David-Lee Mattison
Executive Director

With more than three decades of combined experience, David-Lee has dedicated his career to serving some of the most vulnerable populations in the areas of homelessness, public health, and social services. From working directly with unhoused individuals to leading multimillion-dollar organizations, he brings a ground-level perspective shaped by years of frontline practice and sustained institutional impact.

Throughout his career, David-Lee has successfully stewarded millions of dollars in funding from federal, state, and private sources. He has overseen the fiscal and operational management of multimillion-dollar budgets, building the internal infrastructure necessary for long-term organizational health and accountability. His ability to translate complex community needs into compelling proposals and effective programs has helped organizations under his leadership expand their capacity and serve more people with greater depth.

As an organizational leader, David-Lee has guided teams through periods of significant growth, steering strategic planning, program development, and stakeholder engagement at the local, regional, and national levels. His leadership philosophy is rooted in equity, ensuring that resources reach the communities that need them most, and that organizations remain responsive to the lived experiences of the people they serve. Email David-Lee.

Beverly Banks-Greene
Director of Operations

An Atlanta native, Beverly is a proud graduate of Spelman College (B.A.), earned a master’s in mass communications from the University of Georgia.

Beverly, who joined the Emmaus House staff in 2009, keeps things running smoothly and efficiently by managing the office, building, and grounds.

When not working at Emmaus House, she can be found at her son’s soccer game or swim meet, or painting with acrylics or watercolor. Email Beverly.

Rakia Reeves
Program Manager, Youth on the Move

Rakia was born and raised in the Peoplestown neighborhood. She has a passion for and dedication toward youth development and empowerment. Growing up, Rakia was involved in many of Emmaus House’s youth programming and volunteer opportunities, including Summer’s Away, Camp Mikel, and Christmas holiday programs.

A true Peoplestown community advocate, Rakia has harnessed her talents and passion around youth work and development through her involvement with several neighborhood associations and organizations such as Atlanta Workforce and Development, Camp Best Friends, and Moving in the Spirit.

Rakia earned a B.S. in sociology from Savannah State University. While studying at Savannah State, Rakia’s life passion for dance and music shined through her role as an auxiliary dancer. In her spare time, Rakia loves to spend time with her daughter making crafts and jewelry. Email Rakia.

Phenixx Adams
Program Manager, Supports for Success

SaPhenixx "Phenixx" Adams is a Georgia native born and raised in East Atlanta. Phenixx has a passion for advocating for underserved communities. She has spent the last several years building a network of resources to aid Metro Atlanta residents.

With a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Brenau University, Phenixx specializes in trauma-informed care and therapeutic interventions. Phenixx has the unique understanding that you must look at an individual's experiences fully to assist them with progressing toward their goals. Phenixx's work has aided the following populations: unhoused youth and adults, domestic violence survivors, clients living with AIDS/HIV, and low-income Atlanta residents.

She is determined to bring equitable access to mental health and social resources to residents of Metro Atlanta. Phenixx is ecstatic to continue her efforts at Emmaus House, serving the heart of Peoplestown. Email Phenixx.

Lawanda Graham
Business Transformation Manager

Lawanda is a transformational change leader who has worked with mission-driven organizations for nearly 20 years. A proud New Orleans native, she combines her love of people, culture, and creativity with a deep commitment to helping others thrive.

Lawanda holds an Executive MBA from Kennesaw State University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Grambling State University. At CARE USA, she spent nearly 18 years in roles that centered people, technology, innovation, and change. Her passion for learning and development has enabled her to design and facilitate leadership and diversity workshops in East Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.

Whether coaching teams, refining operations, or managing change, Lawanda leads with the belief that “one single moment” can change everything, and works to inspire those moments every day. In her spare time, Lawanda enjoys travel, singing, outdoor activities, and tackling new creative challenges. Email Lawanda.

Savina Higgs
Site Director, Freedom School

Savina is an author and educator with more than 10 years’ experience serving in public, charter, and private school settings.

A native of North Carolina and a graduate of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Cultural Change and Social Development.

Throughout her career, Savina has passionately advocated for children and seeks to instill a lifelong love of reading in every student she teaches. Email Savina.

Joseph Iarocci
Advisor

A longtime member of the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip, Joe Iarocci has served in many leadership roles both with the church and with large nonprofits across the country, including Interim Chief Executive Officer for MedShare, Interim CEO for Gray Matters Capital, and CEO of the Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership.

Prior to these roles, Joe worked with CARE USA for thirteen years as General Counsel, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief of Staff. Care USA is one of the world’s largest international nongovernmental organizations dedicated to ending extreme poverty.

With a background in business law, Joe received his A.B. magna cum laude from Brown University with honors, his J.D. from the Cornell Law School, and he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar while attending the Columbia University School of Law as a visiting student. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from the Candler School of Theology.

In addition to his role at Emmaus House, Joe serves on the boards of Social Accountability International, the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, Foundation Center-Atlanta, and Gray Matters Capital. His past board service includes the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip, the MicroVest microfinance fund and the Piedmont Hospital Ethics Committee.

He lives in Atlanta with his wife, Laura, and has three grown daughters.
Email Joe.