Meet our team
Behind every service we provide is a dedicated team of professionals, each bringing their unique expertise and enthusiasm to our business.
Darrel K. Jones, DHA, MSN, RN
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Darrel K. Jones is the visionary and founder of the Jones Foundation for Aneurysms, established in loving memory of his father, Robert J. Jones. With an extensive background in nursing and healthcare administration, Darrel has devoted his career to improving the quality of care and strengthening community health initiatives. His personal journey as both a healthcare professional and a survivor of a brain aneurysm has deepened his commitment to educating others, advocating for early detection, and supporting families facing similar challenges. Known for his compassionate leadership and unwavering faith, Darrel leads the foundation with a focus on empowerment, equity, and empathy, ensuring that the mission to educate, advocate, and support remains at the heart of every endeavor.
Damera Jones
Communication and Media Officer
Damera Jones, the granddaughter of the late Robert J. Jones, carries forward her family’s legacy with humility, dedication, and a genuine desire to make a lasting impact. With a strong educational background in Mass Communication and Business Administration, Damera combines strategic insight with a compassionate approach to community engagement. She is deeply committed to the mission of the Jones Foundation for Aneurysms and to advancing her family’s vision of education, advocacy, and support for those affected by brain aneurysms. Her passion for purposeful communication and her heart for service make her an inspiring voice within the foundation and a bridge between generations, continuing her grandfather’s legacy.
Robbie M. Garnes, M.Ed
Grants and Funding Officer
Robbie M. Garnes brings a unique blend of leadership, compassion, and creativity to the Jones Foundation for Aneurysms Board of Directors. With over 20 years of dedicated service in education as an educator, Assistant Principal, and Principal, Robbie has impacted countless lives through mentorship, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to uplifting others. Beyond his work in education, he inspires through music—using his talents to bring hope, healing, and encouragement to the community. His passion for service and his ability to connect with people on both educational and emotional levels make him an invaluable member of the board and a true advocate for the foundation’s mission.
Torrie Walker, Ed.D
Community Engagement Officer
Dr. Torrie Walker brings a wealth of leadership, educational expertise, and community spirit to the Jones Foundation for Aneurysms Board of Directors. With several years of experience as a public school educator, Assistant Principal, and Principal, Torrie has dedicated her career to empowering students, families, and communities through education and mentorship. Her active involvement in a faith-based organization reflects her deep commitment to service and uplifting others. Dr. Walker continues to expand her ability to create meaningful change and strengthen the connection between education, health, and community well-being. Her passion for servant leadership and dedication to lifelong learning make her an invaluable contributor to the foundation’s mission and vision.
Erica Stewart, LCSW
Community Outreach Officer
Erica L. Stewart believes that hope is necessary in every situation, and she lives that truth daily as a devoted servant to mankind. With over 25 years of experience in social work, she is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving in multiple states, including VA, NC, FL, WV, NE, and WI. She is a proud Virginia State University (’95) and Virginia Commonwealth University (’98) graduate. She has facilitated numerous workshops and spoken at colleges and community organizations. Deeply committed to outreach and volunteerism, she has supported causes such as Special Olympics, Feed More, and several faith-based initiatives.
Her dedication has earned her multiple awards, including Outstanding Social Worker of the Year (2012) and the creation of “The Kindness is Priceless Stewart Award” in her honor. Ms. Stewart’s unwavering commitment to advocacy, education, and service continues to inspire those around her. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, she exemplifies excellence, leadership, and compassion. Erica brings to the Jones Foundation for Aneurysms her professional expertise, her heart for people, and her belief that kindness and hope can transform lives.
Lakisha Gillus, M.Ed
Creative Communication Officer
Lakisha Gillus is a dedicated educator with over 25 years of service in the public school system, where she has continuously demonstrated a passion for excellence, leadership, and community growth. Known for her unwavering commitment to inspiring and supporting others, Lakisha embodies integrity, perseverance, and compassion. She keeps her word and leads by example, fostering an environment where learning and personal development thrive. As an active member of her community, Lakisha continues to expand her impact through mentorship, advocacy, and service—making her a valuable voice and guiding force within the Jones Foundation for Aneurysms.
Kevin Walker, Sr.
Financial Officer
Kevin Walker, Sr., brings over 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, and grant management. He holds a Master of Science in Professional Accounting and has served as a Finance and Grants Coordinator in public education, supporting institutions through financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and grant administration, with a focus on compliance.
Kevin has extensive experience in government contracts and higher education, managing grant and financial portfolios totaling more than $140 million while ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with GAAP, Uniform Guidance, and audit standards. He joined the Jones Foundation to support responsible resource stewardship and advance life-saving work. His diligence, attention to detail, and commitment to financial integrity strengthen the Foundation’s mission and long-term sustainability.
Jason Bailey
Operations and Administrative Officer
Jason Bailey delivers the organizational structure essential for the mission’s success. With expertise in logistics, operational planning, and organizational design, he applies a disciplined, systems-driven approach to nonprofit administration.
Jason oversees internal operations, administrative workflows, and process development to ensure efficiency, accountability, and sustainability as the Foundation grows. His ability to build organized frameworks supports strategic initiatives, streamlines daily operations, and strengthens the Foundation’s service to individuals and families affected by brain aneurysms.
Jason’s commitment to operational excellence and respect for mission-driven work make him a key leader in advancing the Jones Foundation’s vision of education, advocacy, and community support.
Pankty Deasi, MSN, FNP-C
Medical Advisor
Pankty H. Desai, FNP, brings expertise in endovascular and cerebrovascular neurosurgery and a strong commitment to patient-centered care. Based in Richmond, Virginia, Ms. Desai graduated with honors in 2015 and has more than 11 years of advanced practice nursing experience.
She has been a key member of the VCU Neurosurgery team, where her clinical excellence and bedside manner have earned consistent 5-star patient ratings. Ms. Desai is affiliated with the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals and contributes to the care of patients with complex cerebrovascular and neurological conditions through evidence-based, multidisciplinary collaboration.
As Medical Advisor, Ms. Desai offers clinical guidance, medical insight, and strategic support to advance the Foundation’s mission of education, advocacy, and support for those affected by brain aneurysms. Her technical expertise, empathy, and patient advocacy make her a valuable asset to the Foundation.