Board of Directors
Reggie Banks
Reginald Banks is the son of Circle Y Ranch co-founder, Dr. Melvin E Banks Sr. , a former Circle Y camper and L.I.T. He has a rich legacy of loving the Lord as a founding family member of Urban Ministries, INC.(UMI) and a lifelong member of Westlawn Gospel Chapel in Chicago, IL.
For the past 16 years, he has successfully managed multiple locations for The Premier Child Care Centers. He has used this experience to help Circle Y Ranch implement various upgrades.
Currently the CEO of the Dr. Melvin E. Banks Sr. Black Fathers Foundation
Barbara Rose
Barbara is a lifelong resident and servant from West Michigan! She is a graduate of Lake Michigan College and Western Michigan University.
Her vast service to the community includes (local) Covert Township Supervisor 2008-16, and developed employment training programs to prepare local residents for a new plant being built in the area (state). She has been hppointed to positions in the MI Department of Commerce by Gov. Jim Blanchard and Gov. John Engler (national) Appointed to serve in the U.S. Dept of Commerce managing multiple trade missions to Africa, Miami, and Singapore by President Clinton.
She also serves on the Michigan State University AG Cooperative Extension Advisory Committee.
Douglas Lewis
Douglas Lewis served as director and attorney at the University of Michigan Student Legal Services from 1990 until his retirement. He received his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Michigan and his juris doctor from the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law (now associated with Western Michigan University). He has extensive years of legal experience and maintains a clear sense of his obligation to his profession and community.
Jeffrey Wright
C. Jeffrey Wright is the chief executive officer of Urban Ministries, Inc. (UMI), the largest media and publishing firm serving African American churches and denominations. He is a trustee at Fuller Theological Seminary and a contributing author to Nonprofit Leadership in a For-Profit World.
Jeff is a graduate of Fisk University, earned his JD degree at Georgetown University, and an MBA at Columbia University. Jeff is married to Lakita Garth Wright and has four children.
Jonathan Yates
I am a first generation camper with a love for Christ and for the calling that Circle Y Ranch has answered over these past 60 years. I am married to my beautiful wife of 41 years, Denice Yates and we have raised two wonderful children to adulthood. I am an Information Technology professional and have been in the industry for international technology giants for 40+ years. I look forward to serving on this board as we continue the work of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Dr. Marcus D. Johnson, ThD
With over 30 years in pastoral ministry, he has served as Director of Evangelism and Discipleship, church board chairman, and camp pastor and unit director. He has taught in both youth and adult settings and is known as a clear, accurate, relevant, and edifying Bible teacher. Has hosted personality-trait workshops. He brings both spiritual care, a scripturally historical perspective and practical leadership. He holds a Master’s in Theology and an honorary Doctor of Theology (ThD). His passion is edifying, equipping and empowering youth and adults into disciples of Christ.
Jordan Yates
Jordan Yates has held executive and board roles in government, non-profits, and the private sector for more than 10 years. He currently runs a global technology company and has a successful track record as an entrepreneur.
As a former Circle Y Ranch camper, he often reflects on his foundational experiences.
He is passionate about ensuring other campers have access to these transformational summers. Until Christ returns, Jordan wants to help others build and strengthen their relationship with Him.
