Meet Our Leaders

Ty Couey, President
LinkedIn
Tyrone E. Couey (Ty) is a founding member and President of the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Alumni Associations Foundation (NHBCUAAF). This organization procures resources for a holistic partnership with federal, state, local governments, local communities for profit and nonprofits, civic and local churches to expand, lead, develop, and advocate for HBCU’s and their alumni. The National HBCU Alumni Associations Foundation fulfills this purpose through advocacy groups, national, global, community-based services, projects, and programs on issues of education, technology innovation, research, Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) and economic empowerment and financial literacy.
Ty was also the founder and President for the National Organization of College Parents (NOCP), Inc. NOCP was a non-profit organization that provided technical assistance, services, and resources to HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) to assist students matriculate in undergraduate studies and successfully obtain employment and career development. Because of his leadership and vision for this organization, Ty received the 50 Powerful US/International Business Executives Award from MEA Magazine.
Ty received Utah State University’ Alumnus of the Year. Ty conceptualized a historic partnership between Utah State University and Fort Valley State University HBCU, which is now a national model. Ty is a former member of the Utah State University Foundation.
Ty served as president for the DC Hampton University Parents Club, Inc. He was elected to four terms, while his daughter attended and graduated summa cum laude from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia.
A native New Yorker, Ty was raised in Englewood, New Jersey. He graduated from Utah State University earning a B.S. degree in History and was drafted immediately by the Dallas Cowboys. He received a Certificate in Negotiation for Senior Executives from Harvard University; Certificate in Philanthropy from Indiana University; Master’s Certificate of Data Communications from New York Institute; Certificate in Finance from New York University; attended Federal Executive Institute; and furthered his education taking graduate studies in Business and Telecommunications at Pace University New York, New York and University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.
Ty draws on his managerial leadership at Fortune 500 Corporations, Federal agencies (White House Initiative on HBCUs), serves as a member of Bowie State University College of Arts and Sciences Board of Advisors, President of American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 32, Presidential Appointee to Selective Service Board, taught Black History in college. His professional football experience in teamwork help to build successful partnerships, coalitions and inspire leadership in his community.
Ty is the father of two adult children, enjoys exploring new opportunities and traveling the world.

Richard D. Smith,
Vice President, Strategic Development
LinkedIn
Mr. Smith possess approximately thirty (30) years of specialized experience in acquisition and resource management providing purchasing evaluations and participating in technical evaluations to determine best-value bid and /or proposal based on cost and customer needs for Commercial and Federal Government programs. Experience includes providing Acquisition
Management (“cradle-to-grave” Contracts and Subcontract Administration), Project Management, Asset/Facilities Management, Financial Management, Marketing/Sales, Asset & Infrastructure Management, Supply Chain Management (SCM) (developing relationships with suppliers to achieve targeted cost, quality, and value added services which support the business plans and goals of the internal customer), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Program Budgeting, Hardware and Software Configuration Management and all facets of Human Resource Management Analysis to implement plans with internal customers to ensure required materials and services are provided to meet their needs to include training & development to delivery and develop course curriculum to acquisition students in the college setting and professionals.
Other Relevant Experience:
Experience includes providing acquisition consulting and training services for various civilian agencies as well as for multiple federal government contractors. Currently functioning as a Facilitator/trainer teaching Defense Acquisition University (DAU) equivalent Acquisition Management Level I-III Courses to include CON 100, 120, 215, 218 and Program office/Program Management centric courses to include COR/COTR Certification training. Richard is also an Adjunct Professor at Bowie State University, School of Management, Marketing and Public Administration, the University of Maryland University College’s Undergraduate School Business and Management, and Webster University, School of Business.
Professional & Civic Organizations:
• N.C. Central University Alumni Association, Inc. (NCCUAA), Member and Past President
• National Contract Management Association (NCMA), Life Member
• National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), Affiliate
• National Historically Black Colleges & Universities Alumni Association (NHBCUAA), Founding Member
• Project Management Institute (PMI), Member
• University of MD Alumni Association (UMCPAA), Member
Education:
• University of MD, College Park, MD, Masters of Arts in Public Administration/Program management
• N.C. Central University, Durham, NC, Bachelors of Arts in Political Science/Public Administration
• National Contract Management Association (NCMA), CPCM (in process)
• Project Management Institute (PMI), PMP (former)

