YOGA WARRIORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Catherine Anne Atkinson

Catherine Anne Atkinson is a Certified Public Accountant with Pine Bluff Sand & Gravel/McGeorge Contracting Companies, specializing in Safety and HR for the past twelve years. A Hendrix College graduate with a BA in Accounting, her career includes experience as an auditor with BKD (now Forvis) and internal audit work at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Catherine actively supports her community through board memberships with The Arts and Science Center for Southeast AR, Pine Bluff Community Foundation, and other local organizations. A lifelong Pine Bluff resident and United Methodist, she volunteers with JRMC, CASA Shelter for Women, Project Transformation, and Habitat for Humanity. Married with two grown children.  Board Memberships include: The Arts and Science Center for Southeast AR, Junior League of Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff Community Foundation, Pine Bluff Symphony Orchestra, Trinity Village Retirement Community, The Generator Pine Bluff.

 

Pebbles Fagan, Ph.D

Dr. Pebbles Fagan earned a BA from the University of Virginia, an MPH from Tulane University, and a PhD from Texas A&M University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard. She began her career at the National Cancer Institute, co-founding the Tobacco and Health Disparities Research Network. Since 2016, Dr. Fagan has been a Professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, directing the Center for the Study of Tobacco and leading research on health disparities. She has secured major NIH funding, including grants for food insecurity, cancer screening, and health equity.  Dr. Fagan has received numerous honors, including the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Living Legacy Award and the UAMS Dr. Edith Irby Jones Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award. She continues to advocate for health equity through her research and community partnerships.

 

Asif Masood, MD Oncologist

Dr. Asif Masood, a father of three, pursued oncology in memory of his mother, who passed away from cancer when he was 15. For over 22 years, he has provided compassionate care to patients in Southeast Arkansas. He earned his MBBS from King Edward Medical College, completed his residency at St. Joseph Hospital/Northwestern University, and a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at Michigan State University. Dr. Masood has served in various leadership roles at Jefferson Regional in Pine Bluff, AR, where he is currently Chief of Staff and Medical Director at Jones-Dunklin Cancer Center.  He also volunteers with the American Cancer Society and has held leadership positions in APPNA and KEMCAANA. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities, golfing, and time with his youngest son.

 

Toyce Newton

Toyce Newton is the founder of Phoenix Youth and Family Services, established in 1995 to promote economic, social, and community development in rural Southeast Arkansas. Under her leadership, the organization has received national recognition from the Department of Labor for its innovative youth development programs. Committed to empowering underserved communities, Toyce is also professionally affiliated with the Black Women’s Agenda in Washington, DC.

 

Vivian Pickard

Vivian Pickard is a seasoned Fortune 500 executive with expertise in business development, strategic planning, corporate relations, and philanthropy. As President & CEO of the Pickard Group, she advises corporate and nonprofit leaders while serving on Michigan’s Women’s Commission. Formerly, she led General Motors’ philanthropic efforts, overseeing a $42M foundation budget and driving significant community impact. Vivian serves on several boards, including Fifth Third Bank, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the National Cares Mentoring Movement. Recognized for her community service, she has received numerous awards, including the Spirit of the Dream Award and the Global Community Award. Vivian holds an MBA from Central Michigan University and a BS from Ferris State University, where she also received an honorary doctorate.

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Adam Burris

Adam’s greatest accomplishment is his family—his wife, Shelley, and their three sons: Henry (9), Jack (6), and Sam (2). A Bentonville resident, he is an operations and business development leader with deep experience in public safety communications, systems integration, and strategic growth. Most recently, he served in an executive role with Arkansas Public Safety Solutions (APSS), helping deliver mission‑critical communications infrastructure and strengthen public safety capabilities across the region.  Adam is also the co‑founder of Raise The Money, Inc., a leading political fundraising and compliance platform, where he has supported strategic initiatives and partnerships. His background across public safety and technology gives him a well-rounded perspective on governance, innovation, and scalable growth. Known for his integrity and strong decision‑making, Adam excels at aligning stakeholders around shared goals. He is committed to strengthening organizations through sound governance and building partnerships that create meaningful community impact.