our team

Dennis Gaddy graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and the Campbell University School of Law and built a 20 year career in sales. However, due to some poor decisions and choices, he found himself in the NC Department of Corrections for five years and eight months. With strong support networks of family and friends, Dennis took the valuable and positive insights from the past and brought to fruition the Community Success Initiative (CSI) in 2004.

Robert Robinson graduated from The Citadel and has 30 years of experience in business and community economic development, program management, and administration with a demonstrated ability to instill a common vision and develop a dynamic team based on trust and mutual respect. He specializes in supporting less-advantaged populations who may need Second Chance employer readiness skills, mentoring, coaching or professional certifications and references leading to long-term, living wage employment.

Ms. Jones received a BA in Business Education from Saint Augustine University and an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development from Wake Technical College. Jemetta is presently working at CSI as an Intake Clerk and Life Coach. Her duties include assisting newly released incarcerated men and women who need assistance with housing, employment, and community integration transition back into our Wake communities.

Mr. Haryadi was born in Indonesia, ethnic-Chinese minority, and began his medical degree at Airlangga University.  In 1972, he came to the United States to complete his training in Psychiatry at the University at Buffalo and practiced adult Psychiatry and Consultation Liaison Psychiatry, Chronic Pain Management and Geriatric Medicine for fifteen year. During this time, he also served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at UB.

Curtis L. Sapp attended Fayetteville State University and received his BA degree in Education. Curtis also attended American Academy McAllister Institute, Bronx N.Y. where he received his professional master’s degree in Funeral Service. He has studied substance abuse and addiction, mental health, law, ethics and case management at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh.

Candace Rashada-Mujahid – Staff Candace Rashada-Mujahid brings over twenty years experience assisting in the development of successful grant proposals, as well as training and development for young adult and adult populations in transition from foster care, homelessness and incarceration. Her experience with City University of New York, City of New York Administration for Children’s Services and New York State Office of Youth Services led to the creation and continued funding of programs that served transitioning public assistance recipients, youth leaving foster care as well as children in protective custody. Since relocating to North Carolina, she has successfully written proposals for Community Success Initiative, a reentry community-based organization, as well as collaborated with othe …

Paul Stayert graduated from the University of Florida with an MA and from Slippery Rock University with a BA. His specialties include market positioning, business operations, and qualifying and managing partnerships.

Lemuel H. Thornton – Board President Mr. Thornton is retired military and an entrepreneur. He sponsors and supports CSI events and is working to establish a Formerly Incarcerated-friendly employer network.

Representative Garland Pierce is a Democratic member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, who has represented the state’s 48th district (including constituents in Hoke and Scotland counties) since 2005.

Linda Davis has over 30 years of professional fundraising experience as a political consultant for local, state and national candidates.

Sherwood Jackson – Board Member Mr. Jackson is a Reentry Support Specialist and was directly impacted by justice involvement.

Kay Chambers Washington received her BS Degree in Sociology from Shaw University – Raleigh, North Carolina. She has over 30 years of experience working with individuals with Mental Health and Substance Use/Abuse Disorders. She possesses a genuine passion for helping others.