Board of Directors
Chairperson/Founder
Dr. H. Bernard Young, Sr.
Dr. H. Bernard Young, Sr. is a native of Wrightsville, Georgia. He is the eldest child of Herbert and the late Hattie Pearl Young. He attended Johnson County High School System. He is the husband of Dolores Young and father of Bernautica, Bianca, BJ and the late Kerek. He is the Cynthia Channell Brown and uncle of Jalen Alexander Brown. He is the "G-dad" to two beautiful grand-daughters.
Reared in a family where Christian values were instilled; he would accept Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age. Even as a child, he exemplified a deep sense of compassion and respect for others. These early years laid the foundation for the life and the ministry of a humble, devoted servant of God.
Although best known for his preaching and teaching, Pastor Young's ministry began in music. Reared in a family of gifted musicians, he discovered his passion for music thus becoming active in his local church music ministry under the leadership of Rev. James E. Thomas. Although he was extremely passionate about the music ministry, he soon realized that this ministry was not a substitute for the calling upon his life.
In June of 1997, accepted the call that God had placed on his life; however, four years passed before commencing his preaching ministry. He was licensed and ordained and, in September of 2001, preached his first sermon, "Have You Seen the Light?" (Acts 9:1-6) at Vickers Hill Baptist Church in Wrightsville, Georgia. As he faithfully served under the leadership of Rev. David Hall, he was blessed to preach several revivals, homecoming and church anniversary services throughout the community. Dr. Young has been preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ for twenty-four years.
With his ever fervent hunger and thirst to intellectually and spiritually grow in the ministry, he began his theological training in 2004. He has matriculated through a number of college degrees including an Associates of Science Degree from Tripp Bible Institute Marion, North Carolina, Bachelors of Science Degree in Christian Education from Emmanuel Baptist University Connelly Springs, North Carolina, Masters of Science Degree from Emmanuel Baptist University in Christian Education, and Doctorate of Sciene Degree from Cason Theological Institute in Theology. He also studied at the Liberty University "Home" Institute in Lynchbury, Virginia where the late Jerry Falwell was Chancellor. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Science Degree in Christian Counseling.
He has accomplished honorable achievements since entering into the ministry in 2001. He has several religious, community, and civic affiliations. In 2007, he was elected to the board of directors at Cason Theological institute. He also serves as the Regional Vice President of the GMBC (Georgia Missionary Baptist Convention Association). He served as a member of the Johnson County Board of Education with his first term commencing in January 2013. In 2023, he was a nominee for the Bartow County Black Excellence Award, has served as a volunteer for prison ministry at the Floyd County Prision in Rome, Georgia, and received the "President Barak H. Obama Role Model for the Youth" Award on June 19, 2025 which was presented by the founder of SOESF; Bishop Norris Allen, Sr. He is an accomplished author of two books: "Bridging the GAP" (A practical guide for connecting generations of the church) and "A Personal Testimony."
He is the Founder and Pastor of “The Relevant Church, Inc.” of Rome, GA. The Relevant Church was established on June 11, 2023. As God continues to water the seed that was placed in the heart of Dr. Young to plant this newly found church, Spiritual Growth of the people have been evident despite life's obstacles. He is the visionary of the annual "Christmas Shoe Drive" which is sponsored by the Relevant Church with donations of brand new shoes donated by members for 50 children selected by the school to receive. This year will be the fourth year The Relevant Church will bless the children at Main Elementary with shoes for Christmas.
He is the visionary of The Relevant Church "Back to School Book Bag Bash" in which he sets a specific goal for book bags and school supplies to be raised. For the past two years, Dr. Young has set a goal of 500 bookbags and both years the church and the community exceeded that number with receiving over 1,000 book bags the first year and 750 the second year. This past year, Dr. Young and The Relevant Church Family sponsored a "Back to School Book Bag Splash Bash" in which our youth and youth in the community were blessed with enjoying time with water slides, lots of eating, fun, and fellowship. This one day event turned into two days for the youth! Each youth received book bags and supplies for the new school year.
He currently leads the Relevant Church of Rome, Georgia along with our assigned Ministry Leader of Public Relations & Coordinator, in launching through the Divine order of God; the newly revised community service program, The Relevant S.O.A.R. Program.
Vice-Chairperson
Dr. Demetria High
Dr. High is a native of Rome, Georgia and currently resides in Dallas, Georgia. She is the proud mother and Nana of five children and fifteen grandchildren. She is a member and Associate Minister of The Relevant Church in Rome, Georgia under the Spiritual Leadership of Rev. Dr. H. Bernard Young, Sr. As an ordained minister, she has served as a Children Minister, Children/Youth Director for over 30 years, Youth Advisor, as leader of Women of Purpose Ministry (ages 20-25), and served as the President of the North Georgia General Missionary Baptist Association Women's Auxiliary for six (6) years; leading the women in missions through workshops & conferences for young women entitled “I Am My Sisters Keeper”. She serves as the Ministry Leader of the New Members Intake Ministry and is appointed as the Accountability Leader of ten ministries at her church.
