The Giving BackPack Foundation
Meet the Team
Cecil J. Collins
Founder and CEO
With a passion for community service and youth education, Cecil Collins established The Giving BackPack Foundation in 2011. Cecil stands as the catalyst for the non-profit organization, hoping to create educational awareness for the underprivileged youth and disadvantaged schools. Cecil will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the The Giving BackPack Foundation. As the chief executive officer, he oversees the operation of the non-profit organization while collaborating with the Board of Directors. Cecil drives home the objectives of the organization and strives to push the organization through community interaction.
Cecil was employed as a Driver Manager and Driver Recruiting Manager with Schneider National, a global leader in transportation, until moving into the role of Area Supervisor at The Home Depot Distribution Center. After 2 years with Home Depot, Cecil joined Amazon.com as an Area Manager. He is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, and continues to serve the entity tirelessly.
Cecil graduated in May 2009 from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology. Cecil also received his Master of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Purdue University in West Lafayette in August 2011.
Tynisha will stand as the foundation's President of the board. She is responsible for ensuring the tasks and duties of the Board of Directors are followed through efficiently and promptly. Tynisha will also coordinate and conduct board meetings on a scheduled monthly basis.
Tynisha brings an abundance of leadership, experience, and a wealth of knowledge for child welfare to our foundation. Tynisha obtained her Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Services as well as her Master of Science in Social Work from IUPUI
President
Tynisha Collins
Secretary
SeAndrea Ferguson
SeAndrea Ferguson will serve as the Secretary of The Giving BackPack Foundation. As the Secretary, she ensures the proper notes are documented during the meetings as well as minutes for each meeting. She also participates in discussions about the Foundation and offers valuable input about its future success. She is excited about what the future holds for the Foundation as well as watching its growth.
SeAndrea graduated in December 2006 from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with Minors in Human Resources and International Business. SeAndrea also received her Masters Degree in Healthcare Administration and Business from University of Phoenix in November 2009.
Along with being involved with The Giving BackPack Foundation, SeAndrea is involved with other services for her community. She has volunteered as a driver for Meals on Wheels, Inc. since January 2008 and has served as the NW Indiana Support Group Leader for the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Illinois since January 2011.
Jobez Ferguson
Treasurer
Jobez Ferguson received an Associate’s Degree from Triton College in 2003 and attended Columbia College in Chicago from 2004 through 2007. He also received his CompTiA A+ computer certification in 2006. He is currently employed as a Data Analyst for Sedgwick Claims Management in Chicago, Illinois, a position to which he brings a vast knowledge of quality data analysis, research, and statistical reporting.
Phil Murray
Marketing Director
Phil Murray is the Marketing and Community Relations Coordinator. Phil’s main duties are to develop marketing plans, plan and execute events, develop new and efficient marketing tools, and handle community and media relations. Phil is very excited to be a part of the foundation, and can’t wait to spread the word about this fantastic organization.
Phil Murray Graduated in 2010 from Indiana University’s School of Business and Economics with a Bachelors of Science in Business. Phil has many years of marketing, sales, and management experience. He currently works as Community Account Representative for Comcast. Phil’s ability to manage multiple projects and his passion for working with the community makes him a perfect fit for the organization.
Nick Kazonis
Director
Nicholas brings a wide range of talent and organization to our foundation. Serving as the Community Initiatives Officer, Nicholas takes responsibility for the promotion, community involvement, and marketing of The Giving BackPack Foundation.
Nicholas graduated Columbia College in Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in 2009. He is an extremely skilled musician and composer, in which he instructs his piano and guitar lessons to students of all ages. Nick has written, produced, and released two music albums that have allowed to travel across the Midwest. He is fully capable of playing more than ten instruments, and he is also a strong advocate of animal rights. Our organization is thrilled to have Nick as a member of our team, for we know he will show the same passion for our cause as he would for his passion for music.