

CC BRIDGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST ROW HISTORIC DISTRICT IN NEWPORT, KY
The Commonwealth Compassion Bridge Board of Directors is a diverse collection of successful professionals who support the CCBridge vision and mission. The collective expertise of our leadership makes the "Bridge" a robust and trusted ally for nonprofits seeking assistance in our areas of focus. Discover The Compassion Bridge Difference!
Director & Secretary
Phyllis is also a consultant at Development and Growth Strategies. Phyllis has spent her career connecting and enhancing faith-based and community organizations throughout Kentucky. Phyllis holds a doctorate in social work from the University of Kentucky. Over the course of her tenure, she has secured over $22 million in grants for organizations in Kentucky.
President & Chair
Lonnie, and wife Belinda, founded and lead Meridzo Center Ministries in Lynch, KY, serving thousands in Harlan County and beyond. They have faithfully serving eastern Kentucky for over two decades. He helped start the Ky Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiative, and featured in both a book and a documentary for his work.
Dan Lewis
Dan has lived in the commonwealth since 2001. He is the Executive Director of The River Foundation, the giving arm of First Southern Family of Companies. Dan also serves as an adjunct professor at Asbury University and Asbury Seminary. Dan has a doctorate in Emerging Missional Leadership and has been apart of nonprofit management for 30 years.
Matthew Smyzer
Matt Smyzer is the former CEO of Metro Leadership Foundation of Louisville, An ordained Baptist minister, Reverend Smyzer also serves as director of Baptist Fellowship Center of Louisville. Matt has navigated both the nonprofit and ministry world for over 40 years. Matt is a respected and celebrated pastor, preacher, and community activist.
Larry Martin
Larry Martin is a respected Christian leader, ministering 50 years in Detroit, Boston, and Kentucky. He also was a V.P. of a national ministry headquartered in Atlanta. Additionally, he has been a catalyst in beginning several international trans-denominational ministries. with a doctorate in Christian Ministry,he has served CCB since in 2005.
Greg Correll
Greg is a co-founder of CCB and former Director of the River Foundation. He with Dr. Larry Martin and Lonnie Riley shared the vision to serve impactful ministries in small communities. They merged ideas, resources, and connections to create CCB. Greg continues to be an active force in the local church and to restore people devastated by drug use.
Jeff James
Jeff is a seventh generation Kentuckian. He has been actively involved in government, the arts, and nonprofit ministry over the last 40 years. Jeff brings an expertise in ministry synergy and faith-based and community initiatives at a local level.
Jeff has been on CCB’s board since 2012.