Our Team

  • President/CEO

    Charley Taylor is an Arizona native, Realtor and co-founder of Larry Thomas Youth Development. I have a MBA in Marketing. LTYD gives me an opportunity & desire deep in my heart to continue my son’s legacy while giving back to the community. Knowing that I’m continuing his dream, will allow me to heal and continue hold onto him in my 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. I joined the board to fulfill one of passions of community service. I have a diverse background in finance and accounting, project management, consulting and risk. I want to be a part of continuing Larry’s legacy by sharing, supporting and developing programs and activities that best encourage youth towards meeting 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 Chief Data Architect in Shell. She is committed to an agenda of supporting various youth programs and is passionate to support LTYD to continue Larry’s legacy in these formative years.

  • Website and Art Program

  • Visualizing Our Future

    Shelonda Thomas has over 15 years in the education field, working as an instructor and college advisor for students ranging 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. In honor of her brother’s legacy, she will continue to impact young students by changing their lives through education and mentorship.

  • 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 a variety of positions retiring as Assistant Director of Juveniles.

    After retiring Joseph served as 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 is a champion for 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.

  • Social Media

  • Larry Thomas Charity Golf Tournament Director