TCOE Leadership
Ceremonial Leadership
Queen Mother: Elder Annie Phillips Foster
Elder Annie Foster retired from the Anne Arundel County Public School System (AACPS) in July 2015 after having worked in several positions: 1) Work-Based Learning Coordinator, 2) Department Chair of Business Education, and (3) she completed her career as an Assistant Principal.
Prior to Elder Annie beginning her teaching career in AACPS, she was employed by Howard County Public Schools as a "Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) Facilitator" under the supervision of BSAP founder, Ms. Gloria Washington Wallace. While serving in that position, Elder Annie established a male mentorship program in partnership with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Tau Pi Chapter, based out of Patuxent Valley Middle School.
Upon retirement, Elder Annie returned to the Howard County Public School System and formally joined the Council of Elders. She continued her work with students, parents and the community at large, bringing about positive and progressive change on behalf of African American students. Elder Annie is an assertive advocate for students of color in helping to close the achievement gap.
Recently, Elder Annie was elected to serve a three-year term from 2025-2028 on the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) Retired Advisory Council. While serving in that position, she will recruit retired teachers to become a part of the organization to advocate for academic and social growth for our students. Lastly, Elder Annie firmly believes in this African proverb: "It takes a village to raise a child."
Elder Annie Foster currently resides in Howard County, Maryland.
Elder Frazier is the Queen Mother, a ceremonial and traditional position in the African culture.
Presiding Elder: Elder Ken Jennings
Elder Ken Jennings was a founding member of TCOE and current Presiding Elder. He developed the Alpha Achievers Program at Oakland Mills and Long Reach High Schools. He initiated the development of the Ellington-Adderly Jazz Ensemble. Elder Ken Jennings is a source of knowledge on matters related to African and African American History for the total community and continues to advocate for social change regarding African Americans in Howard County, including incorporation of accurate history in Howard County Public School Systems (HCPSS) social studies curriculum. Elder Ken Jennings currently resides in Howard County, Maryland.
Executive Committee
Elder Brown joined TCOE in 2007 and currently serves as Chair, after serving a Vice-Chair for many years. She joined TCOE under the tutelage of Elder Jean Toomer. Towanda believes that every student should be treated equally and fairly and is an advocate for eliminating disparities amongst the various areas in Education. She has had two sons successfully graduate from the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), one of which received Special Education services beginning with Pre-K. Elder Brown continues to participate on Superintendent committees, policy committees and other committees to provide input that support equity and equality and has played an integral role in ensuring the Bullying Policy and Parent Concern Process is understandable by all.
Vice-Chair: Elder Camille Cranson-Chambliss
Elder Cranson is the newly elected Vice Chair. As an educator for more than 15 years and now an administrator in another district, she consistently supports the Howard County community advocating for the rights of students and their families. Camille often speaks before the HCPSS Board of Education (BOE) representing TCOE on various matters. Camille continually serves on numerous panels advising HCPSS on how their decisions, policies, and procedures positively or adversely impact people of color in the community.
Treasurer: Elder Deborah Hayes Barton
Elder Hayes Barton joined TCOE in 2024 and currently serves as Treasurer. Her journey with the Council of Elders of the Black Community of Howard County officially began in 2024, but my introduction to the Council was years prior to this date. Elder Hayes Barton joined TCOE, because she believes that advocacy is not just about speaking up; it is about showing up. In Howard County, we are blessed with many resources, yet gaps in equity and opportunity still persist. In collaboration with TCOE, we are the bridge that will ensure that every child has access to the same opportunities. I believe in the power of collective wisdom and am humbled to stand with TCOE as we continue this vital and impactful work for the families of Howard County. She realizes that our children are the living messages we send to the future we will not see. To ensure that message is one of strength, excellence, and resilience, we must build a foundation for them today.
Financial Secretary: Elder Jason “Jay” Martin
Elder Martin joined TCOE in 2019 and currently serves as Financial Secretary. He joined TCOE to make a difference in the lives of young minority students through mentorship, leadership, and improving educational opportunities. Elder Martin believes that mentoring and leadership training for young students is pivotal to ensuring competence and morality-based leadership in the future. Not only does this emphasis benefit Howard County locally, but it also ensures that the nation, at large, benefits in the future. TCOE provides Jay the opportunity and platform to make a difference.
Education Chair: Elder Earl Owens
Elder Owens joined TCOE in 2008. His first introduction to the organization came in 2005 through conversations with Ancestral Elder Harts Brown at a Chess Tournament hosted by TCOE. With children in the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), Earl joined TCOE to support the organization’s efforts of making sure Black children had every opportunity to be successful in all their endeavors. Elder Owens currently serves as Chair of the Education Committee.
Secretary: Elder Erica Davis
Elder Davis joined the Council in 2018 and currently serves as Recording Secretary. She is Howard County native and graduate of Howard High School and brings deep community roots and more than 24 years of experience as an educator. Elder Erica has spent her career mentoring young women, particularly supporting their transition from middle to high school and is committed to advocating for Black and Brown students, expanding outreach opportunities, and strengthening mentorship for young adults across the county. In addition, she created and leads Howard County’s first affinity space for teachers pursuing National Board Certification, helping expand representation in the teaching workforce and ensuring that students see and learn from educators who reflect their identities and experiences. As a mother of three sons—two graduates of Long Reach High School and one currently enrolled at Mayfield Middle School—Elder Erica understands firsthand the importance of equitable and supportive educational environments. Her passion for equity within the school system drives her ongoing work to uplift students, families, and educators throughout Howard County.
Acting Membership Chair: Elder Quiana Holmes
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Elder Holmes joined the Council in 2017 and currently serves as Membership Chair. She has been a resident of Howard County for 16 years and has two children in the HCPSS. Elder Holmes has been deeply involved in the TCOE serving as the Recording Secretary, a member of the Education Committee and has participated in many other roles in TCOE, most recently accepting the Membership Chair role and joining the Advocacy committee. In addition to her work with TCOE, she has volunteered on behalf of HoCo students for many years through her involvement in the PTA, school system committees and parent mentoring. Quiana is excited to be part of TCOE because of the rich history of supporting and celebrating Black students..