Jim Till, Executive Director
Pastor Jim Till currently serves as executive director of Strategies to Elevate People (STEPdc) of Greater Washington, a faith-based nonprofit that provides programming for inner city children and youth. In this capacity, Pastor Till oversees the day-to-day operations of STEPdc, directs staff activities, serves as liaison to school and government officials and partners, and assures that all STEPdc activities are in line with the organization mission and vision. He has held this position for 14 years. Previous to this he served on the staff of churches in Denver, CO; Omaha, NE; and Montgomery, AL. Pastor Till is a member of New Samaritan Baptist Church where he serves as the Lead Elder. He also serves as State Director of Elders for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. A native of Montgomery, AL, Jim is a graduate of Troy University, receiving a degree in Business Administration. After graduation he held positions in print and broadcast sales before entering the ministry.
Susie Austin, Development Director and Volunteer Coordinator
A native Washingtonian, who grew up just a few blocks from ParkView, leads the fundraising/development team and recruits and trains volunteers for STEPdc programs. Formerly, she directed the learning and mentoring programs.
After an extensive retail career, she began working with STEPdc as a volunteer tutor in 1999. During a summer short term mission trip to ParkView on a VBS team, God called this most unlikely candidate into full-time service. In 2002, Ms. Susie and her husband, Mr. Stan moved to the ParkView neighborhood and enjoy hosting summer Book Clubs on their front porch.
The Austin's are members of GraceDC and have two adult children, Kathy and Jay, and The Most Beautiful Grandson, Thomas. They continue to mentor Markus, a young man they met through STEPdc in 1999.
Karmen
Taylor, Children's Program Director
Karmen Taylor was born and raised in Houston, Texas. After completing a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology she began a career in human resources. While working for Shell Oil Company in 1999, she received a call from God leading her into ministry. In response, she left corporate America to pursue theological studies that would prepare her for ministry. Karmen graduated with a master’s of divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary with a focus on urban ministry. Her call to urban ministry led her to STEPdc where she serves as the Program Director. Karmen is married to Joseph Taylor and is a member of Refuge Baptist Assembly in Silver Spring, Maryland. Karmen says, “Serving with STEPdc allows me to see the face of God in every child we serve.”
Elizabeth McMeekin, Adult Program Director
Elizabeth began working with STEPdc this fall, as coordinator of a new initiative to serve parents of the Bruce Monroe @ ParkView Elementary School community. In collaboration with others, she facilitates and interprets during several weekly parent meetings.
Elizabeth has called Silver Spring, MD home for the past 12 years. Prior to joining the STEPdc team, she worked at the Servant Leadership School. She and her husband, Philip Moses, also served for six years as health missionaries on the northern coast of Nicaragua. Trained in community education and public health, Elizabeth is excited by the possibilities to serve and support parents and families with STEPdc.