Areas of Interest: Dr. Charles Johnson is the Director of the Public Policy Research Institute and the founding Director of the Center for Community Support (CCS). His academic career has focused on the solution of societal problems through scientific research. Based on his long-term involvement with both community based organizations and grant funding, Dr. Johnson sought to address the need for assisting communities in securing grant funds. Widely recognized as a researcher and scholar he has received numerous awards for excellence in research and service, and has testified before both state and federal legislatures. While on the faculty at Michigan State University his work was honored with a Senate Concurrent Resolution by the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives. More recently, he was the inaugural recipient of the Regents Professor Award at Texas A&M University.

Education: LMSW (Social Work Administration/Supervision)

Areas of interest: Health and human services including mental health, gerontology, and developmental disabilities; organizational structure and growth through capacity building; community development and social capital and social equity

Background: Mrs. Rutherford has an educational background in social work focusing on non-profit administration and supervision and specializing in grant writing and organizational skills. A recent addition to the staff of the TEES Center for Community Support, Mrs. Rutherford has worked and volunteered for social services organizations for 10 years. Her experience includes working with such vulnerable populations as individuals with mental illness, mental retardation and the elderly. She is also currently a steering committee member of the National Association of Social Workers Brazos Valley Unit and volunteers for the Texas Volunteer Conference.