Neighborhood Housing Corporation of Greenville SC

Phillip Griffin Bell is a Greenville native who, after completing his undergraduate degree at Wake Forest University, obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2004. In addition to legal expertise, Griffin brings management experience from his employment at Palmetto Chemicals, Inc. and Carolina First Bank. He was an Associate at Leatherwood Walker Todd & Mann, P.C. before opening his own practice with a friend of his from Wake Forest - Bell Carrington, LLC. Griffin is a board member of the American Red Cross and the Young Philanthropists of the United Way, and is on the Membership Committee of the Greenville Country Club. He and his wife, Nicole, are also busy with their four young children (two girls and two boys). Griffin became a member of the NHC Board in 2009.  Griffin previouly served as vice-chair.

Troy E. Bennett, Sr. is a lifelong resident of Piedmont, SC. He is a National Guard Veteran, having served eight years as Rank Master Sergeant, and is a retired District Manager of Liberty Life Insurance Company. Troy has been a Mason and Hejaz Shriner for 46 years, currently serving as Secretary for the former and as a photographer for the latter, and is a member of Washington Baptist Church in Pelzer. He and his wife, Joan, have two sons and six grandchildren. Troy joined the NHC Board as of 2009.  He became Vice-Chair in 2011.

Brenda Croft Theis, originally from Brooklyn, NY, is a Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served for over 23 years. After obtaining a degree in Social Psychology from Park College in Barstow, CA, Brenda went on to complete a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management. After relocating to Greenville in 2002, she went to work for the Urban League of the Upstate, Inc. as the Human Resource Manager until 2008, and now works for BMWMC in the Associate Relations Department. Brenda currently resides with her husband Robert in the Freetown community of Greenville. She joined the NHC Board at the end of 2009. She became Secretary/Treasurer in 2011.

Naomi Rustikova is originally from Northern Maine, and came to Greenville for her undergraduate education at Bob Jones University, later obtaining a Master's in Business Administration from Clemson University. She has worked as a Business Development Consultant with Greenville small businesses and as a Strategic Consultant on community development initiatives. Naomi has also worked as an Operations and Finance Analyst with Guardian Building Products, Bowater, and Plastic Omnium. She and her husband Alex currently live in the greater Sterling community in Greenville. From her past experience, Naomi understands the needs of modest income families and their desire to live in safe, sound, decent, affordable housing.

Houston Edwards spent his career as a professional engineer until his retirement in 2008. He and his wife, Judy, have been very involved community members active with the Monaghan Historical Society and also in their church, Monaghan Methodist. Houston served on the GCRA Board representing District 23 until 2006. He has served on the NHC Board since April of 2008 and in January of this year, accepted the position of Secretary/Treasurer.

Rev. Freeman graduated from Sterling High School in 1950. He attended the University of Maryland and the University of South Carolina. He completed his degree majoring in Business Administratíon in Encio California. He was ordained in Doton, Alabama in 1980 with a Doctor of Divinity. He is an Associate Minister of the Lincoln Street Missionary Baptist Chnch in Greenville, SC  and he preaches and teaches througþout the state of South Carolina. Rev. Freeman served in the United States Army for a period of Twenty-one years including a three year tour in Vietnam,  retiring as a Master Sergeant E-8. Rev. Freemam lives in and works with the Sterling Community Club, and watches after the welfare of seniors citizens. He is a member of the advisory board of the R.S.V.P. in addition to many hours weekly serving his community and volunteering daily to pick-up food for Project Host Soup Kitchen, Greenville County Recreation and Loaves and Fishes. His lifes work has been centered around serving the needs of the homeless, disabled,
and disadvantaged people of Greenville County.  Rev. Freeman is a Life Menrber of the NAACP. Rev. Freeman volunteers with St. Francis Hospital as a Spiritual Care Voluteer, and has accumulated more than 4000 hours of service. Rev. Freeman has received many awards including the J.C. Penney Voluteer Award, an award from past President William "Bill" Clinton, has been a runner-up for the Jefferson Awæd.  Rev. Freeman is married to Eleanor H. Freeman, who has been by his side for more than 50 years.  He previously served eleven years on the Board of Directors for the Neighborood Housing Corporation and is proud to rejoin the board in 2011.

John Atkins joined the board in 2010.  He is a licensed Real Estate Appraiser and Agent.  He's worked as a property manager in commercial sales.   During those years he worked in various areas of Property Management, Auctioneer, Commercial Sales and Real Estate Consultant. Today, he is self-employed as a Real Estate Consultant, primary specialty being a Real Estate Appraiser.  Over the years he has served as a Commissioner for the SC Auctioneer Commission, appointed by Governor Carroll Campbell.  Mauldin United Methodist Church as Chairman of the Trustees, overseeing several building and remodeling projects as well as land acquisition.  He currently serves on the Cemetery Committee.  He is a member of the Mauldin Rotary Club and Greater Greenville Association of Realtors and currently holds licenses in Real Estate Sales, Real Estate Appraiser, and Auctioneer.

Emily J. Provchy lives in Landrum, SC and is employed with South Carolina Bank and Trust, as Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager.  She has over 17 years banking experience.  Emily is a 1987 graduate of Manchester High School in Akron, Ohio. She began her banking career in 1988, working part-time while volunteering for 12 years in a Christian ministry to help families cope with problems and better their lives. In 2001, she moved to Hilton Head, SC where she began working full-time with SCBT, becoming Branch Manager in 2005. Emily is bi-lingual using her fluency in Spanish to help with translations, financial situations and education.  She served on the Beaufort County School Improvement Council for two terms and has volunteered with Junior Achievement. She has spent time assisting with bank sponsored Boys and Girls Club events in Beaufort County. She moved to Greenville in 2009 to be closer to her parents and has falling in love with the SC Upstate. In her spare time she and her husband enjoy hiking, their two dogs, family time and reading. Emily joined the NHC Board of Directors in 2011.