Meet the Board and Staff
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Adrian Hall, MS, LPC-MHSPFounder & CEO
Adrian Hall is the visionary founder of P.E.A.R.L. With You, Inc., a nonprofit organization established in 2015 and named after a beloved family nickname she gave her mother more than 15 years ago. A proud Memphis native raised in the South Memphis community, Adrian is the daughter of Debra “Pearl” Pearson and the late Army veteran Timothy Pearson Sr. She is happily married to Michael Hall, and together they share five wonderful children and one cherished grandson. A proud South Memphis native and graduate of Hamilton High School, Adrian holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Christian counseling, further deepening her commitment to faith-based and clinical approaches to care. With over 15 years of experience in the counseling field, Adrian has dedicated her life to providing compassionate, culturally competent mental health care to underserved individuals across the Mid-South. As CEO of P.E.A.R.L. With You, Inc., she leads a 30-bed transitional housing program serving veterans referred by the Memphis VA Medical Center and other community partners. Under her leadership, the program provides wraparound services, including counseling, transportation, housing, and life skills support, all designed to promote long-term stability and healing. Adrian also offers telehealth counseling to veterans and families across the Gulf Coast region. In 2016, she became the first African American director to open a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) facility in Walls, Mississippi, bringing critical care to those battling opioid addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Guided by integrity, empathy, and an unwavering heart for service, Adrian continues to transform lives and uplift communities. Her work honors her family's military legacy and stands as a powerful testament to her lifelong mission. |
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Michael Hall
Co-Founder/COO
Michael serves as the chief operating officer of P.E.A.R.L. and is a fleet maintenance technician for FedEx Express. His career in fleet maintenance and project leadership spans over 20 years. He is a Memphis native and graduated from Hillcrest High School and Tennessee Technology Center. Veterans have been an example of great strength and courage in his life via family members, friends, and co-workers. He strongly believes that our heroes have made the ultimate sacrifice and must not be forgotten. Michael’s grandfather, Rev. Willie G. Williams, was a Navy veteran. |
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Timothy Pearson, Jr.
Vice Chair
Timothy serves as the chairman for the P.E.A.R.L. Board of Directors and is responsible for executing the mission of the nonprofit organization. P.E.A.R.L. serves its members and the Greater Memphis (or Tri-State region) through advocacy, counseling, rehabilitation, delivery transportation services, and living assistance. In addition to serving for 8 years in the U.S. Army Infantry, Tim has a long history of involvement in veteran advocacy. Tim has led peer support groups for veterans dealing with PTSD in the Memphis, TN, and South Dallas, TX, areas. Tim has also provided veterans with disability claims assistance in the Memphis, TN area. A 20-plus-year, award-winning career in the human resources profession provides the backdrop for Tim’s ability to assist the board and the organization in identifying and clarifying their mission, long-term goals, and initiatives to achieve these goals. Tim previously served as a board director for the Alpha Memphis Education Foundation (AMEF) and served as a board director for the McKesson Employee Federal Credit (MEFC). |
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Nakisha RobertsSecretary
Nakisha Roberts was born and raised in Memphis, TN. She graduated from Ridgeway High School, where she participated in sports and received honors as a top student. Nakisha is a proud Alumnae of the University of Memphis, where she played many roles, such as vice president of TRIO, vice president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Black Scholars member, and an honors student graduating magna cum laude. She has a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership and a minor in Child Development. In her career, Nakisha has led companies and their teams to hit revenue goals and make history. One being Chick-fil-A, where she led a team to achieve 6 million in drive-thru sales, becoming one of Chick-fil-A's top-performing stores in the nation. Along with leadership, Nakisha is an advocate for fundraising for the right cause. In her career she has fundraised over $600,000 and counting for youth development organizations. Nakisha is a serial entrepreneur who runs two (2) small businesses and is working towards becoming a world philanthropist. She has studied and learned from industry leaders like John Maxwell, who has fueled her passion to help everyone around her become the best version of themselves. Nakisha is active in bringing change to the Memphis community and believes that success is achieved through exceeding excellence in stewardship. |
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Beth Buchwald Brooks, Esq.Treasurer
Beth Buchwald Brooks is a dedicated and experienced attorney who has been practicing law in Tennessee since 1981. Through her solo practice, Beth Brooks, Attorney, she has provided compassionate, client-centered legal representation for over four decades. Her areas of focus include domestic law, contract law, and general civil matters, with a strong commitment to access to justice and ethical practice. A proud graduate of the University of Memphis School of Law, Beth is fluent in Spanish, which enables her to serve a broader and more diverse clientele with care and understanding. In recognition of her longstanding commitment to pro bono service, she was named Pro Bono Attorney of the Year by the Community Legal Center in 2011. Beth is a member of both the Tennessee Bar Association and the Memphis Bar Association, having maintained active membership since 1981. She has also shared her legal expertise through continuing legal education, including a speaking engagement in 2012 on labor and employment law at a general practice CLE seminar. Currently, Beth has applied for VA accreditation and is awaiting approval—an effort that reflects her passion for expanding her service to veterans and their families through trusted legal guidance. |
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Larry BrownChair/President
Larry Brown is a decorated veteran and accomplished business executive with a career spanning both military service and corporate leadership. A retired member of the United States Air Force, Larry proudly served during the Vietnam War, spending two years stationed in Thailand with the 13th Air Force and later supporting the Minute Man Missile Strategic Air Command (SAC) at Little Rock Air Force Base. Following his military service, Larry earned a degree in Computer Science from the University of Memphis and went on to build an impressive career in the technology, telecommunications, and financial services sectors. With more than 30 years of leadership experience, Larry has held senior roles in prominent organizations including Global Sales Director at AT&T, General Manager at NCO Financial, Vice President at Peercom Wireless, Senior Vice President at Fort Knox National Company, Director of Strategic Accounts at HD Supply, and Senior Program Analyst at GE Appliances. During his tenure at AT&T, Larry led national and international sales teams responsible for generating over $245 million in annual revenue. He also managed contract negotiations in the district, overseeing more than $2 billion in successful agreements. His expertise in technology integration and operational strategy contributed to transformative growth across every organization he served. Now retired, Larry resides in Louisville, Kentucky, with his wife, Marilyn. He remains an active member of St. Stephen Church and enjoys travelling and fishing in his spare time. Larry continues to exemplify service, leadership, and excellence in every chapter of his life. |
