Executive Staff
At G.A. Carmichael, our executive staff is dedicated to keeping our healthcare facilities at the highest level of quality and care. We take pride in providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare to those who need it most in our community. Each one of our staff members works together to ensure you receive the healthcare you both need and deserve.
We encourage you to take the time to get to know each one of our executive staff members before coming in for your appointment with one of our expert providers.
Dr. James L. Coleman, Jr., a native of Camden, South Carolina, received his Bachelor of Science from Winthrop College, Rock Hill, South Carolina; master of science from the University of Central Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas; and doctor of education degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee. He is currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center, Inc., a Federally Qualified Community Health Center (FQHC). Dr. Coleman comes with more than 23 years of experience and knowledge in the areas of public health and healthcare management and has served as the former Chief Executive Officer with the Margaret J. Weston Community Health Centers, another FQHC, located in Aiken County.
Dr. Coleman most recently served in the capacity of Department Chair for the Division of Health and Natural Science at Voorhees College in Denmark, South Carolina. Moreover, he is also the former Chief Executive Officer of the Wateree Community Action, Inc., a community action agency, covering a five-county area with a focus on helping poor and disadvantaged people to achieve self-sufficiency and providing them with the tools and resources necessary to achieve that goal.
He was also employed with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Division of Adult and Community Health and Program Services Branch, within the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion as a Behavioral Scientist, working on efforts to eliminate health disparities through the social determinants of health.
Dr. Coleman also served as the former Director for the Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. This Bureau had one office and seven divisions with the responsibility of overseeing national and state-level initiatives.
Dr. Coleman is positioning G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center to be a solid organization for the communities of Madison, Humphrey, Leake, Leflore, and Yazoo Counties in delivering the centers model, “G.A. Genuine Always” through his internal theme, “Operational Excellence.”
Joseph Davis is a native of Hopkins, South Carolina, and is currently the Chief Operating Officer of G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center, Inc. He received his bachelor of arts from Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina, and his master’s in health administration from Webster University in Columbia, South Carolina.
Mr. Davis is substantially experienced in proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, and SysteMississippi. He reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of G.A. Carmichael Family Health Centers, Inc. As the Chief Operations Officer, he is involved in the strategic planning of both long-term and short-term goals of the health center. His additional duties include the implementation of monitoring SysteMississippi to ensure that the operations standards set forth by the Chief Executive Officer meet and exceed the needs of our consumers in our service areas. Mr. Davis’s constructive and energetic style of leadership demands operational efficiency for ensuring that financial strength, overall operations, and efficiency takes place.
William Edwards was born March 4th, 1986, to Windell Edwards and Henrietta Ellis. William graduated from Velma Jackson Magnet High School in 2004. He graduated from Mississippi Valley State University in 2010 with a bachelor of science in accounting. William attends Greater St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church in Canton, Mississippi. William currently resides in Pickens, Mississippi, with his lovely wife, Dedra Edwards, and their 5 beautiful children (4 girls and 1 boy).
William is a member of the Boys and Girls Club advisory board in Lexington, Mississippi, a member of the Pickens Mayoral Health Council, a former alderperson of the Town of Pickens, a volunteer youth football coach, a volunteer soccer coach and volunteer basketball referee, a youth leader, and a community organizer. Currently, William is the CFO of G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center, and a participant in the Leadership Greenwood Program sponsored by the Greenwood-Leflore Chamber of Commerce.
Carolyn Collins is a native of Yazoo City, Mississippi, and is currently the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer of G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center in Canton, Mississippi. She received her bachelor of science from Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi. She has made it this far on the belief, “If I can help someone along the way, then someone else will grasp the concept and start a trickle-down effect and success is certain.” For the past twenty-seven years, Carolyn has worked in the educational arena. Her experience as an administrative assistant and predestined change have brought her to another opportunity to serve in a different arena with the knowledge and understanding of what it takes to be an efficient, effective, trustworthy, and a hardworking individual assisting the dedicated team in making G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center a model for all to see.
Dr. Candice B. April is a native of Canton, Mississippi, and a graduate of St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Ridgeland, Mississippi. She graduated from Mississippi State University in 2005 with a bachelor of science in biological sciences. Dr. April attended Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee, and obtained her doctor of dental surgery degree in 2011. During matriculation through Meharry, Dr. April was awarded the Colgate-Palmolive Scholarship, as well as the Dental Scholars, Inc. Scholarship. It was at Meharry Medical College that the motto, “Worship of God through Service to Mankind” was forever embedded in her heart and spirit.
