Board of Directors

Dr. Velma Kirksey-Tarver, founder and director of the Institute of Global Outreach (IGO), started this organization with a very passionate purpose: to help those who lack resources to help themselves. She has committed to serving destitute children by dedicating her time, resources, and income to establishing this nonprofit organization, and during 16 years’ time, it has grown from sponsoring 30 individuals to over 1.600. Beyond service with IGO, Velma’s humanitarian work extends through community involvement as Co-Founder and Chairwoman of the VRC Educational Scholarship Foundation (501 c 3), a local nonprofit that awards scholarships to deserving students attending Louisiana Universities. 

Her humanitarian services earned many achievement awards, including the Louisiana Public Citizen of the Year Award from NASW, the Louisiana Role Model from the Baton Rouge Chapter of Links, the Volunteer Service Award from the AKA Regional, Mission Partner for the BMELA, and Proclamations from the Mayor in 2016 and 2017. Dr. Kirksey-Tarver has a Ph.D. from Southern University in Public Policy, an MBA from Louisiana State University, and a B.S. degree in Marketing from Louisiana Tech University. She’s a mother of three daughters and a wife to Senator Gregory Tarver. She is also a certified Life Coach through the International Coaching Federation.

Being the first woman to serve as a councilwoman for the City of Shreveport, Mrs. Maxine Sarpy has made many notable contributions to society on both a local and national platform. She formerly served on the National Advisory Board of the National Conference of Community Justice, as a board member of the Association for Community Trainers, and is a past president of the Caddo-Bossier Port Commission. Mrs. Sarpy currently works as a nurse consultant for Caddo Community Action Agency and is a member of the Community Foundation of North Louisiana. Her service to her community has earned her many awards and local recognition. 

 Mrs. Maxine has worked diligently within her community and within her career field as a Registered Nurse. She has not neglected her community and such attention to the needs of others was a key factor in her being publicly noted as one of the one hundred most influential people of the century in Northwest Louisiana. Her community service was broadened when she became an active board member of the Institute for Global Outreach. The Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority member is a loving mother and grandmother and the wife of the late Dr. Joseph Sarpy, Jr. 

Service is not a field unfamiliar to 1st. Lady Meverllyn Frost. She has assisted in organizing humanitarian events and fundraisers inside the professional workforce and inside of the church. Mrs. Frost achieved her high school diploma from North Caddo High School in Vivian, LA. Shortly after completing her general education, she went on to Ruston, LA to complete ninety hours in Architecture. Mrs. Frost utilized her architectural background, going to work for Simmons Food, a high end Poultry farm in Southwest City, MO. She then put her hands to the clerical workforce becoming an office manager for the Quality Office Supply Company.  

Mrs. Meverllyn has proven herself to be a jack-of-all-trades, showing her skills in artistry, sewing, music, and architecture. She has worked hard in all things she has put her hands to and is currently serving in ministry alongside her husband, Pastor Mark S. Frost. Mrs. Meverllyn is a firm believer that life is purposeful and with that faith, she fulfills her purpose in helping others achieve their goals, especially in regards to their spiritual being. 

Rev. Ashley Fuller Rubin is honored to join the Board of Directors for the Institute for Global Outreach, bringing her passion for global connectivity and a commitment to fostering compassion and meaningful change. A dedicated advocate for humanitarian efforts, Ashley has extensive experience in community building, leadership, and creating opportunities for positive transformation.

Her work as a minister, educator, transformational coach, and community leader has focused on bridging gaps between diverse communities, empowering individuals to embrace shared humanity, and cultivating a deep sense of global responsibility. With a heart for service, Rev. Ashley is committed to supporting IGO’s mission to raise global awareness, foster generosity, and deliver essential resources to the most vulnerable communities around the world.

Ashley brings her skills and expertise in leadership development, program management, and spiritual guidance to her role on the Board. Her vision aligns deeply with IGO’s goals of accountability, partnership building, and empowering families and children worldwide to thrive. In joining the Board, Ashley looks forward to collaborating with fellow members, donors, and supporters to amplify IGO’s impact and inspire others to reach across borders with open hearts and a shared commitment to global equity and care.