Walt Weatherington,
Treasurer
LinkedIn
Walt is a highly accomplished executive with over three decades of leadership experience spanning military, federal government, education, and private enterprise.
Renowned for his ability to drive strategic transformation, Walt has led mission-critical initiatives as a military officer and at the U.S. Department of Labor, where he spearheaded enterprise risk management, emergency preparedness, HR modernization, and operational efficiency across national programs.
As Program Manager and Director at the Employment and Training Administration, Walt built a legacy of innovation and resilience—digitizing systems, optimizing procurement and shaping national preparedness strategies. His leadership has consistently aligned talent, resources, and policy to deliver measurable impact under the President’s Management Agenda.
As Director of Special Programs and Emergency Preparedness within the US Department of Labor, he helped craft national policies on emergency preparedness, economic recovery and security — representing the Department in interagency collaborations with the White House and National Security Staff and contributing to the President’s National Preparedness Plan.
Beyond government service, Walt is a seasoned board leader and entrepreneur. He is the immediate past Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Florida Memorial University, a member of the FMU Foundation, where he has donated over $125,000, President, CEO of ZWOW Transportation, and co-owner of Taste Buddz restaurant. His governance experience includes roles as Treasurer of the National HBCU Alumni Associations Foundation and a member of the Department of Labor Federal Credit Union Policy Review Board.
Walt holds a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Nova University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, is a graduate of the U.S. Army’s Advanced Organizational Leadership Course and completed executive leadership training at Harvard University.
A proactive problem-solver and collaborative force, Walt continues to champion excellence, equity, and innovation across every sector he touches.

Donna T. Keating, Marketing Director
LinkedIn
Donna T. Keating is an accomplished media and telecommunications professional with over thirty years of distinguished service in community and government access television. As Media Services Manager and Executive Producer for Montgomery County, Maryland, she led the award-winning County Cable Montgomery—the government access channel—overseeing every facet of its operations, from production management and social media strategy to technology integration, marketing and community engagement.
In this role, Donna provided strategic leadership in the development and implementation of innovative cable technologies, managed the County’s Technical Operations Center monitoring eleven public, education and government channels, and supervised the County’s mobile production vehicle operations. She also guided the station’s website, contract administration, budget development and oversight, procurement, and personnel management, ensuring technical excellence and a strong community presence.
Donna’s leadership extended nationally through her active involvement with the Alliance for Community Media (ACM), where she served six years on the Board of Directors — two as vice chair — and chaired the Board during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023 Donna received The Sue Buske Leadership Award for demonstrating leadership, commitment and continuing service to the mission and goals of the ACM.
She also served on the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) Board of Directors, contributing to their Annual Conference, Silent Auction and Government Programming Awards committees. Her work in the field has earned numerous honors and awards, including recognition from ACM, NATOA, 3CMA (City-County Communications & Marketing Association), and Montgomery County Government, MD for excellence and innovation in government programming, website management and community communications.
Donna has provided testimony to local, federal and national audiences and worked with nationally recognized contractors to develop position and white papers on emerging technologies.
Currently Donna serves as the Marketing Director for the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Alumni Associations Foundation(NHBCUAAF).
A proud alumna of Hampton University, Donna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media Arts, and a Juris Doctor from The George Washington University National Law Center.
Beyond her professional achievements, Donna is actively involved in her local community church. She is ordained and finds joy in faith, mentorship, teaching, preaching, pre-marital counseling and travel.

