Dr. Cardell C. Patillo, Jr., our Executive Director, brings a wealth of experience in community development and education. Dr. Patillo's deep understanding of the challenges faced by underserved populations fuels his unwavering dedication to fostering positive change through education. His leadership and expertise are instrumental in shaping our strategic direction and ensuring our programs are impactful and effective.
Dr. Patillo is also a dedicated advocate for education, serving as the Chair of the Portsmouth School Board. This unique perspective allows him to bring a deep understanding of the local educational landscape to Mile High Kids, ensuring our programs align with the needs of the community and complement existing initiatives.
Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, Dr. Patillo’s journey is grounded in faith, service, and leadership. With over 20 years of experience in management, youth counseling, and school administration, he holds a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration, a Master of Divinity, and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling. His transformative work in urban school divisions earned him the Benjamin Mays Lifetime Achievement Award from the National School Board Association. A proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Dr. Patillo remains dedicated to providing equitable educational opportunities and inspiring future leaders through integrity, service, and advocacy.
Cardell is currently the Executive Director of the Mile High Kids and Community Development, Inc. Mile High Kids currently administers the Federal Head Start grant for the City of Virginia Beach.
Recognizing his devotion to the youth of the community, Cardell was elected to the Portsmouth School Board in November of 2014 and currently serves as Board Chair. In 2015, Cardell was recognized by Inside Business Magazine as a Top 40 Under 40 award recipient and in 2018 he received the Benjamin Mays Lifetime Achievement award by the National School Board Association.
Cardell remains very active in the community. He started the Cardell Patillo Leadership Academy. It is a male mentoring program that has mentored well over 300 young men in the last 5 years. He was appointed to the Virginia Public School Authority by Gov. Terry McAuliffe and currently serves as Vice-Chair. Cardell was also selected as the Honorary Chairperson the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life events. Cardell is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia.
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