board of directors
July 2025 - july 2026
steve allen
President
Steve Allen brings a wealth of experience and deep compassion to his role as pastor and board member of Seashore Mission. With a heart for ministry that began during his legal career, Steve answered his call to serve after witnessing the limitations of the court system in addressing the true needs of families. His passion for helping others has grown through his time at Duke Divinity School and his work as a pastor in multiple congregations across North Carolina and Mississippi. Now serving as pastor of Vancleave UMC, Steve’s mission is to strengthen discipleship and expand the reach of Seashore Mission's transformative programs. His background as a litigator, combined with his passion for social justice and environmental stewardship, shapes his unique approach to ministry.
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Born in Vicksburg and raised in Long Beach, Steve’s dedication to Seashore Mission holds a deep personal connection, as his mother has been a long-time supporter. Through his pastoral work and service on the board of directors, Steve seeks to fulfill his dream of expanding the church's missional footprint and providing hope to those in need, particularly through the Redemption Ministry. His vision is to uplift those facing hardship and help others see the light of Christian discipleship.
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.
DAWN
ROSS
TREASURER
Dawn M. Ross, an Army veteran with over 20 years of diverse experience in financial management, project management, and food service, brings a wealth of expertise to Seashore Mission. With a Bachelor of Science in Finance/Nutrition and currently pursuing a graduate program in Project Management at WGU, Dawn combines her academic background with practical skills. She has excelled in roles such as Executive Assistant at the Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, where she managed social media, database systems, membership relations, and event planning. Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident from her decade-long self-employment as a caterer, tax preparer, and business consultant.
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Dawn’s multifaceted skill set includes proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, QuickBooks, web design, and menu planning. Her dedication to community service and making a positive impact is reflected in her volunteer work and hobbies like kayaking, cooking, and singing. Dawn's passion for helping others and her extensive professional background make her an invaluable asset to Seashore Mission, where she continues to contribute her talents and experience to support the community.
yolanda boone
secretary
Yolanda Boone currently serves as Secretary.
rev. luther fairley
board member
Rev. Luther Fairley currently serves as a member at large.
anne dempsey
board member
Anne Dempsey currently serves as a member at large.
Steve johnson
board member
Steve Johnson currently serves as a member at large.
Dr. James
RUSCH
board member
Dr. James A. Rusch, a distinguished psychiatrist with over three decades of experience, currently serves as the Medical Director at Oceans Behavioral Hospital in Biloxi, MS. Born on June 25, 1957, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Rusch completed his M.D. at Louisiana State University Medical School, where he graduated in the top 15% of his class. He also holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. Dr. Rusch has been a pivotal figure in the mental health field, contributing to numerous medical facilities across the Mississippi Gulf Coast and beyond. His expertise is recognized through his certifications with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, both in general psychiatry and forensic psychiatry.
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Throughout his career, Dr. Rusch has held significant positions including Medical Director roles at various hospitals and psychiatric units. His work history spans from private practice to serving in veteran health care systems, emphasizing his commitment to diverse patient populations. Additionally, Dr. Rusch has been involved in clinical teaching, holding adjunct positions at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Tulane Medical School. Known for his compassionate approach and comprehensive knowledge, Dr. Rusch continues to impact the field of psychiatry, ensuring quality mental health care for his community.
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