Executive Officers, 2025-2027
Dee Dukes – President. In September 2025, Dee was re-elected to a two-year term (2025–2027) as President of Wynnefield Community Neighborhood Association Inc. (WCNA), a Registered Community Organization (RCO) serving more than 16,000 neighbors in Wynnefield and its surrounding boundaries. Dee founded WCNA in 2021 and has served as its first Board President since inception. In addition, Dee chairs the Zoning Committee and co-chairs the Political Education Committee with founding Board Member, Gilda Johnson.
A lifelong community advocate and Committee Person in Philadelphia’s 52nd Ward, Dee has also served as President of the Wynnefield Block Captains Association since 2017. Her leadership extends across civic, cultural, and educational institutions. She is a Board Member of Settlement Music School (Wynnefield Branch, since 2023) and an educator with more than 10 years of experience in the public school system, supported by 30+ years of academic, professional, and business expertise.
At the citywide level, Dee actively serves on the Nomination Committee for the Philadelphia Board of Education and holds an executive board leadership role with the Philadelphia Crosstown Coalition, a non-partisan network of 35+ RCOs. She is also a member of the advisory board of the 19th Police District (PDAC), a Reading Captain in West Philadelphia, and a member of the Mastery Parent Action Team (MPAT). Dee currently serves as Board Secretary and Trustee of Mastery Charter Schools, supporting more than 14,000 families across Philadelphia, PA, and Camden, NJ.
Dee’s educational background reflects her lifelong commitment to learning and leadership. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree and Paralegal Certification from Saint Joseph’s University, an Associate of Arts degree from Peirce College, and a Specialized Business Degree from the Court Reporting Institute. She is pursuing a Master of Arts degree from Liberty University and plans to complete a second Master of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from Saint Joseph’s University. A proud Wynnefield native, Dee grew up in the neighborhood, lived for many years in Havertown, Delaware County, and returned to Wynnefield, where she continues the tradition of community service carried forward by generations of her family.
Ralph Ross – Board Vice President. In the spring of 2024, Ralph was nominated and elected as the new Board Vice President and is currently serving a two-year term 2024-2026. Ralph joined WCNA while preparing to retire from the City of Philadelphia after 20+ years of service. Ralph brings with him both trade and union leadership experience with DC 33.
Ralph is a long-time Wynnefield neighbor since 1961, and has a special interest in supporting our seniors in Wynnefield. Ralph brings to the WCNA a sense of pride in caring for his Community and sharing resources that uplift our neighbors.
Executive Vice President – VACANT. Vice President assumes responsibility for the overall management of the organization in the absence of the President/CEO, and includes overseeing the day-to-day operations, providing strategic and administrative leadership and direction to staff and volunteers, fostering collaboration, accountability, and a strong organizational culture. Supports the organization’s growth and sustainability and assists with the implementation of fundraising strategies, donor relations, and partnership development. The role ensures compliance with bylaws, policies, and legal requirements, and may assist in drafting, reviewing, or enforcing organizational policies to strengthen governance and operations.
Kimberly Nelson – Financial Officer (Treasurer). Kim was elected in the spring of 2024, and is currently serving a two-year term 2024-2026 as an Executive Board member and Financial Officer. Kim is responsible for overseeing the management and reporting of all WCNA financial affairs, keeping accurate records and preparing budgets that support WCNA’s goals and mission.
Kim is a long-time neighbor and business owner in the Wynnefield and Parkside neighborhoods and brings with her a wealth of leadership experience. Kim is an advocate for persons with disabilities and supports fairness and equitable rights of children and seniors. Kim is also an elected Committee Person in the 52nd Ward and holds the position of Sergeant of Arms.
Administrator (Secretary) – VACANT. Responsible for supporting the Executive Officers and providing assistance to WCNA Committees and leadership teams. This role helps ensure effective coordination and communication across the organization and assists with the overall management of WCNA’s operations. Key responsibilities include maintaining organizational records, supporting meeting preparation and documentation, and assisting with administrative functions that contribute to the growth and sustainability of the organization.
Board Leadership & Members, term 2025-2027
Gilda Johnson – Co-Chair of Political Education. In September 2025, Gilda was nominated and re-elected to a two-year term 2025-2027. Gilda is a primary care pediatric Nurse Practitioner in two (2) private practices, one in Ardmore and one in South New Jersey. Gilda’s family moved to Wynnefield in 1967. She lived outside of PA for about 10 years but moved back to Wynnefield in 2001. Gilda loves the beauty of the trees and the homes, the closeness to Center City and the suburbs. Gilda is a founding Board member and co-Chairs the Political Education Committee with Dee Dukes and serves on the Health & Wellness Committee. Through her work and dedicated leadership and service to WCNA, she hopes to contribute to keeping Wynnefield a welcoming neighborhood for families and friends.
Sheila Wilson – member of Zoning Committee. In September 2025, Sheila was nominated and re-elected to serve a two-year term (2025–2027). A founding Board Member of WCNA and a consistent member since 2021, she also serves on the Zoning Committee and advocates for responsible land development and homeownership for new neighbors who want to raise their families in a friendly, suburban-like neighborhood, convenient to Center City and surrounding counties. Sheila also supports the Health & Wellness Committee.
Sheila is a long-time resident of Wynnefield and dedicated Community leader and block captain of the 5200 block of Arlington Street for over 20+ years. Her family moved to the Community in the 1960’s when the neighborhood was attractive to working families and business owners.
