Our Team

PHYLLIS A. STEWART

CEO/FOUNDER

A native of North Carolina, Phyllis A. Stewart is married to Bishop Raymond L. Stewart and the
proud mother of Six Adult children. She is the Founder and CEO of New Options Development Center
Inc and Faith Seeds of God Crusade Ministries Inc. located in Edenton, North Carolina and Houston, Texas, and Umoja Designs. She is a proud HBCU graduate of Elizabeth City State University with a BS
Degree in Political Science. Apostle Stewart has worked in the Educational and Social Work field in
North Carolina and New York. Her love for the community dates back since she was a little girl helping
her mother, grandmother and many women host community gatherings to address the needs of their
community. She continued to serve the community of Edenton until he moved to New York where her
vision of service broaden. Upon her return to Edenton, her vision to offer New Options to the
community mainly for at-risk youth and elderly. In 2007 New Options Development Center Inc. was
birthed, receiving its first contract with the Chowan County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and the
surrounding school districts to offer incentives for community support and growth. Her vision of
providing more options for the community is still her.

BENJAMIN BURUM, JR –

PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR OF OPERTATIONS

Benjamin Burum, Jr is a native of Edenton North Carolina that resided in Houston TX since 1996. As the
President and Director of Domestic and International Operations, he works at NODC and focuses on
planning, coordinating, and supervising the day-to-day operations of the program. In his role, Benjamin
ensures that the program runs efficiently and is client centered, while driving the mission and vision of
NODC.

Along with NODC, Benjamin Burum, Jr. is a pillar of the community, known to many as “Coach Benn” and others know him as “The Historic Black Poet” and the author of the book; “The Sorrows of Slavery.” He is currently an Educational Specialist for the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, a Community Living Support for the Youth Advocate Program, Inc. Behavior Program, and The Pastor of Faith Seeds of God Crusade Ministries, Inc -Houston TX. A loving Husband, father of Five, Benjamin earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte NC and he holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Kaplan University with is now call, Purdue Global University.

Board of Directors

Mrs. PHYLLIS A. STEWART–CEO

Phyllis A. Stewart. is the Founder and CEO of New Options Development Center, Inc. and the Chief Apostle of Faith Seeds of God Crusade Ministries Inc. located in Edenton, North Carolina and Houston, Texas. A native of North Carolina, Apostle Phyllis A. Stewart is married to Bishop Raymond L. Stewart Sr. and the proud mother of Six Adult children. She is a proud HBCU graduate of Elizabeth City State University with a BS Degree in Political Science. And she has worked in the Social Service Field and educational system in New York and North Carolina.

BENJAMIN F. BURUM JR-PRESIDENT

Benjamin F. Burum, Jr. is currently an Educational Specialist with HCJPD. Along with New Options Development Center Inc, Benjamin Burum, Jr. is currently an Educational Specialist for the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, a Community Living Support for the Youth Advocate Program, Inc. Behavior Program, and The Pastor of Faith Seeds of God Crusade Ministries, Inc-Houston TX. The loving Husband father of Five, Benjamin earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte NC and he holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Kaplan University with is now call, Purdue Global University

DR. GERALDINE HILL-TREASURER

Dr, Geraldine Hill is currently a Professor at North Carolina Central University in Durham North Carolina and holds Doctorial. Degree in Educational Leadership from International University in Centennial Colorado and has been in Education for over 40 plus years. She has worn many hats in her educational career ranging from Classroom teacher, Coordinator, Administrator/Principal, Director or Educational Services, University Dean and Professor. She is the mother of four Adult children. And services as a Pillar in her community and other surrounding areas. She serves as the Treasure of New Options Development Center Inc and has been with NODC Inc. since its beginning. She has been recognized as one of the top educators

BENETA A. RODRIGUES-SECRETARY

Beneta Rodrigues is a Master Level Science teacher in HISD with 22 years of teaching experience. She served 8-years in the Military. She is graduate Wagner College in Staten Island NY, with a Bachelor of Science in Bacteriology. She also holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Health Care Informatics from the University of Phoenix. she is also a partner with an Insurance and investment company that helps individuals protect their families. She serves as the secretary of FSOGCM Inc. in Houston Texas. She is also the owner of Benny’s Wayz Catering and More. And the mother of 3 children.

RAYMOND L. STEWART SR-BOARD MEMBER

Raymond L. Stewart is the Bishop and Co-Founder and of Faith Seeds of God Crusade Ministries, Inc, in Edenton NC. Bishop Stewart started working in construction at the age of 16years old and then served in the US Army. After his military service Raymond worked as a Master Carpenter after gaining his Electrical Certification from General Electric, he started his own company-Ray’s Wood Works gaining contracts in North Caroling to New York. After retiring from Carpentry, he took on another career as a Truck Driver where he retired after 24 years. The proud father of 6 adult children, he continues to sow seeds of understanding to all who will listen.

Join NODC, Inc.

NODC aims to attract individuals or groups that really have a passion to solve challenging issues concerning at-risk youth or systemic issues that place limitations on the potential of certain populations.

our team