Meet The Board

Markill is a native of Chattanooga, he spent over 20 years of his life addicted to drugs and alcohol. He experienced homelessness firsthand, living in shelters with him his church home (Church of the First Born) giving back to the homeless from 2014-2019. Covid-19 hit, and everything was at a standstill while the homeless community was affected in a massive way which led Markill and his wife to create Vision of Mercy.

Dr. Kelly Johnson is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dr. Johnson is a 20 year veteran of teaching and learning. She is an avid educator, researcher & entrepreneur. She is the owner of Another Chapter Agency, Jabbing with the Johnsons and U-Rang Answering Services. During the summer months, Dr. Johnson volunteers her time to assists others and she possesses experience in operating programs which provide a safe haven for marginalized communities. She is committed to educating students, adults, colleagues, families, and the

community through establishing strong connections.

In her service as Community Outreach Consultant, Dr. Emily Dunlap brings her expertise as a Cognitive Developmental Psychologist, a Rule 31 Supreme Court Civil and Criminal Mediator, and a Professor of Psychology at Chattanooga State Community College to the Vision of Mercy Board of Directors. Emily has earned a reputation as a collaborative and inspiring leader, who develops and enriches a variety of programs that benefit the well-being of individuals and communities. She has dedicated her career to seeking just outcomes for historically excluded individuals, focusing on educational equity and poverty reduction. 

Candis resides in Chattanooga, TN and is a single mom.  For the past eight years, Candis helped with ministry work alongside her mother and stepfather. She closely aligns her actions with the Executive Director and assists with event planning and coordinating food distribution. Ms. Bradley possesses wonderful leadership skills while working with the community and schools in the area with her job to help as many people as she can.

Barabara Billing has worked in the service industry for the past 20 years. She attended Ashford University where she graduated with a Bachelor of associate in real estate and a minor in Human Resources. Barbara is a recovering alcoholic and addicted and knows from firsthand experience from being homeless without food and shelter. Barbara has a deep compassion for helping others because someone helped her.

Abigail Calloway Hammonds is a Registered Nurse and currently performs work in mental health institutes. For the past 34 years she has dedicated her time and services to the nursing field. Additionally, Abilgail dedicates her time to ministry work. Her favorite motto: Matthew 4:4 "Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God"

Randolph Higginbotham, minister, bible teacher and

Assistant Pastor at The Church of the Firstborn. Pastor Higginbotham is dedicated to sharing the gospel of Christ. He has enjoyed learning how to present the gospel of Christ effectively, by attending seminars, conferences and bible teachings from several of the world’s best scholars. He has spent 27 years spreading the gospel in the prison ministry in Tennessee and Georgia.