Paula Walcott-Quintin
chair
Paula Walcott-Quintin is currently an Executive Communications Specialist, with over 25 years in higher education and state government arenas. She is a charter member of the LFU, first serving as Secretary of the Board for the first seven years and as Chair since 2015. Adept at fostering collaborative and strategic partnerships, her priorities include instituting transformative programs for residents in the local communities served by the LFU. Paula holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
Keith Semple
vice chair
Keith Semple is the vice chair and liaison between the LFU Board and the Linden community. His contacts and connections in the community have facilitated numerous opportunities for the LFU to execute their programs and projects. He was the New Jersey Chapter Chair for many years, organizing the annual Family Fun Day. Keith is a retired analyst with the New York Metropolitan Transit Authority.
Cyrilene Wright
treasurer
Cyrilene Wright is serving her second non-sequential term as the Treasurer and is one of the organization's founding members. She is a former Accounting Manager for a mid-sized Manhattan firm with deep knowledge of non-profit sector accounting. She served as the Finance/Human Resources Manager with Habitat for Humanity, Broward County for a decade. She holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Strayer University and is currently a Freelance Accountant serving Small Business entity.
Kenneth Fogenay
secretary
Kenneth Fogenay is a 34-year US Army Veteran 1SG (Ret), Logistician, Transportation, Budget, Finance, and Contract professional and serves as Secretary. A longtime member of LFU, Kenneth kept his membership and interest in the LFU strong, even while serving tours of duty in West Germany, Iraq, South Korea, and the U.S. Midwest. A Speightland-born Retrieve resident, he honed his skills at MHS as an ex-Guymine Constable, District Field Officer of Region 10, Subject Secretary for the Linden Youth Sports and Culture, and many more. Kenneth’s leadership and organizational skills and a degree from the American Military University will contribute meaningfully to LFU achieving its goals in Linden and Region 10.
Dr. Deon Anderson
board member
Dr. Deon Anderson, head of Water Quality at Guyana Water Inc., was among the first LFU scholarship awardees in 2003 as a top CXC student for Linden and Region 10. He earned a first degree in Chemical Engineering in Cuba, and every summer vacation, he volunteered with LFU’s youth summer enrichment program. He earned an MSc. in Water Engineering and a Ph.D. in Transformational Leadership, which he plans to effectively implement LFU’s vision to transform Linden & Region 10 as an ecotourism destination and economic hub and foster education, youth engagement, and overall development in every sector. An entrepreneur, Deon is the CEO of “Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours,” which showcases the local beauty of Linden.
Dr. Francine Brotherson
board member
Dr. Francine Brotherson uses her professional knowledge as a facilitator at the LFU’s annual Teachers’ Workshop. Her expertise is in early childhood development, and she shares this information with teachers attending LFU’s three-day yearly workshop. She has been training New York City teachers for over ten years. Francine has retired to Guyana but remains very committed to the vision and mission of the Linden Fund USA.
Michael Campbell
board member
Michael Campbell has enjoyed two stints as chair of the New Jersey Chapter and as a long-term committee chair for the LFU Family Fun Day event. Michael, an entrepreneur, and New Jersey residential property appraiser is a former millwright mechanic, serving as a shop steward and trustee of the Guyana Mine Workers’ Union. He attended Guyana Oriental College. Michael is highly committed to the development of Guyana as a whole and to fulfilling the mission of LFU to make a sustainable and meaningful difference to the residents of Linden and Region 10.
Joan Casey
board member
Joan Casey has been an educator for close to five decades where her sojourn took her in various parts of the Americas. She is the recipient of several college degrees mainly in education and political science. Throughout her teaching career, Joan has received several accolades, some of which included “Best Role Model” and “the Teacher of the Year.” She was also recognized nationally in the Who’s Who of Teachers. Currently a retiree of the NYC Department of Education, Joan continues to work with students preparing for standardized exams. Joan hopes to leave her footprint as she strives to work with all to uphold the mission and vision of the organization.
Damani Corbin
board member
Damani Corbin is the son of Linden stalwarts Jenifer Wendella Hodge and Charles Corbin. Damani is a proud Guyanese and embraces all of his Linden roots. Professionally, Damani is a business consultant and entrepreneur, focusing on technology-based organizations connecting technology outcomes with business value. He is passionate about making a lasting impact by empowering people and organizations to thrive. Diversity & Inclusion and community development are at the forefront of his initiatives. Damani is actively involved in grassroots initiatives in local neighborhoods through corporate initiatives within Fortune 500 Companies.
Shona Wright-Halley
Chair of the New Jersey Chapter
Shona Wright is the former Secretary of the board and currently serves as the chair of the New Jersey Chapter. With a master’s degree in Literacy Education, she has over twenty years of classroom experience, winning the 2014 Teacher of the Year Award. Shona served in the United States Army Reserves as a Military Police Sergeant and JAG law clerk. She has also served on the executive boards of several parent teacher organizations.
Cheryl waithe
Office Manager
Cheryl Waithe joined the Linden Fund USA organization 2018 as the Office Manager of the locally registered charity, LFU Guyana Inc. A former Habitat for Humanity Guyana employee, she is highly skilled in navigating the not-for-profit charity space and interacting with all local government levels. Cheryl is responsible for managing operations, programs, and public relations in the Linden and Region 10 community related to LFU Guyana Inc. and its parent organization, Linden Fund USA.
Kadifa Greene-Marshall
Community Project Coordinator
Kadifa Greene-Marshall is an Entrepreneur and Marketing professional passionate about community development. Since 2022, she’s been a valuable LFU team member, first serving as a volunteer and then as the Director of Economic Development. In 2023, she successfully coordinated the organization’s first grant-awarded project, “Grow-UP Internship Through Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Region 10,” funded by the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme. Kadifa graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Guyana.
Keefia Younge
Economic Development Project Coordinator
Keefia Younge began overseeing LFU Guyana Inc.’s impactful agricultural internship program following her standout performance in the 2023 summer internship that paired tertiary-level students with local Region 10 farmers. In her role as project coordinator under the organization's Economic Development Initiative, she is helping to design and manage projects that foster growth and promote education for local youth. Keefia has a Diploma in Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health from the Guyana School of Agriculture and plans to pursue a degree in Veterinary Medicine.