Jubilee Park & Community Center operates efficiently by utilizing a small staff, a board of directors, and a team of dedicated volunteers who serve on various task forces. Each task force chair works with staff, volunteers and residents to implement initiatives in their area of focus.
Board of Directors
Tom Harbison, Chairman/President
Allen Lassiter, Vice President/Treasurer
Ginger Brown, Assistant Treasurer
Jim Skochdopole, Vice President/Secretary
William Addy
Rev. Dr. Robert Dannals
Sara Duran
Jeanie Laube
Pauline Medrano
Wil McCall
Zulema Ortiz
Grady Schleier
Wanda Smith
Ben Leal - Executive Director
Staff Members
Executive Director
Ben Leal
214-887-1364, Ext 242
BLeal @ JubileeCenter.org
Government relations, community development, advocacy, public relations and project management are the cornerstones of Ben's career. Over the years, he has honed these skills—and many more—which are crucial to the success of nonprofit organizations. At each step of his career, he has made key contributions that have helped groups meet their goals while staying true to their mission.
Director of Development
Mellisand LeRoy
214-887-1364, Ext. 255
MLeRoy @ JubileeCenter.org
Texas native, Jeopardy addict and proud USC Trojan, Mel comes to Jubilee with extensive experience in fundraising and program development. Over her career she has assisted nonprofits from small grassroots organizations to international NGOs expand their fundraising efforts and demonstrate their impact. She holds a Bachelor’s in Gender Studies from USC and a Master’s in Nonprofit Management from UNT.
Program Director
Vicki Mokuria
214-887-1364, Ext. 256
VMokuria @ JubileeCenter.org
Vicki has worked in education in North Texas for over 25 years. Vicki joined Jubilee from a local early-childhood education organization, where she had been working as a parent educator. As program director she is responsible for education and public health programming at Jubilee. She is passionate about education and youth development and seeks to join together with everyone and be part of further strengthening a beautiful, vibrant, growing and warm community.
Community Outreach Manager
Candace Thompson
214-887-1364, Ext. 253
CThompson @ JubileeCenter.org
Candace, a Texas native, comes to Jubilee with eight years of experience in the non-profit sector. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Dallas in psychology and is currently pursuing a dual Master's degree in Social Work and Public Administration. At Jubilee, Candace serves as the Community Outreach Manager.
Facility, Security, and Asset Manager
Dale Rettman
214-887-1364, Ext 244
DRettman @ JubileeCenter.org
Dale Rettman came to work at Jubilee in May 2009 as a Groundskeeper. He was part of a program that wanted to employ ex-offenders. After the first 3 ex-offenders failed, Jubilee decided to give it one more try and hire Dale. Dale's goals were to show employers that ex-offenders can be successfully integrated back into society and to give back to the community. With a passion for helping people, he has done just that! Dale has now moved into a management position in charge of Jubilee's facilities, security, and assets.
Adult Education and IT Manager
Eddie Hernandez
214-887-1364, Ext 243
EHernandez @ JubileeCenter.org
Eddie was born in Laredo, Texas. He moved to Dallas in 1969. Eddie worked for Hunt Oil for 35 years as a Computer Programmer, PC Technician, and Procurement Specialist. After retiring in 2004, he joined the Jubilee staff to continue his work with computers. Eddie currently works as the PC Instructor and Technician as well as the ESL Instructor.
Accounting and Administration Manager
Maria Perez
214-887-1364, Ext. 254
MPerez @ JubileeCenter.org
Maria obtained an Associate's degree in Construction Management and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Maria comes to Jubilee from a construction services company where she worked as the General Operations Manager. She has over 10 years of accounting, management, and human resources experience.
Education Manager
Nathan Smith Ed.D.
214-887-1364, Ext. 259
NSmith @ JubileeCenter.org
Dr. Smith is Jubilee's Education Manager. He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from the University of Southern Mississippi. He has over 15 years of experience in various educational settings. Prior to working with Jubilee, Dr. Smith was the Career and Technology supervisor at Lancaster ISD.
Youth and Teen Coordinator
Jay Negerra
214-887-1364, Ext 249
JNegerra @ JubileeCenter.org
Jay Negerra has a Bachelor of Arts in History and minor in Government from the University of Texas at Austin and recently completed her Masters in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has extended experience in working with diverse populations and in the promotion of learning and academia for young people as well as adults. Jay enjoys working to promote positive and strong families through education and enrichment opportunities focused to serve and connect all people in the community.
Kids’ Café Coordinator
Martha Ruiz
Martha Ruiz was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States in 1989. She began her work at Jubilee in 1997 as a volunteer while her husband was a paid employee. Martha and her family received a Habitat for Humanity home in the community constructed during a Blitz Build that occurred at the same time as the construction of the Community Center. After receiving her United States citizenship, through classes and help from Jubilee programs, she was hired full-time as a Jubilee staff member. She has always been a constant face at the center, and she refers to the building as a "home" for the whole community. She prepares and serves meals for all the children who attend the after-school and summer programs at the community center.
Development Associate and Volunteer Coordinator
Reiner Christophe Zuercher
214-887-1364, Ext. 268
RZuercher @ JubileeCenter.org
Reiner is excited to be part of the committed Jubilee team, working to support the work of community revitalization and individual education in the South Dallas/Fair Park area. He studied Sculpture at the University of Dallas in Irving and has several years of experience in not-for-profit fundraising support in foundation, museum and higher education settings.
Facilities Assistant
Marvin Yeager
Marvin has recently joined the Jubilee team and serves as the part-time facilities assistant. Marvin is trained as a plumber and brings a broad base of skills to his position.
Athletics Coordinator
Ovidia Evelyn Amaya
214-887-1364
OAmaya @ JubileeCenter.org
Evelyn was raised in the Jubilee Park area and has seen the positive changes firsthand. After her last military tour was complete she chose to return to the area to raise her family. She has volunteered with Jubilee in several different capacities and currently serves as the part-time sports coordinator, helping to lead soccer and basketball programs for area children.
Task Forces
Anti-Crime Chair
Athletics Chair
Bob Bowie
Communications Chair (Acting)
Tom Harbison
Construction Chair
Ellis Skinner
Economic Development Chair (Acting)
Tom Harbison
Education Co-Chair
Susan Campbell
Education Co-Chair
Arden Showalter
Facilities Chair
Bill Pardoe
Housing Chair (Acting)
Tom Harbison
Mission and Outreach Chair
Rev. Kevin Huddleston
Public Health Chair
Jeanie Laube
United Peoples Neighborhood Association
Yvonne Granger