SEASHORE MISSION
board of directors
linda cotter
President
Linda Cotter, a retired high-end interior designer, brings a wealth of compassion and dedication to her role at Seashore Mission. Formerly operating Curiosity Shop in Franklin, Michigan, Linda's design expertise reached clients worldwide. However, her retirement marked a profound shift as she embarked on a journey of service. Spending six months in Bolivia at a home for abused children, Linda witnessed firsthand the dire realities faced by vulnerable populations.
Driven by a desire to make a tangible difference, Linda's experiences extended to her personal life. Taking in homeless women while residing in Maryland provided insight into the stark disparities between the affluent and those without homes. This juxtaposition instilled in her a profound sense of humility and gratitude, reinforcing the belief that grace and circumstance often intersect in unexpected ways.
Moved by compassion, Linda's commitment to addressing homelessness extends beyond mere shelter. She recalls a poignant encounter with a homeless man during bitter cold, whose struggle to access rehabilitation services due to financial constraints left a lasting impact. Determined to create a space where individuals are respected and enveloped in God's love, Linda sees Seashore Mission as a beacon of hope and transformation.
Inspired by the transformative work of Gregory Boyle, particularly his book "The Whole Language," Linda believes that with the guidance of God, meaningful change is not only possible but inevitable. Alongside her passion for competitive bridge and gourmet cooking, Linda's active involvement in her church and serendipitous friendship with Pastor Elijah through physical therapy led her to Seashore Mission.
With unwavering faith and boundless determination, Linda eagerly anticipates the journey ahead, trusting in God's guidance to illuminate the path toward a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Glenda marshall
vice President
Glenda Marshall, hailing from Grenada County in Holcomb, MS, has called Gulfport her home for many years. With a distinguished career spanning 35.5 years in education within the Gulfport School System, Glenda's dedication to shaping young minds has left an indelible mark on the community. Her commitment to excellence extended beyond the classroom, as she spent countless evenings imparting knowledge as a freshman composition instructor at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gulfport.
Upon retiring from the education sector in 2003, Glenda embarked on a journey of diverse professional experiences. From serving with Mississippi State University Extension Service to lending her expertise to the Small Business Administration, Glenda's passion for service and community engagement has remained unwavering. Her tenure with organizations such as the American Red Cross—both at the national and local levels—and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) underscores her dedication to humanitarian causes.
Additionally, Glenda's involvement with Back Bay Mission speaks to her commitment to addressing issues of poverty and social justice within the Gulfport community. With a lifetime of service and a heart dedicated to making a difference, Glenda Marshall continues to leave a lasting impact on those she serves, embodying the spirit of compassion and generosity that lies at the heart of Seashore Mission's mission.
viki yaron
secretary
Viki Yaron brings a wealth of experience and a heart for community service to Seashore Mission. With a 30-year career spanning AT&T and Nissan Motor Manufacturing Company, primarily in New Jersey and California, Viki's expertise as a retired business manager is matched only by her dedication to making a difference.
Relocating to Biloxi with her husband Mike in 2003, Viki quickly immersed herself in the local arts scene, serving on the Board of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Symphony and later returning as chair of the Personnel Committee. Despite a brief relocation to Auburn, AL, following Hurricane Katrina, Viki's love for Biloxi drew her back in 2015, where she reignited her involvement with the Symphony and found a new passion for community service through Seashore Mission.
Inspired by a close friend's unwavering commitment to Seashore Mission, Viki joined the Board in January 2024, now serving as Board Secretary. Beyond her board responsibilities, Viki remains actively engaged in her church and is a proud member of the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art.
In her personal time, Viki's passion for sewing drives her to seek out opportunities for meaningful service through her craft. With a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Mexico, a Masters of Business Administration from Pace University, and Executive Education from The Aspen Institute, Viki combines her diverse skill set and boundless enthusiasm to make a lasting impact in the Biloxi community.
helen hancock
board member
Helen Hancock's journey of service began following her retirement from federal employment, seeking to redirect her time and energy toward meaningful endeavors. Motivated by her unwavering faith in God and a deep-seated commitment to justice, Helen initially found herself drawn to Seashore Mission with a desire to contribute to El Pueblo and the immigration clinic.
