Dr. Jonita Wallace Reynolds
Dr. Jonita Wallace Reynolds, affectionately called Dr. J., is a native Houstonian, volunteer, advisor, wife, Breast Cancer Survivor, mom of twins (10 years-old), and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the largest Community Action Agency (CAA) in Texas. This public servant’s proven track record personifies Mahatma Gandhi’s notable quote, We must be the change we wish to see in the world! Proudly and honorably serving as the CEO of the Gulf Coast Community Services Association, Inc. (GCCSA) for 18 years, Dr. J. and her dedicated team of 320 full-time employees work tirelessly fighting the war on poverty while building more self-sufficient, multi-generationally, literate communities. As one (1) of 1,000 CAAs nationwide, the GCCSA team is poised for readiness, response, and relief. With an annual budget in excess of $25 million and a host of strategically aligned community partners, millions of Harris County’s unserved and under-served residents (living at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines) have attained economic independence and stability.
As a result of this issue-advocate’s leadership, GCCSA has received numerous proclamations, honors, and recognitions. Notably, July 24th is Proclaimed GCCSA Day by the City of Houston’s Mayor for extraordinary accomplishments during Hurricane Harvey-relief efforts; The City of Houston’s Community Re-Entry Network presented GCCSA with “The Murray Bailey Award” for tireless commitment to the Second Chance Program; Awarded Outstanding Leader in Literacy by the Mayor of Houston; Earned the Houston Food Bank’s Bandini Award for Excellence in Food Pantry Services; Recognized by the IRS for Outstanding Contributions with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program; Commendations from State Representative Alma A. Allen were extended in Recognition of Being a Community Champion on the Move; Congressman Al Green presented GCCSA with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for Invaluable Service; The Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs extended a Special Recognition Award to GCCSA for Invaluable Assistance to 58,000 Individuals Impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services presented GCCSA with the Region VI Regional Administrator’s Leadership Award.
Because Dr. Reynolds’ life is undergirded by the belief that …To whom much is given, much is required, she has donated her time and talent by serving as the Keynote/Commencement Speaker at more than 200 engagements across Texas, including but not limited to: Texas Alliance of Black School Educators’ State Conference, Holman Street Baptist Church’s Annual Women’s Day Celebration, City of Houston’s Community Re-Entry Graduation Ceremony, My Vow Take Back Your Power Conference, Everest Institute’s Commencement, Missouri City’s Juneteenth Foundation Gala, South-Central Regional Conference’s Inaugural Legacy Breakfast and the Founders’ Day Brunch hosted by the Houston Metropolitan Area Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., to name a few.
In addition to advocating for society’s most vulnerable, she volunteers her time by actively serving on numerous non-paid Boards: the Texas Head Start Association Board, Fort Bend County Child Welfare Board (Vice Chair), City of Houston’s Health Foundation Board (Vice Chair), Texas Association of Community Action Agencies, City of Houston’s My Brother’s Keeper Executive Board, and City of Houston’s Housing and Community Development Advisory Board. Dr. Reynolds is also an active member of the Missouri City (TX) Chapter Links, Inc. (Secretary) and a Silver Star–Life-Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
This former Ms. Black World-Houston and former Miss Black & Gold has received numerous recognitions for her involvement with and impact on the community. To highlight a few, she was honored as the YMCA’s Outstanding Achiever; American Caribbean Chamber’s Global Diaspora Champion; American Red Cross’ Distinguished Humanitarian; Wheeler Avenue’s Women’s Guild Audrey H. Lawson Community IMPACT Honoree; The Houston Sun’s Woman of the Year; University of Houston-Black Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni; Texas Black Expo’s Outstanding Mentor; A. Philip Randolph Outstanding Community Leader; Texas Executive Women’s Woman on the Move; d-mar’s Inaugural Top 30 Influential Women of Houston; Houston-Harris County Retired Teachers Association’s Outstanding Leader; Top Ladies of Distinction’s Healing Hand of Houston; and Houston League of Professional Women’s Educator of the Year.
This Certified Non-Profit Executive Director is a proud alumnus of the University of Houston where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1992, a Master of Education (1994) and Doctor of Education (2004) degrees in Administration and Supervision.
“As long as I have breath, I will be deeply rooted, ever-growing, and forever serving! Because we know not the day nor the hour, it is my desire to be thoroughly used up when I die. So, I awaken, daily, with the insatiable desire to pursue my God-given purpose, prayerfully, positively and persistently.”