Horace Nelson Turner, Sr serves as Board President for Matthew-Scippio Academy Ozark.  Horace is also a Ruling Elder of the Church of God By Faith, Inc., where he serves as Pastor of Sears Street Church of God by Faith, Church of God By Faith Ozark and District Superintendent of Southeast Alabama and Northwest Florida District.

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Mr. Turner is a visionary leader accustomed to taking leaps of faith fulfilling his divine purpose.  He started a home based bible study that transitioned to an old funeral home and ultimately a storefront before being ordained as a minister in 1986.  He is a founding father of Sears Street Church of God By Faith and a Church Youth Center in  Douglas, Georgia.  He also built a Church of God by Faith in Nicholls, Georgia.  He birthed a mission in Waycross, Georgia, now known as Impact Church of God by Faith under the leadership of Pastor Timothy Warren.

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Mr. Turner has profoundly influenced the radio and TV ministries by preaching the gospel weekly on the radio and daily on the television in the Coffee County area.  In 1999, he became Chaplain at the Coffee Correctional Facility in Nicholls, Georgia where he served for 4 1/2 years.  Mr. Turner received a Doctoral Degree in Theology from Faith Bible College in 2004.  He was appointed as a Ruling Elder of the Church of God By Faith Inc also in 2004.

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Mr. Turner is the seventh son and the fourteenth child born in Abbeville, Georgia to the late Raleigh W, and Katie  Maud Turner.  He graduated from Ben Hill Irvin Vocational Technical School in Fitzgerald, Georgia with a degree in Carpentry.  He has been married to Sandra LaFaye Turner for 26 years and they are the parents of six children and several grandchildren.  Ruling Elder Horace N. Turner is a man of God and a deep visionary, who is always rolling up his sleeves to construct projects that benefit the Kingdom of God.  He says, "I am happiest when I'm going and doing for the Master."

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Matthews-Scippio Academy Ozark, named to honor founding fathers of Church of God By Faith,  is an extension of the vision placed in the heart of the Presiding Bishop, James E. McKnight, Jr and Pastor Turner to educate and inspire the next generation.

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Anthony Wade Roberson serves as the Vice President  and Treasurer of Matthews-Scippio Academy Ozark.  Mr. Roberson served 26 years in the U.S. Military, before working as an Aircraft Maintenance contractor for 36 years in Fort Rucker, Alabama.  Mr. Roberson was in a leadership position for 20 years in his contractor role.

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Mr. Roberson brings knowledge and experience in leadership development, strategic deployment, Cyber Awareness, Anti-terrorism, Operation Security, Active Shooter Situational Awareness and CPR that will all be very beneficial to the operations of Matthews-Scippio Academy Ozark.  Mr. Roberson received personal and professional commendations from the Army for U.S. Army Good Conduct Metal, Army Achievement Award, U.S. Army Air Assault Badges and numerous Safety Awards.

 

Mr. Roberson has also served as a local Deacon Chairman, Alabama District Finance Chairman, Member of the National Chairman Deacon's Network, BFP District Coordinator and Member of the National Burial League for the Church of God by Faith, Inc.

 

Mr. Roberson is married to Linda and they are the parents of Anthony Jr. (Rob) and Nikki.  Anthony enjoys gardening, woodworking and fishing in his free time.  

 

Mr. Roberson believes that the time has come to fill a void in the lives of the youth of the Ozark Community.  He believes that he can instill in Ozark youth that "everyone has a chance in life, no matter who you are or where you come from, and that all things are possible to him that believe, so believe in yourself."

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Mary G. Smith serves as the secretary for Matthews-Scippio Academy Ozark.  She worked in Title I at Ashford Elementary for 4 years, before transferring to Rehobeth School where she taught third grade for 25 years and kindergarten for 1 year before retiring in 2011.  

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Mrs. Smith brings organization and leadership skills to Matthew-Scippio Academy Ozark being recognized by the Church of God by Faith with "THE LIVING LEGEND AWARD".  She has organized and directed the Vacation Bible School at COGBF Ashford, served as Chairman of the Christian Board of Education for COGBF Ashford, and the Southeast and Northwest District, Mrs. Smith served as adult Sunday School teacher for Ashford and the District, and District Sunday School Superintendent.  She also helped to organize the Women's Ministry of COGBF Dothan.

