Leadership
Leadership grounded in service and experience.
CWOF is guided by leaders with extensive backgrounds in financial services, operations, education, entrepreneurship, military service, youth development, and community support.
Co-Founder • Vice President and Treasurer • Program Director and Facilitator
Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson is a Co-Founder of CWOF and helps lead programs designed to strengthen financial capability, expand economic opportunity, and help individuals and families build more stable futures. He brings more than 35 years of leadership and management experience across financial services, corporate finance, operations, human resources, leadership development, and community-based services, including Fortune 250 organizations, banking operations, and more than 15 years working with youth and families in juvenile justice and community services. Michael holds an MBA in Entrepreneurial Leadership and has served as an adjunct college instructor teaching business, communication, and wellness. He is passionate about financial literacy, wealth building, housing stability, veteran and military-family support, youth development, and helping people navigate important life and financial transitions.
Co-Founder • President and Executive Director • Facilitator
Michael Bennett
Michael Bennett is Co-Founder, President and Executive Director of CWOF, where he helps lead the mission to expand financial knowledge, economic opportunity, and pathways to long-term wealth and stability. He brings a lifetime of service, discipline, entrepreneurship, and practical financial experience, including 23 years in the U.S. military and more than 38 years with UPS. A self-taught entrepreneur and investor, Michael has hands-on experience in investing, real estate, business ventures, mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and investors, and supporting investment clubs. At CWOF, he is especially committed to financial literacy, investing, entrepreneurship, real estate pathways, and programs supporting veterans and military families.
Advisor | Education, Youth & Community Leadership
Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe
Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe is a nationally recognized educator, social innovator, author, and advocate for student success whose career has been dedicated to creating opportunities for young people and strengthening communities. Dr. Bledsoe is the founder of SAAB, formerly known as Student African American Brotherhood, a national organization established to instill a “spirit of care” in young people and support their educational and personal success. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded its impact to hundreds of high schools, colleges, and universities across the country. He serves as President and CEO of SAAB National Headquarters, which is based in Springfield, Missouri. Prior to leading SAAB full-time, Dr. Bledsoe held senior leadership positions at seven institutions of higher education, including serving as Vice President for Student Life and Special Assistant to the President at the University of Toledo. A native of Grenada, Mississippi, Dr. Bledsoe earned his bachelor’s and Master of Education degrees from Mississippi State University and his Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia. His research, publications, and presentations have earned national and international recognition, including opportunities to present his work at Oxford University and contribute to research focused on the experiences and success of young men. Dr. Bledsoe has been recognized as an Ashoka Fellow for his work as a social innovator and has received recognition from Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. His community and organizational leadership has also included service with the Southwest Regional Advisory Board of Commerce Bank and the Tiffin University Board of Trustees. Now a Springfield resident, Dr. Bledsoe brings to CWOF decades of experience in education, mentorship, leadership development, and creating pathways to opportunity. His commitment to helping people recognize their potential and build stronger futures closely aligns with CWOF’s mission to expand knowledge, opportunity, financial empowerment, and generational impact.
Advisor | Organizational & Community Development Leadership
Samantha Payne
Samantha Payne is an experienced public-sector leader, educator, and business professional with more than 15 years of experience in organizational leadership, community development, operations, and process improvement. She currently serves as a Project Development Facilitator with the City of Springfield, Missouri, where she works across departments and with members of the development community to navigate complex projects, improve processes, and strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors. Previously, Samantha served as Deputy City Administrator and Parks & Recreation Director for the City of Ozark, Missouri, where she led teams, managed complex operations, and helped advance community-focused initiatives. In addition to her public-sector work, Samantha is an adjunct university instructor and the founder of True North Advising, a consulting firm focused on process improvement, performance management, project facilitation, and organizational effectiveness. She holds an MBA from William Woods University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Business Administration. Samantha is also a published contributor to ICMA’s Public Management (PM) Magazine, where her work explores the intersection of local government, development, and business. She brings to board service a practical, collaborative approach to leadership and a strong interest in helping organizations turn ideas into strategies that create measurable results.
Advisor | Financial & Community Leadership
Dennis J. Heim
Dennis J. Heim brings decades of financial expertise, business leadership, community service, and nonprofit governance experience to the Community Wealth & Opportunity Foundation. A Certified Financial Planner and retirement planning specialist, Dennis is a retired partner and co-founder of Heim, Young & Associates in Springfield, where he built a career helping individuals and families make informed financial decisions and prepare for their futures. His experience in financial planning, investing, retirement strategy, and wealth management closely aligns with CWOF’s commitment to expanding financial knowledge and creating pathways to long-term financial stability and wealth. Dennis has also demonstrated a longstanding commitment to the Springfield community through his service on the CoxHealth Board of Directors, which he joined in 2006. His board responsibilities have included service in areas involving finance, audit and corporate compliance, governance, and legal affairs. A native of Monett, Missouri, Dennis earned his bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University, where he was also one of the most accomplished defensive players in the university’s football history. A two-time First Team All-MIAA selection and team co-captain, Dennis was drafted by the New York Giants and went on to play professionally with the Toronto Argonauts and spend time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was inducted into the Missouri State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2021. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Missouri State football, Heim was honored with the retirement of his jersey during the Bears’ 2026 home opener. The prestigious honor made Heim just the fifth person in Missouri State football history to have his jersey retired, cementing his place among the program’s all-time greats. Throughout his career, from athletics and business to financial planning and community leadership, Dennis has demonstrated the value of discipline, preparation, teamwork, and helping others prepare for their future. He brings that experience to support CWOF of its mission to expand financial knowledge, opportunity, and pathways to generational wealth throughout the community.
