Meet Our Board
Guided by experience. United by purpose. Committed to community.
The Up Project Board of Directors brings together diverse experience, shared values, and a commitment to creating pathways from instability to hopefulness. Each member plays a vital role in guiding our mission and strengthening our impact in the community.
Tommy Williams
Board Member
Lead Pastor
Legacy Church
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Tommy Williams serves as the Lead Pastor of Legacy Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas. As an ordained minister with more than 25 years of experience, he has dedicated his life to serving others through leadership, mentorship, and ministry across Arkansas and Texas.
Throughout his career, Tommy has been deeply committed to strengthening individuals, families, and communities. His passion for service extends beyond the church, as he actively partners with local organizations to support initiatives that create lasting impact and opportunity.
A proud member of the Hot Springs community, Tommy values the relationships and connections that make the area unique. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys all that Hot Springs has to offer. Tommy and his wife, Lindsey, have been married for 23 years and are the proud parents of two children, Seth and Makenzie.
Tommy’s heart for people and his dedication to community align closely with The Up Project’s mission of creating pathways from instability to hopefulness. He is honored to serve on the Board and contribute to building a stronger, more supportive community for all.
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Loren Morphew, MS, MSHCA
Board Member
Community Development Specialist
Nonprofit & Organizational Consultant
Loren Morphew, MS, MSHCA Loren Morphew is a nonprofit and organizational consultant and community development specialist with extensive experience in capacity building, research and analysis, and contingency planning for mission-driven organizations.
Loren brings a rare combination of academic credentials and applied field experience to the work of strengthening nonprofits from the inside out.
Loren holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration, and has completed advanced doctoral coursework in Human Services, Leadership, and Organizational Management. This interdisciplinary background allows for a whole-organization approach to addressing both the human and structural dimensions of nonprofit effectiveness.
Loren has supported community-based organizations with strategic planning, program research, and emergency preparedness, with a focus on making expert consulting accessible to smaller nonprofits that are doing important work with limited resources.
Loren is honored to join The Up Project's founding board and looks forward to contributing to the organization's mission, growth, and long-term sustainability.
Dalia Garcia
Board Member
100 Families County Coordinator
Ouachita Behavioral Health & Wellness
Dalia Garcia brings a deep commitment to community impact and collaboration to The Up Project Board. As the 100 Families County Coordinator for Garland County, she works closely with families, service providers, and local organizations to connect individuals with resources that promote long-term stability and success. Her work centers on identifying community needs, strengthening partnerships, and helping families overcome barriers to growth.
With a strong background in direct service and advocacy, Dalia previously served as Assistant Director and Community Resource Advocate at Cooperative Christian Ministries and Clinic. In these roles, she coordinated programs, supported individuals and families in crisis, and helped bridge gaps in access to essential care and services.
Dalia is passionate about building stronger communities through collaboration, compassion, and intentional support systems. Her experience and heart for service align seamlessly with The Up Project’s mission—creating pathways from instability to hopefulness. She is honored to serve and contribute to meaningful, lasting change in the community.
Brianna Otero
Board Member
Program Manager
Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund
Brianna Otero is an advocate for education, employment, and financial empowerment. She is a nonprofit professional and a volunteer in Garland County. She currently manages the single parent scholarship program in 10 counties in Arkansas, where she connects single parent college students to financial resources and job search assistance. She is a volunteer tutor for the Literacy Council of the Ouachitas, where she tutors adults to prepare for the written driver's test, the US citizenship test, financial literacy, and/or computer literacy skills. Brianna is also an Emergency Shelter Volunteer for the Community Resource Center, where she supports the Emergency Shelter's 24/7 needs during extreme weather conditions. Brianna supports a variety of other organizations locally through attending events, fundraisers, and networking with community leaders.
Brianna has a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from Ouachita Baptist University and a Master of Arts in History from the University of Mississippi. She has worked in higher education as a Program Assistant for the Office of College Programs at the University of Mississippi, as well as an Online Accessibility Coordinator for the University of Mississippi.
Brianna is currently the board secretary for the Virginia Clinton Kelley Democratic Women's Club. Brianna's husband, Robert Otero, is also an active member of the Hot Springs community. Robert Otero is the Events Coordinator for the Arkansas USA Wrestling board of directors, is the current head coach of Team Conquer Youth Wrestling Club, and is an Assistant Coach for the Lake Hamilton Wrestling team. This young couple has valuable energy and experience through these leadership roles.
Brianna is excited to share her experience with the Up Project. Her focus on supporting education, career readiness, and financial literacy aligns with the Up Project's mission to equip vulnerable members of our community with the tools to re-enter the workforce and sustain healthy, independent lives.
Patrick Langley
Board Member
Law Enforcement Officer
Hot Springs Police Department
Patrick Langley is a native of Alabama however he has called Hot Springs his home since 2004. He began his law enforcement career as a Probation Officer for the 18th Judicial District-East Drug Court, then moved on to the Hot Springs Police Department where he has been employed as an police officer for 19 years.
Langley attended college at Alabama State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 2004. In 2013, he obtained a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
During his employment with the Hot Springs PD, Langley has been assigned to numerous positions and assignments, including the Patrol Division, the Street Crimes Unit, and the Criminal Investigations Division. Additionally, he served as a member of the department’s Crisis Negotiation Team, as a Drug Recognition Expert, as a Field Training Officer, and as an instructor. Additionally, he served as the HSPD’s Public Information Officer from 2020 until 2021 when he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and has served as a Patrol Supervisor since that time. In addition to his other duties, Langley is the Coordinator for the HSPD’s Wellness Unit which is the department’s peer support team. He is an FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award recipient, having completed all three phases of FBI-LEEDA Leadership Training.
Langley has served in numerous local roles, including as a board member for Ali’s A.C.E. Food Pantry/Clothing Closet and the Rising Rams Volleyball Association. He previously served as a member of National Park College's Partnership Committee for the Criminal Justice program. He currently serves as the Vice-President of Hot Springs Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #1.
He is an alumnus of Leadership Hot Springs Class XXXIV. In 2021, and was inducted into Class V of Alabama State University’s 50 Under 50, a distinguished alumni award.
His wife, Ferderica, has been employed with the Hot Springs School District for over a decade. They have been married for 18 years and they have two children together.