Staff & Volunteers

The Do Foundation holds the essential belief that ALL PEOPLE, no matter their walk in life, are entitled to dignity, respect and the opportunity to realize or regain a life of self-sufficiency through community involvement and assistance as opposed to living in an unsheltered state of homelessness.


Brian O'Neal

(Executive Director / Founder)

As Executive Director and Founder of the DO Foundation, Brian shares in the multiple responsibilities for carrying out the DO Foundation’s mission for alleviating and ending homelessness.  With profound compassion and dedication to bringing about change in the lives of the homeless, Brian carries on the legacy of his late grandmother, Daisy O’Neal.  A true humanitarian and advocate for the betterment of others, the DO Foundation is named in her honor.

Brian, a renowned Jazz Pianist/composer and former computer programmer, brings both his artistic abilities and extensive computer programming and managerial expertise to the DO Foundation.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Alcorn University with concentration in Piano/Music, Computer Science, and Psychology.  He has used his talent as a musician to spotlight and bring greater awareness to the epidemic of homelessness by dedicating his song “Dreams In Color” to the homeless.  The video for “Dreams In Color” contains actual footage of the homeless and shows him living as a homeless person.  Prior to pursuing his musical interests full time, he worked as a Certified Computer Programming Engineer for Coca Cola, BP, Amoco, and Ford Motor Company.  Today he is the owner of BCO Media, Inc., a multi-media company that has been in business for over 10 years.

Brian currently resides in Michigan.  He is the proud father of two, a 23 year old daughter and 5 year old foster daughter.  In his free time he enjoys sharing his gift of music by serving as a mentor to young music students in his local area.

Kelly Adolph

(Co-chair, Director of Operations)

As Co-Chair and Director of Operations, Kelly is responsible for overseeing the foundation’s day to day operations.  Kelly co founded the DO Foundation and its mission for alleviating and ending homelessness.  She has extensive managerial, administrative, financial, and case management experience.  She holds an Associate Degree of Applied Science from Wayne State University and certification as a Certified Financial Analyst from the University of Phoenix.  She has worked for Dykema Gossett, PLLC, Lexus Programming Headquarters, Health Alliance Plan (HAP), and Services To Enhance Potential (STEP), a non-profit for adults with mental disabilities.  Currently, she is the Director of Operations and Artist Management for BCO Media, Inc.  Kelly has routinely volunteered her services to various nursing homes in the state of Michigan, churches, and the Detroit PAL Little League.

Kelly currently resides in Michigan.  She is the proud mother of three, 21 and 17 year old daughters and an 18 year old son.

Alise Phipps

(Board Member / Treasurer - Chicago, IL)

As a Board Member, Alise shares in the responsibility of overseeing the DO Foundation’s operations and providing assurance to the foundation’s stakeholders.  In her role as Treasurer/Finance she is responsible for fiscal management and reporting.  Having personally experienced homelessness, Alise comes to the DO Foundation with a renewed sense of purpose that mirrors the DO Foundation’s mission for alleviating and ending homelessness.  She has over 30 years accounting and management experience.  Her areas of expertise are Business Management, Finance Oversight, Organizational Re-engineering and Functionality, and Time and Resource Management.  She has lived and worked in various locations throughout the United States.  In her newly assumed role of humanitarian, she is committed to aiding those affected by homelessness.

Alise currently resides in Illinois.  She is the proud mother of two, a 24 year old son and a 23 year old daughter.

Ernestine Venable

(Board Member / Secretary)

As a Board Member, Ernestine shares in the responsibility of overseeing the DO Foundation’s operations and providing assurance to the foundation’s stakeholders.  In her role as Secretary she performs various administrative activities.  Ernestine brings a wealth of knowledge vital to the development and implementation of programs to support the DO Foundation’s mission for alleviating and ending homelessness.  Her impressive background expands the human services array.  Having graduated with honors, she holds numerous degrees:  Associate Degrees in Liberal Arts and Mental Health/Social Work from Oakland Community College, both a Bachelor’s and Master‘s of Social Work from Wayne State University, and a Secretarial Certificate from Cambridge Business School.  She has worked for the Highland Park School District, Diversified Youth Services, Higginbotham Adult Education, and the 46th District Court.  She has volunteered her services for Adopt-a-Family and served as a volunteer Probation Officer for the 46th District Court.  She is a member of NAACP WSU Alumni.

