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The Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board (BAAB) has announced the election of its 2026 officers, selected during the board’s meeting held on Nov. 5.
Pierre E. Rutledge (chair)
Pierre E. Rutledge has earned a reputable standing as a consensus builder and an effective leader committed to the betterment of marginalized and underserved communities. With a 30-year history of deploying innovative strategies and leadership to foster sustainable opportunities, Rutledge’s work primarily focuses on community transformation.
As the chair of the Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board, he oversees a team appointed by Miami-Dade County Commissioners to champion the socio-economic, political, and educational interests of the Black World Community in the region, striving to improve residents’ quality of life with dedication and responsiveness. He also is a valuable member of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools team.
His leadership extends to several boards, including the Liberty City Optimist Club as a charter member, the Overtown Youth Center, and the 100 Black Men of South Florida Inc., where he serves as president. Furthermore, as the board chair of Banyan Health Systems Inc. and a past president of the Beta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Rutledge’s influence is widespread.
His dedication to community service also is evident in his role as a 33-degree Master Mason, a past Potentate of Kazah Temple #149 Prince Hall Shriners, as the National Treasurer. Rutledge’s latest recognition includes being named one of the 2024 Florida A&M University’s Distinguished Alumni and 2024 Florida A&M National Rattler “F” Club Honoree.
Rutledge’s educational background is as impressive as his career, holding a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Florida A&M University and a master’s degree in management from St. Thomas University.
Ronald A. Mumford (vice chair)
Ronald A. Mumford holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts Degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. While attending college he was a member of the National Criminal Justice Honor Society. After graduating, Mumford worked for the New York State Department of Corrections as a Corrections Counselor before relocating to Miami. Upon his arrival, Mumford secured employment with the State of Florida Department of Juvenile Justice as a Juvenile Probation Officer Supervisor.
Additionally, he served as the Regional Administrative Review Liaison for the Inspector General’s Office. Mumford was then hired by the CHARLEE Program where he served as Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoptions Recruiter for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoptions. He also served as a program manager with Affirming Youth Foundation of Miami-Dade County, which provides services and programs to meet the needs of children and families identified as at risk. He currently serves as the Youth Program Manager for CareerSource South Florida.
Mumford has been recognized by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoptions for his exemplary contributions to finding Forever Families for children in the Child Welfare System. Mumford’s deep commitment to helping others is evidenced by his involvement in the community.
Mumford has received numerous awards throughout his career. His relentless effort to help families is beyond the numbers. Mumford was awarded the Excellence in Child Welfare Award from the Miami-Dade Community Based Care Alliance and Employee of the Year from Our Kids of Miami-Dade/Monroe.
Mumford also was nominated by the Jim Moran Foundation as African American of the year.
Mumford previously served as baseball coach for Palm Springs North Athletic Association, basketball coach for Don Shula Athletic Club, basketball coach for Miramar PAL and a volunteer for the State of Florida Safety and Career Day Committee. Mumford currently serves as a member of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project and the Pembroke Pines Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. He also serves as an Ordained Deacon at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Miami Gardens.
Phyllis Simpkins (secretary)
Phyllis W. Simpkins has been a community advocate and volunteer for 25 plus years. She has served on various boards such as the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women, Miami-Dade CAA Advisory Boards in Liberty City and Opa-locka, the Opa-locka Youth Advisory and Beautification & Housing Board, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Post 8195 VFW Auxiliary Member, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
A retired firefighter, Simpkins served as a public servant for 27 years. She has dedicated most of her life to advocating the youth, the elderly and her community. In her committed dedication to assisting youth, she developed Majestic’s Youth & Arts Academy a 501 (c)(3) organization. The program is designed to use the arts as a deterrent from gang activity and crime. She received her bachelor’s degree in public administration and her master’s degree in public administration from Barry University. Simpkins is a dedicated and faithful member of the 93rd Street Community Baptist Church.
J.S. Rashid (parliamentarian)
J.S. Rashid has an extensive background as an entrepreneur and administrator. He devises and implements business and economic development strategies, from working plans to master plans.
As president and CEO of SECTOR Public Private Partners Inc. (SPPP) Rashid currently is engaged and advising private developers and various levels of government on strategic plans and real estate development projects, business and economic development initiatives. He assists his clients in developing their project scope, defining goals and objectives, developing a public participation process, and developing implementation strategies. Identifying and resourcing public and private funding ensures that SPPP clients’ plans will be both feasible and implementable.
Rashid was educated at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in Business Administration.
He also is a graduate of the Bank of America Leadership Academy and Development Training Institute.
He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., 100 Black Men of South Florida Inc., vice president of Rebuilding Together Miami Dade. He has received numerous awards including: Community Champion Award from the Local Initiative Support Corporation; “Leadership” for Excellence” in Community Development from South Florida Community Development Coalition (SFCDC); Legacy Magazine’s “South Florida’s Most Powerful and Influential Black Professionals in Business and Industry”; Apex Award for Distinguished Service, by Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine; and honored at Miami-Dade County Triumphant Spirits Exhibit of Notable Black men.
For more information or to request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, CART services, and/or any accommodation to participate in any county-sponsored program or meeting, email BAAB program officer Retha Boone-Fye or call 305-375-4606.
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