From his experience working in low income communities he recognized individuals needed work skills and education to advance their lives to self sufficiency which lead to his creation of NCUS TEC (Training & Education Center), providing nationally accredited programs and certifications through the State of Ohio Board of Career Colleges and Schools, and is dedicated to providing quality industry-specific certifications that effectively prepare adults for the workplace. Most recently, John has founded National Center for Urban Solutions (NCUS); a National Center provides innovative urban solutions to resolve urban issues.

As Chief Operating Officer, Malik R. Wilson leads the development of NCUS’s strategic programs and plans for serving the community. Mr. Wilson plays a key role in guiding the organization’s efforts to highlight current and emerging issues warranting attention. He directs NCUS Financials, which focuses on and proposes solutions to overcome financial challenges and risks to individuals and organizations. Mr. Wilson holds a Master’s of Business Administration with a focus in finance and organizational behavior from Keller. His financial background consists of managing accounts for corporations, non-profits and families. Mr. Wilson has over 10 years of experience in management where he specializes in implementing policies and procedures using a Six Sigma methodology. As a project manager, he increases revenues by eliminating wasteful processes and executing effective and efficient plans.

Vanessa P. Jester is a graduate of Ohio University, Athens, Ohio. In 1988, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the prestigious E. W. Scripps School of Journalism. Upon graduation, Ms. Jester continued to pursue her education at The Ohio State University where she focused on Business Administration while completing the Retail Banking Management program at National City Bank, Columbus, Ohio. After 10 years of service at National City, Ms. Jester was asked to assist with the establishment of a national temporary staffing agency, Remedy Intelligent Staffing. She joined the company in 1998 as the Regional Service Director. As the Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Jester strategically formulated the processes to develop the agency to become a nationally accredited secondary education institute. In 2007, she took the agency before The State Board of Career Colleges and Schools to approve TEACH TEC to award attending students with Certifications in various high growth industry training tracts.

Kristin M. Ward-Carter, MS is a two-time graduate of The Ohio State University. In 1993, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree and in 1996, Master of Science degree both in Human Ecology with an emphasis on adult education. While at The Ohio State University, she was distinguished as a Minority Prestigious Scholar for five years and won the Scholar of the Year Award. In 2007, she joined the NCUS family (formerly TEACH TEC) and was instrumental in getting the organization approved by the State of Ohio Board of Career Colleges and Schools through curriculum development. Ms. Carter’s time is devoted to grant writing, program development and management on local, state and federal levels, training curriculums, workshop facilitator and speaking engagements.

A Columbus, Ohio native, Robert L. Caldwell, Jr. has over twenty-five years of social service and community development experience. He is the founder or co-founder of several different social and human service initiatives including; The Faith Based Partnership Initiative, an innovative community development effort focused on seeking holistic solutions to the problems faced by underserved urban communities, and Break Dividing Walls, a series of workshops and learning experiences that address the issue of ethnic, racial, and economic bias in America. In 1991 he co-founded what is now NCUS (formerly TEACH), where he served as Executive Director of Operations, responsible for the supervision of three TEACH Service Centers. There he helped develop the R.O.W.T.EA.M.S. Program (Residents off Welfare Teaching Educating Achieving Motivating Success), which became the signature program for NCUS, and in 1997 won the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service in the State of Ohio.

Pam Duckett is the Vice President of Administrative Services. Pam is a graduate of The Ohio State University. She has nearly 25 years of experience in human resource, organizational management, contracting and granting writing. She is a certified Business Coach and has held numerous management level positions with large corporations. Her motto in life is “You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do” and nothing great was never achieved without enthusiasm. back to top