Board of Advisors
Allen Gillespie
Advisory Board Member | American Pledge Foundation
Allen Gillespie began his investment career in 1995 and previously served as the Chief Investment Officer for FinTrust Capital Advisors. In his role with Wealth Enhancement Group, Allen oversees client portfolios and develops tailored investment strategies.
From 2005 to 2021, Allen was a commissioner for the South Carolina Retirement System Investment Commission, including a two-year term as its chairman, where he initially chaired the pension fund’s first Risk and Audit Committee. In his spare time, Allen enjoys serving as the scoreboard manager and announcer for various Saint Joseph High School football and soccer teams. He previously served as the chairman for Meals on Wheels of Greenville’s Endowment Board and was a research mentor for the CFA Research Challenge.
Additionally, Allen serves as a member of the advisory board for the American Pledge Foundation, contributing his expertise to support the organization's mission.
J. Edward Norris III
Advisory Board Member | American Pledge Foundation
J. Edward Norris III is a retired banking executive with a distinguished career spanning several decades. He served as chairman, president, and CEO of Plantation Financial Corp. for 25 years. In addition to his leadership at Plantation Financial, Mr. Norris held significant roles within the banking industry, including serving as a director and in leadership positions with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta and America’s Community Bankers. Throughout his career, he was actively involved with the American Bankers Association and the South Carolina Bankers Association.
Beyond his contributions to the banking sector, Mr. Norris has been deeply engaged in healthcare governance. He is a member of the American Hospital Association’s regional policy board and previously served as a trustee for the South Carolina Hospital Association. His commitment to education is evident through his volunteer leadership roles with multiple institutions, including serving as a member of Clemson University’s board of visitors, Charleston Southern University’s board of visitors, vice chairman of the Horry-Georgetown Technical College Foundation, and as a board member for the Wall College of Business at Coastal Carolina University.
Mr. Norris holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Clemson University and has completed graduate work in banking and management. He also serves as a member of the advisory board for the American Pledge Foundation.
Connie D. Breeden
Advisory Board Member | American Pledge Foundation
Connie Breeden is the founder of the Law Office of Connie Breeden, LLC headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, where she practices criminal defense and civil law. She is a seasoned attorney who has leveraged her years of experience in and out the courtroom to transform the lives of her clients. She completed her undergraduate studies at Clemson University and received her juris doctorate degree from the University of Connecticut. In her community she has served on various boards to include the Central Midlands Council of Governments and the Dickerson Center for Children. Connie has served as a continuing legal education presenter locally and nationally. Currently, Ms. Breeden is involved in many philanthropic endeavors with a particular interest in the eradication of poverty for all Americans. She believes that homeownership is the quickest way to remove yourself from poverty and leave a legacy for your family.
Jeremy Davis
Advisory Board Member | American Pledge Foundation
Jeremy Davis is a decisive, multi-faceted mortgage leader with decades of experience in innovative business development, strategic planning, coaching, and marketing. A nationally awarded community development & DEI leader, Davis brings his high-energy and fun-loving spirit to all his endeavors.
As President of Mortgage at Southern Bancorp, a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), he focuses on building wealth for underserved communities and bridging the homeownership gap across the South. Jeremy also serves on the Board of Advisors for the American Pledge Foundation; a non-profit that helps people buy and keep their homes through down payment assistance and a unique financial safety net to prevent defaults and foreclosures during times of hardship.
Previously, Jeremy was Interim President & CEO of InQlusion Mortgage Capital and Director of Mortgage at FirstBank, where his division won the 2020 National Mortgage Bankers Association’s Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Award.
Mindy Hill
Advisory Board Member | American Pledge Foundation
With nearly 30 years in the mortgage industry, Mindy D. Hill is a seasoned professional focused on financial wellness and operational efficiency. As Mortgage Administration Manager at Local Bank in Birmingham, AL, she collaborates with senior management to drive organizational success.
Before joining Local Bank in 2024, Mindy was Director of Mortgage at Alabama One Credit Union, where she led teams to improve productivity, efficiency, and profitability, while also supporting community financial wellness initiatives.
Mindy holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a BA in Public Relations from the University of Alabama. She is a Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB), Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP), and holds certifications in financial counseling and underwriting. As Vice President of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Alabama, she also teaches for the National Mortgage Bankers Association. Additionally, Mindy serves on the Board of Advisors for the American Pledge Foundation.
In her free time, Mindy enjoys traveling, attending sports events, and spending time with her family in Trussville, AL.