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Mrs. Smith's educational background includes attending Wallace Community College, Tuskegee University, Riley College and receiving a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Troy University.  Mary is a Consecrated Minister in the Church of God By Faith and currently a student in the Church of God By Faith Theological Institute.

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Mrs. Smith's credentials include the following:

• Certificate - Troy University Dothan Continuing Education, Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce Grant Writing Workshop.

• Certificate - Alabama Department of Education and University of Kansas Online Academy -Foundations of Positive Behavioral Support and Intervention Strategies

• Certificate - Alabama Department of Education, Connecting Teaching, Learning and Assessment.

• Certificate - Supporting Literacy Development in Lower Elementary Classrooms from e-learning for Educators in Alabama.

• Certificate - Instructional Strategies (Lee v. Macon Consent Decree)

• Pastor's Board and Ministry Wives' Board

• National Christian Board of Education (COGBF)

• National Education Association

• Alabama Education Association

• Houston County Education Association

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Mary is married to Noah Smith and they have four children: one daughter Sharon, and three sons Paul, Willie David and Anthony.  She enjoys reading, studying the word of God, and helping others to accomplish their goals. 

 

Mary says that Matthews-Scippio Academy Ozark is a part of our "Great Heritage" in the "By Faith" Family. She believes it is important for each generation to learn from the past and contribute their learning to history, so that the next generation will continue to recognize  and learn the importance of walking and staying in the will of God.  Mary is excited to have this great opportunity to volunteer and work to touch the lives of God's beautiful children.

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Linda Hiller serves as Assistant Secretary of Matthews-Scippio Academy Ozark.  Ms. Hiller worked in Special Education for 13 years with Vivian B. Adams School before transitioning to D.A. Smith Middle School where she worked for 20 years in Special Education and General Education, until she retired in 2007.

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Ms. Hiller brings leadership and an extensive network of resources to Matthews-Scippio Academy Ozark. She has served as President of the SpectraCare Health Systems for three terms and has served on the board since 1991.  Ms. Hiller served on the Salvation Army Board of Directors for 3 years and was the first female President of the Wiregrass Food Bank where she has served since 2001.

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Ms. Hiller served as President of the Ozark Education Association (an affiliate of the Alabama Education of Association) for 12 years and President of the Dale County Education Retirees Association for 1 year.  She was "Teacher of the Year for Ozark City School System for the "97-98 school year.

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Ms. Hiller's Credentials include the following:

• Certificate of Completion The Wiregrass Leadership Institute

• Certificate of Completion in Conflict Resolution Training Program with Certification to train others

• Certificate for Outstanding Service for the American Legion Auxiliary Girl's State Program at Huntington College

• Served as President and in other leadership roles for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc Kappa Phi Omega Chapter.

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Ms. Hiller attended Tuskegee Institute, Tennessee State University and Enterprise State University, before earning her Bachelor of Science in Special Education and General Education, as well as, Master of Science in Mental Retardation from Troy University.  Ms. Hiller is the mother of three daughters, Gala, Gwen and Samantha, and grandmother to one granddaughter Kailey. Linda enjoys reading, traveling, civic organizations and social media.

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Ms. Hiller says that Matthews-Scippio Academy Ozark affords her the opportunity to be involved in a wonderful mission that offers programs and activities to enrich the lives of the children of Ozark.  She has a willingness to work and again touch the lives of the wonderful children and families of the community.

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John D. Smith serves as a Board Member to the Matthews-Scippio Academy Ozark.  Mr. Smith is a native of Southeast Alabama, where he has spent his entire life.  He grew up on a farm, where he learned treasured family values of strong work ethic, dedication and endurance.

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Mr. Smith brings 32 years of operations management and production support for Twitchell Technical Products, leading textile manufacture.  Mr. Smith has also been a leader in the Church of God By Faith serving as Chairman of the Deacon Board for COGBF Dothan, Assistant Secretary to District Finance Board, Ministry of Helps Coordinator COGBF Dothan, Church Administrator COGBF Dothan and Pastor Church of God By Faith Vernon, Florida.

