Susan Bates
Susan Bates is the founder of Your Working Copy, Inc. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the field of education from the University of Alabama. Her career looks like a patchwork quilt. An educator by trade and by nature, she’s taught from kindergarten to college, proving her love of teaching no matter the level. Her work-life years have given her the opportunity to wear a wide variety of hats: a hard hat as an Outside Plant Engineer for Pacific Bell and Bell South, and a soft heart as a Social Worker for the Birmingham Police Department. She had the privilege of serving on the national staff of Girl Scouts, USA, Inc. and the Ameri*Corps National Civilian Community Corps. Through it all, she sees how each assignment has helped to prepare her for her life’s mission: to record the Bible and create a new structure that invites the world to engage with God through His holy Word. A number of her work assignments were with ‘start-up’ organizations — creating something new for the good of mankind that had never been tried before. Her trailblazing spirit has helped make her suitable for this work. She is honored that the Heavenly Father tagged her and said, “You’re it!”
Madison Averhart
Genora Hale
Genora serves as the Minister of Music at St. Thomas United Methodist Church in Sylacauga, Alabama and she works in the healthcare industry. She is the mother of three, including a set of twins! Genora brings a wealth of experience, a desire to serve, and a love for God.
Roy Hodge
Roy is a Regional Field Trainer for Dick’s Sporting Goods and he is responsible for on-boarding
new managers into the company. As a retail professional, Roy’s career has spanned 30 years working for The Home Depot, PepsiCo, and 7- Eleven. Roy has served as a general manager, district manager, and human resources professional for big box retailers.
His noteworthy accomplishments include:
- Delivered over $50 million in net income
- Donated over $500K in cash, merchandise, and services in the local communities
- Promoted 63 managers into elevated leadership roles
- Opened ten new buildings for various companies
- Written many training documents for newly hired managers
- Seated on various committees to improve company performance
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Roy serves on the security ministry team and the Christmas Drive committee at the New Bethlehem Baptist Church in Bessemer, Al.
Roy also gives his time to community service and outreach through the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Roy is married to his wife, Demika. He is the father of two adult children: Malcolm and Devin.
Originally from St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., Roy grew up in Brooklyn, NY and earned his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University. In his spare time, Roy enjoys travel, fitness, and non-fictional literature.
Gene McCord
Gene was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama, Birmingham in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Later that year he married his wife, Bonita, and went to work for the Alabama Department of Corrections. In the evenings he earned his master’s degree from Troy State University in Counseling and Human Development. He transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry where he spent 41 years. He completed on-campus programs at Wharton, Columbia University Graduate School of Business, and The University of Michigan Business School. He also completed the Restoring The Foundations program at Transformational Ministries. In 2020 Gene retired from the pharmaceutical industry and joined Hope Inspired Ministries workforce development nonprofit where he is the Site Director. Gene has served on the Church of the Highlands Correctional Ministry team, leading Sunday services and small groups in Donaldson and Bibb correctional facilities. He and Bonita were also Sunday service leaders at Tutwiler Women’s Correctional Facility. Gene and Bonita have a son and daughter living in Alabama. Gene has also served on two nonprofit Board of Directors. Gene enjoys time with family, fishing, and skeet shooting.