Detroit, Michigan—Angelo D. Rea, Shelia N. English and K. J. Edward Fornell have joined the board of directors of Detroit-based Matrix Human Services, a 113-year-old social service organization which offers the most vulnerable children, families, and seniors assistance with basic needs, education and support services that diffuse crisis, prevent abuse and neglect and provide a path toward self-sufficiency.
“We are extremely happy these accomplished individuals have joined our board of directors,” said Matrix Chief Executive Officer Brad Coulter. “First and foremost, they are all experienced, active members in our community and that has given them important insight into the special needs of the most vulnerable of our Detroit children and families. That special insight will help guide Matrix Human Services as it continues its’ role as one of Detroit’s largest providers of Early Childhood Head Start programs in addition to the varied services provided for teens at risk, adult/workforce and financial education and senior citizen services.
Angelo D. Rea, Senior Vice President, Flagstar Bank, has been in the banking industry for 37 years, 29 of them with Flagstar Bank. He oversees and monitors government loan performance for the retail, wholesale and correspondent sectors/channels and he works closely with federal government decision makers on policy and procedures. He is responsible for all Flagstar’s government products, guidelines and policies, and he is the lead on all Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and Veteran’s administration (VA) audits. He also manages a staff that oversees and monitors over 2,000 approved Third-Party Originators for Flagstar. Rea educates and lectures nationally on FHA and VA products. In addition to his banking responsibilities, Rea is a leader of the Flagstar Bank’s LGBTQ Employee Resource Group, a board member of the Detroit LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce and is involved in many similar community activities and organizations.
“I am very fortunate to work at Flagstar Bank and be able to support their vision and principles to embrace a culture of diversity and inclusion,” said Rea. “I am proud of the numerous Employee Resource Groups we have and the support from a company that is committed to our LGBTQ ERG that enables us to engage in community organizations to support and advocate for LGBTQ equality. This is what led me to Matrix Human Services. Not only do they offer outstanding programs for children and families, they provide services through The Matrix Community Health Division, with a focus on HIV/STD prevention, awareness, counseling and much more.”
Shelia N. English is a Vice President and Client Advisor with J.P. Morgan Private Banking where she is also on the leadership team for internal business groups. She provides tailored advice and guidance to her clients and their families in the firm’s Investment Management, Trust & Estate Planning, Banking and Lending practice. With over 18 years of experience in wealth management, English specialized in Trust & Estate Planning, earning the designation as a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor, upon graduating from the Cannon Financial Trust School. Prior to that, English graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from University of Detroit Mercy. She also holds a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Wayne State University. English is an active volunteer for several community organizations, specifically those that benefit the underserved women and children in the metropolitan Detroit area.
“I was raised by a brilliant, strong and hardworking single mother who also dedicated her life to serving others,” said English. “My advocacy for the underserved single mothers and their children makes serving on the board of directors and specifically the Head Start Committee a perfect fit for me.”
Karl “Eddie” Fornell is a Senior Attorney with the Business Litigation Practice Group in the Detroit office of the Clark Hill Law Firm. With a background in public service and a history with family-owned businesses, Fornell is a business litigation expert. Prior to joining Clark Hill, Fornell served as a judicial attorney for the Honorable Judge Lita M. Popke in the Business Court for the 3rd Circuit Court of Michigan. Fornell attended University of Notre Dame Law School under a fellowship and obtained his law degree there with a specialty in business and commercial litigation. Fornell has edited and published many legal articles including a Compendium of International Treaties published by the Notre Dame Law School library. Earlier in his career, Fornell worked in the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office under a grant from Notre Dame University’s Public Service Initiative. Fornell obtained his undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Albion College. He holds dual citizenship in the United State and Sweden where he spent a considerable amount of his childhood.
“I am immensely excited about the opportunity to contribute to such a wonderful and essential organization that has taken a lead role in the revitalization of Detroit,” said Fornell. “Having been raised in both Sweden and the US, I have a keen understanding of the importance of social programs and how beneficial a social safety net is, not just for those who need it, but for society as a whole. The old saying that a rising tide lifts all boats has never been more true than it is today. I believe that the good work done by Matrix is not only essential to the elimination of poverty, it is vital to ensuring a thriving City. I am delighted about the opportunity to share my insight and my perspective on how the Swedish model – which reflects the philosophy that family services and social benefits are a basic human right – can be applied by Matrix as it continues to work for the families of Detroit.
About Matrix Human Services
Detroit-based Matrix Human Services is a 113-year-old, 501(c) (3), social services organization committed to helping children, teens, adults and seniors reach self-sufficiency through offering positive hand-up life experiences. Matrix offers assistance with essential needs, health, education, and supportive services that defuse crisis, treat individuals and family problems, prevent abuse and neglect.
With over 550 employees and 33 locations, Matrix is the 22nd largest non-profit in Southeast Michigan and one of the largest operating in the City of Detroit. Matrix Human Services is rebuilding neighborhoods by eradicating poverty and bringing households to self-sufficiency by servicing over 20,000 children, individuals and families annually.
For more information about Matrix Human Services, visit www.MatrixHumanServices.org.