History
CCCI was formed in 1997 and since that time has provided services to private companies, government agencies, faith based organizations and individuals. From large, expanding health care systems growing into urban areas to large financial services companies desiring to diversify their employees. CCCI has been able to connect organizations to solutions and create sustainable strategies that become embedded into the institutions.
About the President & CEO
The Reverend Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. has served as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens (FBCLG) in Somerset, New Jersey since November 1990. His pastoral ministry focuses on spiritual growth, educational excellence and economic empowerment.
As a pioneer of faith-based community development, Dr. Soaries’ impact on First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens (FBCLG) and the community has been tremendous. In 1992, he founded the Central Jersey Community Development Corporation (CJCDC): a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that specializes in revitalizing distressed neighborhoods. In 1996, Soaries founded the Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc. (HOH). This organization develops permanent solutions for children in the foster care system.
From 1999 to 2002, Dr. Soaries served as New Jersey’s Secretary of State, making him the first African-American male to do so. He also served as the former chairman of the United States Election Assistance Commission, which was established by Congress to implement the “Help America Vote Act” of 2002.
In 2005, Dr. Soaries launched the dfree® Financial Freedom Movement. The dfree® strategy teaches people how to break free from debt as a first step toward financial freedom and it is currently being used across the country by over 3,000 churches and organizations. dfree® was featured in a 90-minute CNN documentary entitled “Almighty Debt.” He is author of the books “Say Yes to No Debt: 12 Steps to Financial Freedom”, “Meditations for Financial Freedom – Volumes 1&2” and “Say Yes When Life Says No.”
Dr. Soaries currently serves as an independent director at three companies: Independence Realty Trust, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and Ocwen Financial Corporation.
Dr. Soaries earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Fordham University, a Master of Divinity Degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary.
Dr. Soaries resides in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey with his wife, Donna, and twin sons.
Team
DeForest B. Soaries, Jr.
President & CEO
Michelle Charles
Director of Administration and Strategic Projects
Michelle is the Director of Administration and Strategic Projects at Corporate Community Connections, Inc. A natural problem solver with a knack for both analytical and creative thinking, Michelle’s strength is in her ability to provide unique and efficient approaches to tasks. Michelle functions as a strategic thought partner to the CEO and a resource center to her colleagues.
Martin Soaries
Digital Marketing Coordinator
Martin Soaries is the Founder, Chief Editor, and Head Skills Development Trainer for Basketball Society. Martin has work experience in digital media, radio, and journalism. He started a basketball blog and internet radio show in 2013 on Blog Talk Radio. Martin previously hosted the Nightcap show for WCTC 1450 AM covering the Rutgers Men’s Basketball team. He has been featured as a writer on sites such as Def Pen, TV Film News, All Hip-Hop, and more. Currently, Martin serves as the Digital Marketing Coordinator and is responsible for curating digital assets including videos and podcasts for the organization.
Angela Dadson
Manager of African Affairs (Ghana Office)
Kelly Murchison
Webmaster
Kelly Murchison is the web-master for the DBSoaries.com and Corpcominc.com websites. Kelly brings over 25 years of IT Professional Experience. After 17 years in corporate as an IT Manager for a nonprofit, he ventured off on his own to start an IT Consulting company, “Techs3000 Solutions”, and co-founded a nonprofit youth basketball program. Now he uses his years of experience to service the DBS/CCCI organization.
Robert Finley
Finance Director
Martin Pratt
Digital Strategist and Producer
Deborah Haywood
Director of Operations
Constance Haynes
Education Coordinator
Sherry Roland
Washington, Education Consultant
Scott Jeffrey
Director of Business Development
Operation: Great Expectations (OGE) Mentoring Program
Kelsey Carter
Program Coordinator (OGE)
Kelsey Carter is the Program Coordinator for Operation Great Expectations. Kelsey is a result driven professional, who is highly personable and thrives within a fast-paced, high volume work environment. Although private event coordinating is her specialty, Kelsey holds a BA in Broadcast Journalism and Public Relations from William Paterson University. She is currently on track to receive her Masters in English and Writing Studies at Kean University.
Brett Pinnix
Mentor/Urban Specialist (OGE)
Brett Pinnix is a proud graduate of Johnson C. Smith University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sport Management. His professional experience includes youth development, creative direction and brand development. Utilizing his passion for mentoring youth he currently serves as a mentor/urban specialist for the Operation Great Expectations Program.
Julianna Collazo
Mentor/Urban Specialist (OGE)
Julianna is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. Roll Tide! Her passion for working with youth resulted from years of coaching and her history of volunteer experience. She is very passionate about social justice and the importance of equality within all aspects of our society. Julianna aspires to continue her education and attend Law School to better serve her purpose. Her goal is to provide resources within communities and help create change.