EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Founder and Board Chairman

Dr. Dennis B. McKesey is the Founder and CEO of In Our Best Interest LLC and The Off School Grounds Coalition, Inc. He is a dedicated, innovative and resourceful education professional with close to thirty (30) years of experience in working for private, public and charter schools in New York City. It is his belief that with the support of Educators' and their passion to learn and grow, we can enhance capacity to facilitate students' learning, mental and social emotional growth, all of which leads toward urban school reform and community development.  As an Alma Mater of Mercy College with accreditations in School Administration and Supervision, a graduate of Columbia University Graduate School of Business Leadership Development Program, and having successfully completed his Educational Doctorate at the University of New England, he remains passionate for the direct involvement of community and education through effective school leadership.  Dennis consults nationally with teachers and administrators at schools and districts and has presented at school leadership conferences. As a former principal at one of the most premier charter schools in the country, he built a proven track record of success and desired to share his effective and beneficial strategies with other educators in the area and across the nation.

With over 35 years in the entertainment industry, Laze is a businessman known as a pioneering icon in the Hip Hop and R&B world and also in the international touring world. Laze Elliott began his broadcasting and global media career in 1990 serving as Music Producer, Production Manager and Creative Director to world renowned artists. Laze has produced music legends Billy Danze & Lil’ Fame (aka M.O.P.), Jay-Z, Positive K, Big Daddy Kane, Busta Rhymes, Nice n’ Smooth, Vanilla Ice, Buju Banton, Lil Jon and the list continues. 

Taylos Media, LLP serves as a platform to advance children in 21st century with new technology in Media Production. As technology advances in the music industry, Laze brings his unique expertise of the behind the scenes knowledge in production, sound waves, music frequency and creative audio-visual effects. His most notable NYC studio projects consist of the reimagining of Sony Music Studio, redesign of D&D Studios from an analog to all-digital room as well as the Hammerstein Ballroom studio and lounge in NYC, Unique Studios, Quad Studio and Pyramid Studios. 

Priscilla is an Entrepreneur, Award winning Journalist, Activist & Community Organizer who consults Executive and Political Clients. Priscilla also has a proven track record coaching entertainment industry A-Listers. A creative visionary, and author (2021) not just passionate about work, but deeply involved in community affairs with internationally renowned activist.

Currently, Ms. Echi serves as Board Chair for M.A.D.E. Transitional Services. The Steven Tyler “Dream On” Project creator has consistently contributed to the Non Profit arena for over 15 years, executing programs at signature events, while securing sponsorships from high end brands including but not limited to: Chase, American Express, Mercedez Benz, Hennessy, Sam Ash, Ruth Chris, and Neiman Marcus.

This experience has given her distinctive vision and deep appreciation for how excellent communication through media relations, top notch events, and non-profit work when managed well, can improve the quality of life in our region, one program and city at a time.

Mark has spent nearly a decade working with K-12 educators across the U.S., providing resilience education tools, innovative attendance programs, and coordinating training and conference events. His work, which has taken him nationwide, involves collaborating with teachers, counselors, social workers, and school administrators to enhance resilience and motivation in diverse youth populations.

A prominent figure in educational circles, Mark has presented at several major conferences, including the New York State School Board Association Conference and the National School Safety Conference. He has played a key role in implementing federal grant programs like GEAR UP and Trio Upward Bound, enriching resources for educators and students.

As a first-generation college graduate, Mark is passionate about advocating for college and career readiness, particularly for underprivileged youth. His commitment extends beyond professional boundaries, with over a decade of leadership in the Boy Scouts of America and volunteer work with the Circles Initiative. Mark, a sports enthusiast and community volunteer, lives with his wife Tasha and their six children, embodying the values of service and empathy.

Jehan is the Senior Vice President Director of Corporate Banking at Kearny Bank, having previously excelled as SVP & Group Director at Signature Bank until January 2023. There, she impressively grew her team's deposit base to nearly $200 million in just two years, amidst challenging pandemic conditions. Prior to Signature Bank, Jehan was the Director of Client Experience for Corporate Banking at Sterling National Bank, where she focused on deposit growth and customer experience, managing a substantial $5 billion deposit portfolio across New York City.

Earlier in her career, Jehan served as a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley, specializing in commercial lending, relationship management, risk, and compliance. She also held a significant role as Vice President and Client Relationship Officer at ConnectOne Bank. Recognized as a “2010 New Leader in Banking,” Jehan is committed to community service and financial literacy. A graduate of Seton Hall University and Felician University, she enjoys traveling and golfing. Jehan resides in New Jersey with her three daughters.

Armani is an accomplished attorney and a creative mind who has successfully merged his love for the law and for the world of innovative thought into a career that positively impacts both. He is the founder of the Law Office of Armani B. Scott in Brooklyn, New York. He also serves as Business Counsel and Executive Producer for Strategy Park Management. Mr. Scott believes in the power of helping others to solve problems and manifest their visions. It is with this higher purpose that he provides his signature services which cover all aspects of law, business development, art curation, brand development, and creative writing.

With over 20 years of legal experience, Mr. Scott is a member of the New York State Bar and the United States Federal Court. He is skilled in corporate and entertainment law, including intellectual property protection and copyright and trademark procurement. Mr. Scott has provided business counsel, art curation, and art development for exhibits, murals, and multimedia campaigns on behalf of clients including Smif-N-Wessun, Roc Nation, Pepsi, Champion Sportswear, Bronx Brewery, the Bronx Zoo, and the New York Yankees.