Ms. Amanda Flynn is a Business Advisor with the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern University in Shreveport. Previously, she served as an SBDC Advisor with the Dallas Metropolitan SBDC. In her role at the SBDC, Amanda assists clients in various aspects of business development, with a focus on financial statement preparation and analysis, business planning and development, and procurement. 

She has been a Business Certified Appraiser with the International Society of Business Appraisers since 2018 and has over 15 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions. Amanda understands the importance of collaborating with business owners, local government, and community leaders to identify opportunities and initiatives that promote the establishment and retention of businesses in the Northwest Louisiana area. Amanda holds two degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Finance (2003) and a Master of Business Administration (2012), both from Louisiana State University in Shreveport, LA.

Mr. Rick Persley brings three-plus decades of marketing and business development experience across diverse industries, from consumer-packaged goods (CPG) to digital transformation initiatives. Currently, serving as executive vice president at C-Suite2Go, Rick leads the development of new digital products in the Back 2 Basics Division. He's heavily involved in the company's transition from a consultative business model to digital DIY solutions designed for small and medium business owners.

Rick's career spans both Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurial ventures. He began at General Foods in New York, then moved west to marketing roles at Heinz Pet Products, Beatrice Hunt Wesson, and Natural Nectar, gaining experience with companies ranging from major corporations to regional brands. From 2006 to 2009, Rick served as vice president of marketing and business development at Thomas Plastic Design, Inc., where he oversaw multiple divisions, including the launch of their Aaron R. Thomas Design furniture line. He later led marketing efforts at Sapient Financial Services Corporation and PennMedia.com, building relationships with clients including American Express, Kraft Foods, and Disney.

 Between 2014 and 2021, Rick operated as an independent marketing consultant, working with local businesses to develop marketing plans and brand positioning strategies. During this period, he also developed several small brands that continue to operate today. Rick holds an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business (1986) and a bachelor's in business management from California State University, Sonoma (1981).

Mrs. Eve Crockett Goins was born in Jena, LA, and raised in a smaller town, Trout, LA. She attended college at Grambling State University, where she met and married her college sweetheart. They have been married for 48 years with three sons and seven grandchildren. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Data Processing – now called Computer Information Systems in 1976. She worked in Corporate for over 30 years and retired as a Database Analyst from Century Link in 2005, where she wrote Training Manuals for Software for internal use.

She worked for Community Renewal International, a non-profit organization that works to build relationships with neighbors through Friendship Houses in low-income neighborhoods. She was the Executive Assistant to Rev. Mack McCarter, the Founder of CRI, and is also a member of the Board of Directors. She is currently the Secretary of Mount Canaan Baptist Church and works with 21 different ministries to build the kingdom of God by building up the people of God to do the work of God. She taught aerobic classes for over 30 years, but now only does personal training when asked – all at no charge. Her passion is helping people to become healthier. She says her mission in life is to help others to help themselves.

Her favorite Scripture is Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.”

After completing her general education at Parkway High School, Mrs. Mary Quigley achieved her Associates Degree from Bossier Parish Community College and very soon after made her way to Milford, CT to receive a certification in Subway Franchise Training. Quigley has more than ten years of experience in the field of customer service and has received prestigious awards such as: the Subway Franchisee Customer Service of the Year Award, the Golden Goose for highest yearly sales increases, and has been recognized as a leader within the Smashburger company, for her contribution in the opening of the company’s first one-hundred, nation-wide locations. She previously was the President of Smashburger in Shreveport-Bossier, LA.  

 Mrs. Quigley is also an advocate for helping others who are less fortunate than she. Quigley contributes to the cares of those in need through partnering with constituent groups including boards, communities and volunteers who help develop and implement innovative fundraising programs and ideas that work to advance non-profit organizations. Her partnership with local non-profit organizations such as The Institute for Global Outreach enable her to carry out her passion of enriching the lives of others through service.