She is the visionary for an event for girls entitled “The Enchanted Conference” and a conference for teens (ages 11-12) entitled “The TWEEN Conference; an event for all ages in the “Walking In Your Queenship” Fashion Show, the “Unsung Shero Awards”, in which she recognizes and honors women that who have passion for others, behind the scene, without desiring any recognition, and her Self-Esteem Building Conference: “I’m That Chick” designed for girls and women. Every Saturday morning woman around the country tune in for her weekly prayer teleconference call entitled the Vessels-In-Prayer” (VIP) Prayer Line, an Annual Teleconference Revival designed for Wives, Would-Be Wives, & Wanna-Be Wives entitled, “I Am His Rib”, a Virtual Conference that takes women into her personal space with God: “The Queens Closet”, and a Virtual Conference designed “specifically” for the Queens of wisdom 50 years and older: The “Classic Queen Conference.”
She is the Founder & CEO of QUEENS (Quite, Unique, Elegant, Extraordinary, & Necessary Sisters) MINISTRIES, INC., a ministry design to inspire, encourage, build self-esteem, and empower women to recognize the value and beauty that God has placed in them and how to grow themselves through knowing themselves. QUEENS MINISTRIES, INC. also includes ministering to young girls’ ages 4-12 entitled the “Queens Princess” in which they reach out to their peers through social media (Facebook, Instagram, Snap Chat, YouTube, etc.) sharing words of encouragement on a level that they can relate and understand and through outreach. She is the Owner & CEO of “Higher Place Enterprise, LLC” and provides products through the “Royal Room” for events, personalized custom products, banners, event-planning services, & more. HPE also provides personal Vision Coaching Services and Professional Organization through her “DeClutter with Deme” Vision Sessions and Professional Organization appointments. The sessions are designed for those who may have a vision but no knowledge of how to bring it to life. These sessions include simple budgeting and saving tools, organizing space, rooms, kitchens, office space, closets, time management, chores for all ages, stress management, and more.
She is the editor-in-chief of a newsletter for the Quite, Unique, Elegant, Extraordinary, & Necessary woman of today entitled “The Q.U.E.E.N.” She was featured as a special guest on the “Let’s Talk: Raw & Uncut” Blog Radio Station for women of all walks of life, named 2017 & 2018 Who’s Who Among Women, Spotlight recognition by Black Book Magazine, recognized as a “Home Grown Hero” by the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, a special guest for the Really Real Radio Show “Reveal & Heal” with Deborah “Coach Deb” Montgomery, nominee of the 2023 Humanitarian of the Year Black Excellence Award, recognized as a 2025 “Woman of the Month” by the Floyd County Government in Rome, GA, and was recognized as VIP Spotlight guest and as a honorary founding member of the Pink Girl Magic organization by owner/founder Tina Allen.
She is the author of a 52-week women’s devotional entitled, “Staying in Your Lane” and offers her time teaching during her “Staying in Your Lane” conferences. She is also author of a 30-Day devotional for Couples, entitled: “Staying in Your Lane: Couples Edition” written along with her late husband, Clarence High, Jr.
She has served in the Criminal Justice field for 35 years until the present. She served as the Chief Clerk of Court at the Floyd County Juvenile Court in Rome, Georgia for 26 years and the past 9 years currently as a certified Chief Corrections Counselor at the Floyd County Prison in Rome, Georgia. She received her Associate of Ministry Degree in Sacred Literature from Covington Theological Seminary, is a Summa Cum Laude Graduate of Perdue University with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice, and a Magna Cum Laude Graduate of Perdue University with a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Forensic Psychology, a Graduate of Capella University with a Master’s of Science Degree in Human Services with a specialization in Counseling Studies & Professional Counseling, a Graduate of Andersonville Theological Seminary with a Doctorate Degree of Educational Ministry in Biblical Exposition, a Certified Event Planner from the New York Institute of Arts & Design, a Certified Professional Organizer from the International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College), a member NAPO (National Association of Productivity & Organization Professionals), and a member of the National Chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association.
She has a heart for today’s youth, young adults, men and women as a whole. Her work and calling spreads beyond a stationary area and expands to those who are incarcerated, those who desire to complete their education, and serving as a mentor to hundreds. She strongly believes that pouring into the life of a person and making a difference is an awesome blessing that she does not take for granted.
Once a teenage mother herself, she realized that if a difference was going to be made in the life of a mother, single or married; someone would have to spend some quality time with them. She has dedicated herself to such through sharing the experiences of the many struggles in her life, from low self-esteem to abuse; so she is uniquely called and equipped to minister and to mentor women through her ministry. She does not believe in giving up or giving in; but in giving it your all to reach your destiny! Her Motto in life stems from the words of a hymn written by Alma Bazel Androzzo in 1945: "If I can help somebody as I pass along; if I can cheer somebody with a word or a song; if I can show somebody who is traveling wrong; then my living shall not be in vain".
