Laura Woods –  Laura was appointed to the board of HOPE Initiatives in 2007 and currently serves as Vice Chair. Her professional career spans a variety of industries including business consulting, interior design, and full-time Christian ministry. She is as an ordained minister at Bethel Christian Fellowship, serving as the Prayer Ministry leader. Her extensive community service and involvement includes serving on the executive committee of Greater Rochester Association of Evangelicals for 8 years, committee and volunteer work with the Cornhill Neighborhood Association, and involvement in community musical and dramatic groups. Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Houghton College in History, with an Art minor.

Franklin Ottman – Franklin was appointed to the board of HOPE Initiatives in 2007 and currently serves as Secretary. After a 30-year teaching and secondary school administration career, Franklin began working as an independent management consultant to community and school agencies, with a focus on efficiency studies. He is a Community Elder and also volunteers for the HELPS Ministry for Bethel Christian Fellowship, and additionally serves as a volunteer at the Compassion Coalition Warehouse. Franklin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from State University College of Oneonta. 

Elena Richards –  Elena re-joined the board of HOPE Initiatives in 2006 and currently serves as Treasurer, after a previous term of service on the board from 2002 – 2003. For more than 25 years, she has been a member of the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors, the New York State Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. Elena is the Owner and Broker of record of the Realty The Max e-results. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the College of Philosophy, University of Bucharest in Romania and is currently pursuing a PhD with the Warner Graduate School of Education at the University of Rochester.

Rebekah Lewin – Rebekah joined the board of HOPE Initiatives in 2008. She brings more than 10 years of experience in higher education and currently serves as Director of Admissions for the University of Rochester, Simon Graduate School of Business.  She also serves on the board for the Rochester Children's Scholarship Fund and volunteersin a variety of capacities for Bethel Christian Fellowship.  Rebekah holds a bachelor degree in Business Administration from Roberts Wesleyan College and an M.B.A. from the Simon Graduate School of Business. 

James Cooper – James was appointed to the board of HOPE Initiatives in 2007. He currently serves as Vice President, Strategy and Development at Xerox Corporation. His professional career includes more than 20 years of experience, primarily in the areas of sales and marketing strategy and operations. James studied Business Management at Cleveland State University, and also has completed extensive leadership and management training throughout the course of his career.

Ron House – Ron joined the board of HOPE Initiatives in 2007. He currently serves as Manager of Employment Services and Affirmative Action for Monroe County. He brings more than 30 years of work experience, including positions in manufacturing services and alternative dispute resolution. He also serves the Rochester community as a Board member for North Star Community Financial, an Advisory Board member for Project Exile/Camp Good Days and Special Times, an ordained elder at Bibleway Healing Assembly, and an Advisory Board member for the Rochester Police Department. Ron completed Mediation Training with the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University.

Frank Buono - Frank joined the board of HOPE Initiatives in 2009.