Connect with our team
To carry out the mission of Second Chance we have a very dedicated staff and board of directors to meet the growing needs of our organization. With over a century of combined experience we are ready to meet the challenges ahead.
Founder
Jeffrey Shorter
Jeffrey Shorter has an exemplary record in serving the community for over 17 years. He served 10 of the years as Program Director for Southside Boy’s Club of St. Petersburg, Fl.. He then served on the Board of Management for the North and Southside Boy’s Club. Then going on to create a successful printing business in 1989 for 20 years holding accounts with businesses from The Sun Dome to the St. Pete Pier and more. He Began to miss working with youth and Jeff decided he wanted to do more for the community he did so by creating Second Chance Life Skills, Inc. His commitment to bettering our community continues on in Second Chance Life Skills. A 501c (3) Non-Profit Organization that has been established in St. Petersburg, Fla. since 2000. To provide and enhance life and career skills for the underprivileged youth.
Advisory Board
Ronald L. McDonald
Ronald L. McDonald, a member of the McDonald’s restaurants founding family has worked as a businessman in numerous domestic and international business enterprises; a Presidential adviser on business and as a board member of numerous charities. Ronald has been active in charities and corporations that focus on handicap remodeling and renovation for a number of years. Ronald has hands on experience through his own construction interests and understands the barriers and needs of the physically handicapped.
Advisory Board
Al Graham
Al Graham, Successful Entrepreneur with a background as a Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Broker Business Owner and well versed on Financial Literacy. He has helped many individuals and families throughout the State of Florida to establish First Time Ownership, Second and Investment Properties. Knowledgeable in all areas of Commercial Lending and Acquisition as well as Residential. AI has worked with many Low to Moderate Income Individuals and Families to transition into Home Ownership. Great knowledge of Products and Services available through FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, etc. As a Businessman, he has many years of Divisional and Operational Management Experience through the Marmaxx Group and Edison Brothers Corporations, where he helped to Increase Profits, Relationships and Customer Satisfaction. AI has donated his time, gifts and passions to Second Chance Life Skills since its inception.
Advisory Board
MALACHI JONES
Malachi is responsible for commercial loan underwriting and portfolio quality of the SBA 504 loan program. He oversees all aspects of the financial qualifying process for ECFI clients.<br><br>Malachi has more than 23 years experience in the financial and banking industry. He is a former Manager/Loan Officer and Vice President of the St. Petersburg Economic Development Corporation, a small business lender.He was responsible for the day-to-day administration and operation of the St. Petersburg Certified Development Company. Malachi managed over 50 employees whose duties included: processing loans; credit analysis and investigations; financial counseling, background checks; marketing and public relations; and closing loans. During his tenure over 300 clients were serviced that created over $60 mil SBA direct loans and $150 mil of investments that resulted in the creation of new long-term employment for the area.<br><br>Malachi served as a sergeant in the United States Air Force. He enjoys meeting and working with people and all sports. Some of his many civic affiliations include memberships in the NAACP, Chamber of Commerce, NADCO, NAHRO and Sertoma Club
Advisory Board
CHRISTINA BROWN
Administrative support professional offering versatile office management skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office programs. Strong planner and problem solver who readily adapts to change, works independently and exceeds expectations. Able to juggle multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines without compromising quality. Motivated professional with 15 plus years’ experience in Administrative Assistant. Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology. Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. Specialty in customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Advisory Board
WILLIAM H. BUTLER, SFC
William retired from the U.S. Army after 22yrs of service with a honorable discharged. He has served his country both foreign and domestic in many different levels of leadership. He proudly served and was stationed with the 3-319th AFAR unit out of North Carolina, and deployed with the mighty 82nd Airborne Division for Desert Shield / Desert Storm.
Among his degrees and training, William has received an AA degree from Barton College in Kansas; He became a Military Occupation Instructor for incoming Soldiers; and is a skilled public speaker. Currently he is attending the American Military University, where he is seven classes away from his B.S in Liberal Arts
William has been very active in volunteering when he is asked or if he just see a need to assist someone or situation. He assists in feeding the homeless with churches and local home ministries. He has worked with youth services such as the Boys and Girls club of St. Petersburg, and Big Brother organizations of different locations even while in the military.
At the present time, William resides in Saint. Petersburg, and has for the past 3 years since his retirement been employed with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority as a Professional Bus Operator.
Advisory Board
DR. LORI K. JONES
Dr. Lori K. Jones is a global business leader, women’s advocate and mentor. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, she received her B.A.S. in Technology Management from St. Petersburg College, her M.B.A from Webster University and her D.B.A. from Argosy University. Lori has worked within the Financial and IT Industries for more than 25 years. Most recently, in her doctoral studies, she researched the impact of study abroad on global competence and workforce readiness skills. Based on this research, she started This Girl Can, an organization aimed at helping at-risk and under served girls realize their full potential and position them for success in the global workplace. Prior to starting This Girl Can, Lori worked as a technology manager for a major global financial institution
Advisory Board
LOLITA HALLMON
Lolita Hallmon, an entrepreneur, also with a long history in ministry and community involvement. She is the owner and operator of Print Shop Depot and Bright Ideas Business Services. She also served as Chief Administrator for 13 years for the Divine Providence of God Fellowship Organization. Because of her experience as a youth minister and an entrepreneur, she combined the two and reached out to young people out of school, and counseled them into going back to school, even becoming entrepreneurs themselves. Founded the Teen Generation Project. With community involvement Ms. Hallmon gained the respect and trust of many young people who has allowed her to counsel them towards reaching for levels of success never thought possible. In 2006, Ms. Hallmon launched a vision called New Beginners Achievers (NBA). This program would benefit students, parents, and teachers. A motivational program that encouraged kids to reach higher and try harder, as well care and recognize the efforts put forth to help them by their parents and teachers. Ms. Hallmon although retire, now yield her time and knowledge to Second Chance Life Skills, to strengthen families, encourage youth, and seek opportunities available that would better our communities.