Our Team

  • Executive Director

    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.

  • President/CEO

    Jevin D. Hodge is a prominent community and business leader in Arizona. Professionally, he is Director of National Engagement and Partnerships for LINK Strategic Partners, an international consulting firm based in Washington, D.C.

    Hodge also serves as the President of the East Valley NAACP, leading one of the nation’s most historic and influential civil rights organizations in advancing equity, opportunity, and community empowerment.

    He is focused on community leadership throughout Arizona, the US, and abroad. He serves as President of the Booker T. Washington Child Development Center, the longest-running Head Start school in the state of Arizona.

    Hodge previously served as a member of the Arizona House of Representatives, where he worked with local and national leaders to protect democracy, create high-wage jobs, and expand access to high-quality healthcare.

  • Vice President and 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.

  • Secretary

    Helene Gray Retired from Intel Corporation as Senior Administrative Assistant in 2007. Direct report to Vice President of Procurement. Responsibilities included creating correspondence, coordinating international meetings, and generating minutes. Proficient with Microsoft applications, and scheduling, expense, and travel tools. Prior to working at Intel was small business owner of desktop publishing company, Alpha Omega Word.

    Helene has volunteered at Hospice of the Valley and St. Vicente de Paul.

    Helen was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Resident of Arizona since 1975. Lived in several states and two countries via marriage to Air Force Airman. Two children and three grandchildren. Enjoy community involvement, reading and walking.

  • 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.

  • Larry Thomas Charity Golf Tournament Director

  • ISI Program, Golf Tournament, and Social Media

    Jazin Hodge is an entrepreneur, strategist, and advocate dedicated to driving impactful change. An NYU graduate, he has successfully launched three businesses—Allied Youth, Cornerstone Strategies, and The Citizen Collective—specializing in youth empowerment, strategic consulting, marketing, and public relations. He is also the co-founder of True Me: Golden Years, a nonprofit committed to supporting aging communities with dignity and resources.

    Since 2017, Jazin has held director-level roles in a diverse range of statewide and national mobilization efforts, leading strategy, outreach, and grassroots initiatives that have shaped policy and strengthened communities. With expertise in marketing, public relations, and organizational strategy, he continues to work at the intersection of business, organizing, and social impact, building solutions that create lasting change.