Our leadership team and board of directors are neighbors, parents, veterans, and public servants — united by a calling to restore lives across Edgecombe County, North Carolina. Meet the people stewarding every program, every dollar, and every relationship at Bridge Manifest CEC, Inc.
Executive leadership & board of directors
Founders, C-suite officers, and executive directors leading Bridge Manifest's recovery, veterans affairs, community affairs, cultural engagement, and youth development work.
Edward T. Powell
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
A servant's heart is rewarded every time a servant serves. Edward brings over 25 years of leadership training from Kingdom Empowerment Ministries under the tutelage of Senior Pastor Apostle Emma S. Dickens. He is currently enrolled in KEM International Bible College pursuing a degree in Divinity, serves as a Trainer at ECU Health Medical Center for Non-Violence Crisis Intervention, has 15 years mentoring in the North Carolina Public School System, and provides job coaching and career training as a Career Coach for Edgecombe County Public Schools.
Kendrick Lamont Everette Sr.
Chief Financial Officer
"Don't look down on a man unless you are picking him up." To restore men to their rightful places in oneself, the home, and the community — while encouraging men to be restored to God — is Kendrick's angle of outreach. Having raised boys to men and lost a son to gun violence, he is committed to connecting with fathers battling grief alone. He holds certifications in Business Process Improvement, Goal Setting, Harassment Prevention & Response, Diversity & Inclusion, Budget Management, and Six Sigma Yellow Belt.
Lakisha Everette
Chief Executive Administrator
Lakesia serves as Community Health Improvement Coordinator at ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital in Tarboro, NC — responsible for getting health information and resources into the community to create better health equity. A former Department of Social Services employee for 9 years, she has served senior citizens through program benefits, transportation, and meals-on-wheels coordination.
Willie Junior Gunter
Chief Operations Officer & Veterans Affairs
Willie served 8 years in the United States Marine Corps. After the Marine Corps, he returned to civilian life and built his career with PFPA beginning March 2002 as a HAZMAT Response Specialist. His heart's desire is to educate veterans on their options and avenues to success — making the pathway clear and easily accessible.
Baileigh Nicole Butler
Executive Director of Community Affairs
Baileigh serves the public through the NC Judicial Branch at the Edgecombe County Courthouse and brings years of experience as a volunteer firefighter and first responder. She is passionate about collaboration and building bridges between organizations, families, and community leaders.
Alexander Anthony
Executive Director of Risk Reduction Intervention & Youth Development
Alexander leads risk reduction, intervention, and youth development for Bridge Manifest — building pathways that keep young people safe, supported, and set up to thrive. His work bridges law enforcement experience with a heart for mentorship and prevention.
Jessica Suncin-Acevedo
Executive Director of Cultural Affairs, Translations & Community Engagement
Jessica leads cultural affairs, translations, and community engagement — ensuring every neighbor, regardless of language or background, has full access to Bridge Manifest's programs and a real seat at the table.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Edward T. Powell
A servant's heart is rewarded every time a servant serves. Edward brings over 25 years of leadership training from Kingdom Empowerment Ministries under the tutelage of Senior Pastor Apostle Emma S. Dickens. He is currently enrolled in KEM International Bible College pursuing a degree in Divinity, serves as a Trainer at ECU Health Medical Center for Non-Violence Crisis Intervention, has 15 years mentoring in the North Carolina Public School System, and provides job coaching and career training as a Career Coach for Edgecombe County Public Schools.
Chief Financial Officer
Kendrick Lamont Everette Sr.
"Don't look down on a man unless you are picking him up." To restore men to their rightful places in oneself, the home, and the community — while encouraging men to be restored to God — is Kendrick's angle of outreach. Having raised boys to men and lost a son to gun violence, he is committed to connecting with fathers battling grief alone. He holds certifications in Business Process Improvement, Goal Setting, Harassment Prevention & Response, Diversity & Inclusion, Budget Management, and Six Sigma Yellow Belt.
Chief Executive Administrator
Lakisha Everette
Lakesia serves as Community Health Improvement Coordinator at ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital in Tarboro, NC — responsible for getting health information and resources into the community to create better health equity. A former Department of Social Services employee for 9 years, she has served senior citizens through program benefits, transportation, and meals-on-wheels coordination.
Chief Operations Officer & Veterans Affairs
Willie Junior Gunter
Willie served 8 years in the United States Marine Corps. After the Marine Corps, he returned to civilian life and built his career with PFPA beginning March 2002 as a HAZMAT Response Specialist. His heart's desire is to educate veterans on their options and avenues to success — making the pathway clear and easily accessible.
Executive Director of Community Affairs
Baileigh Nicole Butler
Baileigh serves the public through the NC Judicial Branch at the Edgecombe County Courthouse and brings years of experience as a volunteer firefighter and first responder. She is passionate about collaboration and building bridges between organizations, families, and community leaders.
Executive Director of Risk Reduction Intervention & Youth Development
Alexander Anthony
Alexander leads risk reduction, intervention, and youth development for Bridge Manifest — building pathways that keep young people safe, supported, and set up to thrive. His work bridges law enforcement experience with a heart for mentorship and prevention.
Executive Director of Cultural Affairs, Translations & Community Engagement
Jessica Suncin-Acevedo
Jessica leads cultural affairs, translations, and community engagement — ensuring every neighbor, regardless of language or background, has full access to Bridge Manifest's programs and a real seat at the table.
Join our leadership community
We're always looking for board advisors, program directors, and volunteer leaders who share our calling. Email info@bridgemanifestcecinc.com or visit our volunteer page to get started.
