About Us
Propelling the upward direction of those lives she impacted, Mrs. Annie Belle Stevens reflected the courage, commitment and persistence of her rural upbringing and her times and was a true champion for education. Born Annie Belle Anderson, February 29, 1922 in rural Liberty County, Georgia, Annie Belle was no stranger to the challenges and limitations of her times. Although she was not afforded the educational opportunities available in her day, she was keenly aware of the importance of an education and encouraged and challenged all she came in contact with, to not allow their “station” to get in the way of their education.
Annie Belle began her family early in life and bore three children, eventually moving to Savannah, Georgia. There she became a member of the First Ebenezer Baptist Church and the President of the Gospel Chorus, whose members experienced first hand her passion for learning and her compassion for those “trying to make something out of nothing” and for those “less fortunate.” 
Founder/Managing Director
Benjamin Anderson, a retired Air Force Colonel, regarded by many as Annie Belle's “adopted son” and whom to this day, lovingly refers to her as “Aunt Sweetie,” lived with her passion for education as she challenged him to see beyond his current circumstances and to envision a better life through education. Benjamin took to the challenge and the resulting improvement in his grades led him to the TRIO Upward Bound Program at Savannah State College where he was provided the defining vision of earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture at the prestigious Tuskegee University in Alabama. Benjamin went on to earn two Masters’ degrees, allowing him to replace his childhood dream of “working on the deck of a commercial fishing boat” to that of serving as a distinguished Aerospace Science Professor at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana (Air Force ROTC).
Treasurer/Director
Samuel C. Fields, Retired Lt. Colonel, United States Air Force
Sam is an accomplished educator, IT/Communications professional and Air Force leader. Sam built a distinguished professional career with an emphasis on strategic management and supervisory expertise. He is an executive-level decision maker and top performer with exceptional public relations skills. He effectively used these skills to build strong relationships at all levels and championed agencies through creativity, motivation and development of staff personnel to maximize success/potential. He is adept at analyzing and resolving problems and developing and instituting the needed processes and responses. His expertise is in directing operations, program/project management, analysis, team building and strategic planning to increase efficiency and enhance operational effectiveness. He has successfully managed projects with budgets in excess of $1 million.
Secretary/Director
Willie Merkerson, Jr. – Retired Major (United States Army)Willie, is a lifelong achiever and staunch supporter of education excellence. His educational accomplishments are numerous including a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology (Cum Laude) from Hofstra University, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Hofstra University, a Masters of Arts degree in African History from Saint John’s University as well as the Master of Strategic Studies Degree from the Air Force’s Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, and Alabama. He has 31 distinguished years’ experience as a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Clandestine Service Operations and Special Operations Officer. He skillfully managed and conducted foreign intelligence, counterintelligence and covert action activities abroad and in the United States.