Meet the driving force behind catalyst for renewal
Our team's diverse backgrounds and collective experience in the non-profit sector ensure our students receive unparalleled support and guidance. We are driven by the core value of collaboratively improving our community.
Askari Hinton-Founder & Executive Director
Askari Hinton is a logistics professional and community development leader with extensive experience in transportation, workforce development, and economic revitalization. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Blue Goose Community Development and Catalyst for Renewal, organizations focused on creating sustainable career pathways in logistics for underserved and justice-impacted populations. Mr. Hinton specializes in employer-aligned training models, public-private partnerships, and scalable workforce solutions that strengthen communities while meeting industry demand.
Alan Dyson-Board Member | Project Management & Construction Leadership
Alan Dyson is a highly experienced construction and development professional with more than 25 years of expertise in commercial and residential construction, design coordination, and large-scale project management. He brings a strong technical foundation combined with strategic oversight across all phases of development, from early concept through project delivery.
Mr. Dyson’s professional background includes leadership roles in conceptual and schematic design, project development, design-team selection and management, construction oversight, conflict resolution, and problem solving. He has successfully contributed to a diverse portfolio of projects, including medical facilities, retail and restaurant developments, worship centers, entertainment venues, financial institutions, industrial facilities, residential communities, and motion picture and audio sound-stage developments.
As a Board Member of Blue Goose Community Development, Mr. Dyson provides critical guidance on development strategy, construction quality, and operational execution. His depth of experience and disciplined approach strengthen the organization’s capacity to deliver sustainable, high-quality community revitalization projects aligned with long-term economic and cultural goals.
Felicia Hines -Board Member | Workforce Development & Training Leadership
Felicia Hines is a seasoned workforce development leader with over 22 years of experience designing and leading employment and training programs that support underserved, justice-involved, and housing-unstable individuals. She is known for building strong employer partnerships, scalable workforce systems, and data-driven career pipelines that lead to lasting economic mobility.
As Career Services Advisor for National Technical Institute (NTI) – Houston, Felicia provides strategic leadership over employer engagement, job placement, apprenticeship partnerships, and post-graduation retention across multiple campuses. Her work directly supports graduate success and strengthens alignment between industry and education.
Felicia previously served as Director of Employment Services at SER-Jobs for Progress of the Texas Gulf Coast, where she led multi-funded workforce initiatives, federal grant compliance, performance management, and cross-functional teams. She has also held leadership roles with SER/TXRX Labs and First Step Staffing, expanding nonprofit staffing and workforce solutions in construction, logistics, manufacturing, warehousing, and hospitality.
She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Communication and is completing a Master of Science in Human Resource Development at the University of Houston. Felicia is deeply committed to advancing equitable access to career pathways, strengthening workforce systems, and creating sustainable opportunities for communities to thrive.
Evelyn Garrison-Board Member | Nonprofit & Homeless Services Leader
Evelyn Garrison is a nonprofit and homeless services leader based in Des Moines, Iowa, with extensive experience supporting individuals and families experiencing housing instability. She has held senior leadership roles at The Bridge Home and other nonprofit organizations, where she provided oversight of shelter operations, client services, and community partnerships. Ms. Garrison is recognized for her compassionate leadership, operational expertise, and commitment to advancing effective, dignity-centered solutions for vulnerable populations.
Arthur Gilmore Jr.-Board Member | Attorney & Public Service Leader
Arthur Gilmore Jr. is an accomplished attorney and public servant with more than two decades of experience in law, municipal governance, and public administration. His career reflects a deep commitment to public service, legal integrity, and community leadership.
Mr. Gilmore practiced as an Attorney at Law in private practice for nearly 45 years, advising and representing clients across a broad range of legal matters. His legal career provided a strong foundation in statutory interpretation, regulatory compliance, and advocacy, equipping him with a practical and disciplined approach to governance and organizational oversight.
In addition to his private practice, Mr. Gilmore served for over 16 years as an elected City Councilman for the City of Monroe, representing more than 10,000 residents in District 3. During his tenure, he played a key role in enacting, adopting, and amending municipal laws and ordinances; establishing and approving annual budgets; levying taxes and assessments; authorizing municipal borrowing; regulating service rates; and overseeing the acquisition, leasing, and disposition of city-owned properties. His leadership contributed to fiscal stewardship, policy development, and long-term planning for the City of Monroe.
Mr. Gilmore also served as an Assistant District Attorney for Ouachita Parish, where he prosecuted child support and paternity cases in courts and before governmental agencies. In this role, he analyzed legal and financial data, evaluated case outcomes based on legal precedent, and worked to ensure fair and just enforcement of the law.
As a Board Member, Arthur Gilmore Jr. brings extensive legal knowledge, legislative experience, and public-sector insight that strengthen governance, compliance, and strategic decision-making in support of the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability.
Experience that makes a difference
Each team member brings years of experience in the non-profit sector to Catalyst for Renewal. We have collectively contributed to numerous successful projects, demonstrating our ability to drive meaningful change and impact in the community. This extensive experience translates into effective strategies and solutions for our students.
Committed to community improvement
Our core value is collectively thinking of new ways to improve our community. We demonstrate this by consistently seeking innovative approaches and solutions to address local challenges. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures our students receive the most relevant and impactful education, empowering them to become catalysts for renewal in their own communities.
"The team at Catalyst for Renewal is truly dedicated. Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to community improvement are inspiring!"
A grateful student