Director of Community Engagement & Youth Opportunity
Roderick Pickett
Rod Pickett is a business owner, entrepreneur, youth mentor, and community leader who brings deep relationships and a strong commitment to creating opportunities for young people and families to the Community Wealth & Opportunity Foundation. A former football player at Missouri State University, Rod has carried the values of teamwork, discipline, leadership, and perseverance into his work as an entrepreneur and community advocate. As the owner of a Blu Styles barbershop in North Springfield, Rod has built more than a business, he has created a place where relationships form, conversations happen, and people from across the community connect. Rod remains actively involved in the community through his church and his work coaching and mentoring youth football. His longstanding connections with young people, families, local businesses, and community members give him a unique ability to help CWOF understand community needs, build trust, and connect people with meaningful opportunities. As Director of Community Engagement & Youth Opportunity, Rod helps strengthen CWOF’s relationships throughout the community, expand its reach to young people and families, and develop partnerships that support financial education, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and long-term economic opportunity. Rod believes in meeting people where they are, investing in the next generation, and using relationships, education, and opportunity to help individuals and communities thrive.
Advisor | Legal & Strategic Leadership
Philecia Moore
Philecia Moore is a Legal & Strategic Advisor to the Community Wealth & Opportunity Foundation (CWOF), where she supports the organization’s mission to promote financial literacy and foster more inclusive participation in economic opportunities that can elevate the futures of individuals, families, and communities through long-term wealth creation. Philecia brings more than 30 years of professional and personal experience to her work. Her background includes service as a U.S. Air Force officer, private practice as an attorney, and leadership as Senior Counsel, business advisor, and divestiture and integration strategist for a Fortune 10 company. She has also developed experience as a private investor in major markets and private equity. Together, these experiences have shaped her understanding of leadership, strategy, risk, preparation, and the importance of making informed decisions in complex environments. Philecia has lived by the mantra, “Success is merely an opportunity waiting to be discovered.” This belief reflects her approach to both professional service and personal growth. She views challenges as opportunities to learn, prepare, and act—and believes that with the right knowledge, guidance, and determination, individuals and organizations can recognize possibilities and pursue meaningful progress. As a legal and strategic advisor, Philecia anticipates potential risks, develops proactive strategies, and translates complex considerations into practical guidance. She approaches each challenge with a focus on helping individuals and organizations protect their interests, pursue their objectives, and create sustainable opportunities for growth. Throughout her career and personal life, Philecia has embraced the role of educator. Whether advising leaders, supporting business initiatives, guiding families, or sharing lessons from her own experiences, she is committed to making information understandable, relevant, and actionable. She believes that people are better positioned to make sound decisions and build lasting stability when they have access to knowledge, thoughtful guidance, and meaningful opportunities. At CWOF, Philecia applies her experience in law, leadership, business strategy, investing, and education to support the organization’s efforts to expand financial knowledge and economic opportunity. As a wife and mother, she understands the importance of creating a strong foundation for present and future generations. Through her service to CWOF, she hopes to help advance practical pathways to financial empowerment, long-term wealth creation, and greater economic independence.
Advisor | Education & Wellness Leadership
Diana Murillo
Diana Murillo is an educator, coach, wellness advocate, and mentor whose life has been centered on pouring into others and helping people become stronger, healthier, and more confident versions of themselves. With a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum, Diana has dedicated much of her professional career to education. She has served as a high school mathematics teacher and district curriculum leader, using her experience to support students, educators, and academic success. Her commitment to young people has also extended beyond the classroom through basketball coaching and her work with underserved youth. Health and wellness have been another lifelong passion. Diana is a certified health coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) and has served as an aerobics and fitness instructor, participated in fitness competitions, and works as an independent Arbonne consultant and Area Manager. Through these experiences, she has encouraged others to make their physical and emotional well-being a priority. At the heart of Diana’s life is family. She carries forward a deep appreciation for life, gratitude, faith, family, and the importance of making a difference while we have the opportunity. Diana supports her late husband’s legacy through the family he loved the students he influenced, and the basketball players he coached. That experience has further strengthened Diana’s desire to live fully and intentionally while helping others do the same. Whether she is teaching, coaching, encouraging healthier lifestyles, or simply supporting someone through a challenging season, Diana brings together education, wellness, resilience, and a genuine love for people. Her philosophy is grounded in gratitude, personal growth, and the belief that one of the greatest investments we can make is pouring into the lives of others.
Resources & support
The work behind responsible leadership
Leadership includes both visible community engagement and careful organizational work behind the scenes.
Planning
Set priorities and prepare for sustainable growth.
Oversight
Review finances, programs, risks, and commitments.
Partnership development
Build relationships that add credibility and capacity.
Evaluation
Learn from delivery and strengthen future work.