LaMonte Leath,
Chief Technology Officer
LinkedIn
F. LaMonte Leath serves as the Chief Technology Officer for NHBCUAAF.org, where he leads the organization’s digital strategy, technology infrastructure, web innovation, and online engagement initiatives designed to strengthen alumni connectivity, fundraising, and national outreach efforts. With a strong background in technology, youth development, business leadership, and nonprofit advancement, LaMonte combines innovation with purpose-driven leadership to help organizations expand their impact through modern digital solutions.
As the founder and executive leader of Legacy Driven Foundation, LaMonte has dedicated his work to mentoring and empowering youth through leadership development, academic support, life coaching, workforce readiness, and faith-centered guidance. Under his leadership, the organization has developed programs serving elementary, middle, and high school students through mentoring initiatives, tutoring support, athletic-style discipline training, and community partnerships focused on preparing young people for lifelong success. His work emphasizes accountability, character development, leadership, and creating pathways for youth to maximize their potential.
LaMonte is also the owner and creative force behind preVision Designs, a digital branding and web development company specializing in website design, nonprofit branding, media production, digital marketing, and technology consulting. Through preVision Designs, he has helped businesses, churches, nonprofits, and community organizations establish professional digital platforms that elevate visibility, communication, and operational effectiveness.
With years of experience spanning technology leadership, entrepreneurship, mentoring, and nonprofit management, LaMonte has become recognized for his ability to merge innovation with community impact. His passion for youth empowerment, organizational growth, and digital transformation continues to influence the communities and organizations he serves throughout the nation.
His mission is centered on building legacy-driven leaders by leveraging technology, mentorship, education, and strategic development to inspire future generations toward excellence and purpose.

Sharon Pitts,
Membership & Legal Counsel
LinkedIn
Sharon M. Pitts is a retired Federal Government attorney with over 30 years of distinguished service in housing law, including more than a decade in supervisory leadership. Her extensive expertise spans public housing and Section 8 programs, with specialized knowledge in Mixed Finance Development, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and admissions and occupancy policy.
During her tenure with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Sharon served as both Attorney Advisor and later as Deputy Assistant General Counsel, where she supervised a team of ten attorney advisors and a legal assistant. She reviewed and approved complex legal analyses, advised the Office of Public Housing and external stakeholders on federal statutes and regulations, and collaborated with Public Housing Agencies and outside counsel on major development initiatives. Sharon also provided training to HUD staff and partner organizations on public housing issues, particularly concerning criminal activity in federally assisted housing.
Sharon began her legal career as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Michael Rankin of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, where she drafted motions and legal opinions and assisted with criminal proceedings and sentencing reviews.
A committed advocate for social justice, Sharon was a longstanding member of the Montgomery County Rainbow Coalition, supporting initiatives focused on equity, inclusion, and civic engagement.
A proud graduate of Howard University School of Law, Sharon earned her Juris Doctor degree, where she contributed to the Howard Law Journal, competed in Moot Court, and received the American Jurisprudence Award for Highest Grade in Legal Writing. She also holds a master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from The Catholic University of America and a Bachelor of Fine Arts, cum laude, from Howard University.
In her current role as Membership Director and Legal Counsel for the National HBCU Alumni Associations Foundation (NHBCUAAF), Sharon is deeply passionate about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—their students, alumni, and alumni associations—and how they continue to shape the future through education, leadership, and community empowerment.
Sharon is a member of the District of Columbia Bar Association and previously held membership in the Pennsylvania Bar Association (Retired). Known for her strong interpersonal and leadership skills, she remains committed to advancing equitable housing policy, supporting HBCU excellence, and mentoring the next generation of HBCU leaders.

Donald Thigpen,
General Counsel
LinkedIn
Donald A. Thigpen Jr., Esq., serves as General Counsel for the National Historically Black Colleges & Universities Alumni Associations Foundation (NHBCUAAF). In this role, he provides strategic legal counsel and corporate governance to support the foundation’s mission of empowering HBCU alumni and preserving the legacy of historically Black institutions.
A distinguished alumnus of Howard University School of Law (Class of 1974), Mr. Thigpen has dedicated his 50-year legal career to public service, community development, and mentorship. His contributions were formally celebrated when he was named a Howard University Charter Day Honoree, receiving the Alumni Award for Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement.
Before joining NHBCUAAF, Mr. Thigpen spent 25 years as a senior legal official for the District of Columbia government. He served as Senior Counsel in the Commercial Division of the D.C. Office of the Attorney General, where he managed high-profile real estate transactions and directed attorney hiring. His leadership extended to roles as General Counsel for both the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development and the D.C. Redevelopment Land Agency Board. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the modernization of Saint Elizabeths Hospital, a historic mental health facility in the nation’s capital.
Early in his career, Mr. Thigpen broke barriers as the first African American editor of The Family Law Reporter, published by the Bureau of National Affairs. Today, he remains deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals and championing the growth of HBCUs nationwide.






