CIS BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2021-2022

Ms. Allen is a Retired Educator of Rome City Schools.

She has served on the CIS Board of Directors since 2014.

“I have always wanted to work with children, which is what led me to teaching special education for 32 years. Even through this, I still wanted to find some way to give back to the children and to our community. I jumped at the chance to become involved with Communities in Schools of Rome-Floyd County initially as a mentor, which evolved into a position serving on the Board of Directors. CIS is an organization who is out there for the students who are looking for help or believe that they need a little more of a push in order to become successful. We are here for motivation, as someone they can turn to if they are having a problem, etc. I have enjoyed being a part of the success of Communities in Schools and are looking towards the future in excitement for all that we can accomplish.”

CIS Secretary 

Ms. Cisneros is a Member Service Specialist at Coosa Valley Credit Union.

She has served on the CIS Board of Directors since 2019.  

“As a teen mom who attended the Phoenix Performance Learning Center (PLC) and worked firsthand with Communities in Schools, I knew that I wanted to continue to stay involved and help other students, like me, succeed. Ms. Gail Veal and the other staff at the PLC pushed me through each and every class, which enabled me to graduate with my high school diploma. When I was approached about serving on the CIS Board of Directors, I knew that this was my chance to serve as an example to students, so they see that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. To have a group of people, like CIS, looking out for your future is so incredible and I knew that I wanted to be a part of that once I made it out. I couldn’t have done it without the help of Communities in Schools, and I hope other students realize that the entire community is rallying behind them in hopes of helping them succeed.”

CIS Treasurer

Mr. Diehl is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Harbin Clinic. 

He has served on the CIS Board of Directors since 2015. 

“I initially got involved with Communities in Schools through their Mentor Program. I served as a mentor to two different students in 2005 and in 2015 and was really excited to have been asked to then serve on their Board of Directors. I have a lot of belief in the programs that CIS spearheads and believe that the value they bring into the community is second to none. CIS is one of those organizations where it is a win-win. They not only benefit those students who need additional opportunities, but our community gets the value out of those engaged citizens as well. I am proud to represent CIS and I believe that it is a worthwhile program, both individually and community wide.”  

Dr. King is the Dean of the School of Education at Shorter University. 

This is her first year serving on the CIS Board of Directors. 

“Being a teacher, I quickly realized that students have needs beyond just academics. It was only fitting to be involved with Communities in Schools because they meet those needs, whether that need is physical, like clothing or food, or just social and emotional needs. I recognize the importance of serving the whole child and sometimes, as educators, we are limited to what we can do, which is where CIS comes in to fill that gap. I have enjoyed getting to see, firsthand, the evidence of our work and how it has manifested itself within these students and their futures.”

Mr. Lee is Engineering and Facilities Manager at Pirelli Industries.

He has served on the CIS Board of Directors since 2018.  

“Communities in Schools of Rome-Floyd County’s mission to support students through mentoring and serving as that positive role model in their student’s lives is something that I know I benefitted from growing up, which is why I am so passionate about helping the students of Rome and Floyd County. Through my increasing involvement with the 100 Black Men of Rome and the Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation Center, I was able to connect with several members of CIS who opened that door to continue aiding children on their path to success. There are so many kids who do not have that ‘village’ to help support them, which is where Communities in Schools steps in to help guide our students to stay on the right path. Anything I can do to help my children, as well as other children, succeed in life is something that I have always wanted to do.”

CIS Board Chair 

Ms. Roman McCool is the Owner of Farmers Insurance of Rome.

She has served on the CIS Board of Directors since 2018.  

“This year makes my third year serving on the CIS Board. I first want to thank Greg (Wooten) for considering me for this position. He reached out to me and I am so glad he did because I had been searching for a meaning way to give back to my community through our school systems. Mentoring was something that I considered and when Greg came to me with a proposal to join the Board, I was thrilled and humbled to be considered for the position. I have enjoyed working with Communities in Schools and the mission to support the education of students in our area. We work to play a role in the lives of students directly through our mentorship program and even providing resources to them. We all come together to identify the areas of opportunity to make an impact and Greg does a wonderful job of identifying those specific needs. I never feel like it is my responsibility alone because of the involvement of our Board. I have always felt this is a group effort and I am so proud of the goals we are able to accomplish.

Ms. Powers-Smith is  

President of the Rome Floyd Chamber of Commerce.

"The Chamber has had a long history of a great relationship with CIS, and we’re happy to continue that as I take on this new board position. The Chamber strongly believes in a strong education because that will ultimately create a strong community and workforce, so it’s a good fit for us to learn about all the things that CIS does on a regular basis. I’ve been so impressed with Greg and what CIS is doing for our community and am so thankful that we have this organization in our community."

Ms. Emma Wells is the Floyd County Solid Waste Director. The Rome-Floyd Recycling Center falls under my umbrella of supervision.

"CIS is a wonderful organization that I am thankful to play a small part in!  I first became involved with CIS through their annual Cardboard Challenge. This program tied together my interests with educating students about recycling and reimagining new products, and my background in Environmental Education. (I formerly served as a biologist at the Rome-Floyd ECO Center.) I love how the challenge encourages students to literally think outside the box, and know there are no limits on what they can dream up!

Communities in Schools is exactly what their name says, an opportunity to get communities into schools. They provide a wonderful bridge between schools and partner organizations that allow us all to be more effective in serving our local students and their families. CIS provides Rome and Floyd County students with a link to their future, and support for their present."