Paul Gigliotti
Advisory Board Member | American Pledge Foundation
Paul Gigliotti is a respected thought leader and an Executive Board member known for his strategic approach to driving revenue growth. With a keen ability to leverage both current and existing activated resources—such as people, tools, and solutions—Paul is passionate about fostering education, growth, and empowerment within organizations to unlock new levels of efficiency and success.
In addition to his business leadership, Paul serves on the Board of Advisors for the American Pledge Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to providing a unique financial safety net to homeowners during times of hardship. Through this role, Paul helps support the foundation’s mission of ensuring that individuals and families are protected and able to navigate challenging financial circumstances with stability.
Paul’s leadership philosophy combines strategic thinking with a commitment to creating environments where both individuals and organizations can thrive. His insights have helped countless organizations achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Martin Houston
Advisory Board Member | American Pledge Foundation
Martin Houston served as the Chief Growth Officer for Alabama One Credit Union from 2017 to 2024, playing a pivotal role in the organization’s remarkable transformation under the leadership of CEO Bill Wells.
As Chief Growth Officer, Martin oversaw Marketing, Digital Strategy & Solutions, Business Development, Financial Wellness, Community Impact, Events, and Professional Development.
Martin is now the CEO and Founder of M-Powerment Strategies & Solutions, where the motto is “We Speak. We Coach. We Train. We Assess Behaviors.” He is an Executive Director for the John Maxwell Team, an accomplished speaker, and the author of The Encouragement Factor: Give Me One More Inch. He continues to serve as the Lead Pastor of Harvest Church and as the host of The Martin Houston Show. Martin also serves as Chairman of CARE of Alabama, a 501(c)(3) Financial Wellness Organization dedicated to serving students, families, and low-to-moderate-income communities.
A former University of Alabama football standout, Martin won two SEC Championships (1989 and 1992) and a National Championship in 1992, serving as the starting fullback on the championship team. His football journey led him to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers before a career-ending injury redirected his path.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Martin is a faithful husband to Cassandra since 1989, a devoted father of four, and a proud grandfather of three. His faith, family, and unwavering commitment to excellence fuel his mission to leave a legacy of love, leadership, and empowerment for future generations.
Joe Riley III
Advisory Board Member | American Pledge Foundation
Joe Riley III is a seasoned professional with diverse experience across multiple industries. He is the co-owner of Ignite Your Org, a creative platform enhancing fundraising through technology and rewards, and a partner in Palmetto Compute, an innovative data center solution in the Southeast. He also owns Riley Benefit Strategies, a boutique employee benefits firm, and serves as a Developer and Fundraising Consultant for Kershaw Hospitality LLC and the upcoming Hagler Hotel in Camden, SC (opening 2026).
Previously, Joe spent 18 years as Brokerage Director at Mass Mutual Financial Group and held leadership roles in government relations for Guardian Alliance Technologies and American Pledge Home Loans. His early career includes work with the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games and the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Passionate about community service, Joe has served on numerous boards, including The Gavalas Kolanko Foundation, Charleston International Film Festival, and NAIFA, where he was State President (2017-2018). He founded DBALL, a long-running fundraiser benefiting The American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Charleston, SC, and served on the University of South Carolina Board of Governors (1998-2001).
A 1991 graduate of the University of South Carolina, Joe is married to Patricia (Patty) Thomas Riley, and they have three children, Mary Gail, Charlie, and Gracie.
Chris Lykes
Advisory Board Member | American Pledge Foundation
Christopher Lykes Jr. is a seasoned political and business consultant with over 20 years of experience. As the founder and CEO of Jeffcoat/Lykes Consulting, he specializes in building impactful partnerships between politicians, businesses, and communities. He serves on the Board of Advisors for the American Pledge Foundation and holds leadership roles with the Clemson University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the International AMEC/Alzheimer’s Association Partnership.
A passionate healthcare advocate, Mr. Lykes is also Chairman of the Advocacy/Policy Committee for the Alzheimer’s Association and works extensively with the 7th Episcopal AME Church Health Commission. His leadership has been pivotal in connecting the National Alzheimer’s Association with the International AME Church, providing critical resources to congregants affected by Alzheimer's Disease.
Previously, Mr. Lykes worked with the State of South Carolina and served as a full-time caregiver to his grandparents, using his experiences to drive policy improvements for those impacted by Alzheimer’s. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Carolina-Upstate and has served on numerous boards, including the SC Juvenile Justice Reform Committee and Lake Murray Association Board.