rise and respond foundation scholarship committee
Scholarship Committee Staff
The Executive Scholarship Committee of the Rise & Respond Foundation is responsible for overseeing the strategic, financial, and operational management of the foundation’s scholarship program. Reporting directly to the foundation’s leadership, the committee is comprised of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and three appointed Committee Members. Together, they ensure that all scholarship funds are administered with integrity, transparency, and in alignment with the foundation’s mission to honor service and empower future Christian leaders and public servants in law enforcement.
The Chairperson leads the committee, collaborates with the Board of Directors to determine available funding, establishes award categories and amounts, and ensures timely disbursement and secure record-keeping. The Vice-Chairperson supports the Chairperson in these responsibilities and presides in their absence. Committee Members contribute to financial oversight, ensure compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory standards, and uphold fairness and consistency throughout the selection process.
All Executive Committee members actively participate in screening, interviewing, and making final decisions on scholarship recipients. Applications are pre-screened and formally presented to the committee for interview and final review. This collaborative process ensures each scholarship award reflects donor intent and aligns with the foundation’s faith-based mission and values.
In accordance with policy, the President of the Rise & Respond Foundation serves as a voting member of the Scholarship Committee only in cases of recusal or absence of a seated member. Any such participation is clearly documented in official meeting minutes to maintain transparency and preserve the integrity of the selection process.
Samuel Ferrell
President/Founder
Samuel Ferrell, founder of Rise & Respond, is a Christ-centered leader, law student, and devoted father, dedicated to faith, family, and supporting first responders and future leaders.
Alvin Withers
Chairman
Vacant
Vice-Chairman
Vacant
Committee Member
Vacant
Committee Member
Vacant
Committee Member