Executive Board
Michael Taylor, Chair
Michael joined the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) in April 2021 as the Atlanta Site Director. Prior to CEO, he held a Program Manager role at Jobrise, and a Training Supervisor role at WorkSource Atlanta. During his tenure at Jobrise, Michael helped manage recruitment efforts, built relationships with public and private stakeholders, and fostered business development opportunities centered around reentry employment. Michael is a graduate of Morehouse College and holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science. Originally from Arkansas, he currently resides in Decatur, GA. When he is not focusing on developing other leaders, you can find him enjoying time with family and friends.
Tami Boyd, Co-Chair
Known for a tireless work ethic, boundless energy, and a hands-on approach, Tami Boyd is the founder and Executive Director of Living On Purpose ATL, Inc. (LOPATL). LOPATL provides transitional housing, counseling, employment opportunities, and life skills training for formerly incarcerated women. She has been an advocate for the rights of returning citizens and those in the carceral system for several years. Tami has participated in panel discussions, spoken at conferences, met with legislators, and is an active member of organizations that work to effect positive change in the area of juvenile and adult criminal justice.
Waleisah Wilson, Co-Chair
Waleisah Wilson is the founder and President of Newlife-Second Chance Outreach, Inc. Waleisah founded the organization after her own release from prison in 2011 as a way to address the lack of reentry-focused resources needed to assist the formerly incarcerated in the Columbus, GA and Phenix City, AL areas. Her organization focuses on arming persons reentering their communities with job readiness skills and job referral services, providing them with tools and resources to become productive, self-sufficient and successful individuals.
Sonya Lawhorn, Treasurer
Sonya Brinson Lawhorn is currently a Re-Entry Case Manager with CHRIS 180 in Fulton County and acting Treasurer for M.A.R.C. As a Re-Entry Case Manager, she works with the 17 – 24-year-old released population to connect individuals with housing, education, and health services in their community with the goal of preventing recidivism. Sonya has previously held roles at WellPath and Gwinnett Medical Center. While at Wellpath, Sonya assisted inmates in finding reentry services and access to medications in their community and also held a role as Discharge Planner/Reentry Coordinator for the Gwinnett County Detention Center. For over 5 years, Sonya acted as a Behavioral Health Advocate at Gwinnett Medical Center. Sonya is a highly motivated and seasoned advocate with more than twenty-plus years of progressive experience in all areas of Youth Counseling and works with those dealing with Mental Health issues. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the State University of New York at Buffalo, is a 2011 Leadership Rochester graduate, and a graduate of the United Way African American Leadership Development Program. Sonya is a member of Beulah Baptist Church in Decatur, GA, and is also affiliated with the Gwinnett Reentry Intervention Program (GRIP).
