Seyram Selase B.S., I.C.P.S., C.P.M.

Seyram Selase is an executive director, local civic leader and
professional real estate agent residing in Anniston, Alabama.
He graduated from Berea College in Berea, KY in 2006 and is a product of both Anniston City and Talladega County School systems in Alabama. Mr. Selase is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and serves his community in numerous roles.

In 2008, Mr. Selase moved back home to Alabama to work with a local non-profit and has been working in the field of substance abuse prevention for several years. He currently is the Executive Director of A.S.A.P. (Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention) and Chair of the State of Alabama Prevention Advisory Board (SPAB). Mr. Selase has successfully received and implemented Drug Free Community (DFC) grants, State Block Grants, Opioid grants and many others. Seyram’s motto is: “Knowledge is not power but the application thereof.”

Iesha Beard B.A., A.P.S.

Iesha Beard is the SPF-Rx Coordinator and Prevention Specialist. She graduated from Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama in 2015 with a Bachelors in English and a concentration in legal studies. Iesha is currently pursuing her Masters in School Counseling and Psychology. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Something she enjoys doing is traveling with her husband and making lifetime memories. Her life motto is: “Strive to Succeed, Never Give Up.”

Quiera Lane B.S., A.P.S.

Quiera Lane is a prevention specialist at the Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention. She graduated from Austin Peay State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health. She is a member of Eta Sigma Gamma National Health Education. She enjoys spending time with her son, traveling, and just enjoying life.

Deanna McLeroy B.A., Psy. M., C.P.S.

Deanna serves as a drug prevention specialist. She has previous experience in the mental health field and is passionate about serving others. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor in the Art of Psychology from Talladega College and received her Master of Psychology degree from Troy University. Outside of career and academics, Deanna is a mother and a wife and enjoys spending time with her family.

Maiya Selase B.S., MBA

Maiya Selase is the Finance Director at the Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention. Mrs. Selase oversees the organization’s financial operations to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability. With a meticulous eye for detail and a strategic mindset, she drives fiscal initiatives that empower the agency to make a lasting impact in the community. Her journey with the agency began as an intern, where two years of immersive, hands-on experience not only sharpened her skills but also ignited her passion for nonprofit financial leadership.

A product of two Alabama Historically Black Colleges and Universities-HBCUs, Mrs. Selase obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Miles College and a Master’s Degree from Talladega College. These distinguished institutions instilled in her a deep commitment to service, resilience and the pursuit of excellence.

As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Mrs. Selase exemplifies the spirit of civic engagement, leadership and unity. Her guiding principle, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Outside of her professional role, Mrs. Selase enjoys exploring her
unique passion for thrifting and decorating, combining creativity and resourcefulness to bring beauty and character into everyday spaces.

DaMarco Curry, B.S.

My name is DaMarco Curry. I was born and raised in Talladega, Alabama. After completing high school, I embarked on my journey to obtain my BS Degree in Criminal Justice at Stillman College. There I held various positions pertaining to leadership roles, such as president of the Epsilon Nu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc, Senior Class Representative, and many more. I enjoy learning, writing, and making everyone around me better individuals. My primary goal is to become a better version of me each and everyday that I wake up.

Pastor Eugene Jacobs, M.Div.

Eugene Jacobs is a native of Talladega, AL. He has served as pastor of the Union Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Talladega for nine years. He holds a Master of Divinity from the Rushing Springs School of Theology, where he now serves as an instructor in religious studies. He is married to Valerie, and to their union were born three children. One of Eugene's greatest passions is to learn and to teach others, bringing light into darkness.

Chandy Gordon B.S.W

Chandy Gordon is Prevention Specialist at the Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention. She graduated from Jacksonville State University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She enjoys being a mother to her little boy and advocating/helping her community. One of her favorite quotes is “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

— Helen Keller

Laniyah Smith, B.S.

Laniyah Smith serves as a Prevention Specialist at the Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention. She graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, minoring in Legal Studies. While at UNA, she was active in several organizations, such as the Presidential Mentors Academy and Student Forum. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. When asked about her future goals, she constantly states that she hopes to fulfill her purpose. In her free time, she loves to shop, travel, and spend time with loved ones. Her favorite quote is “Be the change you wish to see” by Mahatma Gandhi.

Christopher Abernathy, B.S.

I am Christopher Abernathy and I am a recent graduate from Jacksonville State University in nearby Jacksonville, AL, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. I am originally from Jacksonville and now reside in Golden Springs. I am a Fall 2016 initiate of the Xi Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., seated at Jacksonville State, where I served as secretary for three years. I am a proud father of a very bright little boy, and my interests include but are not limited to writing, investing, and studying/betterment of social interactions.