Founder/CEO

Karen Harris

Karen Harris, Founder and CEO of The Center of Hope Village, Incorporated, is a proud native of Belzoni, Mississippi and a graduate of Humphreys County High School. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master’s degree in Management from the Florida Institute of Technology. She also attended the illustrious Alcorn State University. With a heart for service and a passion for community empowerment, Karen has combined her healthcare expertise and leadership experience to create a place where hope, healing, and opportunity come together for those in need.

Logistician/Mentor

Willie Harris, Jr

SFC (Ret) Willie Harris Jr., is a proud native of Belzoni, Mississippi and a graduate of Humphreys County High School.  He served over 21 years of military service in the US Army as a Helicopter Maintenance Instructor and Technician.  After retirement he served over 21 years as a Civil Service employee of the US Army as a Logistics Management  Specialist.  Harris experience includes supply, maintenance and logistics concepts, principles and practices, performance based logistics and program and product management.  He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Science degree in Logistics Management from Florida Institute of Technology.  His desire is to give back to his community.

Program Manger

Eugene Thurman, Sr

LTC (Ret) Eugene Thurman Sr., is a proud native of Belzoni, Mississippi and a graduate of Humphreys County High School. He has over thirty-three years of experience in education, leadership, environmental engineering, logistics, and program management. He has served as a teacher, mentor, and facility manager, and managed military tests and contracts. Thurman is committed to youth development through Cyber Patriot, robotics, and archery, teaching coding and drone certification at Columbia and Austin High Schools. He has trained others in VEX Robotics, ISO 9001, and Lean Six Sigma, and established a successful JROTC program. Thurman holds degrees from Alcorn State and Texas A&M, and empowers communities at The Center of Hope Village.