Born and raised in Lonsdale, Jamaal believes that growing up in this close-knit community played a pivotal role in his upbringing, teaching him to be a dedicated servant and compassionate leader. He grew up less than a mile from the current location of the Haslam-Sansom Ministry Complex, and as a teenager, played basketball at Emerald Youth with his cousins. He is a proud alum of Carter High School in Strawberry Plains and East Tennessee State University. He also spent some time playing soccer for Alabama A&M University. After college, Jamaal worked at both Walmart and PepsiCo.

Jamaal is drawn to Emerald because of his own personal experience. He has seen the impact that community programs have when they focus on child development with family support. Most importantly, he knows Emerald gives him the opportunity to connect children to the love of our Lord and Savior.

Jamaal is a member of New Covenant Baptist Church and is married to his best friend, Blake, with whom he has shared seven wonderful years. God has blessed them with four lovely daughters, two of whom attend Emerald Academy where Blake works as the Family Engagement Associate.

During his free time, Jamaal likes dancing with his girls, listening to live R&B from the ‘70s and ‘80s, and cooking new recipes for his family. By the way, don’t let him challenge you to a game of horse; he once won $20,000 in a college half-time shooting contest.

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