TCOE Leadership
Ceremonial Leadership
Queen Mother: Elder Annie Phillips Foster
Elder Annie Foster is the Queen Mother, a ceremonial and traditional position in African culture. Elder Annie Foster retired from the Anne Arundel County Public School System (AACPS) in July 2015 after a distinguished career serving in multiple leadership roles. Her positions included Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Department Chair of Business Education, and ultimately Assistant Principal, where she concluded her tenure in education.
Before beginning her teaching career with AACPS, Elder Annie worked for the Howard County Public School System as a Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) Facilitator under the guidance of BSAP founder, Ms. Gloria Washington Wallace. During her time in this role, she established a male mentorship program in partnership with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Tau Pi Chapter, based at Patuxent Valley Middle School—an initiative that strengthened academic support and community engagement for young men.
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 Annie Foster is the Queen Mother, a ceremonial and traditional position in the African culture.
Presiding Elder: Elder Ken Jennings
Elder Ken Jennings is a founding member of TCOE and serves as the organization’s Presiding Elder. He developed the Alpha Achievers Program at both Oakland Mills and Long Reach High Schools, expanding academic and leadership opportunities for young men in the community. He also initiated the creation of the Ellington–Adderly Jazz Ensemble, further enriching local arts and cultural education.
Widely regarded as a trusted source of knowledge on African and African American history, Elder Jennings provides insight and guidance to the broader community. He remains a steadfast advocate for social change in Howard County, working to ensure that accurate and comprehensive African American history is represented within the Howard County Public School System’s social studies curriculum.
Elder Ken Jennings resides in Howard County, Maryland, where he continues his lifelong commitment to education, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.
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 her 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. She believes 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.
Recording 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.
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.
Membership Chair: Elder Quiana Holmes
Elder Holmes has been deeply involved in TCOE, previously serving as the organization’s Recording Secretary. She has also contributed as a dedicated member of the Education Committee and supported the organization in numerous additional capacities. Most recently, she has taken on the role of Membership Chair and joined the Advocacy Committee, continuing her strong commitment to TCOE’s mission.