Ernestine currently resides in Michigan.

Nicole Lancaster

(Board Member - Burlington County, NJ)

As a Board Member, Nicole shares in the responsibility of overseeing the DO Foundation’s operations and providing assurance to the foundation’s stakeholders.  Nicole brings an extensive background in business management and collaboration that is crucial to the coalition building necessary for sustaining the Do Foundation’s mission for alleviating and ending homelessness.  As the President and CEO of her own PR and Business Management Company, she specializes in building both collaborative and strategic partnerships between nonprofits, media and corporate entities.  She also provides consultation services for large scale and community focused events, various projects, and to clients.  Currently, she sits on the Advisory Board for two nonprofit organizations in New Jersey.  In addition to running her business, she volunteers her time and services to several church organizations.  With compassion for all people and a passion to help those in need, she works regularly to assists the homeless and underprivileged children and youth.

Nicole currently resides in New Jersey.  She is the proud mother of two, a 21 year old son and an 11 year old daughter.

Dana Johnson

(Board Member - Abilene, TX)

As a Board Member, Dana shares in the responsibility of overseeing the DO Foundation’s operations and providing assurance to the foundation’s stakeholders.  Dana, having experienced homelessness firsthand, brings invaluable insight to helping carry out the DO Foundation’s mission for alleviating and ending homelessness.  She has extensive managerial and administrative experience.  Attended Texas A&M University with concentration in Psychology and Cultural Studies.  In addition to having been homeless, Dana is also a member of the recovery community.  Building on these experiences, she has served on various Boards and committees addressing the needs of those in recovery.  She continues to volunteer her time to help the homeless often doing so in various cities.  She has also volunteered to help persons with mental disabilities and mental illness.

Dana currently resides in Texas.  The proud mother of one, an 11 year old son, she remains very supportive and involved in his music, sports and academic activities.

Shirley Austin

(Board Member - Atlanta, GA)

As a Board Member, Shirley shares in the responsibility of overseeing the DO Foundation’s operations and providing assurance to the foundation’s stakeholders.  Having experienced homelessness as a result of domestic violence, Shirley gives voice to one of the populations to be positively impacted by the DO Foundation’s mission for alleviating and ending homelessness.  She has extensive administrative and managerial experience.  She is working toward earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Managerial Science (Human Resource) with a minor in Business Administrative Technologies from Gwinnett Technical College.  She has worked for the State of Florida and the Florida Bar Association.  Currently, she is an Assistant Manager for Sonic.  Her personal experiences have provided her with the incentive to help others.

Shirley currently resides in Georgia.  She is the proud parent of three sons ages 25, 24 and 23.

Kim Murphy

(Research / Information Analyst)

As a Research/Information Analyst, Kim assists with researching statistical data, media and other information regarding resources for the homeless, and participates in DO Foundation events.  Kim comes to the DO Foundation with a renewed commitment of combining her educational background and experience to assist in promoting the foundation’s mission for alleviating and ending homelessness.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kentucky State University and a Bachelor of Professional Accountancy from Saginaw Valley State University.  She has worked as a Family Service Worker for the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children.  As an Accountant, she has worked for the Michigan Department of Community Health and one of Michigan’s regional behavioral health agencies.  Kim participated in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Bluegrass (KY) program from August 1993 to August 1998 as a Big Sister.  As a member of the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc.-Greater Lansing Chapter for which she once served as Secretary, she remains involved in community outreach programs.

Kim currently resides in Michigan.

Carlos O'Banion

(Multi Media / Project Assistance)