Wilbert J. Lewis, (DECEASED 3/2022)
Mr. Lewis attended American University prior to joining the United States Agency for Internal Development (AID) where he served in several managerial capacities and branch manager until retirement in 1990. The AID program focuses on undeveloped and third world countries. In this role, he was responsible for the management of the tele-communication and data center operations, administrative and personnel management, and office automation development. Upon leaving the federal government in 1990, he joined TRICOM Training Institute (TTI), a non-profit organization as President and CEO, providing direction and administration of youth services including strategic and long-range planning, fundraising and facilitating informational and various educational activities. Upon leaving TTI he provided independent consulting services to the private sector and small businesses. As an Ordained Deacon, Mr. Lewis’s extensive work with his church resulted in his selection in 2001 to serve as project manager for building their new church in Camp Springs, MD. In 2009, he joined BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices Realty as a Licensed Real Estate Agent and continues to serve as a volunteer member for various community programs in his community. Mr. Lewis serves as Treasurer of the Crescent Cities Jaycees Foundation, and administrator for the Jaycees Early Learning Center. He has been a resident of Charles County since 1981.
Steven G Novak, President
Mr. Novak is an Association Executive, working in the non-profit sector for the past 40 years. He is also the owner and President of the Corporation for Public Relations, Inc., founded in 1988, which specializes in protecting, enhancing and building company reputations through media, community advocacy and lobbying efforts. He has been an officer and director of the Crescent Cities Jaycees Foundation for the past 35 years, currently serving as its President. He is also a founding member of Crescent Cities Charities, Inc. Mr. Novak is a graduate of the University of Maryland, University College and served a five-year term on the UMUC Alumni Association Board of Directors, working on governmental affairs. He has served on numerous boards and commissions throughout his career. He is an avid golfer and an accomplished trumpet player, participating for 49 consecutive years as a volunteer member of the Washington Redskins Marching Band. Mr. Novak is married with three children, six grandchildren, and resides in Northern Virginia.
Richard D Lawson, Treasurer
Mr. Lawson was employed by the federal government for nearly 32 years in the audit profession. Positions included Division Chief at the Department of the Treasury Inspector General, Chief of Audit at the US Secret Service, and Chief of Audit and acting Inspector General at the National Labor Relations Board. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, he was a licensed Certified Public Accountant for over 40 years and a Certified Fraud Examiner. He received numerous honors and awards for this service. Mr. Lawson also practiced accounting in the private sector and has been a general partner in real estate partnerships that owned retail, commercial, and residential properties. He is a US Army veteran and active in several civic and professional organizations and in his church. He was an original member of the Crescent Cities Jaycees Foundation, currently serving as Chairman of the Board, and is also a founding member of Crescent Cities Charities, Inc., where he manages its investment portfolio. Mr. Lawson and his wife currently reside in Strasburg, VA.
Robert S. Poe, Chairman
Mr. Poe has been a Board member since the groups’ inception in 1994. He received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering in 1968 and retired from the Department of Navy in 2002 with 34 years of civilian service, receiving the Meritorious Civilian Service Award. In his job he provided technical advice, guidance and management support to the Chief Naval Operations, Naval Sea Systems Command and Naval Ordinance Center; coordinated explosives safety inspections of all navy ships and over 200 navy/marine corps shore installations worldwide; coordinated the naval explosives safety training program; represented navy explosives safety interests at interservice/ private industry meetings and conferences; chaired various navy explosives safety committees/meetings; and developed, submitted and defended budgets for above. Professional memberships included the American Institute of Chemical Engineering, American Defense Preparedness Association, Joint Ordnance Commanders Safety Sub Group and the Military Services Explosives Safety Council. Mr. Poe numerous volunteer activities and memberships included President and Vice-President of River Ridge Recreation Council; Director Oxon Hill Manor Foundation; President, Vice-President and Director of the Crescent Cities Jaycees; Chairman of the NAVORDSTA Golf Club; President, Secretary and Director of Hawthorne Country Club; Editor of the Maryland JCI Senate Newsletter; Director, Secretary and Chairman of the Board of the Crescent Cities Jaycees Foundation; Certified Red Cross/AHA CPR instructor; Member Arch Bishop Neale and St. Mary’s/Ryken TPC’s. Mr. Poe has been a resident of Charles County for the past 39 years.
Joseph G. Harris, Vice President
Mr. Harris, a former Certified Public Accountant, founded a Certified Public Accounting firm 40 years ago, assisting businesses and residents in the Washington Metropolitan area with tax matters. He was also an Association Executive, serving on many for-profit and non-profit boards of directors, including the Crescent Cities Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce). Mr Harris coached football, supervised Church Youth Fellowship and was a prolific fundraiser for many causes, including the physically and mentally challenged. He developed a scholarship program based on need, for infants to school age children, to ensure they get a better start by attending early learning centers. Based on need and qualifications, he helped set up and served on a scholarship committee for college bound high school seniors in Southern Maryland. Using his experience in accounting, finances, management consulting and law, he helped start many small businesses and non-profit organizations. These includes the Jaycees Early Leaning Center, the Jaycees Community Center, an Adult Medical Day Care Center and a Nursing Home. During his career, he has helped raised over sixteen million dollars ($16M) for area non-profits. He is looking forward to assisting community minded youth to further their education and careers. Mr. Harris resides with his wife in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Paul F. Baiers, Jr. Secretary
Mr. Baiers, the youngest member of the Board of Directors, has served as its fundraising director for the past eleven years and recently was elected as the organization’s secretary. He has an accomplished and diverse career, opening and operating businesses including Beltway Janitorial Maintenance and Cleaning Service, Paul’s Bar and Grill, Paul’s Subs, and currently he owns Paul’s Deli on the Creek. He has also worked on both sides of the political aisle, working four-years as a security staff member to then President George W. Bush, Sr., and recently serving in an elected capacity on the Democratic Central Committee for Dorchester County, presiding one term as chairman. Mr. Baiers is a resident of Cambridge, MD and is a single parent to one daughter.