United by Purpose, Driven by Compassion.
Meet the hearts and minds behind the mission.
Our team
Founder
Eric S. George
Eric S. George is a devoted community leader, entrepreneur, and lifelong resident of South Florida with a deep-rooted passion for uplifting Broward County. As the founder of the Eric S. George Foundation, he brings more than 25 years of service-driven leadership to initiatives that empower and enrich the lives of individuals and families throughout the region.
A native of Hallandale and proud product of the Carver Ranches community (now known as West Park), Mr. George made history as the first to open a funeral home in the area a milestone that marked the beginning of his unwavering commitment to serving his community with dignity, compassion, and excellence. As the owner of the Eric S. George Funeral Home in Miramar, he has supported countless families through their most challenging moments with grace and care.
Eric’s work extends far beyond his professional endeavors. Through the Eric S. George Foundation, he is deeply invested in initiatives that support underserved communities across South Florida, with a special focus on Broward County. From sponsoring youth programs and educational initiatives to supporting faith-based organizations and health equity efforts, Eric is intentional about giving back to the community that shaped him.
In 2022, he expanded his outreach with the opening of the Eric S. George Event Center, a 1,700 sq. ft. luxury multipurpose venue that serves as a welcoming space for worship services, community gatherings, and milestone celebrations. This center has quickly become a cornerstone for connection, culture, and collaboration in the heart of the community.
As a trusted and respected leader, Eric S. George is guided by faith, service, and legacy. His foundation reflects his belief that sustainable change begins at the local level and his vision continues to inspire hope, opportunity, and progress throughout South Florida.
Vice President
Shanae Thomas
Shanae Thomas serves as Vice President of the Eric S. George Foundation and brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership and executive experience focused on organizational governance, program development, and mission sustainability. Her career reflects a deep commitment to building strong, compliant, and impact-driven nonprofit organizations that effectively serve communities and achieve measurable outcomes. Originally from Miami and currently based in Tallahassee, Florida, she is a graduate of Bethune-Cookman University and the Founder of ST Business Consulting Network LLC.
Shanae’s nonprofit experience spans the full organizational lifecycle, including nonprofit formation, board development, governance structuring, policy creation, and executive operations. She has led and advised nonprofits in strengthening internal controls, improving accountability, and aligning programs with strategic goals and community needs. Her leadership emphasizes building systems that support transparency, long-term sustainability, and funder confidence.
As a certified grant writer and nonprofit strategist, Shanae has successfully guided organizations through grant readiness, funding strategy, and program design, resulting in millions of dollars secured to support education, health, housing, youth development, and social service initiatives. She is recognized for her ability to translate mission and vision into fundable programs supported by data, performance metrics, and clearly defined outcomes.
Secretary
Venada Altheme
Venada Altheme serves as an experienced Program Coordinator with the South Florida AIDS Education and Training Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she leads strategic training initiatives that strengthen healthcare provider capacity across South Florida. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Barry University and is pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration, further advancing her commitment to public service leadership.
Venada began her career with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, dedicating three decades to operational excellence and community engagement. Throughout her tenure, she held multiple leadership roles that supported school site management, district departments, and systemwide initiatives. Prior to retirement, she developed and implemented a districtwide volunteer training program and led the creation of a compliance process that successfully screened more than 1,100 noncompliant volunteers, improving safety outcomes and strengthening the District Volunteer Program.
Since joining the SF AETC in 2018, Venada has coordinated thousands of professional development sessions and workshops for HIV service providers and healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, dentists, case managers, medical students, technicians, and faith leaders. Her training portfolio addresses critical topics such as diagnosis and treatment, prevention strategies, linkage to care, medication adherence, stigma reduction, addiction, mental health, and culturally responsive practices.
She also founded Multicultural Mondays, a biweekly webinar series that provides a dedicated platform for healthcare professionals to engage in candid discussions around cultural awareness, bias, health equity, policy, faith perspectives, and inclusive care delivery.
Venada is driven by a steadfast belief that education is a catalyst for reducing health disparities in underserved communities. As an African American leader and advocate, she remains committed to empowering those who serve urban populations, equipping providers with the knowledge and cultural competence necessary to deliver equitable, compassionate, and effective care.
Treasurer
Anthony Sanders
Dr. Anthony A. Sanders is a native of Hallandale Beach whose life and leadership have been shaped by faith, service, and a deep commitment to community impact. Raised in a God-centered home, he developed an early passion for ministry and servant leadership that continues to guide his personal and professional journey.
Responding to his call to serve, Dr. Sanders began teaching Sunday School, helped establish a Men’s Ministry, and ministered faithfully within the Broward County Jail system for six years. He was first ordained as a Deacon and later as a Minister under the leadership of Rev. Joe C. Johnson. Over the years, he has served in multiple capacities, including Sunday School Teacher, Men’s Ministry Leader, Deacon, and Pastor, building a reputation for integrity, compassion, and strong spiritual guidance.
In 1999, he founded Higher Vision Ministries, launching the church from the living room of his home with a clear mission to reach the unchurched, strengthen families, and provide meaningful resources to the surrounding community. Under his leadership, the ministry has grown into a trusted spiritual and community hub dedicated to faith development, outreach, and service.
Dr. Sanders is equally committed to family. He has been married to his wife, Jessica, since 1989, and together they have raised four sons and are proud grandparents to six grandchildren. His life reflects a balance of faith, family, and service, which he considers the foundation of effective leadership.
Throughout his career, Dr. Sanders has been recognized for both spiritual leadership and community influence. His honors include being named among the Top 50 Black Leaders of Broward County, recognition by Legacy Magazine as one of the Most Powerful Black Leaders in Broward County, the Broward County Pioneer Award, and an Honorary Doctorate for service from St. Thomas Christian University.
Driven by purpose and guided by faith, Dr. Sanders continues to lead with vision, inspire others through service, and remain dedicated to uplifting individuals and communities through ministry, mentorship, and outreach.
If helpful, I can also create a shorter executive bio, pastoral profile version, or program booklet summary, depending on where this will be published.