Meet The Board Members

Dr. Leonard J. Thompson III is a successful businessman and educator and has been in the music industry for over 35 years, first as a musician and later as a promoter and manager. Under his direction as President & CEO, M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records has become widely recognized for successfully producing, managing, and promoting many major concerts and events, always with excellence. He has been highly recognized for his many contributions in service to the community and mentoring thousands of young people, as well as adults working in educational institutions and the corporate world.

Dr. Thompson grew up in inner city San Diego, benefiting from programs just as this. He was the first African American Valedictorian of Madison High School and ASB President and went on to become a Regent & Chancellor scholar from the University of California, Berkeley; earned a BS in Business from San Diego State University and a MS in Education from Point Loma Nazarene University. Upon returning to San Diego, He has devoted over 25 years in the San Diego city schools, in Race Human Relations & Advocacy, mentoring students to do well in school, graduate and strive to go on to college.

Wendy J. Bauer, Treasurer/Secretary has a wealth of experience required to run a creative operation, specializing in business development. She is truly a leader in financial management, business contracts, program development, organizational structuring, and grant writing. Throughout her career, she has been an adviser, partner, and advocate of the arts, with music in the forefront. Her ability to multitask allows her to function in several areas, which fits well with her role of Chief Operations Officer (COO) for Mandate Project Impact as well as VP, Operations for M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records. Wendy served for 17 years as a Trustee at Mesa View Baptist Church and worked over 25 years as an Investigative Specialist under the District Attorney’s Office and later as a Child Support Officer with the County of San Diego Depart. of Child Support Services.

Janell Davis is a seasoned leader committed to driving organizational excellence and social impact with over two decades of multifaceted expertise spanning nonprofit management, systems development, project management, and business administration. Currently serving as the CEO of Nelly’s Kitchen Inc since 2023, Janell brings a wealth of experience from her diverse roles in various esteemed organizations. Her journey in healthcare administration began at Sharp Community Medical Group, leveraging her adeptness in administrative support, project coordination, and organizational effectiveness. Her tenure at Sharp was marked by instrumental contributions to healthcare projects, including streamlining operations and enhancing service delivery. Janell honed her entrepreneurial skills as the Owner/Chef of Davis Weddings & Events. Transitioning to the nonprofit sector, she assumed pivotal roles at Paving Great Futures, where she served as Chief Operations Officer and Director of Operations. Janell has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing organizational missions and fostering community impact.

Mark Anthony Jenkins, born in Cleveland Ohio, attended Tri C Community College and Cleveland State University. He served in the United States Navy where he studied Mortuary Science. Upon his honorable discharge Mark found employment with the Anderson Ragsdale Mortuary studying under the excellent tutelage of the late H.W, Ragsdale II.  Mark founded San Diego Memorial Chapel, Preferred Cremation and Burial, Mo Betta Burger, Bourrée Southern Bistro, and most recently Preferred Pets which has become the leading pet after care service in San Diego County. He has mentored many individuals, helping with college placement and seeing them go on to successful careers. Mark served on community based nonprofit boards; presently on the board of The San Diego Care Council and is an active member of the National Funeral Directors Association. He enjoys being engaged with the community and annually donates to several non-profits.

Michele McCrary-Tyler is a native of San Diego. She attended San Diego City College, Northern Arizona University, and In Christ International Bible College. As an honor graduate, she obtained degrees in Psychology, Theology, and has a financial certification. Michele is currently working for Qualcomm with professional expertise in Financial and Executive Administration Managements. Michele has sat as a Board Member, on the leadership team, and as an advisor for three local nonprofit organizations. She has impacted the community youth and their families through leading special site programs as a Center Director for Neighborhood House Association. Michèle has also worked financially to aid the mental health and homeless community of San Diego. She has serviced as a Representative Payee through the Community Research Foundation Impact Program, providing financial management freeing up her clients to concentrate on their rehabilitation.

Ms. Rhonda Hunt Phillips served as the Naval Air Technical Data & Engineering Service Center (NATEC) Executive Director at NAVAIR North Island command from 2010 until her retirement in 2021 culminating a 46- year tenure in government service. She is an acclaimed national speaker, mentor, coach, and published author, recognized for her expertise in motivational speaking, diversity, coaching, and mentoring. Her influence extends into numerous professional organizations: Federally Employed Women (FEW), Blacks in Government (BIG), National Council of Negro Women (NCNW),  Society of Logistic Engineers (SOLE), American Businesswomen Association (ABWA), Women Museum of California, and California Leadership Council. Ms. Hunt Phillips’ contributions have been recognized on a national level, including invitations to the prestigious United States of Women Summit by the White House in 2016 and 2018. As a prominent figure in San Diego’s community, she has received an array of city, state, and federal awards. Her commitment to the humanities is highlighted by her reception of Congressional recognition certificates. In 2022 and 2023, Ms. Hunt Phillips’ remarkable career and contributions were further celebrated with her honor by Marquis Who’s Who in America.

Mar Lisa M. Tezeno, as a Branch Manager II at California Coast Credit Union, brings over 22 years of banking experience with a passion for customer service, relationship building, and inclusion. She oversees the operations, sales, and service of a branch location, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and profitability. She also supports and develops her branch team, using her skills in management, coaching, active listening, and allyship. Mar Lisa has completed multiple certifications on leadership, resilience, and unconscious bias, which have enhanced her professional growth and effectiveness. Her mission is to contribute to the success and vision of California Coast Credit Union and make a positive impact in the community. Her education includes San Diego City College – General Studies and San Diego State University Global Extended Classes – Business Management.

Dr. Michelle R. Thompson has been in the music industry for over 25 years. Her tenure in the industry began as a songwriter and recording artist, then later expanded to label owner and radio personality. She grew up in the inner city of San Diego’s Southeast District and benefited from many of the after-school programs that invested in children who were being raised in moderate to low-income single parent households. These programs kept her from going astray by giving her a place to explore her creative talents which ultimately led to her destiny in the music and entertainment industry. As Vice President of M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records, Inc. she has operated in various positions assisting with the growth and development of the label’s artists and musical projects. As Program Director of GODRADIO1.COM her role is to oversee the management of our twenty-four-hour internet radio station, train new radio engineers on currently used programs, teach script writing and voiceover techniques for commercials, as well as radio show production for on-air personalities.