The Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board (BAAB) announced its newly elected officers for 2026 following a board meeting held on November 5.
Pierre E. Rutledge (Chair)
Pierre E. Rutledge is a respected consensus builder and proven leader dedicated to advancing marginalized and underserved communities. With more than 30 years of experience driving innovative, sustainable community initiatives, Rutledge focuses on meaningful community transformation.
As chair of the BAAB, he leads a team appointed by the Miami-Dade County Commission to advocate for the socio-economic, political, and educational interests of the Black World Community, working to improve quality of life across the region. He also serves with Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
Rutledge holds leadership roles across numerous organizations, including serving as a charter member of the Liberty City Optimist Club, president of 100 Black Men of South Florida Inc., board chairman of Banyan Health Systems Inc., and past president of the Beta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
He is a 33-degree Master Mason, past Potentate of Kazah Temple #149 Prince Hall Shriners, and serves as National Treasurer. His recent honors include being named a 2024 Florida A&M University Distinguished Alumnus and a 2024 FAMU National Rattler “F” Club Honoree. Rutledge earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Florida A&M University and a master’s degree in management from St. Thomas University.
Ronald A. Mumford (Vice Chair)
Ronald A. Mumford earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where he was a member of the National Criminal Justice Honor Society.
His career includes service with the New York State Department of Corrections and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, where he worked as a Juvenile Probation Officer Supervisor and Regional Administrative Review Liaison.
Mumford later served with the CHARLEE Program as a Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoption Recruiter for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and as a Program Manager with the Affirming Youth Foundation of Miami-Dade County. He currently serves as Youth Program Manager for CareerSource South Florida.
Recognized nationally for his child welfare work, Mumford has received the Excellence in Child Welfare Award and Employee of the Year honors. He has also been nominated as African American of the Year by the Jim Moran Foundation.
His community involvement includes coaching youth sports, volunteering with state safety initiatives, serving with the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, and membership in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Mumford is also an ordained deacon at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Miami Gardens.
Phyllis Simpkins (Secretary)
Phyllis W. Simpkins brings more than 25 years of community advocacy and volunteer service. She has served on numerous boards, including the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women, Miami-Dade Community Action Agency advisory boards, Opa-Locka Youth Advisory Board, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
A retired firefighter with 27 years of public service, Simpkins has devoted her life to supporting youth, seniors, and community development. She founded Majestic’s Youth & Arts Academy, a 501(c)(3) organization that uses the arts to deter gang activity and crime.
She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public administration from Barry University and is an active member of the 93rd Street Community Baptist Church in Miami.
J.S. Rashid (Parliamentarian)
J.S. Rashid is an entrepreneur and administrator with extensive experience in business, economic development, and real estate planning. As President and CEO of SECTOR Public Private Partners, Inc., he advises developers and government entities on strategic planning, public-private partnerships, and funding strategies to ensure project feasibility and success.
Rashid studied business administration at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is a graduate of the Bank of America Leadership Academy and Development Training Institute. His affiliations include Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., 100 Black Men of South Florida Inc., and serving as Vice President of Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade.
His honors include the Community Champion Award, Legacy Magazine recognition as one of South Florida’s most influential Black professionals, and induction into Miami-Dade County’s Triumphant Spirits Exhibit.
For more information or to request accommodations for County-sponsored programs or meetings, contact BAAB Program Officer Retha Boone-Fye at 305-375-4606 or via email. Follow the Board on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
The Office of Community Advocacy, under the Board of County Commissioners, oversees 12 advisory boards, including BAAB, and supports initiatives that promote a unified and inclusive Miami-Dade County.
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