The MARS CDC Team is comprised of ten main team members that each deliver a unique offering to contribute to our Mission Statement. Once you have read our job descriptions it is revealed that the foundation upon which we stand is a collective energy dedicated to serving our communities.

The MARS CDC Team

CLICK ON THE TEAM MEMBERS BELOW TO VIEW THEIR JOB DESCRIPTION

Marcus A. Riggins

President

Jeanine Lingo

Vice President

Brenda L. Hill-Riggins

Vision Surrogate

Gwen Watson

Economic Development Expansion Coordinator/Director

Vonda Renee Allen

Community Outreach Volunteer

Brenda L. Lingo

Manufacturing Project Manager

Michael Jefferson

Community Outreach Director

Diamond J Lingo

Mental Health Professional

Manatee V. Smith Jr.

Operating Manager Agriculture

Kathleen Holzer

Secretary

Community Partners

Tracey L. Wells-Huggins

Community Liaison Coordinator

Evelyn Cannon-Dingle

Health Coordinator

Marcus A. Riggins

Marcus A. Riggins serves as President, providing overall leadership, direction, and technical oversight of the corporation’s operations and activities. He ensures that all business functions align with the organization’s mission and comply with applicable standards and regulations.

In his role, Mr. Riggins is responsible for leading and developing the organization’s team, fostering a strong and positive workplace culture, and guiding strategic initiatives. He also oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective and compliant fundraising practices to support the organization’s continued growth and success.

Jeanine

Jeanine Lingo

Use: Jeanine Lingo serves as Vice President and assumes the responsibilities of the President in his or her absence. In this role, she supports the President in carrying out key organizational duties and strategic initiatives.

Ms. Lingo oversees critical functions including media relations, the annual dinner, facilities, and personnel matters. She plays a vital role in ensuring the Board of Directors operates effectively in its governance and support of the organization, while also managing overall board affairs.

Acting as a representative of the Board as a whole, rather than as an individual supervisor of staff, Ms. Lingo serves as a spokesperson for the organization within the media and the broader community. She also advises the Board on the formation of committees, recruits and engages volunteers, and coordinates committee assignments among board members to ensure active participation and alignment with organizational goals.

Brenda L. Hill-Riggins

Brenda L. Hill-Riggins serves as Business Manager, overseeing the day-to-day operations to ensure the organization functions efficiently and effectively. In this role, she supports and advances the organization’s outreach efforts, including coordinating community engagement activities and scheduling appointments.

Ms. Hill-Riggins is also responsible for developing and maintaining strong, strategic relationships with donors, funders, supporters, collaborators, vendors, and other key stakeholders, fostering partnerships that support the organization’s mission and growth.

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Gwen Watson

Gwen Watson is a community and economic development advocate serving as Economic Development Expansion Coordinator/Director for MARS CDC in Georgia. She brings experience in organizational growth, community outreach, housing education, small business development, housing and partnership building. Her work centers on creating opportunities that strengthen local economies, expand access to resources, and support long-term community sustainability. She is committed to helping lead MARS CDC's expansion efforts in Georgia with vision, collaboration, and purpose.

Vonda Renee Allen

Vonda Renee Allen serves as Community Outreach Director and Customer Service Advocate for MARS CDC. In this role, she is responsible for delivering an exceptional customer experience and fostering long-term customer loyalty.

Ms. Allen acts as the primary liaison between MARS CDC and its customers, advocating for client needs while ensuring alignment with the organization’s goals and standards. Her responsibilities include supporting the retention, renewal, and growth of assigned customer relationships, while creating a seamless and positive experience for clients engaging with MARS CDC.

She is empowered to represent the organization throughout the customer journey by setting clear expectations and educating clients on how to effectively utilize available tools, resources, products, and services to support and grow their businesses.

In her collaborative role, Ms. Allen works closely with all MARS CDC departments to strengthen customer engagement, drive retention, and support overall organizational growth. Her commitment to service and community impact reflects her dedication as a valued and longstanding volunteer.

Brenda L. Lingo

Brenda L. Lingo, as Manufacturing Project Manager, oversees and communicates product manufacturing project progression from inception to completion including design, permits, material delivery, labor schedules, and field installation. Develops a comprehensive project plan to meet schedules and budgets. Conducts ‘Work in Progress’ meetings. Understands and follows all published codes, standards, and unique project specifications. Conveys a sense of professionalism, fairness, and concern for customers, labor and management. Coordinates change orders and drives toward overall margin improvement on every job.