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Mr. Smith worked with underprivileged children through his Ministry at the COGBF Dothan in a program that provided life skills training over eight years. He found it to be very rewarding to follow these children as they became more self-reliant and productive citizens.

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Mr. Smith's credentials include;

• Completion of Dale Carnegie Course

• Completion of Security Awareness Fundamentals

• Various Volunteer Activities and Board Memberships

• Participant in Vernon, Florida Community Prayer Ministry initiate by Liberty Church

 

Mr. Smith is married to Faye and they have two sons, Anthony and Davian.  John enjoys leading people to spiritual maturity and wants to see their lives transformed. Mr. Smith believes that Matthews-Scippio Academy Ozark is a great asset to the development of our children and also a greater opportunity for service to the community.  John wants to be a Support agent for MSA Ozark because of his desire to see children/youth achieve their fullest potential. 

Sheila McLeod serves as a board member for Matthews-Scippio Academy Ozark.  In her role as Director of Student Services for Ozark City Schools for 20+ years, Mrs McLeod brings extensive experience in educational operations and student relations for at=risk and disadvantaged students.  Her experience includes: approving difficult enrollment, residency approval, non-resident tuition, Attendance Officer, the Accelerated Learning Center, Administrative hearings, Parent meetings, Counselor Coordinator, Homeless Education Liaison, numerous programs for students deemed at-risk, etc.  She has sponsored two student led clubs and conducts an evening class for parents ordered to attend through the court system and/or school system.  

 

She is/has been involved with following religious, professional and community organizations:

• National Education Association Membership

• Alabama Education Association Membership

• Alabama Association of Classroom Teachers

• Ozark Education Association, Treasurer and past Secretary 

• Member Ozark-Dale County Ministers Wives Choir, Past President

• Dale County Children's Policy Council

• Mary Hill Family Service Center Board of Directors

• Wiregrass United Way 211 Board of Directors

• Member Friends of Ozark, Past Vice-President and Past President

• Member Dale County Association of Service Agencies, Past President

• Committee Chair, Dale County Department of Human Resources Quality Assurance (Review DHR Cases monthly)

• Co-Chair, Dale County Relay for Life Children Activities Committee

• Team Chair, Previously Dale County Juvenile Conference Committee (Sworn in by Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore to hear Juvenile Court Cases Monthly)

• Advisory, Previously Red Circle

• Ministers' Wives and Deaconess, Past - President

• Missionary Society

• Member of the Choir

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Mrs. McLeod is married to Reverend J. Nelson McLeod and is the mother of two children, a son Jacob, Jr. and a daughter Sarah.  Sheila believes in working with children and their families.  She believes that this academy will provide opportunities and enhance those currently available to our children, families and this community.  Mrs. McLeod feels honored to be a part of the board of directors and hopes to connect the academy with the school systems and the Wiregrass area.  She believes the Academy will be an extension of resources for the population of individuals that she currently serves in the system. 

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Len Stanford, a native son of Chicago and a career military veteran, serves as a Board Member for Matthews-Scippio Academy Ozark.  Mr. Stanford brings critical thinking skills, as well as, operational controls when outlining priorities of work for Matthews-Scippio Academy Ozark.  Mr. Stanford's leadership and discipline from serving in the U.S. Army as an Intelligence/Radar Warrant Officer for 21 years will aid in the roll out of key development projects and aggressive timelines to make MSA Ozark the best it can be for the community. 

 

Mr. Stanford most recently served as the Senior Army Instructor and Varsity Basketball Coach for Carroll High School.  And, he has been the recipient of the Fort Rucker Commander's Volunteer Service Award.  He serves on the Church of God By Faith Red Ball Steering Committee and serves on the Matthews-Scippio Development Board.

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Mr. Stanford has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Minor in Information Technology and Master's in Educational Leadership from Columbus State.  Len is married to Cecilia and they have two sons, Brian and Ryan, and a daughter LaQuincia. Len enjoys coaching, reading and mentoring in his free time.

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Mr. Stanford believes Matthews-Scippio Academy Ozark will serve as a cornerstone for the Ozark Community educational and spiritual foundation.  It will also provide needed after school programs and activities for seniors.  The academy is taking a holistic approach in developing leaders for tomorrow.

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