Say hello to our team!
We're your neighbors, your partners, and the folks you'll see at the next block party. Here's a little about each of us.
Executive Director
Seth Harkins
Since 2010, Seth has taught students in Whitehaven, Oakhaven, and Orange Mound through the Memphis Teacher Residency. Seth is passionate about seeing others increase their potential through learning. At Alcy Ball Development Corporation and as a resident in Alcy Ball, he uses that passion to connect families to new employment, housing, and financial opportunities. Seth has worked for ABDC since June 2016 and has served as Executive Director since July 2019.
Director of Housing & Restoration
Michael Gardner
Michael joined the team in April 2022. A former educator with the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, he has been a licensed Tennessee Realtor since 2017. Michael leads our restoration efforts by collaborating with contractors, city officials, and community partners to revitalize the Alcy Ball community, increase homeownership opportunities, and reduce blight throughout the area. His passion for community development and neighborhood revitalization helps create lasting, positive impacts for residents and future homeowners.
Connect Associate
Diane Reed
Diane joined the team in September of 2022, but had been volunteering with ABDC since September of 2021. She is a lifelong resident of Alcy Ball and has worked for and retired from the US Postal Service, Memphis-Shelby County Schools, and formerly served as the Executive Director of the Hyde Park CDC. Diane is passionate about building relationships with others and wants this passion to fuel connectivity amongst residents for the flourishing of Alcy Ball.
Research Associate
Claudine Henderson
Claudine joined the team in June of 2023, but has been volunteering with ABDC since September of 2022. She was born and raised in Alcy Ball, and returned to the community as a homeowner in 2004. Claudine has worked for and retired from the Shelby County Juvenile Court and AT&T respectively, and formerly served as a LPN for Methodist Hospital. In her role with ABDC, she is looking forward to improving the neighborhood and encouraging friends and family to return and purchase homes.
Hospitality Associate
Shirley Andrews
Shirley joined the team in May of 2022. She is a lifelong Alcy Ball resident and previously worked for AmeriCorps and Southwest Tennessee Community College. She is passionate about serving others and has volunteered her time across the city with Methodist Crossroads Hospice, Red Cross, Good Samaritans, and Divine Life Church. She is excited about creating a hospitable and community-oriented environment for her neighbors in Alcy Ball through her role.
Director of Training
Nicole Jennings
Nicole joined our staff in August of 2023. She is a licensed TN Realtor and comes to us with a wealth of knowledge about financial literacy and the home buying process. Nicole is passionate about helping low to moderate income families become homeowners. Nicole leads the Steps to Homeownership course, Faith & Finance course, and meets one-on-one with Alcy Ball neighbors and non-residents to assist with their financial and home buying questions. Nicole's goal is to help equip you to become a responsible homeowner.
Connect Director
Porsche Stevens
Porsche Stevens is a native Memphian with a passion for learning, sharing, and collaborating across Mid-South communities. Her radio broadcast career spans more than 20 years, with stops in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Nashville, and Memphis. She previously led community engagement efforts at the Museum of Science & History, Crosstown Concourse, and Frayser CDC, and now serves as Connect Director at Alcy Ball Development Corporation. She is an empty-nester with a daughter at Fisk University. Porsche is excited to build community trust and encourage Alcy Ball's youth to DREAM BIG!
Director of Operations
Amber Tucker
Amber Tucker is the Director of Operations at Alcy Ball Development Corporation. She is a place-based public health advocate who believes housing is the foundation of well-being. Amber previously served as Program Manager for The Healthy Neighborhoods Project at Tulane University in New Orleans and as Program Director of Hagar's House, a home for unhoused women and children. She holds a master's degree in Public Health from Louisiana State University, where her research focused on transportation, housing access, and health outcomes.
Board Members
Rita Champion (Board Chair)
Community Resident, Pharmacist
Joined February 2025
Chris Pruett (Treasurer)
Southern Sun Asset Management
Joined November 2024
Anna Jackson (Secretary)
Retired, Gateway Church of God in Christ
Joined January 2024
Danard Smith
Community Resident, Manager
Joined January 2026
Luke Jensen
Commercial Advisors Real Estate
Joined January 2026