Our Board
Patricia Milton (President)- Patricia leads by example serving as President of the Avondale Community Council (ACC) since 2005 and prior served on the board for 4 years. Patricia works diligently contributing countless hours volunteering. Under her leadership the ACC joined in partnership with neighboring institutions and will look beyond brick & mortar projects to focus on the systemic changes needed to improve residents lives.
She is a regular participant in Kettering Foundation research for community/university relations and community politics. Patricia is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati DAAP with a degree in Design. Patricia works as an Interior Decorator specializing in Residential Re-Design.
Vision for Avondale: "Avondale will become the premier multi-cultural urban community living experience. Fabulous housing stock, walkable, safe streets, unique shopping, choice restaurants and a weekend destination for the city."
Fulton Jefferson (Vice President)- Most Avondale residents know Fulton as the "Mayor of Avondale". He is a retired Drill Sergeant from the United States Marine Core. In 1998 when Fulton returned to Cincinnati he was upset with the condition Avondale was in. This prompted him to join the Avondale Community Council to help make a BIG change in the community. Besides being the "Go To Guy", Fulton really enjoys working with the Avondale Youth Council on their many projects in the community.
Vision for Avondale: "To see Avondale grow and change with the time."
Gayle Harden Renfro (Trustee)- Gayle was appointed to the Avondale Community Council in 1999 by the Injury Free Coalition. She is Co-owner of Renfro Funeral Services, Inc. In a past life, Gayle was a writer for the Cincinnati Enquirer. She is also an established artist with work displayed throughout greater Cincinnati.
Vision for Avondale: "For our community to experience great development in housing and retail and to provide stimulating cultural experiences and learning opportunities."
Christie Bryant (Finance Chair)- Christie joined the Avondale Community Council in 2006, while still a law student. Her outstanding work with non-profit agencies that serve Avondale residents is what caught the attention of the Avondale Community Council. Christie is currently an employment and labor lawyer for Ulmer & Berne. Christie has a strong passion for cooking and her oatmeal raisin cookies are some of the best in town!
Vision for Avondale: "To see a neighborhood filled with self-sufficient families and young professionals with a thriving business district. Avondale will become a neighborhood that serves as a model not only for the city of Cincinnati but for neighborhoods across the country."
Terresa Adams (Trustee)- Has been on the Avondale Community Council board since 2005 and has chaired the finance committee since 2006. Terresa was asked to serve on the board by a former ACC President. She accepted because her church, Manifested Glory Ministries is located in Avondale and she wanted to get more involved. She continues to serve on the board because she is working with individuals who want to make a difference in maintaining a vibrant and thriving African American community. Terresa serves on the board of two not-for-profit organizations and enjoys reading John Grisham novels.
Vision for Avondale: "To see Avondale regain its beauty and resourcefulness it had many years ago. To have residents support business that produce economic stability that leads to financial community growth."
Earlene Newton (Alternate)- Earlene is a Family Service Worker for the Hamilton County Community Action Agency and a Direct Support Professional for LADD. She has been on the Board approximately 2 years. She joined the Board to give back and make a difference in a neighborhood she grew up in. Her outside interests include spending time with her family, cooking and bowling.
Vision for Avondale: "For Avondale to become a safe and nourishing community that will provide support, leadership, employment and housing for the community."
Sheila Holmes Howard, ABR, CTM (Secretary)- Sheila and her husband moved to Cincinnati in 2003.To become familiar and find her way around Cincinnati, she joined neighborhood organizations, volunteer committees and found a church home. In 2004 she joined the Avondale Community Council. Sheila feels becoming involved with her community has proven to be invaluable because it has allowed to stay informed, meet neighbors and be of service to the community. She loves spending quality time with her husband, traveling, reading inspirational books, movies and walking.
Vision for Avondale: "Increased homeownership. As the neighborhood Realtor, I have had the pleasure in helping renters become homeowners, investors to purchase homes to rehab and existing homeowners with selling."
