Dr. Pam C. Fields
Board Member
Dr. Pam C. Fields is a dedicated community leader and longtime resident of Americus, Sumter County, Georgia. More than twenty years ago, she and her sons, Patrick and Wesley Fields, made Americus their home and have since remained actively engaged in serving the community they love.
A passionate advocate for affordable housing and community development, Dr. Fields has long supported the mission of Habitat for Humanity and has consistently sought opportunities to advance its work. She has served for several years on the board of New Horizons Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sumter County, providing leadership, guidance, and strategic vision to strengthen the organization’s impact.
Dr. Fields most recently served as President of New Horizons Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sumter County and currently serves as Immediate Past President. In this role, she continues to dedicate her time, expertise, and resources to expanding access to safe, decent, and affordable housing for families throughout the community. Her commitment to service, coupled with her unwavering belief in the transformative power of homeownership, has made her a respected and valued leader in Sumter County.
Dr. Oneida Wade Ingram
Board Member
Dr. Oneida Wade Ingram is a respected educator, community leader, and trailblazer whose life has been dedicated to service, education, and advocacy. A native of Sumter County, Georgia, she resides in Americus with her husband of more than 56 years, Arthur Ingram. Together, they have raised three children and are proud grandparents of six grandchildren.
With over 42 years in education, Dr. Ingram served as a teacher, administrator, educational coordinator, and Truancy Intake Officer, impacting the lives of countless students across Southwest Georgia. She earned degrees from Georgia Southwestern State University, Valdosta State University, and South Carolina State University.
A lifelong servant leader, Dr. Ingram has held leadership roles with New Horizons Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sumter County, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the Southwest Georgia CASA program, the Sumter County Historic Preservation Commission, and numerous civic and faith-based organizations. She was among the first initiates of Theta Sigma Chapter at Georgia Southwestern State University and later became a Charter Member of the Americus Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Ingram has broken barriers as the first Black woman principal in the Dooly County School District, the first Black woman member of the Vienna Kiwanis Club, and the first Black citizen to serve on the Sumter County Historic Preservation Commission. Her many honors include the Yvonne Kennedy Leadership Award and statewide recognition for excellence in educational leadership.
Known for her compassion, faith, and unwavering commitment to others, Dr. Oneida Wade Ingram’s legacy continues to inspire generations throughout Southwest Georgia and beyond.
Alphonso Baker
Board Member
Alphonso Baker is a lifelong resident of Americus and Sumter County, Georgia, whose commitment to faith, education, and community service has made a lasting impact throughout the region. A graduate of Americus High School, he continued his education at Georgia Southwestern State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.
Mr. Baker devoted 35 years of distinguished service to Weyerhaeuser, building a career marked by dedication, professionalism, and a strong work ethic. Following his retirement, he has remained actively engaged in community and civic affairs, continuing to share his experience and leadership with organizations that serve others.
A man of strong faith and service, Mr. Baker is a dedicated member of Lebanon Baptist Church, where he faithfully serves on the Board of Deacons. His leadership, integrity, and commitment to helping others reflect a lifetime devoted to strengthening his church, community, and the lives of those around him.
Today, Mr. Baker continues to be recognized as a respected community leader whose values of service, stewardship, and faith remain at the center of all he does.