Michael Jefferson

Michael Jefferson serves as Community Outreach Director for MARS CDC, bringing strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building expertise to the organization. He is a highly effective and visionary leader who is committed to creating a safe, motivational, and collaborative environment for clients, customers, and community partners.

Mr. Jefferson leads the development and implementation of community outreach initiatives that strengthen partnerships and expand the organization’s impact. He works closely with stakeholders to foster engagement and support programs aligned with MARS CDC’s mission.

He holds a Master of Arts in Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Rowan University. His diverse background in education, business, and media enhances his ability to connect with communities and drive meaningful results.

Diamond J Lingo

Diamond serves as a behavioral health specialist, focusing on supporting individuals with behavioral disorders. In her role, she works closely with adults experiencing developmental disabilities and addiction-related challenges, providing guidance and care tailored to each individual’s needs.

Her responsibilities include developing intervention strategies, assisting clients in transitioning to independent adult living, and evaluating symptoms to help implement effective coping mechanisms. Through her work, Diamond is dedicated to helping individuals manage their mental health and improve their overall quality of life.

Manatee V. Smith Jr.

Manatee Smith serves as Operating Manager of Agriculture for MARS CDC, bringing over 20 years of experience in agriculture, land development, and community-based economic initiatives. His work is centered on advancing sustainable food systems, improving food distribution, and supporting agricultural development in both urban and rural communities.

In his role, Mr. Smith oversees agricultural operations and initiatives that promote food access, economic growth, and land utilization. He plays a key role in developing strategies that support local food production while aligning agricultural efforts with broader community development goals.

Mr. Smith’s background in Business Management and Marketing, along with his extensive experience working with community development financial institutions (CDFIs), strengthens his ability to connect agriculture with economic opportunity. His commitment to equitable development and community impact continues to support MARS CDC’s mission of fostering sustainable growth and resilience.

Kathleen Holzer

Kathleen Holzer, as Secretary, is an active conduit for communication between the board, management, and members, by giving proper notice of any meetings and timely distribution of materials such as agendas and meeting minutes.

Tracey Wells-Huggins

Tracey Wells-Huggins is a nationally recognized Master Facilitator and Trainer whose work aligns with MARS CDC’s mission to strengthen communities through education, equity, and transformative support services. She specializes in justice transformation, using restorative practices and family partnership to promote both personal growth and systemic change, particularly within underserved and impacted communities.

With a background as a Registered Nurse and Nurse Educator, Tracey brings a holistic, community-centered approach to her work, focusing on healing, inclusion, and empowerment. She serves on several national boards, including the Coalition for Juvenile Justice, where she is the National Vice Chair, and is a double Fellow of Georgetown University’s Center for Juvenile Justice Reform.

As the founder of Renewed Minds and Raw Wisdom LLC, Tracey develops and delivers culturally relevant programs, workshops, and educational initiatives that support community engagement, accountability, and long-term development. Her work directly supports MARS CDC’s commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities through outreach, education, and meaningful partnerships.

Evelyn Cannon-Dingle

Evelyn Cannon-Dingle serves as Health Coordinator for MARS CDC, bringing decades of experience in patient care, advocacy, and community health outreach. With over 35 years in the healthcare field at Inspira Medical Center Vineland, Evelyn has dedicated her career to ensuring individuals receive the care, resources, and support they need. Her work reflects a deep commitment to improving health outcomes, particularly within underserved communities, aligning closely with MARS CDC’s mission to strengthen and support families through community-based services.

In her role, Evelyn focuses on promoting health awareness, coordinating community-based health initiatives, and advocating for individuals navigating medical challenges. She is passionate about preventive care, education, and ensuring access to essential health services. Her hands-on approach, combined with her ability to connect with people on a personal level, allows her to effectively support individuals and families in managing their health and well-being.

Evelyn’s lifelong dedication to service extends beyond the clinical setting into the community and her faith-based outreach efforts. She continues to be a trusted resource and advocate, embodying MARS CDC’s commitment to compassion, community engagement, and improving quality of life for those it serves.