Linda Mayfield (Membership Chair)- Has resided in Avondale for 22 years. She decided it was time to "do" something, to become involved and serve in the workings toward enhancement, growth, and renaissance needed to make the Avondale community more welcoming and vibrant. Spent 33+ yrs career working for City of Cincinnati. Enjoys sci-fi movies.
Vision for Avondale: "Changes of growth and improvement resulting in a diverse, comfortable, clean, safe, picturesque community consisting of great housing, green spaces, entertainment, with bustling and varying business venues that "draw" people. More resident involvement would make a big difference. These all impact our community's image / perception."
Tony Moore (Treasurer)- Has been married for over 22 years and has been blessed with three boys ages 13, 15 and 18. He received a Bachelors degree from the University Of Cincinnati College Of Business. Tony currently owns the Avondale Mart located at 553 Ridgeway Ave. in Avondale.
Vision for Avondale: "My vision for Avondale would be to see more business leaders and owners that live in Avondale utilize their talents to help this community."
Kelly Robinson Tarver (Trustee) Kelly Robinson Tarver became a Trustee of the Avondale Community Council in 2009. She received her Bachelors from Belmont University and earned a Masters at Syracuse University. Kelly works for Children, Inc. as a Mayerson Initiative Service Learning Coordinator. She is passionate about volunteering and making her community a better place.
Vision for Avondale: For Avondale to become a bustling neighborhood in the heart of Cincinnati where people can live, work, play, worship and volunteer.
Linda Fairbanks (Trustee)
Vision for Avondale: Avondale is a neighborhood with diversity and potential. We have a long standing history as one of the most prominent African American neighborhoods in Cincinnati. I would like to see Avondale reclaim its rightful place in history and once again be a beautiful, safe environment to live and raise children. As I drive through other areas I see houses that don't compare to the caliber of homes in Avondale, the difference being that the homes in the other areas are mostly owner occupied. I want to see homeownership as a priority as well as landlords held accountable for the quality and upkeep of their property. "Let's work to put the Pride back in Avondale."
T. March’e Thomas - Denson (Trustee) March'e a former resident of Avondale, volunteered at Burton Elementary for one year before becoming employed as an afterschool tutor. She has worked in the Avondale Community and Cincinnati Public schools since then. She served as the President of the Parent Teacher Organization for two years at South Avondale and is currently working as an Outreach worker in Avondale for the Do Right! Campaign. March'e has received various awards and certificates for her work in the community. She is a believer of Jesus Christ, and has a great amount of faith.
Vision for Avondale: I believe that the Avondale Community Council has a positive influence in the community. It is important that we as adults are active in our community because it will have a tremendous impact on the future of our children. As a citizen, I feel it is my calling to encourage, promote and help people achieve their goals; I am a loving person and have a genuine respect for other individual's I promote positive change in our communities as well as the lives of others.
Christopher Heater (Trustee) Christopher is a longtime resident of Avondale, graduate of Walnut Hills High School and the University of Cincinnati with BA in Africana Studies. He worships at Rockdale Baptist Church and is a former member at Southern Baptist Church. Personally enjoys seeing organizations that are focused on community uplift and progress.
Vision for Avondale: "For Avondale to function effectively as a Spiritual, Communal, Commercial, and Academic bright spot in the city. A place that fosters and develops active citizens, political and economically, and becomes a place that attracts all walks of life to engage in the many facets that they neighborhood will have to offer. I want Avondale to be the place to be."
Charles Houston (Trustee) Charles is a versatile, seasoned, Human Services/Crime Prevention manager/specialist with a diverse background in Criminal Justice, Education, Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice and Guidance Counseling. He works effectively with diverse client populations and has the ability to handle difficult caseloads. He is accustomed to managing multiple projects and working autonomously and/or with groups. Charles brings to the Avondale Community Council a strong ability in problem solving methodology with the ability to maintain positive community and work-force relationships.