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Our People

Our people are the backbone of our organization. Together we address the urgent needs of our community as we work to build a more equitable future for all.

Leadership

Board

Staff

Leadership

Dr. Angela Griffin, Chief Executive Officer

As Byrd Barr Place’s CEO, Dr. Angela Griffin leads the organization in its pursuits to build an equitable Washington through innovative programs and advocacy. Angela is a relationship-builder with 30+ years of experience working with communities of color to advance racial justice in the social service and education sectors. Her commitment to trauma-informed practice has led to improved services for youth and better outcomes for populations whom society marginalizes. Most recently, Angela served as CEO of Launch in Seattle, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring equitable access to the highest quality learning and care.

To further her dedication to supporting community well-being, Angela actively engages in volunteerism and public service. She is on several boards and advisory committees, including the Washington State Board of Education, Pathwaves WA, and the Woodland Park Zoo, among others. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Seattle University. Family is important to Angela, and she prioritizes spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoys traveling internationally, cooking a variety of cultural foods, and reading.

Jarvis Henderson, Director of Operations

Jarvis Henderson is a visionary operations, program, and people leader with more than 15 years of experience advancing mission-aligned strategy, organizational development, and equity across nonprofit, education, healthcare, and corporate settings. He brings proven expertise in strategic planning, fiscal oversight, staff development, process improvement, community engagement, and partnership building, with a record of designing leadership programs, strengthening organizational systems, and supporting underserved communities.

As a senior speaker, coach, and consultant, Jarvis advises executives and organizations on leadership, culture, operational effectiveness, and equitable practices, while his broader career includes directing regional training for thousands of employees, managing facilities and programs, and leading community-centered initiatives. Jarvis is committed to building trust, developing people, and translating mission-driven goals into measurable impact.

Tiffany Kelly-Gray, Director of Strategic Initiatives

Tiffany Kelly-Gray leads Byrd Barr Place's prosperity work as Director of Strategic Initiatives, partnering with the CEO and executive team to move bold, community-centered strategies from vision to execution. She oversees cross-departmental initiatives spanning resource development, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and data-driven program design all grounded in Byrd Barr Place's commitment to racial and economic justice for Black Washingtonians.

A dedicated changemaker, Tiffany brings extensive leadership experience in finance, banking, equity and inclusion, small business management, and UX design. She is completing her executive MBA at foster school of business. She draws on her queer, Black-lived experience and small business owner lens to build structures and partnerships that reflect the real needs of the communities she serves. She co-chairs the advisory board for the city of seattle's equitable development initiative. Outside of work, she's happiest in the forest, beside a river, with a bourbon neat and a good book.

Wendy Armour, Director of Advancement

A Washington native from Pasco and raised primarily in Seattle, Wendy Armour earned a degree in Business Management from Grambling State University. She has over 35 years of professional experience, including pharmaceutical sales and nonprofit leadership.

Wendy is passionate about mentoring young women and girls through life-skills and STEM-focused programs, empowering them to embrace their potential. She also volunteers with the Children’s Institute for Learning Differences, the National Black MBA Association, and other youth and women’s organizations, working to diversify the STEM workforce. In her free time, Wendy enjoys spending time with her loving husband and son.

Lisa Parker, Director of Administration

Lisa Parker is an accomplished administrative and operations leader with more than a decade of progressive experience in executive support, business development, project and client relationship management. Her career spans nonprofit leadership, corporate administration, real estate contracts, lease administration, and large-scale software implementation, where she has led training, supported complex organizational systems, and built efficient, people-centered processes in five countries.

Known for her sound judgment, adaptability, and collaborative approach, Lisa brings both strategic insight and a commitment to service to every endeavor. Beyond her professional work, she is an art enthusiast with a deep appreciation for all forms of music and poetry, a nature lover, and an avid traveler.