Unity Church of Dallas - Board of Directors

The board is a team that guides the church spiritually and financially. While the work of the board often involves budgets, personnel and facilities, the board members also sign a pledge to support the church through their tithes, their prayers, and their commitment to apply Unity principles to any situation.

If you wish to contact any board member, please send an email to boarddir@unitydallas.org.

Executive Board Members
Randy Smith, President
Regina Nobles, Vice President
John Cole, Treasurer
Mark Rummel, Secretary
Rev. Karen Epps, Senior Minister

Board Profiles

Amandla Abdellatif

Professional Background
I am currently Director of Engineering Services at Taqua, LLC. Have been involved in all aspects of telecommunications for over 20 years ranging from Systems Test, Software Develop, and Customer Support. B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Physics from NC A&T State University, MBA from Duke University - Fuqua School of Business and Certification in Object Oriented Development & Methodology (C++) from Georgia Institute of Technology.

Unity Church Volunteering
I started out as a teacher in the pre-school with my wife Kelly. I later migrated to the bookstore and have been there ever since. I work as a cashier, help people select books, hold discussions on topics, and any other services needed; helped revitalize the bookstore.

Vision for the Church
My vision as a Board member is to foster more community involvement among our members and to increase African American awareness of Unity principles and attract more families. We are poised, I firmly believe, to transform this community and the world at large. People are ready for something different - something that sojourns with their Mind and Spirit and Heart. If you can get people to take that first step and choose a different path on their own volition, they will soak up Unity principles. My vision is to show that path and illuminate it for people to see so they can take that first step.

John Cole

Professional Background
In 1984 I started Infopoint Systems, Inc. after the folding of the start-up computer company that brought me to Dallas. I have been involved in every aspect of software and systems development, from compilers and operating systems to application programs, have done technical writing, and am a member of the computer science faculty at University of Texas at Dallas.
Unity Church Volunteering
I have attended UCD since 1987. Following are some of my areas of service: Taught in Children’s Church 1987 through 1996; ran Boy Scout Troop 13 for its 9 years’ existence; godfather of unitydallas.org Web site and still own the domain name; chaired the Bylaws Committee in 1994; participated in all-church clean-ups, worked in rose gardens; served on Board 1998 through 2002; have been on the Finance Committee since 1995; member of the EFA Committee (term ends April 2008) and am currently chair of the Ministerial Search Committee.

Vision For the Church
I have often said that UCD is a better school than church but I view all teaching as sacred activity. My vision involves expanding the reach of our teachings well beyond our walls and to see our church become more of a community, providing opportunities to meet beyond just the Sunday services and classes.

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Debra Emmert

Professional Background
The majority of my professional life has been in sales. I have been a Business Development Manager for the last 13 years in the environmental remediation. In addition, I am an Account Representative for several major petroleum companies, and am also involved in development of our marketing materials, website and trade show participation.

Unity Church Volunteering
Newcomers Class - Teacher
Core Class - Asst. Teacher/admin. duties
Senior Minister Search Team - 2007-2008
Vision Campaign - Mini Cooper Raffle
Selected volunteer activities: North Texas Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Holiday Food Drive, Christmas in July, Hurricane Katrina victims, Creekside on Forest, Deepak Chopra, Conversations with God.

Vision for the Church
Unity Church of Dallas has the potential of reaching out to large bodies of people in our community and beyond. Our message of prosperity consciousness and positive affirmations will resonate with many, especially during this time of economic challenge. I see UCD developing an Ambassador program, with a team extending our message to the community. Truthfully, I think our possibilities are endless!

