Urban Alliance Board of Directors

As Executive Director for the CT State Commission for Educational Technology (CET), Doug designs and manages strategic plans that ensure the successful integration of technology in Connecticut’s schools, libraries, universities, and towns. The CET oversees statewide programs such as its flagship research and education broadband network, the CEN.

Doug’s prior experience includes managing technology and security for a network of magnet schools that are helping to close the achievement gap between urban and suburban learners. He began his career as a middle school English teacher and brings a diversity of experience to every challenge — from managing online publications for the Smithsonian Institution to systems engineering for the U.S. House of Representatives and national security agencies. He holds a BA from the College of William & Mary, MA from Georgetown University, and MS from George Washington University. Doug has  been involved with Urban Alliance for may years, including as a volunteer. Outside of work, Doug enjoys time with family, mission work, and triathlon.

Anne is married and a retired mother of two adult daughters, one of whom is a teaching pastor in NYC and the other about to go out on her second overseas tour with the federal government. She and her husband recently became grandparents as well. Anne earned an MBA in Finance (1980) at The Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) and a BA in English (1975) from Duke University. Her work experience includes managing and negotiating direct equity participations as well as private and public bond offerings for Aetna and its oil and gas subsidiary (1980-1983), supervising claims and issuing policies for the National Flood Insurers Association (1975-1978), and serving as a senior branch administrator for Edward Jones, a national financial planning firm (2010-2019). She is currently the Prayer Chair for the Hartford area Community Bible Study class and has served on several committees at Valley Community Baptist Church, where she and her husband have attended for 42 years.

Rev. Dr. Michael David Bailey is the Co-Pastor of The First Cathedral. He is a creative leader and a critical and strategic thinker. He also is a prolific preacher and a cultural trendsetter for this generation. Doctor Bailey accepted a call to ministry and was ordained by the age of 19. At First Cathedral, he served as the Youth Pastor and Youth Director before becoming the Co-Pastor at the age of 31. Pastor Bailey not only has a high regard for the ministry but also a commitment to education. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. Pastor Bailey is also a philanthropist. He believes in contributing to the external community and the city at large he serves. For his philanthropic work, he has received city citations and proclamations being recognized in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Also, he has received many awards including Manchester Community College’s Black History Community Award and 100 Men of Color recognizing the contribution of men of color in business, education, entrepreneurship, government, service and the impact they have made in the lives of people throughout the State of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts communities. He serves globally as an Advisory Council Member for the Institute for the Study of the Black Christian Experience at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. He also serves locally as a Chaplain in the Hartford Police Department, an executive board member of the Greater Hartford Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and as an active executive committee member of the Greater Hartford Branch of the NAACP. He is a chosen, gifted and talented communicator of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But he takes pride in his marriage and family. He is a proud husband and father of two.

Samantha Holland is a Senior Project Manager with RWS Regulated Industries.  She has over a decade of Life Sciences experience and is an effective and natural leader, manager, trainer, and coach.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. As a Certified Department Trainer, she has designed and implemented training for global teams and has extensive experience in overseeing client service teams.

Randy is the Executive Vice President, Director, and Shareholder of the New England law firm of Bendett & McHugh, P.C. where he has practiced law as an attorney since 1991. Within the firm, Randy manages several practice groups and oversees many operational functions. He has served on several boards of directors and committees for both local and national organizations including the USFN, a national organization of preeminent mortgage creditor law firms. Randy has also authored many legal articles and co-authored other publications including the National Mortgage Servicer’s Reference Directory. He has also spoken on many mortgage and bankruptcy-related panels including panels at the National Mortgage Bankers Association, the Connecticut Bar Association, and the Hartford County Bar Association. In addition to his work in the mortgage field, Randy served as Town Attorney for Watertown, Connecticut from 1995-1999 and 2001-2005. Randy also serves on the Board of Governors at The Point O’Woods Association, Inc., a municipal corporation, where he served as president for three years. Randy graduated from Lafayette College with a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering before attending The Dickinson School of Law (now Penn State Dickinson Law) where he received his Juris Doctor degree. A native of Connecticut, Randy is happily married to his wife Jo and they are blessed with four adult children and two dogs. Randy enjoys serving Christ, family time, golf, snowboarding and is avidly pursuing his newfound love of pickleball.

Yessenia Guzman, a dedicated law student, is deeply committed to social justice and advocacy.
Her active involvement with the Latinx Law Student Association (LLSA) and the Center for
Social Justice at Western New England University School of Law reflects her passion for
education and equity. As a union representative for certified teachers, Yessenia plays a vital role
in mediating disputes and fostering a fair working environment, furthering her commitment to
social justice and advocacy.

Yessenia’s experiences, shaped by overcoming injustices growing up in the inner city, drive her
dedication to working with the community. This commitment is evident in her role as a teacher,
where she strives to positively impact students’ lives. A devoted parent to her son, she balances
professional and personal life with a strong sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to
justice.