BVSJ is governed by a volunteer board of directors with expertise spanning military service, finance, law, labor relations, and community development. Our board provides strategic oversight and fiduciary accountability for all programs and operations serving veterans and their families across New York City.
Wendy Charece McClinton is a native daughter of NYC, where she was reared and received her formal education. While attending college at New York Institute of Technology, she decided to join the United States Army and served for a decade. This decorated Veteran served during the Desert Storm Persian Gulf Era.
So much can be said about the individual who is naturally gifted intellectually, works diligently, and has committed herself to the pursuit of excellence. Numerous citations and awards mark her tenure with the military, Black Veterans for Social Justice, Inc., the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS) and the National Association of Black Military Women (NABMW).
As an Administrator, her leadership and management skills gave way to her prolific role as President/CEO of Black Veterans for Social Justice. As a result of her sterling reputation for professionalism and devotion to duty, she was appointed as the National Vice Commander for the National Association of Black Veterans (NABVETS).
This complicated and challenging position encompassed the overall responsibility for furthering Veterans’ services while galvanizing and organizing Veterans throughout the Eastern Region of the United States. Currently, Ms. McClinton serves as a member of the NYC Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Board and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans.
This patriot is very proud of her years of service and discipline in the Army as well. She was assigned to the United States Army Information Systems Command Pentagon, Washington DC, the 118th District Postal Unit, Pusan, Korea, and the 25th Infantry Division Light Mechanized, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Wendy is a graduate of the United States Army Logistical Management College.
Wendy earned her B.A. in Theology from the Andersonville Baptist Seminary. A Master of Arts in Theology was bestowed upon her in June 2006 when she graduated from the Rehoboth Theological Institute in Brooklyn, NY. She received certification from Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Leadership Program in Not-for-Profit Management and in October of 2022, Wendy was conferred with the title of Doctor of Humanities for her life experiences and her unwavering service to veterans, their families and the community.
Most view Wendy as the go-to person. She is a doting community servant who is a genius at organizing and motivating others.
ISAAC SUGGS was educated in NYC Public School system; Graduate of (HBCU) Bowie State College (BS, Business Admin, 1974). Married (Dolores). Father of two adult Sons; grandfather of 5. Currently employed as Director of Transportation (Fleet Manager) for the NYC Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene; previously employed as Admin. Officer/Ass’t Fleet Manager, Fleet Management Administration (DC Gov’t); Admin Officer for the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development (DC Gov’t); Admin. Officer for the Office of the Inspector General (DC Gov’t); Active Duty Helicopter Pilot (DC Army National Guard); VP, Med-Dent Professional Consultants; Citizen Participation Coordinator (Metropolitan Washington Council of Gov’t); Secretary, Kiwanis Club of Georgia Ave. (Wash. DC).
JAY ELLIS is a founding member of a global loyalty and technology firm where he focuses on sales and global client management. He also has over 13 years in retail and corporate banking, with expertise in strategic client management and senior leadership roles in developing and managing progressive multi-level sales forces. He has a B.S. in Economics from the University of San Francisco.
Additionally, Jay is a Veteran of the United States Army. He proudly served as an Artilleryman during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm with 3rd Armored Division from Hanau, Germany and is highly decorated having received three army commendations and three army achievement medals.
Andre LeGall enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on January 3, 1991, and served until June 1998. He achieved the rank of Sergeant (E-5) with the 6th Communication Battalion, 4th Marine Division and specialized as a Field Radio Operator (MOS 2531).
Mr. LeGall’s dedication to serving his country did not end with an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps; in fact, it extended into a career with the New York Police Department (NYPD), where he served in Patrol Borough Brooklyn North. He successfully attained the rank of Detective in the Organized Crime Control Bureau.
Mr. LeGall’s dedication to helping others extends far beyond his fraternal commitments. He is a Certified First Responder for Mental Health for Veterans and the community, providing crucial support and care to those in need.
Throughout his life, Mr. LeGall has consistently and passionately dedicated himself to serving his country, State, and City, always striving to make a positive impact and assisting others in any way he can. This unwavering commitment to service defines who Mr. LeGall is and drives his ongoing efforts to support and uplift his community.
