Our Mission
The mission of the Bloomington-Normal Achievement Foundation (BNAF) is to enhance community member success by promoting health and well-being through community engagement, education and scholarship with a focus on minority youth and senior citizens.
Board of Directors

President
Rasheed Merritt
Rasheed Merritt is a founding member of the foundation and serves as the President. He was born in Hackensack, NJ and received a bachelor’s degree in business management from Elizabeth City State University and an MBA from Dowling College. Rasheed was initiated in the Epsilon Alpha chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in 1992. Currently, Rasheed is an Assistant Vice President-Diversity & Inclusion/Corporate Responsibility for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Companies. In this role, Rasheed provides leadership for philanthropic, community, and D&I efforts. He earned the Chartered Life Underwriting Designation and is a Certified Diversity Practitioner through the National Diversity Council.

Vice President and Secretary
William Russell Savage
William Russell Savage is a founding member of the foundation serving in a dual role as Vice President and Secretary. Russell was born in Kansas City, MO and graduated from Central Missouri State University where he was initiated in the Zeta Tau chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in 1991. Russell earned a bachelor’s of science in computer science and mathematics. He is a Technology Manager at State Farm Insurance where he has worked for 30 years. Russell is active in a number of community organizations and this is his first foundation board experience. His interests and hobbies include health and fitness, music, and is a dedicated foodie willing to try a variety of foods.

Treasurer
Boston D. Cooper Jr.
Boston D. Cooper, Jr. is a founding member of the foundation and serves as Treasurer. He was born in Paynesville, Liberia and graduated from Voorhees University where he was initiated in the Epsilon Omega chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in 1993. He earned a bachelor’s of science in computer science as an undergraduate and received a master’s of science in Electronics and Computer Technology at Indiana State University. He is an Information Security Manager at State Farm Insurance where he has worked for 20 years. While this is Boston’s first experience serving on a foundation board, he has been active in all the communities he’s lived in and organizations he has participated. His interests and hobbies include officiating soccer and watching Sci-fi movies.

Board of Directors
Rick Lewis
Rick Lewis is a founding member of the foundation and serves as a member of the board of directors. He was born in Winston-Salem, NC and graduated from Winston-Salem State University with a bachelor’s degree in Art. Rick received a master’s of science degree in Art from Illinois State University where he worked as an administrator in student affairs for 30 years before retiring in 2016. Rick was initiated in the Bloomington-Normal Alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in 1988. Rick also serves on the board of directors for the Illinois Art Station providing access to art to underrepresented youth. Rick’s interests and hobbies include art, music, travel, fitness, and golf.

Board of Directors
Eddie Darryl Southard
Eddie Darryl Southard is a founding member of the foundation and serves as a member of the board of directors. Eddie was born in Florence, AL and graduated from the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa where he was initiated in the Eta Chi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in 1976. He received a bachelor’s degree in commercial art/public relations. His 37 1/2 year career at State Farm Insurance included leadership positions in underwriting, marketing and agency before retiring in 2017. Eddie’s previous foundation experience includes Austin Education and Leadership Foundation and Sendero Health Care Board. He was instrumental in chartering the Bloomington-Normal (IL) and the Gaithersburg-Rockville (MD) Alumni chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Eddie’s interests and hobbies are a passion for mentoring, art, travel, wine, men’s health, community service, and spending time with his family.

Board of Directors
Terry Palmer
Terry Palmer is a founding member of the foundation board and serves as a member of the board of directors. Terry was born in Houston, TX and graduated from Thomas Edison State University with a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering technology. He received a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling from Liberty University and master’s degree in community and economic development from Thomas Edison State University. He also received a Certification in Workforce Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Terry is a veteran of the United States Navy where he served and worked in the nuclear power program. He was initiated in the Edwardsville-Collinsville (IL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in 2016. He is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs Manager at Constellations Energy Program. When he is not working to improve the cultural climate within the corporation, Terry works tirelessly as a servant leader to advance and enrich the community through his membership in the fraternity as well as countless other boards and initiatives.

Board of Directors
Launey Jason
Launey Jason is a member of the foundation board of directors. Launey graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He was initiated at the Epsilon Phi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in the fall of 1990. Launey currently serves as Vice-President of Agency Sales for State Farm Insurance Company in the Chicagoland area. He holds designations for the Chartered Life Underwriting, Chartered Financial Consultant and the Retirement Income Certified Professional. He has led several mentoring and philanthropic areas of focus for State Farm and the Lawrenceville-Duluth Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. Launey is also a veteran of the US Army National Guard.
Donations
Contact Us
Address
Bloomington-Normal Achievement Foundation
1701 E. Empire Street, Ste. 360, #146
Bloomington, IL 61704