Following dental school, Dr. April returned to Mississippi to complete a general practice residency and advanced general dentistry fellowship at The University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, an advanced dental education training and hospital-based program focused on medically compromised patients.
Dr. Candice April is currently the Chief Dental Officer of G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center, Inc. She is committed to providing exceptional and quality dental care, as well as educating and empowering patients to manage their oral health at home. Dr. April’s passion to provide the highest quality dental services to all patients, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, is a driving force for her dedication and purpose to G.A. Carmichael and her community.
Dr. April is a member of the American Dental Association, Mississippi Dental Association, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is also the proud mother of two beautiful girls, Caleigh and Carrigan.
Joshua M. Knox, a native of Utica, Mississippi, received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Alcorn State University in English Literature and a Master’s Degree in Counseling also from Alcorn State University.
He currently serves as the Chief Programs Officer at G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center and is responsible for writing and managing all grants and programs. Under his preview are the following grants: Women Infant and Children (WIC), Ryan White Services, Ending the HIV Epidemic Grant, Title X, Breast and Cervical, MQHC, Diabetes Prevention Program, CYSHCN (Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs) and the Delta Health Collaborative Community Health Care Workers Grant. Mr. Knox also manages the Community Outreach Team at G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center.
Mr. Knox also possesses several years of experience managing federal programs in the higher education arena. Mr. Knox recently served as the Director of Student Activities/Campus Union and Special Events at Hinds Community College, the Utica Campus. His professional background includes Program Administrator of the Y.O.U.C.A.N. Institute at Tougaloo College, a 21st Century Community Learning Center-funded program, Upward Bound Assistant Director at Tougaloo College, Senior Counselor for Educational Talent Search at Tougaloo College, and Director of Student Activities at Alcorn State University.
Shamekka Jenkins is a native of Lexington, Mississippi, which is located in Holmes County. Ms. Jenkins has worked in the medical field for 11 years. For nine years, she worked as an LPN for Mallory Community Health Center. For two years, she worked as the clinical care liaison at Mallory Community Health Center. Her duties in this position were to oversee the quality improvement and quality assurance program, the nursing department, and the immunization program. Ms. Jenkins currently holds the position as Director of Nursing at G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center.
Ms. Jenkins received her LPN certification at Holmes Community College in Goodman, Mississippi, in 2009. In the year of 2014, Ms. Jenkins attended Holmes Community College in Grenada, Mississippi. In 2017, she received her associate degree in nursing. After completing her studies at Holmes Community College, she later attended Mississippi University for Women and received a bachelor of science in nursing. Ms. Jenkins is a member of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society. She’s also the mother of a beautiful daughter.
Tamika Liddell currently holds the position of Controller in the finance department at G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center in Canton, Mississippi. She is married to Aramis Liddell, and they have raised 4 wonderful children and have been blessed with a handsome little grandson.
Mrs. Liddell is a 1994 graduate of Humphreys County High School in Belzoni, Mississippi, and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in business management. She comes to G.A. Carmichael with an extensive background in banking and finance. She was previously employed with Renasant Bank, formally M & F Bank, for 16 years. She has always been active in her community. She serves on the board of the Canton Lions Club and is a former board member of the Canton Chamber of Commerce Main Street Association and was named the 2017 Ambassador of the year for the Canton Chamber of Commerce.
Tamika attends Unique Life Church in Madison, Mississippi. One of her foundation scriptures that she applies to all areas of her life is Colossians 3:23, which says, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you are working for the Lord rather than for the people.”
Clarence Webster III is a 2002 graduate of the University of Mississippi, where he was inducted into the Hall-of-Fame and Phi Beta Kappa. After Ole Miss, he attended Yale Law School, at which he served as a member of the Yale Law Journal and the Moot Court Board. He also served as the National Attorney General for the National Black Law Students Association. After Yale, in 2005, Clarence returned to Jackson to clerk for then-Chief Judge Henry T. Wingate, United States District Court Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi.
Clarence joined the Jackson office of Bradley Arant in December 2012. Clarence has been providing legal services to G.A. Carmichael since 2016, offering guidance on labor and employment, contract, and regulatory matters, and overseeing its civil litigation.
Clarence has been recognized as a Mid-South Super Lawyer in the area of Class Action/Mass Torts since 2013. He is A/V Preeminent Rated by the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings System. He is also a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel.
Clarence is married to Keishunna Randall Webster. They have one daughter, Ilana Reed Webster. In his spare time, Clarence enjoys cycling, Ole Miss sports, all things related to Game of Thrones, and occasionally playing golf and tennis poorly.
