Program Director

Michael Griffin is a Licensed General Contractor and owner of Griffin Construction. Michael attended Notre Dame High School (Biloxi) graduated from Copiague, attended Farmingdale University, Farmingdale, New York, and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He served six years in the Air force Reserve as a Jet Engine Specialist. With over 40 years of experience in the construction industry, Michael worked 33 of those years at Ingalls Shipbuilding in the capacities of Joiner Supervisor, Planner and Scheduler, Alignment Technician, and retired as Design Specialist. Michael is a certified National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) instructor. He currently serves as the Program Director with KOPC Workforce Development. Michael resides in Biloxi, Mississippi with his wife, Angela.

Instructor

Harrison Hall is a Licensed Electrician and has extensive experience as an Electrician, with previous employment at Ingalls Shipbuilding. Harrison teaches Basic Electrical Wiring with KOPC Workforce Development and is the owner of Harrison Electric LLC. Harrison resides in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Instructor

Corey Lombard is a graduate of St. John Interparochial High School and Xavier University of Louisiana. He is a veteran educator having served 28 years in the Gulfport School District, before retiring in 2023. During his many years of service, he taught several subjects with a focus on math and computer skills. Lombard also dedicated himself to coaching basketball, football, and track throughout most of his career in Gulfport. He also taught multiple staff development sessions, created, and taught a character education class, and served on a curriculum writing team at the state level. Corey resides in Gulfport, Mississippi with his wife, Anna.

Administrative Manager

Angela Griffin is Contract Administrative Manager with KOPC Workforce Development and owner of Workforce Innovations LLC. Angela manages organization activities related to planning, strategizing, student recruitment, and grant writing. Angela is a Certified Curriculum Performance Evaluator with the National Center for Construction Education and Research, Certified Public Manager with the State of Mississippi, and has over 28 years of experience in Quality Management. She has a Master’s in Vocational Rehabilitation, School of Counseling and Guidance from Jackson State University and Bachelor’s in Social Science from Alcorn State University. Ms. Griffin is recognized among 100 Women to Know on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Gulf Coast Woman Magazine (July 2021). She resides in Biloxi, Mississippi with her husband, Michael.

Our Staff

Board of Directors

Board Chair

William A. Griffin (Bill) is a Licensed Electrician with over 40 years of experience in the construction industry. He retired from ATT as a Budget Manager and Instructor. Bill’s certifications are in Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Ventilation (HVAC), and Environmental Safety. He is a business owner and specializes in residential renovations and property management. William “Bill” Griffin has a Master’s of Education, Education Administration from The University of Southern Mississippi. He resides in Biloxi, Mississippi with his wife, Maggie.

Vice Chair

Gerald Hawthorne Duffy, Sr, is a retired Veteran of The United States Army. While serving, he attended Airborne Training Jump School, graduated as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and then went on to become Airborne Jump Master. After military service, Gerald worked over 33 years with Rohm & Haas Chemical Company. Gerald holds the rank of Fourth Degree Knight in the Order of the Knights of Peter Claver with the title of Sir Knight. This meritorious honor is achieved from a lofty sense of moral obligations, responsibilities and in recognition of meritorious services performed in the interest of Faith, the Order of Knights of Peter Claver, and to his community. Gerald currently resides in Pascagoula, Mississippi with his wife, Beverly.

Board Member

Hurley Smith is a retiree from Bellsouth Telephone Company. He a 1969 graduate of M.F. Nichols High School. He attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, electrical program, Jackson County campus and Florida A&M University. He attended Ingalls Shipbuilding apprenticeship program and worked at Ingalls Shipbuilding as an Electrician. With over 30 years in the construction industry, Mr. Smith has numerous credentials. His course studies include Basic Electricity, Digital and Analog Electronics, Schematic Reading, and Fiber Optic Road Safety. Mr. Smith is the owner of Smith and Smith Construction and owner and property manager of rental properties. He resides in Biloxi, Mississippi with his wife, Johnny.

Board Member

Patrice Lombard is a lifelong resident of Gulfport and was raised in Handsboro/Mississippi City. Patrice
graduated as a member of Gulfport East High School class of 1976 and continued her education at Xavier
University of Louisiana, College of the Mainlaind in Texas, and Texas Southern University. She dedicated
25 years as an employee with Gulfport School District, where her time included coaching girl’s
basketball at both Gulfport Central and Bayou View Middle Schools. Patrice has served as Youth NAACP
advisor, GHS Student Ambassador advisor, GHS Junior Civitan, umpire for youth softball and referee for
youth basketball. Patrice’s last five years with Gulfport High School were spent as assistant to Career
Pathways Coordinator. Patrice is currently employed as a Community Outreach Specialist for Gulf Coast
Housing Initiative, under the umbrella of Back Bay Mission. Patrice is a member of St Therese Catholic
Church and a member of Knights of Peter Claver Women’s Auxiliary. Patrice has one son.

Board Member

Michael E. Brown attended Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic School and graduated from Notre Dame High School. Michael received his undergraduate degree from Northeast Louisiana University. Michael has an extensive work history in Mental Health and is currently employed as a Service Coordinator for Senior Citizens for Independent Living. Michael is married with two beautiful daughters. He is a member of the Knights of Peter Claver and a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Michael’s ultimate mission is to spread Hope, Love, Unity, and Friendship.

Financial Secretary

Carl Hanshaw is a resident of Gulfport, Mississippi and a graduate of Gulfport High School. He attended Dillard University, Livingston University, and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He is currently employed with Waste Pro. He is married to Q’Juania and they have four children.

Board Secretary

Stafinee Spears-Echols is employed with AM Equity Realty, LLC. With 17+ years as a Realtor on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and a long time Biloxian, Stafinee has close ties to the area. Because of Stafinee's community ties and years of experience in the housing market, she brings an abundant amount of knowledge as a member of the Board of Directors of KOPC Workforce Development. Stafinee says, "My grandfather raised fourteen children on the back bay of Biloxi. With such close family ties, I have been here most of my life. I thoroughly enjoy helping people find their place in hearts, homes, and businesses in this uniquely enchanting area."