109 West North Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Bio Coming Soon.
Paula Jackson was raised in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and is a 1978 graduate of Jefferson High School. She earned her degree in Family Life Science with a minor in Communications from Shepherd College in 1982. A Hagerstown resident since 1990, Paula currently serves as a Deaconess at Cornerstone Community Church.
Her professional journey spans retail management, where she worked with Paul Harris, Brooks Fashions, Lerner Shops, and Casual Corner from 1982 to 1990. She was then recruited by Citibank, where she had a successful 20-year career in credit card services until 2010. Following a corporate restructuring, Paula transitioned to Washington County Public Schools, where she currently works as a social worker supporting youth and families in crisis. She plans to retire in November 2025.
In 2023, Paula launched a new chapter as the owner of Proud Peacock Boutique in Williamsport, MD. She remains active in community service, supporting the Robert W. Johnson Community Center, Children In Need, and Goodwill Industries. Paula also organizes donation drives for prom dresses, food, and clothing to support families throughout Washington County.
Reggie Turner serves as Treasurer of the Robert W. Johnson Community Center (RWJCC), where he provides strategic oversight of the organization’s financial operations and fundraising efforts. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Mount Saint Mary’s University.
A dedicated advocate for historic preservation and community revitalization, Reggie co-founded the Western Maryland Community Development Corporation and serves on several boards, including the 1772 Foundation, Leadership Maryland, the Meritus Healthcare Foundation, and the Banneker-Douglass Tubman Foundation.
He previously served on the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, where he made history as the first commissioner to represent Washington County in the organization’s 50+ year legacy.
With over 25 years of experience in financial advising, nonprofit service, and community leadership, Reggie was named a 2024 Influential Marylander for his work advancing preservation, equity, and economic empowerment in underserved communities. In 2022, he was recognized by the Association of African American Financial Advisors as one of the Top 50 Under 50 for his impact in both finance and community development.
A longtime Hagerstown resident, Reggie is a married father of four and is deeply invested in uplifting underserved communities and creating sustainable opportunities for future generations.
Stan Brown, Jr. is a dedicated community leader and current member of the Board of Directors at the Robert W. Johnson Community Center (RWJCC). A longtime Hagerstown resident, Stan holds a B.A. in Sociology from Salisbury State College and is retired from the State of Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services. He continues to serve the community through his part-time work with the Washington County Free Library’s Bookmobile Department.
Stan was honored as the 2024 Big Brother of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County for his outstanding mentorship and service. He also serves as CFO of Greater Campher Temple Church and is an active member of the Buffalo Soldiers Commemorative Committee. His past leadership roles include Vice President and President of Brothers United Who Dare to Care, Inc.
Stan is a proud husband, father, and grandfather to two granddaughters, and remains deeply committed to uplifting and empowering the Hagerstown community.
Bio Coming Soon.
Nelson T. Barr, MBA, SCLA, AINS
Nelson T. Barr is a seasoned insurance executive with over 25 years of experience in property and casualty claims management, currently serving as Vice President of Field Claims for Maryland and Washington, D.C. at Erie Insurance. In this role, he leads claims operations across multiple specialties—including property, litigation, and medical management—while driving operational efficiency, staff development, and cost control strategies.
Nelson has held numerous leadership positions throughout his career at Erie Insurance, including Property Claims Examiner, Supervisor, Specialist, and Adjuster, as well as earlier roles with Nationwide Insurance and Encompass Insurance. His expertise spans complex loss evaluation, litigation oversight, high-exposure claims, and policy interpretation.
He holds an MBA from the University of Arizona Global Campus and a B.S. in Communications from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Nelson is a graduate of the Jack Welch Management Institute’s Leadership Bootcamp and the Black Insurance Industry Collective (BIIC) Executive Leadership Program. A U.S. Army Reserve veteran, he brings a disciplined and principled approach to leadership and team performance.
Bio Coming Soon.
Bio Coming Soon.
Bio Coming Soon.
Carolyn V. Sterling is a dedicated community leader, lifelong volunteer, and proud alumna of Hagerstown Community College, where she earned her Associate Degree and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Her passion for service began in her youth, volunteering in nursing homes and hospitals in her hometown of Lancaster, PA. With over 25 years in the corporate world and 19 years in mental health, she brings a wealth of experience and compassion to every role. Carolyn is an avid reader, always open to continued learning, serves at her church and most importantly loves being with her family. Since 1998, Carolyn has been an active volunteer at the Robert W. Johnson Community Center and has served in every officer position on its Board of Directors.
Beyond her work with the Community Center, Carolyn is deeply committed to uplifting others—mentoring, tutoring, and advocating for both youth and seniors. She volunteers with the Hospice of Washington County’s Youth Bereavement Program and founded the "Coffee Chat and Bingo" senior group to provide fellowship, resources, and social connection. Her contributions over the years have earned her multiple honors, including Washington County's Volunteer of the Year and the Black History Month Leadership & Service Award from Governor Larry Hogan. Carolyn credits her faith and her mother’s influence for the woman she is today and lives by the mantra: "The only time anyone should look down on another person is when they are extending a hand to help them up."
