Theresa McLoyd Joins Stafford County Economic Development as AmeriCorps VISTA

For the next year, Theresa McLoyd will be working with Stafford County Economic Development (EcoDevo) as an AmeriCorps VISTA. She is originally from Birmingham, Alabama, and moved to Johnson County, Kansas in 1995.

The AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program specifically focuses on eliminating poverty through capacity building. In other words, working behind the scenes on things like developing programs, securing funding, and raising awareness.

Theresa is EcoDevo’s fifth VISTA member and the first VISTA who will be serving 100% remotely. Theresa’s primary role will be to promote, research, and develop plans to increase housing and childcare opportunities throughout the county.

“I am excited to have Theresa on our team for the next year. Her rich background and experience make her a good fit for the role and I look forward to her visiting Stafford County in October,” said Kathleen Norman, Executive Director for Stafford County Economic Development.

Theresa has worked in Education for over 30 years. She has worked in various School Districts throughout the United States including Killeen Independent School District, Dothan City Schools, and others. She has also served in leadership roles in various organizations including Sprint, Sam’s Club, YMCA, Johnson County Parks and Recreation, The Avenue, AVON, Inc., American InterContinental University, City Vision University, and Bullying Halt the Behavior Consultants Inc.

Minister McLoyd acknowledged her call to the ministry in 1997 at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Olathe, Kansas where she served as the Associate Minister for seven years. She earned a Master of Missional Church Studies from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Shawnee Mission, Kansas, and is currently working on a Doctorate degree in Leadership in Higher Education. In 2020 Theresa served as a VISTA member for GoodLife Innovations, Inc. as the Grant and Volunteer Coordinator in Olathe, Kansas.

Theresa joined AmeriCorps VISTA because she believes that if she can help somebody as she passes along, then her living will not be in vain. Theresa has two grown children Wallace Brandon (36) and Mercedes Shantrell Tillman (43) and one Granddaughter Destiny Ann Rodgers (22). Theresa has been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for 37 years and a Charter member of Upsilon Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in Overland Park, Kansas.

Stafford County Economic Development is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that strives to achieve local economic growth by supporting businesses, fostering employment opportunities, improving housing, and cultivating amenities that improve quality of life that encourage population growth.