SUSAN TUCKER, BOARD PRESIDENT
Board Member Since: 2011
Susan is originally from Pittsburgh, PA, and has made Fort Smith her home for the last 20 years. She loves being involved in the Fort Smith community and has always had a special passion for helping those in crisis – most particularly those suffering from homelessness.
Susan said, “We’ve all been through difficult times and have had challenges in our lives. Homelessness is a condition that could affect anyone at any time and is truly a “there but for the grace of God, go I” scenario. The Next Step board is a group of the most dedicated people I have ever had the pleasure of working with and it is an honor to work beside them in our shared mission.”
jO ELLEN CARSON, BOARD TREASURER
Board Member Since: 2007
Jo Ellen started volunteering with individuals and families that did not have stable housing when she was in high school in Fort Smith. After college and law school, she continued working with many children and adults who need a true home.
Jo Ellen said, “Serving on this board with members who believe in the humanity of everyone, no matter their circumstances, is a privilege. Maya Angelou once wrote, “The ache for home lives in all of us. The place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”
Father Briggs moved to Fort Smith in 2016 and has been active in the community on several levels. He said, “I am passionate about making our Community better and a great place to live for everyone. As the Rector of a church you have to work will all types and ages of people, as well as being able to work within a budget, problem-solve with others, and to be open to new ideas.
My desire to be involved and eventually to be a part of the Next Step Homeless Service Board comes from my compassion for people and my desire to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Next Step is an organization I believe in and feel I can make a difference with as I work with my colleagues on the Board.
I have served on the board of Camp Mitchell Episcopal Camp and Retreat Center as the Chair, so I understand the commitment needed to serve. I am a graduate of Christian Brothers University with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology, which is a double major including both Psychology and Business. I also hold a Master’s of Divinity degree from Memphis Theological Seminary. As part of my studies, I worked with groups on inter-city solutions, homelessness, immigration and I served two years as our Student Body President. As part of my studies, I had an internship working with people who had addiction issues, helping them to find ways to move into recovery.
I spent 20 working in housing, many of those in areas that had a significant number of people dealing with homelessness and addiction. As Next Step moves into a new model of working to help the homeless find ways to move out of homelessness, I will tap into my time of working in housing. I hope to continue to use my contacts to accomplish our goal of building a new facility and truly help those who are struggling with homelessness to take their Next Step out of homelessness.”
JEANNE CARROLL
Jeanne received the Fort Smith Public Schools Humble Hero award in 2023. In addition to volunteering, she is a dog rescuer and lover.
Jeanne said, “I love serving on the board because I get to be a part of making a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.” Her favorite quote by Jesse Jackson says, “Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping him up.”
shirley mccutchen
Board Member Since: 2020
Shirley has lived with her husband in Fort Smith for 20 years where they raised three children who have given them six grandchildren. When she’s not in Fort Smith, Shirley is in Harrison, Arkansas, where she volunteers to help manage a women’s shelter for homeless women with children. She enjoys the outdoors, and helping others that are less fortunate in life.
Shirley said, “I enjoy serving on the Next Step Board because I believe in the mission and volunteer service. I have always believed that your community is as good as you make it, and Next Step services is always striving to make our community a more caring and receptive environment for those in need, or less fortunate.”
gary udouj, jr.
Board Member Since: July 2011
Gary and his wife Tina have been married for 26 years and have two sons, Isaac and Miles. Gary said he enjoys serving on the board because, “Next Step Homeless Services is making a difference in helping people transition out of homelessness and to fully participate in our community.”
kim wohlford
Kim Wohlford is a lifelong resident of Fort Smith, a member of First Presbyterian Church, and former Executive Director of Next Step Homeless Services. She and her husband Charlie have three grown children and five grandchildren. She enjoys participating in local mission work in many areas of the community as well as playing competitive tennis, pickleball, and hiking.