Derrick Howie – member of Neighborhood Preservation Committee. In September 2025, Derrick renewed his membership as a Board member, after a brief leave of absence, to serve a two-year term (2025–2027). Derrick is a founding Board member of WCNA since 2021. Derrick proudly and previously served as WCNA Executive Vice President (2021–2024) and as Chairperson of the Neighborhood Preservation Committee (2021–2024), working alongside Dee Dukes to strengthen community unity. and focused on block cleanups hosted by the Wynnefield Block Captains Association, safety initiatives, and neighborhood engagement in Wynnefield and Parkside. Derrick also serves as the President of the Pump Track in Parkside, where he collaborates and partners with non-profit organizations such as the Fairmount Park Conservancy and other advocacy groups to champion equitable access to green spaces and recreational opportunities.
Derrick has been a Wynnefield resident for 50+ years. Derrick is a physicial fitness professional with many years of experience and loves the outdoors, biking and walking trails in the Wynnefield Community, and feels grateful to live in this historical Community. He shows his gratitude for living in Wynnefield by serving our neighbors to ensure that the needs of the Community are met.
Kimberly & Clifton Braxton – In September 2025, Kimberly Braxton was nominated and eleted as a Board member of WCNA to serve a two-year term (2025-2027), after serving as an Interim Board member since 2024. Kimberly serves as the Chairperson of WCNA’s Neighborhood Preservation Committee.
Kimberly is a mother and wife and serves as an active PMBC block captain of the 5200 block of Gainor Road. Kimberly and Clifton joined WCNA in the fall of 2023 with a strong interest in supporting the Neighborhood Preservation Committee. Their first involvement with WCNA began when Kimberly and her family attended the 2023 Annual Health Fair hosted by the Health & Wellness Committee. Since then, Kimberly has remained actively engaged by attending regularly scheduled meetings, providing financial support for WCNA’s annual programs, and collaborating with the executive leadership team. Kimberly continues to share ideas with other block captains and now focuses her leadership and attention on encouraging and empowering block captains to preserve Wynnefield as a beautiful neighborhood where families can live and thrive.
Joyce Brooks – Co-Chair of Health & Wellness Committee. In September 2025, Joyce was nominated and elected as a Board member to serve a two-year term (2025-2027). Joyce first involvement with WCNA, included attending a Sip & Swipe Technology event sponsored by WCNA. Joyce decided to get involve and joined WCNA in the fall of 2023. Joyce is currently serving a one-year term as the Membership Chairperson and also will continue to serve on the Special Events/Fundraising and Health & Wellness Committees and invites and encourages all neighbors, family and friends to attend and get involved. Joyce supports the work of all Committees and continues to financially support the organization while working in collaboration with Board members, Committee Chairs and the executive leadership of WCNA . Joyce also works together with the executive team and supports
Joyce is a mother, grandmother and Community activist and political leader and resident with dedicated service in the Cobbs Creek and West Philadelphia areas. Joyce has been a welcomed addition to the WCNA organization and looks forward to continuing to serve the community.
Roselyn King Miller – Co-Chair of Health & Wellness Committee. Rose joined WCNA in the spring of 2023, with an interest in supporting the WCNA. Rose gets involved by volunteering during many annual Special events hosted by the Fundraising & Special Events Committee. Rose resides in Wynnefield and travels out of state throughout the year visiting her family. Rose has been a supportive and dedicated team member of WCNA since 2023.
Karen L. King – member of Fundraising & Special Events Committee. Karen joined WCNA in the spring of 2023, with an interest in supporting the organization. Karen is a long-time Wynnefield native who supports other community groups in the neighborhood, such as Wynnefield Triangle Park.
Karen actively volunteers and supports the Fundraising & Special Events Committee. In July 2023, Karen was appointed to the Board of Directors which helps to carry forward the mission of the organization. In 2024, Karen resigned from the Board of Directors, and currently serves as a general member on the Fundraising & Special Events Committee, assisting neighbors and supporting our executive team. Karen served one-term as the co-Chair for the Health & Wellness Committee in the spring of 2024. Karen has been a welcomed addition to the WCNA team.
Linda Coyette-Bains – member of Fundraising & Special Events Committee. Linda began as a volunteer attending WCNA monthly community meetings before joining in the spring of 2023, with an Interest in supporting the organization. Linda gets involved by volunteering during many annual Special events hosted by the Fundraising & Special Events Committee.
Cynthia Johnson – began as a volunteer attending WCNA monthly community meetings before joining in the spring of 2023, with an Interest in supporting the organization. Cynthia gets involved by volunteering during many annual Special events hosted by the Health & Wellness and Fundraising & Special Events Committees.
Doris Harris – began as a volunteer attending WCNA monthly community meetings before joining in the spring of 2023, with an Interest in supporting the organization. Doris gets involved by volunteering during Special events hosted by the Fundraising & Special Events and Health & Wellness Committees.
Nia & David Holston – members since spring of 2024. Nia and David have been wonderful supporters of WCNA, and Nia continues to serve the organization by volunteering as needed.
Linda & Rocco Bianchi – members since spring of 2024. Linda and Rocco Bianchi are long-time Wynnefield neighbors who have been previously involved in the community over the years. Currently, both are retired members of the community who continue to serve by supporting the organization and the Wynnefield community.
Welcome to the (new) 2025 Members – Carla Mangual, Gale Goodman, Luca Toth, and Marie Kramer recently joined WCNA with an interest in supporting the important work currently underway. We look forward to their active participation in WCNA Committees, where they can share their time, talents, and expertise to help strengthen our community.
2022-2024 Past Members and supporters who have volunteered and donated to WCNA include: Michele M. Davis, Neshea Jackson, Carol Gary (“In memoriam”), Ronald & Sharon Ryan, Ivy Lewis, Barbara Covia, Darron Hines, Kavia Saxton, Marcia Green, Nia Carmen Harris, Nadja Hill, Pamela Gibson, Angela Jones, Bernadette Cash, Hannah Rollins, Denise Breedlove, and a few others not named.
Wynnefield Community Neighborhood Association Inc. 