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.
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.
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.
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.
charlene smith
board member
Charlene Smith currently serves as a member at large.
steve allen
board member
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.
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