Treasurer
Phyllis Lee
Phyllis Lee is a dedicated leader, public servant, and ministry leader who was born and raised in Rome, Georgia. She is the proud mother of four children and grandmother of nine grandchildren.
She began her educational journey at East Rome High School and continued her studies at Coosa Valley Technical College, now known as Georgia Northwestern Technical College, where she earned a diploma in Accounting and Marketing. She later graduated from Georgia Highlands College with an Associate of Arts Degree and from Covenant College and University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management. Committed to lifelong learning and professional development, Phyllis also completed the University of Georgia Management Program and the Dale Carnegie Program.
She dedicated an impressive 42 years to public service with the City of Rome, where she served as Assistant Transportation Director before retiring. During her tenure with the city, she completed the prestigious Leadership Rome Program, further strengthening her leadership and community engagement skills.
Her commitment to serving others extends beyond her professional career. Phyllis served as a volunteer and board member with the Good Neighbors Board for three years. She also served as a Big Sister through the Boys & Girls Club, Inc., investing her time and encouragement in the lives of young people within the community.
Phyllis continues her legacy of leadership and service through her work with The Relevant Church Rome, Inc. She serves on the Board of Directors as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, where she provides financial leadership and stewardship. She also serves as the Stewardship Ministry Leader and is an active member of the Liturgical Dance Ministry.
Throughout her career, community involvement, and ministry service, Phyllis has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to leadership, service, education, and helping others. Her life reflects a legacy of dedication to family, faith, community, and public service.
Secretary
Edna Trammell
Edna Trammell was born in Americus, Georgia, and has proudly called Rome, Georgia, home for most of her life. One of eleven siblings, Edna values family, relationships, and the importance of making a positive impact in the lives of others.
She has dedicated more than 20 years of service to the City of Rome with the Rome Transit Department. In her role, she transports individuals with special needs and disabilities, a responsibility she considers both meaningful and rewarding. Edna genuinely loves her work and takes pride in serving her community with compassion, patience, and care.
She is a devoted wife, mother of three, grandmother of nine, and great-grandmother of four. Family is a very important part of her life, and she treasures spending quality time with her loved ones and friends. Known as a true people person, Edna enjoys connecting with others and building meaningful relationships.
A creative entrepreneur at heart, Edna enjoys designing and selling custom T-shirts, caps, and other items as the owner of “Beautifully Unique Tee’s.” She serves as the Ministry Leader of the Liturgical Dance Ministry and is also a faithful member of the Stewardship Ministry. Through liturgical dance, she uses her God-given gifts to worship, minister, and glorify the Lord.
Whether she is serving her community, creating something new, spending time with family and friends, or ministering through dance, Edna is passionate about people, creativity, service, and using her gifts to make a difference for the glory of God.
Board Member
Rickey Beeman
Rickey Beeman is a native of Cedartown, Georgia, and currently resides in Rome, Georgia. He is the devoted husband of Elaina Beeman and the proud father of three children and grandfather of two grandchildren.
With more than 16 years of entrepreneurial experience, Rickey is the owner and operator of Beeman Management Association (BMA) Contracting & Lawn Care Service, LLC, where he provides quality residential and commercial services, including lawn care, landscaping, gutter cleaning, and other property maintenance solutions. His entrepreneurial vision extends to BMA Martial Arts Academy, where he combines martial arts instruction with mentorship, discipline, and positive youth development and intervention for at-risk youth.
Rickey believes that business ownership should be about more than providing services—it should also be about creating opportunities and investing in people. Through BMA, he mentors boys and young men by teaching them valuable skills in landscaping, work ethic, and financial responsibility. He intentionally provides employment opportunities to individuals who may have limited work experience or skills, helping prepare them for success in the workforce. His philosophy is rooted in the belief that it is not enough to simply “give someone a fish”; he is committed to teaching others how to fish by equipping them with practical skills, knowledge, confidence, and opportunities for a better future.
A dedicated community servant, Rickey is a member of the Strikers Bike Club Organization, which supports fundraising efforts for the Sexual Assault Center and Hospitality House. His commitment to community involvement has also included serving for four years as a member of the Rome-Floyd Planning Commission in which he served as Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. He supports the Nim B. Russell Scholarship Foundation and serves as a sponsor of the Martin Luther King Commission Annual Lunch. He is former volunteer with the Teen Plus organization.
Rickey is a 2011 graduate of Leadership Rome, a 2011 graduate of Leadership Georgia, and served as the Leadership Georgia Program Hospitality Chairperson in 2012, reflecting his continued dedication to leadership development and community advancement.
His service and contributions have earned significant recognition. In 2022, Rickey was honored as a Black History Trailblazer Awardee for his outstanding contributions and impact. He also received a City of Rome Proclamation recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the City of Rome.
Through entrepreneurship, mentorship, leadership, and community service, Rickey continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. His life and work reflect a commitment to creating opportunities, developing people, strengthening communities, and leaving a positive legacy for generations to come.