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Lu Gaston
Professional Background
My first career included teaching English, Spanish and journalism as well as writing curriculum for the Dallas Independent School District. After 11 years in education, I accepted the challenge of a radical career change to become a multiline insurance agent. Sales and service were perfect fits for me for the next 24 years. The pleasures of retirement I now enjoy are enhanced by the precious memories of my working years and by the sheer joy of having time to pay back and to pay forward the treasures entrusted to me.
Unity Church Volunteering
My favorite volunteer activities include serving as coordinator of Caring Circle, ushering at the 9 am service, serving as discussion leader for small group study, participating on the board selection committee in 2007, and assisting with the Core Membership classes.
Vision for the Church
My vision for Unity Church of Dallas is for us to provide an open and loving environment for all who seek a spiritual path. As we honor all paths to God, we will provide opportunities for the development of a personal and conscious awareness of divine Spirit. Unity Church of Dallas will be a learning place and a home for everyone who seeks to behold and honor the Christ spirit in all people.

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Regina Nippert

Professional Background
I practiced architecture for 10 years before making my way to the not-for-profit world where I have served for almost 20 years, specializing in affordable housing development, project finance and organizational visioning and management.

Church Volunteering
The chief volunteer opportunity I have found is as sponsor of the YOU program, and I am in the kitchen most Sundays with Common Grounds.

Vision for the Church
My vision for UCD is that it be a welcoming and joyful church that speaks for peace at a time when the world badly needs peacemakers.

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Randy Smith

Professional Background
I have 20 years’ human resources experience and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Louisiana Tech University. As Principal, Employee Relations, I have responsibility for employee and manager coaching and development, performance management, conflict resolution, employment compliance, policy and process design/implementation, and transitioning teams through change. I have also led HR initiatives related to mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.

Church Volunteering
I have served as the Vision Campaign co-chair, as past leader of UCD’s outreach and as current leader of membership programs including and facilitating the new member Core classes. I have worked with Katrina and tsunami relief efforts, food, blanket and shoe drives, as an usher/greeter, home study group host, and setting up the garage sale. My personal favorite: leading the “adoption” of red wagons for Scottish Rite Hospital and coordinating the raffle of “Ruby”, a 2006 red Mini Cooper convertible.

Vision For the Church
I rarely leave church without saying, “Wow, I am grateful for that experience!” My vision is that all people are eagerly welcomed and embraced and that each one of us on this journey knows and expresses God in unique and imaginative ways. I hold the vision that UCD and you, together, will create “wow” experiences in your spiritual life.

NANCY LITTLE, Ph.D., LPC

After 17 years of active membership and service in multiple volunteer roles, I see Unity Church of Dallas poised on the precipice of one of the most exciting and pivotal times in the church’s history. As a Sacred Conversations Listener, I feel a true sense of ownership in living and implementing the ideals woven into UCD’s new vision, mission, and core values statements.

I have devoted time to many varied service roles at UCD, including serving as a Kindred Spirits Board member and organizer, and facilitator for a Regional Adults of Unity (AOU) Conference. I currently co-facilitate the Women’s Partners in Believing group, provide prayer support as a fourth-year chaplain and pastoral care team member, and conduct educational programs to meet the spiritual needs of UCD members. During the last year, I have been enrolled in local and on-line Unity Spiritual Education and Enrichment (SEE) classes to achieve my goal of becoming a Licensed Unity Teacher.

I hold a Ph.D. in Counseling from the University of North Texas and have more than 25 years of experience in higher education settings. I utilize my clinical skills as a licensed professional counselor to create informative and entertaining classes and workshops on issues related to spirituality, wellness, self-care, and life transitions.

KEVA WARD

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Oklahoma Christian University. I have performed marketing and project management functions for various industries, but primarily in the Environmental Engineering field. For the past ten years I have been working for AT&T in its North Texas Construction & Engineering group.

In the past several years, I’ve been privileged to serve on the Board of Directors of a Dallas church and of a non-profit fund raising organization, both of which were life-changing experiences. Helping people realize the best in themselves and their communities has long been a passion of mine.

Part of realizing the best in ourselves comes from volunteering our time, talents and treasures, and there is no better place to volunteer than Unity Church of Dallas. I’ve been blessed to have served in a few areas, including Common Grounds, Habitat for Humanity builds, grounds keeping, and as a Prayer Chaplain. Most recently I was honored to serve on the Advisory Team for our Season of Sacred Conversation. I am thankful daily for the impact that UCD has on my life and the lives of everyone in our community.

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