Board of Directors

Dr. Amos Harvey

Board Chair, Bridge The Gap, Inc.

Archbishop Dr. Amos Harvey Jr., PhD, is a native of Jacksonville, Florida, and the son of the late Amos Harvey Sr. and Mrs. Mildred Evans Harvey. He is the proud father of three children—Krystal Kay, Karlisa Kenyetta, and Amos Kouvaris Harvey III—and grandfather of five.

Dr. Harvey accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior on New Year’s Eve in 1977 and was called into ministry in June 1981. He preached his initial sermon at Refuge Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ under Bishop L. Edwards Sr.

In 2003, Dr. Harvey founded In the Trenches Ministries, Inc. He was ordained Bishop in 2008, elevated to Titular Archbishop in 2009, and appointed Co-Adjutor Archbishop in 2010.

A gifted preacher, teacher, speaker, and leader, Dr. Harvey has traveled extensively, conducting conferences, workshops, and seminars while serving in numerous ecclesiastical, community, and advisory positions. His ministry reflects his passion for serving God and His people.

Dr. Harvey’s favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Christopher Smith, MBA

Treasurer, Bridge The Gap, Inc.

Christopher Smith is a healthcare finance leader with more than 15 years of experience in financial planning, analysis, and provider compensation. Throughout his career, he has supported strategic decision-making, financial stewardship, and operational excellence within the healthcare industry.

Chris serves in a finance leadership role with Baptist Health, where he provides expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and performance management. His work helps support sound financial practices and long-term organizational sustainability.

He earned a Bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of North Florida and a Master of Business Administration from Jacksonville University.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, Chris is committed to mentoring and community engagement. He has volunteered through Baptist Health's Tipping the Scale program, a partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America that connects students from underserved Jacksonville communities with professionals who provide guidance and career development support.

As Treasurer of Bridge the Gap, Inc., Chris brings valuable financial expertise and strategic insight to the Board of Directors, helping advance the organization's mission of serving individuals and families throughout the Brentwood community and surrounding areas.

Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter and enjoys golfing whenever time allows.

Dr. James "Jim" Clower, MD

Board Member & Garden Director, Bridge The Gap, Inc.

Dr. James "Jim" Clower is a retired physician, healthcare executive, and dedicated community volunteer whose career has been defined by service, leadership, and a commitment to improving lives.

A graduate of Tulane University with a degree in Psychology, Dr. Clower served as a commissioned officer and pilot in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1973, attaining the rank of Captain. He later earned his Doctor of Medicine degree and completed his Family Practice residency at the University of Florida in 1984.

After relocating to Jacksonville, Dr. Clower spent more than 30 years practicing family medicine while building long-term relationships with patients and families throughout the community. He also served as Chief Medical Officer for Baptist Primary Care from 2001 to 2020, providing leadership in physician recruitment, professional development, strategic planning, organizational change, and healthcare operations. He retired from Baptist Primary Care in 2024.

Since 2020, Dr. Clower has volunteered with Bridge the Gap, Inc., where he helped establish and expand the organization's community garden initiative to support food security efforts in Brentwood and surrounding communities. He has served as Garden Director since the garden's inception, joined the Board of Directors in 2022, and served as Board Chair from 2023 to 2026.

An avid gardener, Dr. Clower also enjoys cooking, exercise, fishing, and travel. He continues to bring his passion for service, leadership, and community well-being to the organizations and causes he supports.

Debra A. Brown, LCSW

Board Member, Bridge The Gap, Inc.

Debra A. Brown is a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a distinguished career dedicated to serving individuals, families, and communities through advocacy, support, and professional social work practice.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Debra earned both her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees from Temple University. She began her career working with teenage parents and at-risk youth before transitioning into medical social work in Atlanta, Georgia, where she served children, adolescents, and families facing complex healthcare challenges. During this time, she earned her clinical licensure in social work.

Later in her career, Debra relocated to Florida and served as Southeast Regional Coordinator for a national social work staffing organization. In this leadership role, she recruited and placed professional social workers throughout Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, and Florida, supporting healthcare and human service organizations across the region.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Debra has served on various boards in both the public and private sectors, contributing her expertise in human services, leadership, and community engagement.

As a member of the Board of Directors for Bridge the Gap, Inc., Debra brings decades of experience in social services, advocacy, and community support. Her commitment to helping others continues to strengthen the organization's mission of serving individuals and families throughout the Brentwood community and surrounding areas.

Debra is the proud mother of one son and a devoted grandmother of three grandchildren. She remains passionate about service, community well-being, and creating opportunities that improve the lives of others.

Shirley James

Board Member, Bridge The Gap, Inc.

With more than 25 years of experience in Human Resources, leadership development,

coaching, and organizational effectiveness, Shirley brings a unique blend of professional

expertise and real-life wisdom to the people and communities she serve. She holds a

Bachelor of Science degree in Education and has completed advanced graduate-level

studies in Human Resource Management.

In her free time, Shirley enjoys gardening, community service, and empowering others to

live intentionally and with purpose.

E. Lanier Drew, Esq.

Board Member, Bridge The Gap, Inc.

Lanier serves as Deputy General Counsel for Baptist Health System, Inc. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics and received her Juris Doctorate from University of Florida College of Law.

Lanier is a member of the American Health Lawyers Association, Florida Bar Association, and the Jacksonville Bar Association. She previously served on the Board of Directors of Girls on the Run Northeast Florida, Inc. and The Spina Bifida Association of Jacksonville, Inc. In her spare time, she enjoys coaching children in various sports, volunteering in community events and keeping fit.

She qualified for the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Marathon trials and was recently inducted into the Trinity College Athletic Hall of Fame for her participation in five sports during her collegiate athletic career.

Syrita McNeill

Board Member, Bridge The Gap, Inc.

Syrita McNeill is an experienced administrative and operations leader with more than 20 years of expertise in office management, project management, customer service, and organizational leadership. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her ability to build effective systems, lead teams, and support organizational success.

A native of South Carolina, Syrita began her professional career in human resources, customer service, and emergency services before advancing into leadership roles in business operations and administration. Her diverse experience has equipped her with strong skills in problem-solving, communication, project coordination, and organizational management.

Syrita currently serves as Event Manager for the Ritz Theatre & Museum, where she combines her operational expertise with a passion for arts, education, and community engagement. She has also facilitated workshops and educational programs, sharing knowledge and fostering learning opportunities for diverse audiences.

As a member of the Board of Directors for Bridge the Gap, Inc., Syrita brings valuable experience in administration, event management, and community service. Her leadership and commitment to excellence help support the organization's mission of serving individuals and families throughout the Brentwood community and surrounding areas.

Guided by her personal motto, "Every day is a bonus," Syrita approaches life and service with gratitude, optimism, and a dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others.