Our team
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Fabian Cook, Sr., PhD
Fabian F. Cook, Sr, PhD, is a graduate of Auburn University in Adult Education where he focused his dissertation on "Selected Factors in High Schools that Affect Employment Status". He established a for-profit (Rural America, Inc-RAI) and a nonprofit (Rural America Center-RAC), with the intent of promoting human development. RAI’s primary mission is to provide workforce education through contracted services both in the public & private sector; while RAC, serves adults in under-resourced communities through the development of career pathways in workforce education. He has conducted career seminars for teens in his church and community where students were introduced to basic and advanced concepts in engineering, soft skills, and entrance requirements for postsecondary education. He served as Chairman of the fundraising committee for the Chalk Level Community in Newnan, Georgia, raising funds for the establishment of the Howard Warner Community Center and the Boys & Girls Club.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Herman Gooden, Jr.
Mr. Gooden is a results-oriented, transformational leader and manager, team builder, and accomplished communicator. He has experience in solving complex problems, providing decisive leadership and thriving in fluid strategic planning in joint military environments. He also has extensive experience in planning, developing, and executing at the national, international, regional/theater level. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from Embry-Riddle University, and a master’s degree from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
VICE PRESIDENT
Carolyn Holley
Ms. Holley is a Criminal Justice Professional with the Orange County Corrections Department. She received her B.A. degree from Nova Southeastern University. She has held the position of Correctional Officer for the past 30 years. During that time, she has served as a Master Corrections Officer which entails sharing expertise and utilizing the training and experience gained as a CO to train or educate others. For example, Ms. Holley serves as a Jail Training Officer, as a mentor for Corrections employees, and conducts jail tours for civilian presentations and publications. In addition to her work with RAI, she is also a Fire Safety Security Sanitation Inspector. She holds certifications in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), Domestic Violence, and Emergency Medical Response (CPR/First Aid).
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Fabian Cook, Jr.
Mr. Cook is the CEO of Grassland Enterprises with 14 years of electrical experience, specializing in commercial and residential applications with a wide range between new contraction, interior buildouts, interior renovations, and additions. He has specific experience in banking institutions, recreation facilities, office building, strip plazas, restaurants, custom homes, and hospitality projects. He is currently pursuing a B.S. in Contract Management at Everglades University. He has the following certifications: State of Florida - Certified Electrical Contractor, Master Electrician License; City of Orlando Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE); Orange County Government-certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE); International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) Member; Electrical Council of Florida (ECF) Member
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Alvin Holley
Mr. Holley is responsible for maintaining the company’s website and ensuring that all meetings are conducted and recorded in a professional manner. He also leads the research efforts into new innovations for RAI. he is a career Navy veteran with training in the area of aircraft maintenance. He works in the private industry and holds an A.A. degree from Columbia College.
SECRETARY
Michelle Cook
Ms. Cook has over 13 years of experience working with the Department of Children and Family Services. She is trained in providing case management services to Division of Family and Children Services clients in economic support and employability services. She has conducted in-depth personal interviews with clients to obtain pertinent information related to eligibility factors based on the policies and procedures manual. She has extensive experience analyzing needs and determining program eligibility based on appropriate factors such as income, resources, assets and household composition. She has received over 40 hours of training in Training Eligibility, and has also completed the Medical Assistance Training Program and the Food Stamp Training Program. She earned her B.S. in Sociology from Florida A&M University.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Clarence D. Thomas
Mr. Thomas is a highly experienced and versatile professional in the Environmental, Safety, Industrial and Occupational Health field with experience in reviewing, evaluating, and analyzing work environments and designing programs and procedures to control, eliminate, and prevent diseases and injuries caused by chemical, physical, and biological agents or ergonomic factors. He has experience with conducting inspections and enforcing adherence to laws and regulations governing health and safety of individuals. He has a B.S. in Psychology and M.S. in health education from Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN. Previously, he was a career military officer in the Army’s Medical Department, specializing in Environmental Science. He is certified as an Environment Compliance Officer.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Davina Cook
Mrs. Cook is an Orlando native and serves as the Operations Manager for Grassland Enterprises. Her responsibilities include supervising the finance department, providing cost analysis and forecasting, and securing funds. Davina is also the Founder and Executive Director of Josie’s House of Help, Inc., a nonprofit organization in the Central Florida area.
She holds a Masters Degree in Management/Human Resources, and a Bachelor of Science degree is in Healthcare Management. In addition to strategic planning and organizational management, her background includes over ten years of Human Resources and Administration experience.
