President/CEO
Charley Taylor is an Arizona native, Realtor, and co-founder of Larry Thomas Youth Development. She has an MBA in Marketing. LTYD gives Charley an opportunity and desire deep in her heart to continue her son’s legacy while giving back to the community. Knowing that she is continuing Larry’s dream allows Charley to heal and hold onto him in her heart.

Secretary
Pamela Cooper was born and raised in Arizona. A graduate of the University of Maine with a B.A. in Journalism, Pamela has worked in various positions throughout her life, including owning her own successful Christian bookstore and being the Marketing Director of the Granbury Chamber of Commerce in Texas.
Pamela retired after working 10 years as a Sr. Paralegal in the Arkansas Tort Litigation Department of Walmart’s Home Office. Pamela also founded and was the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization in Arkansas, for 10 years, which focused on training women needing computer and business skills. After retirement Pamela settled in the mountains of New Mexico. She is the Secretary of LTYD’s Board of Directors and the Committee Chair of the annual Backpack Program.

Treasurer
Owner of KJ Andrews Mgmt. Consulting & Financial Services
Kathryn Andrews, MBA, is a native Phoenician and grandmother of two. She joined the board to fulfill her passion for community service. Kathryn has a diverse background in finance and accounting, project management, consulting, and risk. She wants to continue Larry’s legacy by sharing, supporting, and developing programs and activities that best encourage youth to graduate and meet future goals.

Director
Brandy Thomas currently has a career in Criminal Justice. She has a Master’s degree in Public Administration. Brandy has over 15 years of working with youth in a mentoring setting. Over the years, she watched her older brother Larry’s passion for helping others evolve into a powerful inspiration for mentoring, which has impacted thousands of youth. In honor of her late brother, she strives to continue the outreach to youth, ensuring his legacy lives on.

Consultant
Carol Parillon is the Chief Data Architect at Shell. She is committed to an agenda of supporting various youth programs and is passionate about supporting LTYD to continue Larry’s legacy in these formative years.

Webmaster and Art Program Director
Brenda Girolamo is a career graphic designer. She joined the LTYD Team after meeting Charley at a volunteer event. Brenda deeply respects the vision and mission of upholding Larry’s legacy through LTYD. She offers her skills and talents by maintaining the website and fostering creative expression in students through the LTYD Art Program.

Visualizing Our Future
Shelonda Thomas has over 15 years of experience in the education field, working as an instructor and college advisor for students from Pre-K through graduate school. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, with a concentration in communication disorders, and will finish her second Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership, with a concentration in Project Management.
Shelonda enjoys researching special education at the graduate level, focusing on neurological developmental disorders. Both Larry and Shelonda enjoy helping others. Larry’s passion and dedication set the standard for impacting people through servant leadership. She will continue supporting young students by changing their lives through education and mentorship in honor of her brother’s legacy.

Iron Sharpens Iron
& Golf Tournament
Joseph Taylor is Larry Thomas’ “Dad” and was more commonly referred to by him as the “Ole Man.” Joseph worked as a Corrections professional, having retired from the Arizona Department of Corrections (DOC) after serving for 21 years. During his time with ADOC, he held various positions, retiring as Assistant Director of Juveniles.
After retiring, Joseph served as an assistant Warden and Warden for a private Corrections company in Arizona, Oklahoma, and Florida. Joseph holds a Bachelor’s and master’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Counseling from Northern Arizona University.
Joseph is a co-founder of LTYD.

Community Developer
Councilmember Berdetta Hodge is a leader and a lifelong contributor through public service with a passion for community-building.
Berdetta made history in 2016, becoming the first African-American woman elected to public office in Tempe. She champions the needs of students, educators, staff, and working families. She makes wise financial investments for students and educators and serves local businesses and nonprofits to create partnerships and economic impact.