Your Board & Team

Bernard Lawler

Bernard Lawler serves as Chairman of Steele Creek Community Place. He moved to Charlotte, NC, in October 2021 after retiring from a 30-year career with the State of Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services, where he was Program Manager in Child Welfare. Prior to relocating, Bernard also served a term as Flint City Councilman, taught at Davenport University and Baker College, and was an associate minister at Foss Avenue Baptist Church in Flint, Michigan for over 20 years. He is now a member of St. Paul Baptist Church in Charlotte and enjoys actively supporting the Steele Creek community.

Larry Goldman

Larry Goldman serves as a board member and Treasurer for Steele Creek Community Place. After a 45-year career in the IT and telecommunications industry, where he founded and led a successful consultancy, Larry now dedicates his time to community service. In addition to his role with SCCP, he leads the Christ the King food pantry. A longtime resident of Steele Creek, Larry enjoys spending time with his wife and staying active with his four grandchildren.

Craig Bollinger

Craig Bollinger serves as a Board Member and Secretary for Steele Creek Community Place. He is the lead pastor of Christ the King Church in the Steele Creek area, where he has dedicated over 30 years to enhancing the lives of community members. Craig is passionate about bridging gaps in this diverse community, helping people find meaning and value through connection with others. He believes these relationships are key to transforming lives and meeting needs. In addition to his work with SCCP, Craig serves on the boards of the YMCA and Javesca Feeds. His commitment extends beyond the local community, as he is also involved in building and transforming communities in Africa and Guatemala. Craig and his wife, Marilyn, have three grown children and five grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys camping, biking, landscaping, and is driven by his passion for elevating and transforming lives.

Virginia Keogh

Virginia Wallace Keogh serves as a Board Member and Volunteer Coordinator for Steele Creek Community Place. She retired from United Parcel Service after a successful career as a Senior Customer Care Representative. A native Charlottean, Virginia is deeply involved in her community. She is the founder and president of the Southwest Area Neighborhood Coalition and also serves on the board of the Steele Creek Residents Association. Committed to improving Charlotte’s communities, Virginia has been recognized for her activism, including being named a Distinguished Certified Public Activist by the City of Charlotte (2005), co-chairing the City Bonds Committee (2006) by appointment from former Mayor Pat McCrory, and receiving a Trailblazer Award from the West Charlotte Senior High School National Alumni Association (2010). A graduate of West Charlotte Senior High School, she furthered her education at Johnson C. Smith University, Central Piedmont Community College, and the University of Phoenix. In her free time, Virginia is active in her church, enjoys swimming, and loves to travel.

Joi Mayo

​Joi Mayo is a passionate community leader and advocate for equitable development, serving as a Board member of Steele Creek Community Place. Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Joi earned an MA in History with a focus on African American studies from the College of Charleston. She moved to Charlotte in 2012 and has since been deeply involved in her community, serving as the HOA president of her Southwest Charlotte neighborhood. Joi is currently the Community Engagement Manager for a local nonprofit and serves as the Board Chair of Transforming Nations Ford, a community development organization. She is dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces for youth and underserved communities, fostering community development, and empowering marginalized groups through education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.

Jeanne Morel

Jeanne Morel is a dedicated Board Member and Website/Social Media Coordinator for Steele Creek Community Place, where she has volunteered since its inception. Originally from France, Jeanne is the Founder and President of Bienvenue Charlotte, a nonprofit promoting French culture and language, and has served as a Board Member and President of the French-American Chamber of Commerce of the Carolinas. With over 20 years of experience as a design expert, she has worked with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and small businesses. Jeanne is passionate about equity, nature protection, and community building, and is committed to raising her family in the peaceful environment of Steele Creek.

Craig Killen

Craig Killen serves as a Board Member for Steele Creek Community Place. Craig is a partner in a large national law firm, practicing in both North Carolina and South Carolina. He has the heart of a servant and a deep commitment to pro bono legal services. In part because Craig and his wife Jennifer are parishioners of Christ the King Church located in Steele Creek, Craig enjoys working to support the Steele Creek area. Craig is the proud father of two adult children. He is a graduate of Clemson University with a degree in electrical engineering and the University of South Carolina School of Law. In his free time, Craig enjoys tennis, travel, and learning anything new.

Alyssa Drown

Alyssa Drown joins Steele Creek Community Place as our Outreach and Operations Manager, bringing over 15 years of experience in sales and marketing across both the nonprofit sector and consumer packaged goods. Her diverse background has provided her with valuable skills in building relationships, driving engagement, and optimizing operations.

Having recently moved to the Steele Creek area with her dog, Brody, Alyssa is eager to contribute to the growth and success of the local community. When she’s not working to strengthen connections between the community and Steele Creek, Alyssa enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, and soaking up the sun. She is excited to be part of the Steele Creek team and looks forward to helping create a welcoming and vibrant space for all.