The James Houston Center for Faith and Successful Aging has announced the appointment of three new members to the organization’s Board of Directors: Dr. Lucinda Roff, Dr. David L. Albright, and Isabelle Parker-Silko.
“We are honored and thankful that these distinguished leaders are willingly offering their time and talents to furthering our mission and help make a difference in the lives of others,” said James Houston Center Executive Director Ethan Asters. “Each of them brings a unique set of skills and expertise to the table, and they will be massive assets to our organization.”
Dr. Lucinda Roff brings nearly four decades of academic leadership and scholarship to the Board. She served 38 years on the faculty of the University of Alabama School of Social Work, including 17 years as dean. During her tenure, she helped establish and direct the University’s Center for Mental Health and Aging.
A respected educator and mentor, Dr. Roff has served on more than 15 dissertation committees and is widely recognized for her scholarship in social gerontology, family caregiving, religiousness and aging, public opinion on social welfare policy, and aging and public policy.
Dr. Roff earned her bachelor’s degree from Yale University, her Master of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and her doctorate from the University of Denver.
Dr. David L. Albright is a leader in strengthening Alabama’s rural health and behavioral health systems. Through partnerships, data practices, and community-rooted strategies, he has worked to translate research into practical solutions aimed at improving lives across Alabama’s 67 counties.
His work brings together universities, state agencies, and local leaders to advance systems-based solutions supporting the state’s health and social infrastructure. Dr. Albright is known for emphasizing transparency, accountability, and trust—principles aligned with the Center’s mission.
Isabelle Parker-Silko offers a lifelong connection to the Center’s mission as the daughter of its founder, Dr. Mike Parker. Raised in a military family, she developed an appreciation for diverse cultures and communities through extensive travel.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Samford University in 2001 and spent 15 years teaching second and third grades at The Highlands School, where she was known for her dedication to students academically and personally.
Her experience in education and commitment to faith-centered service bring additional perspective to the Board.
The new members join an established Board of professionals including Thomas McCulley, founder and chairman of Prepaid Technologies; William Brock (Bill) Lewis, a communications and advertising executive; and Stephen Faust, CEO of Dash Solutions, a Birmingham-based firm specializing in electronic payment technologies.
Asters said the new members’ experience will strengthen the Center’s mission and long-term goals.
“Dr. Roff, Dr. Albright, and Mrs. Parker-Silko’s combined expertise in social work, rural health systems, education, and community engagement will strengthen the Center’s mission and support its long-term strategic goals.”
The James Houston Center for Faith and Successful Aging is an interdisciplinary Christian organization focused on enhancing the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of older adults and their caregivers through research, education, and community engagement.