Bridgette is a graduate of Kosciusko Senior High School. Bridgette received her Bachelor of Science in Social Science Education from Jackson State University. She desired to become an educator; however, God had a different path that led her to gain experience in Human Resources, Payroll, Accounting, and other aspects of a Federally Qualified Health Center. Bridgette has received a Master of Healthcare Administration from Walden University.
Bridgette is a Guiding Light Church of God in Christ member, serving as the Sunday School secretary. She also serves as a Young People Willing Workers and the Women’s Fellowship member. Bridgette is a member of the Just Move Women Outreach Ministry. They host community events focused on worship, physical and mental health, and education. As well as helping women and girls believe in Psalm 139:14, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Instead, they would take preventative measures that maintain physical and spiritual wellness rather than treat an illness. Bridgette is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
As a Primerica Agent, Bridgette is passionate about ensuring that her family and friends are adequately protected, financially independent, and debt-free.
Bridgette is the proud mother of two gorgeous girls, Brittlyn and Aziah. She strives to instill in them Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Also, Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The quote that resonates with Bridgette is: “You cannot go back to start a new beginning, but you can start today for a new ending."
Ms. McLaurin’s way of thinking as a nurse practitioner is expansive. Ms. McLaurin forms a partnership with patients in which compassionate, holistic, evidence-based care leads to the patient maintaining optimal health and wellness. She is an advance practice nurse whose focus is entirely on the patient and compassionately addressing every aspect of their needs.
Her goal is to educate and encourage patients to become responsible for their health by working diligently with their healthcare team.
She focuses on addressing and removing the underlying cause of illnesses rather than merely alleviating the presenting symptoms. This is done by diagnosing and addressing underlying issues that can hinder the healing process and establishing a plan to remove these obstacles in order to prevent further health disparities.
Education
LPN – Holmes Community College
Associates in Nursing – Hinds Community College
Masters – Walden University
Doctoral – Maryville University
Professional Associations
Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI)
Candace Trotter is the Director of Human Resources for G.A. Carmichael Family Health Center. She has spent the last three years working tirelessly, alongside G.A. executives, to help manage the organization’s most important resource - its people. As a former educator, Candace has three years of teaching experience in the public school system and six years of experience teaching in the federal prison system. She attended Mississippi College, a Christian University, located in Clinton, MS, where she earned her bachelor's of science in elementary education. She received her master's of science in leadership from Belhaven University, located in Jackson, MS, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in business administration from Belhaven as well. Both her educational and career choices demonstrate her passion for people and her desire to serve others.
Candace's favorite quote is, “Earn your success based on service to others, not at the expense of others.” -H. Jackson Brown Jr.
William Banks is the Director of Facilities for G. A. Carmichael Family Health Center. Banks is a native of Madison County, Mississippi. William is a graduate of Velma Jackson High School in Camden, MS. William is very energetic and skilled, with the ability to lead and manage his team and projects effectively. His success and community outreach relationships have been very meaningful in sustaining the operations of G. A. William is currently leading the new construction projects in Yazoo City and Carthage, MS. Williams’ motto is, “Let Go and Let God Deal with It.”
Tyrone Thigpen is Chief Information Officer at G. A. Carmichael Family Health Center, where he leads the organization’s IT strategy, ensuring that technology initiatives align with the company’s business goals. With over thirty years of experience in the technology sector, Tyrone is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of driving quality, innovation, optimizing IT operations, and enhancing business processes.
In his role as CIO, Tyrone oversees the development and implementation of IT policies and systems that support the company's strategic objectives. He is responsible for managing the IT department, setting the direction for technology investments, numerous digital transformation initiatives, and ensuring robust cybersecurity measures are in place.
Before joining G. A. Carmichael, Tyrone served as a Applications Programmer, MIS Data Analyst, IT Coordinator, Data Project Manager, Systems Business Consultant, Business Analyst at Fortune 100 and reputable companies. He is essential for providing numerous projects, programs and funding endeavors with the data driven results required to operate. Tyrone has extensive expertise in cloud computing, data analytics, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and is known for his ability to bridge the gap between technology and business.
He received his bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics and Computer Sciences from Tougaloo College. Tyrone served as an inaugural Participant Ambassador for the AllofUs research program where he served on numerous NIH governance boards, and currently serves on NIH’s Community and Participant Advisors for Ancillary Studies board.
Outside of work, he is an avid sports fan, a father and spends his time traveling, cooking and volunteering through membership in Kappa Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, which helps him maintain a balanced and creative approach to problem-solving.
