Board Members

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Bio:  

Gayle Saunders, a founding board member of The Musicians Sanctuary, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in public relations and communications. With a dynamic career that spans over two decades, Gayle is a nationally recognized thought leader in reputation management, media relations, and crisis communications. After a successful tenure as a communications executive for several reputable organizations, she launched her own full-service PR firm in 2014. Her firm is renowned for delivering transformative strategies that not only elevate organizations but also create lasting impacts on communities.

Gayle's career began in journalism as an on-air personality, quickly advancing to become the first Black news videographer in Columbus. Her exceptional work earned her recognition from the Cleveland Press Club, particularly for her creation and production of the Community Concerns program, which spotlighted social justice and community issues. Her commitment to community engagement and stakeholder outreach has made her an invaluable asset to the Musicians Sanctuary, where she continues to leverage her skills to foster a supportive environment for musicians. Gayle's dedication to excellence and her visionary approach make her a pivotal figure in the organization's mission to empower artists

Bio:  

Jerry Saunders, Sr., a founding board member of The Musicians Sanctuary, is the Chief Executive Officer of Africentric Personal Development Shop, Inc. (APDS), a behavioral healthcare center dedicated to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and education to combat substance abuse and domestic violence. Under his leadership, APDS also offers community outreach initiatives, including support groups and the SMART 2.0 Summer Enrichment Program for youth. With a dedicated team of 23 staff members, APDS is certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Jerry's extensive 35-year career in personal and community development is complemented by his service on the boards of Creative Housing and the Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity. Before joining APDS in 1997, he spent a decade as the executive director of the Eldon W. Ward YMCA Branch of Central Ohio.

An Oberlin College graduate, Jerry has earned numerous accolades, including the Columbus Urban League Award of Excellence and the 100 Black Men of Central Ohio Mentor of the Year. He is also a Paul Harris Fellow of The Rotary Foundation. A Columbus native, Jerry is married to E. Gayle Saunders, and they have one son, Jerry Jr. His dedication to community empowerment and development is a cornerstone of his role at the Musicians Sanctuary.

Bio:  

Dr. Craig S. Fryer, a founding board member of The Musicians Sanctuary, is a tenured Associate Professor and former Interim Chair in the Department of Behavioral and Community Health at the University of Maryland, College Park. He is also the founding Associate Director of the Maryland Center for Health Equity and the visionary behind the Equity, Tobacco, and Health Outcome Solutions (ETHOS) Laboratory.

As a distinguished behavioral scientist, Dr. Fryer employs mixed methods to explore the sociocultural and environmental factors affecting health, focusing on racial and ethnic health inequities in substance use. His research, which often centers on the intersection of tobacco and marijuana use among youth, has garnered funding from prestigious institutions like the NIH, CDC, and FDA. His broader interests include Black men’s health, the impact of racism on health, and the recruitment and retention of underrepresented communities in research.

Dr. Fryer’s work is widely published in top public health journals, and he is committed to teaching courses on public health ethics, health behavior theory, and multicultural population health. A scholar-activist, Dr. Fryer is dedicated to fostering a more equitable society. He holds degrees from Case Western Reserve University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Columbia University.

Bio:  

Peter Whitt is a founding board member of The Musician’s Sanctuary, known for his strategic vision and leadership spanning over two decades. He is the Principal Leader of Enlightenment Consulting Group, LLC, where he has been instrumental in guiding organizations toward innovation and sustainable growth. In 2020, he joined the Saint Luke’s Foundation as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, continuing to drive impactful change.

Peter holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh, underscoring his commitment to social justice and community development. He has lectured at Cleveland State University’s Diversity Management Program in the School of Social Work, promoting diversity and inclusion. His advanced training at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland and Mastery certification in Polarity Thinking® from Polarity Partnerships highlight his expertise in organizational interventions and coaching. As a Mastery teacher, Peter leads transformative learning experiences, equipping leaders to navigate complex challenges.

Beyond his professional achievements, Peter is a dedicated martial artist, holding the title of Maha Guru in the KunTao and Silat system lineage of W. Reeders and A. Sikes, along with a Completion of the Art Certificate in Taboada Balintawak. His diverse interests and expertise reflect his passion for life, laughter and purposeful engagement, making him an invaluable asset to The Musician’s Sanctuary's mission.

Bio:  

Dr. Taya Jackson Scott, Ed.D., MBA, is a visionary leader and founding member of The Musicians Sanctuary Board of Directors. With over 30 years of experience, she is a champion of health equity and culturally humble workforce development. As the inaugural Chief Innovation Officer at Morehouse School of Medicine, Dr. Scott spearheads initiatives in healthcare workforce development, economic impact, and transformative partnerships, while also serving as the SACSCOC Liaison for accreditation strategies.

Her collaborative leadership emphasizes inclusive excellence and data-driven decision-making to enhance community outcomes. Dr. Scott's previous leadership roles include positions at UNC’s Gillings School of Global Public Health, Washington University in St. Louis, Meharry Medical College, and Vanderbilt University. She co-designed the NSF-funded BioMedRAP pathway program and is a recognized thought leader in women’s health equity and talent management.

An active community builder, Dr. Scott serves on the Advisory Council for the Women’s Business Collaborative and the boards of ASA Cares Charities and Atrium Health Navicent. She is also a member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2025. Dr. Scott holds an Ed.D. from Trevecca Nazarene University, an MBA from Fontbonne University, and a BA in Business and Finance from Tennessee State University. In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling, tennis, and reading mystery novels.

Bio:  

Yulonda Harriston is a dynamic leader and founding board member of The Musicians Sanctuary, renowned for her compassion and dedication to volunteerism and advocacy. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Psychology specializing in Crisis Management, Yulonda's career is marked by versatility and service.

Her journey began in the United States Navy, where she honed her leadership skills as an air traffic controller and intelligence specialist. Transitioning to the civilian sector, Yulonda became an international flight attendant, embracing cultural diversity and enhancing her expertise in customer service as a Kaset International Certified Facilitator.

Yulonda's commitment to employee well-being is evident in her role as Co-Chair of the Newark Chapter 12 EAP, where she addresses professional standards, substance abuse, employee conflict, and more. As a Labor Assistance Professional-Certified and Group Crisis Intervention Certified expert, she plays a pivotal role in conflict resolution and crisis management.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Yulonda is passionate about volunteering, staying active, and cherishing time with her family. Her multifaceted experience and empathetic approach make her an invaluable asset to any organization, reflecting her unwavering dedication to fostering positive change.