Her journey quickly evolved when she identified an immediate need for financial stewardship within the Mission. Stepping up to the challenge, Helen took on the responsibility of managing Quickbooks and overseeing the financial operations of Seashore Mission. Through diligent attention to detail and a steadfast dedication to the Mission's financial health, Helen assumed the role of Treasurer to the Board, ensuring that vital resources are allocated efficiently to sustain our outreach efforts.
For Helen, the decision to continue serving Seashore Mission is not defined by any single moment but by the countless small needs met on a weekly basis. Drawing on her involvement in First United Methodist Church in Gautier, MS, Helen seamlessly connects resources with the evolving needs of the Mission, exemplifying the power of meaningful connections in driving positive change.
beatrice pargo
board member
Beatrice Pargo brings over 30 years of invaluable experience as an administrator manager, having provided both administration and human resources support to employees across various organizations and locations. With an unwavering dedication to outstanding job performance, Beatrice served 20 years of active duty in the US Air Force, followed by 37 ½ years of service with the US Government.
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Throughout her career, Beatrice has held pivotal roles, including Secretary at USAF Keesler AFB, MS, where she provided administrative support to training squadrons, processed documents, and prepared graduation certificates. Her tenure at ITT Corporation and ITT Industries saw her excel in human resources and administrative roles, ensuring compliance with DOL requirements, managing benefits programs, and overseeing the smooth transition of operations during organizational changes.
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Beyond her professional endeavors, Beatrice is deeply committed to community service. As a volunteer, she has dedicated her time to organizations such as the Biloxi NAACP Branch, the Red Cross, and the MLK Committee, where she serves as Treasurer. Beatrice's passion for giving back led her to join Seashore Mission's board, driven by her church's belief in the ministry's importance and the recognition of the need to support the homeless community in the local area.
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Beatrice is keenly aware of the prevalence of homelessness in society and firmly believes in the biblical principle of being a blessing to others. As a board member, she actively contributes by donating items and plans to extend her support financially in the future. When she's not lending her expertise to worthy causes, Beatrice finds joy in spending time with family and friends, traveling, dining out, and indulging in a bit of retail therapy.
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Her dedication to ensuring the facility's safety and health speaks volumes about her commitment to the organization's mission and the well-being of its beneficiaries. Her presence on the board is a testament to her desire to make a positive impact and support those in need within her community.
steve johnson
board member
Meet Steven Lawrence Johnson, a dedicated servant-leader with a heart for making a difference in people's lives. Having retired from the City of Biloxi in 2021, Steven now channels his passion for service into his role at Luxury Limousine Service, where he works part-time. Recently appointed to the Board of Directors at Seashore Mission, Steven is committed to leveraging his experience and expertise to foster positive change within the community.
Driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of service and compassion, Steven finds inspiration in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who exemplified the virtues of humility and selflessness. For Steven, the opportunity to serve others is not just a duty but a sacred privilege—a chance to embody the principle of being "blessed by others."
Guided by the timeless wisdom of Philippians 2:3, Steven approaches his work with a spirit of humility and a genuine desire to uplift those around him. With each interaction, he seeks to honor the inherent dignity of every individual, recognizing their worth and potential.
As Steven embarks on this new chapter with Seashore Mission, he remains steadfast in his commitment to serving others and spreading the message of love and compassion. With his unwavering dedication and servant-hearted approach, Steven Johnson is poised to make a lasting impact, one act of kindness at a time.
rev. luther fairley
board member
Rev. Luther Fairley currently serves as a member at large.
jon kaufman
board member
Jon Kaufman currently serves as a member at large.
Apply Today
Seashore Mission is seeking an individual with expertise in grant writing to assist us in securing additional funding opportunities. Your skills could be instrumental in helping us expand our reach and impact even further.
(228) 331-1477