Leadership
Meet the individuals who are passionate about driving positive change in the community
Dr. Kenneth Sullivan, Jr.
Founder/Visionary
Dr. Kenneth Sullivan, Jr. is a pastor, writer, entrepreneur, conference speaker, and consultant who has taught and mentored leaders in churches of all sizes. Dr. Sullivan has served in the church for over three decades and will celebrate nineteen years as senior pastor in 2025. He has overseen the production of hybrid worship services for a rapidly growing congregation and completed his doctoral research on essentials for the post-pandemic church. Dr. Sullivan is co-founder and current president of the Indianapolis Urban Pastors Coalition (IUPC), a collaboration of pastors working cooperatively to facilitate real change through a network of local congregations. He and his wife, Lady Roxie, have three children, Gabrielle, Kennedy and David Jeremiah.
A native of Indianapolis, Pastor Sullivan has earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Crossroads Bible College, with a double major in Pastoral Ministry and Theology. He also holds a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University and earned his Doctor of Ministry degree through Portland Seminary at George Fox University in the Spring of 2023. He has published books on relationships as well as Christian discipleship, and his fourth publication, scheduled for release in the Fall of 2023, will focus on ministry development in the 21st century. Dr. Sullivan is a community leader who has served on a number of non-profit boards and advisory councils.
Tiffany D. Jackson
Project Director
Tiffany D. Jackson brings more than 15 years of experience in quality assurance, training, and social services to her role with Nehemiah Project CDC, where she supports program operations and youth development efforts for the Construction Training Program.
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In her current role as Executive Assistant to Pastor Dr. Kenneth E. Sullivan, Jr. of New Direction Church, Tiffany provides critical linkage between Nehemiah Project CDC and its parent organization. She offers governance support and ensures seamless communication and accountability between the program team and the church’s leadership and governing board. With an educational foundation that includes a Master of Theological Studies and a B.A. in Political Science and African & African-American Studies, Tiffany combines academic insight with lived community practice. Her deep understanding of systems navigation, workforce engagement, and culturally responsive training make her an essential contributor to Nehemiah’s mission to prepare Opportunity Youth for career success through construction education, mentorship, and holistic support.
Tynisha Collins
Program Coordinator
Tynisha Collins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the field working with a variety of populations. Tynisha received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN and Master of Social Work Degree from Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis, IN. Tynisha specializes in working with people navigating various transitions and assists people with addressing life's stressors.
Tynisha works with diagnoses such as Anxiety, Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bi-Polar Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder. Tynisha most frequently utilizes techniques such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist people in improving their overall functioning.
Cecil Collins
Program Coordinator
​Cecil Collins serves as Program Coordinator for the Nehemiah Project CDC’s Construction Training Program, bringing over a decade of operations and leadership experience from the logistics and distribution industry. Currently the General Manager at GXO Logistics supporting Nike, Cecil oversees full building operations while fostering a culture of safety, ethics, and operational excellence. His background includes managing teams of up to 250 employees and leading complex outbound operations across multiple departments—including digital picking, consolidation, and wholesale shipping. Cecil's track record of developing staff, optimizing workflow, and maintaining gold-standard performance metrics makes him well-equipped to guide young adults through the hands-on, high-expectation training model at Nehemiah.
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Cecil joins the Nehemiah Project Leadership Team with over 13 years in operations management. Cecil received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, and Master of Science Degree in Industrial Technology from Purdue University.