VISIONARY

Chris Brown graduated from the University of South Carolina Upstate, majoring in Business with a minor in nonprofit organizations.

After 8 years in the nonprofit arena, I transitioned into pharmaceutical sales, giving me more flexibility to do what I really enjoy doing —working with young people by being a resource to them as a mentor. In 2021, I began volunteering through Celebration Church in one of their outreach programs over in the inner city.

PRESIDENT

Brittany Snell was raised in a rural town in Appalachia, where she worked tirelessly to earn scholarships that allowed her to pursue higher education. As the first in her family to seek a graduate degree—and the first to pursue law school—she developed a strong commitment to creating opportunities for others facing similar obstacles.

Mrs. Snell attended The Ohio State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Women’s Studies. Following her undergraduate studies, she earned her Juris Doctorate from Florida Coastal School of Law, graduating cum laude and in the top fifteen percent of her class.

Growing up with limited resources instilled in her a passion for helping youth achieve their dreams, especially those who may not see a clear path forward. Her personal journey fuels her dedication to mentorship, empowerment, and expanding access to educational and professional opportunities.

VICE PRESIDENT

Raychel Payne serves as Vice President of the Foundation and is currently a Physician Assistant at Borland Groover.

She became involved with the Foundation after meeting Chris and witnessing his deep passion for supporting underprivileged youth—a passion that proved truly contagious and inspired her to join the mission. As a wife and mother of two wonderful children, she is deeply committed to giving back to the community and helping create opportunities that empower young people to thrive.

TREASURER

As a native Jacksonvillian, I spent my early years, raised in a humble household with limited resources, life was a continuous challenge. However, those early struggles cultivated a resilient spirit within me, igniting a burning desire for change and improvement. With determination, I pursued education as my ticket out of adversity. Late nights were spent poring over textbooks, and each obstacle became a stepping stone toward a brighter future. Through tenacity and grit, I not only overcame the odds but emerged with a sense of resiliency and success.

Now, as a successful businesswoman, I find myself standing on the summit of accomplishment. The journey from hardship to prosperity has instilled in me a profound sense of gratitude and responsibility. Passionate about giving back, I've dedicated my success to philanthropy, channeling resources into initiatives that uplift those who may be experiencing the same background which I came from. My heart, however, resonates with the cause of education. Recognizing the transformative power of knowledge, I am fervently committed to helping those seeking higher education break free from the constraints of circumstance. By mentorship networks and resources for college readiness, I strive to be a guiding light for those navigating the challenging path to higher education, ensuring that every aspiring mind has the opportunity to realize their potential and build a future as bright as the one I now enjoy.

SECRETARY

Samantha Penick earned her bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Florida State University and was the first in her family to graduate from college. She went on to complete her graduate education at Louisiana State University Shreveport, earning a Master of Health Administration, and later returned to Florida State University’s College of Law to pursue a Juris Master degree with a concentration in Healthcare Regulation.

With over a decade of experience in the healthcare revenue cycle, Samantha currently works for a nonprofit children’s hospital, where she is deeply committed to advancing healthcare access and operational excellence.

Samantha is happily married to her husband, Tyler, and together they are raising two beautiful children—a son and a daughter. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, live music, and spending quality time with family and friends.

A lifelong passion for philanthropy and giving back has been central to Samantha’s personal and professional journey. She is honored to serve on the Chris V. Brown Foundation’s Board and is excited to support an organization dedicated to empowering local students and investing in their education and futures.

BOARD MEMBER

Daniel Clark is the CEO of Blueprint30, a workforce development software company dedicated to helping at-risk youth explore career pathways, trade programs, and higher education opportunities. With over a decade of experience in education and workforce training, Daniel has developed innovative programs that bridge the gap between young adults and post-secondary success. His company partners with nonprofits, school districts, and workforce agencies to provide a turn-key career development curriculum, focusing on career exploration, financial literacy, and trade skill readiness.

Outside of his work, Daniel is happily married to his wife and enjoys traveling, golfing, and working out. He admires the incredible work the Chris V. Brown Foundation has been doing for young people in Jacksonville and is excited to be a part of their mission, contributing to their efforts in empowering and supporting youth in the community.