Board of Directors
Courtney Lockhart, Vice President & Interim President
Courtney Lockhart is a loving mother of two and has spent over 10 years in the insurance industry at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Oakland University and a Master of Social Justice from Marygrove College. Her commitment to equity in education is apparent through the various positions that she holds within her community.
Mrs. Lockhart was appointed to the Board at Pace Academy in 2017. She also serves on the Board of Keith Institute, a 501c3 with a mission of supporting economic and educational inclusion. She has been an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated since 2004. She is a loyal, engaged and dedicated advocate for equity in education with a focus on minority youth.
Ms. Poole has served on the Board of Directors since 2017. Tina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, a Master’s in Education Leadership and Policy Studies, enhanced by a K-12 Administrators Certificate from Wayne State University, and is currently pursuing an Education Specialist Certificate in Learning Design and Technology. She has worked in Higher Education for over 16 years.
Having a passion for education and diversity, Tina’s professional portfolio encompasses a broad spectrum of expertise, management, and leadership experience, inclusive of charter school management, higher education, donor relations, project management, research, grant writing, and the non-profit sector. Tina has traveled nationally as a speaker and lecturer. She demonstrates efficacy in her work ethics and is known for dealing with sensitive matters with transparency, clarity, diplomacy, and integrity.
Deronda Dinkins, Member
Ms. Dinkins was appointed to the board in 2019. Ms. Dinkins is a Management Analyst for the Social Security Administration where she has been employed since 1995. She has held various leadership positions in her sorority and at her church. Ms. Dinkins also serves on the Board of BetterME Youth Enhancement Center, a nonprofit organization that offers various services and programs for children ages 7 through 17.
In addition, she owns DivaScript and co-owns 3D Sports Academy with her husband. She earned a B.A. degree in Business Administration from Lane College.
Bessie Harris, Member
Bessie Harris has actively educated students for 32 years. She has served in many roles during her career. She has been a Special Education and Resource Teacher, she has lead schools in administrative positions such as Assistant Principal and Principal. She has come up through the ranks providing service and leadership to students, staff, parents, and the community.
She is the mother of 3 sons which she affectionately calls “My 3 Sons”. She has two daughter-in-loves and 3 granddaughters. Her Focus: Students, achievement, staff, parents, and transparency. All of her decisions will be made with students in mind.
Harriett Rice, Member