At the Sherelle McKinley Thomas Leukemia Foundation, our leadership team brings together passion, lived experience, and a deep commitment to transforming how families navigate the challenges of Aggressive Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL). Each team member plays a vital role in building a legacy of support, awareness, and impact. Together, we are creating a movement fueled by love, resilience, and the power of community.
Devona Glass is the visionary behind SMTLF, creating the foundation in memory of her beloved friend Sherelle McKinley Thomas. With a diverse career spanning over two decades, Devona is an accomplished consultant with more than 22 years of experience in banking, treasury management, and business development. Throughout her career, she has led large-scale client projects, optimized financial operations, and built successful ventures from the ground up. She created SMTLF to transform personal loss into purpose, building a platform where patients and families facing Aggressive APL feel seen, supported, and empowered. Her deep compassion and strategic mindset fuel the organization’s leadership in hope, care, and community.
Atlanta, Georgia
Victor Thomas is the devoted husband of Sherelle McKinley Thomas, whose legacy inspires the mission of SMTLF. A seasoned truck driver and serial entrepreneur, Victor brings both practical experience and a deep personal commitment to the foundation’s work. His entrepreneurial background has honed his skills in operations, problem-solving, and long-term business growth. As Vice President, Victor supports strategic planning, organizational development, and impactful partnerships that strengthen the foundation’s ability to serve patients and families facing Aggressive APL. His leadership is rooted in both love for Sherelle’s memory and a dedication to advancing hope, care, and community.
Atlanta, Georgia
Kristy Odom is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 13 years of experience, specializing in crisis intervention and addiction treatment. With a deep passion for mental health advocacy, she is dedicated to supporting individuals and communities in need through compassionate care and evidence-based practices. As Secretary of SMTLF, Kristy ensures organizational flow by maintaining accurate documentation, streamlining internal communications, and supporting the leadership team’s initiatives. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she is deeply committed to community service and creating a lasting impact in the lives of others.
Atlanta, Georgia
Maxine Lino serves as SMTLF’s dedicated Treasurer, bringing strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills to the foundation’s mission of supporting individuals and families affected by leukemia. Passionate about making a positive impact, Maxine plays a key role in facilitating support services, managing community outreach programs, and ensuring the responsible stewardship of funds. Her contributions include organizing successful fundraising events, leading awareness campaigns, and providing compassionate support to patients and their loved ones. Known for her ability to multitask, plan, and execute initiatives independently, Maxine has been instrumental in advancing the foundation’s efforts to raise awareness, fund research, and enhance the quality of life for those impacted by Aggressive APL.
Atlanta, Georgia
Our founding board includes committed individuals who bring passion, wisdom, and integrity to our mission. As the foundation grows, so will our advisory team of changemakers and advocates.
More board members will be added soon as our leadership expands.
"In the face of uncertainty, we choose hope. In the presence of pain, we show up with love. And in every life we touch, we carry Sherelle’s light forward—one act of compassion at a time."
The Sherelle McKinley Thomas Leukemia Foundation is growing—and so is our team. We're laying the groundwork to become a global force in leukemia support and advocacy. If you're passionate about people, purpose, and progress, we want to work with you.
