Sheila Johnson-Heacock

Mrs. Johnson-Heacock is a Community Relations Coordinator for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center, a federal agency.  She has served 29 years with the federal government and is the liaison for Official Presidential and heads of State arrivals to Ames.  She develops and coordinates high profile events that inform the general public and promote a better understanding of the benefits from NASA’s space exploration and aeronautic endeavors and works with community representatives to further the nation’s aerospace interests. 

She holds several offices in her community.  She is currently a member of the Board of Directors at a Homeowners’ Association (HOA); President of NCBW’s Silicon Valley Chapter; Chair of the Board of Trustees for her United Methodist Church; on the board of the Urban Oasis Academy of Beauty.

A former member of several boards, Board of Directors of the Santa Clara chapter of the American Red Cross; President of United Methodist Church Extension Society; President of the NASA Ames African American Advisory Group; Chair, Ames Multicultural Leadership Council (MLC); a national board member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. (NCBW); past President of National Council of Negro Women (NCNW); and former Real Estate Agent of 14 years, she has volunteered much of her time to community programs.

As a founding member of the NCBW-SVC Chapter, Sheila has severed during her tenure with the organization as the 1st Vice President of Programs; 2nd Vice President Membership, 3rd Vice President Budget and Finance, Chair of Public Relations, Fund Development, and is the founder of the NCBW-SVC signature program which is in it’s 10th year, reaching hundreds of young ladies 4th through 8th grade.  Pathfinder; Science, Math and Technology (P:SMT) summer camp.  The program sends young girls to camps that teach them about STEM education in an engaging way. Helping them to develop a strong interest in higher education during their formative years.  For which Sheila won the ABC KGO-TV Chanel 7 Excellence Award in community Service.

 Seretha Summers Tinsley embodies her motto…”To whom much is given, much is required”. Seretha has been a trailblazer and overachiever her entire life. She became the first African American female to attend and graduate from Ky. Wesleyan College in 1971. In the mid eighties, Seretha became the one of the first black female General Managers in radio. Additionally, she was recognized as America’s top Radio Station General Manager. As an entrepreneur, civic leader, mother and wife, Seretha‘s commitment to excellence has always been her calling card.

Tinsley is the CFO/Owner of several family businesses, PenGeo, Inc. (KFC), Tinsley Family Concessions, Inc. (Airport Concessions), Diverse Distributing, Inc. (TNI International) and CumBaYa Travel.  She oversees all Administrative and Fiduciary responsibilities.

Staying true to her passion for serving, Tinsley Co-Founded Chain of Lakes Achievers, Inc, an achievement center devoted to empowering youth through Tutoring, Leadership and Life Skills training where she serves as Executive Director.

Tinsley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, KY and two Honorary Doctorates; Webber International University in Lake Wales, FL. and Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, KY. 

Very active in her community, she serves on in a leadership capacity in numerous organizations: National Coalition of 100 Black Women - National Secretary and 3rd Vice President of Polk County Chapter, Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce - Immediate Past President, Winter Haven Hospital – Board, Central Florida Development Council – Board, Wachovia Bank – Polk County Advisory Board, Miami BAC Funding – Loan Committee, NAACP Youth Council – Advisor and First Missionary Baptist Church – Internal Auditor.

Seretha's community service and progressive leadership has earned her numerous honors, recognitions and media coverage. She maintains her passion for teaching by incorporating it into every walk of her life.  She is not just a business woman; she takes pride in assisting others in reaching their potential.

Seretha and her husband, George, have 2 children – Penni and George II.