Generations Development: Affordable rural housing and businesses

Dwayne Ashley is the Managing Partner of Generations-Development, one of the nation's pre-eminent rural real estate development firms dedicated to providing affordable housing for families, elderly and disabled. He is extremely proud of his family roots in rural Louisiana where his great grandmother donated land for the establishment of the first school to educate blacks in Ringgold, Louisiana.

With more than 22 years of executive experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge in driving business growth and managing multi million dollar annual budgets. As the former CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), he grew the business from a $1.5 million to $15 million annually in ten years ($100 million in total revenue in 10 years), demonstrating his unique ability to build relationships and drive business grow. Throughout his career, he has generated more than $200 million in revenue for the various companies and organizations he has run.

Dwayne has worked with hundreds of Fortune 500 company CEOs and enjoys relationships that he counts as one of his greatest assets. Known for his salesmanship, and innovative business strategies, he has owned and developed multi family housing units in Philadelphia, New Jersey and Louisiana. The company currently owns and manages single and multi family units in Louisiana, New Jersey, and operates a Bed and Breakfast in Bunkie, Louisiana.

Author and Speaker

In 2004, he co-authored the best selling book with noted author and historian, Juan Williams, "I'll Find A Way or Make One", which chronicles the history of the nation's HBCUs. He is also the author of the soon to be released, "Dream Internships! It's Not Who You Know ... It's What You Know". In addition, He is widely published and has authored numerous chapters, articles and opinion-editorials which have been published in newspapers and magazines nationally. He is a highly sought speaker and lecturer and has delivered more than 1,000 speeches.

Board Positions, Honors and Recognition

Mr. Ashley currently serves on the board of directors of The Gallup Organization and the New York-based Evidence Dance Company. He has served on the board of the HBCU Capital Financing Board, Commissioner for Historic Preservation for the City of Newark, National Society of Fundraising Executive (now the American Society of Fundraising Professionals) in Philadelphia and NYC., and recently completed his term as a member of the Newark Public Library Board of Trustees.

Mr. Ashley has been named to Ebony Magazine's "100 Most Influential Black Americans" list for six consecutive years and is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of the District of Columbia; Distinguished Alumnus Award from Langston University; Positive Image Award from the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity; and numerous other awards and honors. He holds membership in the Association of Black Foundation Executives, and the Council of Foundations; Life Membership in Fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Inc.

He has a B.S. in business from Wiley College and a master's degree in Governmental Administration from the University of Pennsylvania's Fel's School of Government. A native of Houston, Texas with strong roots to his family in Louisiana. He is an avid reader and writer. His hobbies include: real-estate, mentoring future business and social entrepreneurs, historic restoration, running, and biking.

Generations is a member of the Rural Housing Association and the Council for Affordable Rural Housing.

Penny Davis is an experienced real estate professional who specializes in rural real estate. Throughout her professional career, she has sold over a million dollars in real estate focusing on supporting rural families. She currently works for Selling Cenla Realty, LLC in Marksville, Louisiana where she is a licensed agent.

She is an experienced project manager and has managed the construction of several renovation and construction projects. She recently oversaw the development of a new affordable housing quadra-plex.

Integrity

Her trademark in success has been her integrity and ability to build trusting relationships. She is an experienced negotiator with expert knowledge of the local market and state. She is a member of the Central Louisiana Board of Realtors, the Louisiana Board of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. She has expanded her knowledge through additional real estate training and ethics training. Her strength in residential and commercial investment properties is an asset to the firm.

Ms. Davis brings 18 years of legal experience as a Paralegal/Enforcement Coordinator with the Avoyelles Parish District Attorney's Office. Ms. Davis is seasoned in all areas of the legal field and contributes a great deal of knowledge in her expertise. She is well respected in the legal and business community in the Parish and throughout the state.

A Commitmentment to Public Service

Her commitment to public service is exemplified as a Committee Member of the Louisiana District Attorney's Association for over 5 years. She is an active member of Faith Mission Church Outreach in Marksville, Louisiana where she serves as Church Administrator/Business Manager for many years.

Ms. Davis is the proud parent of two (2) sons, ages 19 and 12; one of whom is attending Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and the other attending Bunkie High School.

She is a proud and committed resident of rural America where she resides in Hessmer, Louisiana.

Terry Albert is the Associate Partner of Generations Development. He has 20 years of executive experience and has worked with Fortune 100 companies during those years.

As a former senior executive with Fortune 100 company, CarMax Auto Superstores (the nation's largest retailer of used vehicles) he provided the direction, development of talent and experience to make his locations tops in the company! As the project manager for a company-wide initiative, he trained over 2200 managers and associates. He was the Location General Manager over several locations in Virginia with over $2 million annually in sales. He managed a team of 200 staff employees and a junior manager staff of 20. Working in the capacity as Location Manager of the CarMax Toyota location in Maryland (2005-07), Terry's dealership became the #2 Toyota Dealership in the country (out of 1100 Toyota dealerships nationwide at the time). Averaging 900-1000 cars sold monthly, the location realized $5+ million dollars in sales annually!

A Proven Leader

Terry is a proven leader with strong Communication and Development skills while managing multiple locations in a high energy, fast paced environment. A few other competencies of Analysis and Decision-making, Customer Service and Teamwork have all proven to be keys to his success!

Community awareness and involvement is very important to Terry. He's been a mentor, served on the Board of Director's for the Howard County YMCA (MD), volunteered with the March of Dimes, the Red Cross and supported the Boy's and Girl's Club of Fredericksburg(VA).

He loves to travel (which began at an early age) and has seen and been to many parts of the world. Terry believes in the common principle of "Treating others the way you want to be treated." Following this principle and others has made Terry a success in his professional and personal life.