Leadership
Lamar Sales, originally from South Carolina, is a distinguished individual with a remarkable military background. He is a two-time Bronze Star veteran, having served with honor in both Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Lamar’s commitment to service is exemplified by his decade-long tenure in the military.
A proud Eagle Scout and alumnus of The Citadel, Lamar graduated as a 4-year football letterman, showcasing not only his dedication to academics but also his athleticism and teamwork. Following his illustrious military career, Lamar retired and pursued further education, earning an executive MBA from the University of Texas in San Antonio and serves as executive in the banking field.
Lamar Sales is a leader with a wealth of experience, embodying qualities of discipline, resilience, and a commitment to excellence in his military, financial and academic endeavors.
Delia Sales, a San Antonio resident, is a fervent advocate for education and community empowerment. She holds a Master’s in Adult Education and Training, and currently focuses on mentorship of both youth and young adults she has devoted two decades to her community.
As the co-founder of “The Ordinary,” a non-profit organization promoting inclusivity, Delia merges her commitment to adult education and philanthropy to foster positive community impact, support and progress.
A trailblazer in finance, Delia has made an enduring impact on families across North and South America. Her leadership spans financial literacy, education, and social responsibility, driving towards a more equitable and informed society.
Delia Sales continues to inspire those around her, bridging the worlds of finance, education, and social responsibility to create a more equitable and informed society.
Cory Cousins, a resident of Stafford, Virginia earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Marketing from Virginia State University. He honorably served in the U.S. Army for over 20 years where he demonstrated his unwavering commitment to service and effective leadership in foreign environments during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Inherent Resolve resulting in him receiving two Bronze Star Medals. Cory, also earned a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Liberty University in 2012. After his distinguished 20-year military career, Cory turned his focus to Program Management, specializing in product delivery and strategic support to senior executives.
Beyond his professional achievements, Cory harbors a profound passion for mentorship and service. He actively engages in mentoring others, sharing his wealth of experience to foster growth and development. Cory continues to embody the core values instilled during his military service, making significant contributions to both his professional and personal communities.
Latrice Mitchell, Ph.D. with 20 years of experience in youth and community development through sport, physical education, and wellness, Dr. Latrice Mitchell is a dedicated advocate for community well-being at both local and national levels. Her contributions include impactful roles within renowned non-profit organizations such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, and local Boys & Girls Clubs across Georgia, Indiana, and Texas.
Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Mitchell earned an undergraduate degree in health promotion and business management from Coastal Carolina University, where she excelled as the captain of the Track & Field team. She obtained a master’s degree in kinesiology from Georgia Southern University, with a research focus on implementing and evaluating programs that support youth health and fitness. Dr. Mitchell holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Texas at Austin, with research focusing on gender equity in sport policies and programs, exploring their impact on providing athletics opportunities for Black women and girls.
Currently serving as the Assistant Vice President and Impact Finance Project Manager at U.S. Bancorp, Dr. Mitchell seamlessly translates her passion for community development into the realm of impact finance. Her wealth of experience and expertise continues to drive positive change in the community development financial sector.
Julian West, born in the tight knit community of Lansing, Michigan, and raised with a foot in two diverse cities, Lansing, MI and Florence, South Carolina, Julian has always been inspired by the richness of varied cultures and the potential within.
A proud alumnus of the historical Wilson High School in Florence, SC, Julian excelled in both academics and athletics, embodying the school’s spirit of high achievement, paving the way for an opportunity as a four-year starter and letterman at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, in Charleston, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2005.
Following his passion for leadership and community involvement, Julian embarked on a successful career in Sales & Marketing, working for Wells Fargo, Merrill Lynch, and Marriott were he earned numerous awards for sales excellence and leadership. Currently in his role as a Life & Health Insurance Agent, Julian has become a trusted advisor to small and medium-sized businesses, guiding them through the complexities of insurance with the same dedication and enthusiasm he brings to all his endeavors.
Julian finds joy and purpose in mentoring kids through sports, with a particular emphasis on youth football. Recognizing the transformative power of sports education, he established an annual camp in the US Virgin Islands, where he now resides with his wife, three kids, and two dogs.
Robert Fike, a native of Illinois, moved to San Antonio in 2006 and immediately joined the Spurs Family. With 18+ years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge to his work which includes marketing, writing, design, and storytelling, skills that he leverages to support the vision and goals of organizations like the PetroOps Foundation. His leadership style is characterized by creative collaboration, empathetic relationship-building, and a dedication to strategic and transparent communication.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Robert demonstrated his commitment to serving others at the San Antonio Food Bank, where he contributed to efforts to address food insecurity. His involvement during this critical time helped support the distribution of food to a significant number of individuals, with weekly numbers reaching as high as 120,000 people. His food distribution videos were also featured as key media for CNN and multiple nationally televised news networks during the pandemic.
Currently serving as the Director of Marketing Communications at SAMMinistries, he utilizes his expertise in communications to drive impactful change and community activism. His role involves strategizing and implementing communication initiatives to further the organization’s mission of serving the community.
Robert’s approach to communication is guided by integrity, ensuring that his interactions and messaging align with the core values of the organizations he serves. His ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and engage diverse audiences makes him an asset in driving positive change within the nonprofit sector.