BONNIE MICHELLE CANNON
Executive Director
Bonnie Michelle Cannon is a pioneer of leadership. The first African-American women to be elected to the Southampton Board of Trustees, she currently serves on the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission and as chair of the Town of Southampton Housing Authority. A recipient of the Southampton Village Citizenship Award, she has also served on the Southampton Village Cultural Center Board and the Southampton Village Planning Commission. She is the co-founder of the East End African-American Museum and Center of Excellence and Coordinator for Neighborhood Community Meetings.
A graduate of Howard University with a degree in Computer Management Information Systems, Cannon spent 20 years in Regional and Senior Staff management positions at Verizon and has been Executive Director of the Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center since 2007.
PAUL JEFFERS JR.
Chairman
Paul Jeffers, Jr. is the Chairman of the Center’s board. His first job was at the Center more than 35 years ago. Before that he had been the president of the Teen Center in Bridgehampton. He has lived his entire life in Bridgehampton and has always been an activist for his community. Paul is dedicated to the Center and the community that it serves.
DAN RATTINER
Vice President
Dan Rattiner is vice president of the Center's Board. He is the Founder and President of Dan's Papers, LLC, a popular newspaper that has branched out into events, entertainment and a grand online presence. He is also the author of fourteen books, the most recent "In The Hamptons 4Ever", published by the State University of New York Press.
ARLEAN VANSLYKE
Secretary
Arlean Vanslyke had been a tutor at the Center many years ago for adults learning to read. She has now retired after 35 years at the Brookhaven National Laboratory and has joined the board at the Center. She has lived in Southampton most of her life and attended Suffolk Community College. A member of the First Baptist Church in Bridgehampton where she was active. (Primary Sunday School teacher, President of the Women’s Guild and Director of Christian Education) -- she knows and loves the community and children. She was executive secretary for the local chapter of the NAACP and a BSA Troop Den Mother.
JERLEAN HOPSON
Treasurer
Jerlean Hopson worked at a small manufacturing company in Sag Harbor for 46 years, starting as Payroll Clerk and retiring as Human Resources Director. Her family moved to Southampton when she was 3 years old but otherwise has lived her entire life in town and attended Suffolk Community College. A member of the First Baptist Church in Bridgehampton, she knows and loves the community. She was previously a Cub Scout Den Mother and is now the Assistant Treasurer for the local chapter of the NAACP.
ROGER BLAUGH
Board of Directors Member
Roger Blaugh was born and raised in the "Great Lakes State". He grew up in a resort community very much like his beloved Southampton, where he has enjoyed a home for over 30 years. After attending the Royal Academy and Trinity College in London, Roger moved to New York and began a career on Wall Street. In the 20 years that followed, he made his mark in the specialty field of real estate syndications. His background is in finance, real estate, marketing and sales. His interests are in community service, environmental stewardship, local politics, boating, travel and cooking. Roger has served on the Center’s board for five years.
DR. FLORENCE ROLSTON
Board of Directors Member
Dr. Florence Rolston of Southampton recently joined the Board of Directors of BHCCRC. She is an obstetrician-gynecologist in private practice. She has served as an advisor to the North Fork Breast Health Coalition and as a former member of the vestry of St. John's Episcopal Church. She is currently a director of Southampton Hospital and a volunteer with Raphael Medical Missions. She has a particular interest in girl’s education, especially in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
REV. TISHA DIXON WILLIAMS
Board of Directors Member
Reverend Tisha Williams is a proud product of Brooklyn, NY. She currently serves as the Sr. Pastor Elect of the First Baptist Church of Bridgehampton. She answered the divine call of sharing Christ with the world in June 2008 and was licensed as a preacher and teacher of the Gospel in October of the same year. Reverend Williams was ordained in October 2014. “Reverend Tish” as she is affectionately known, has a servant’s heart and is passionate about ministry and the work that God has called her to do. She has a special heart for God’s people and a passion for new believers, young adults and women's ministry.
REV. JEROME WALKER
Board of Directors Member
Rev. Jerome Walker is a minister of the Southampton Baptist Church. He serves as the Chaplain for the Bridgehampton Fire Department. He and his family are lifelong residents of Southampton. Jerome’s son is a Center alumni and is currently attending college. Jerome joined the board of the Center many years ago.