The Coalition For
Barrier Free Living, Inc.
+1 713-974-4621
Corporate Office
Mon - Thu: 8:00 - 5:00
Site always open
Corporate Office
Site always open
The Coalition for Barrier Free Living is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors whose leadership, experience, and passion help advance our mission of empowering people with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in their communities.Representing diverse backgrounds in business, healthcare, education, ministry, public service, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership, our Board members provide strategic oversight, governance, and vision while ensuring CBFL remains responsive to the needs of the communities we serve throughout Southeast Texas.Together, they share a common commitment to breaking barriers, promoting accessibility and inclusion, and creating opportunities that make independence possible.
Chris Noble has served the organization for more than 30 years in various roles and now transitions into the role of Board Chair-Elect. Known for her vibrant personality, collaborative leadership style, and advocacy in the community, Chris has played a strategic role in advancing strategic initiatives, fostering strong governance, and ensuring long-term stability for the organization. Her extensive institutional knowledge, combined with a progressive vision, has made her a trusted leader among fellow Board members and community stakeholders.Over the years, Chris has championed service over self, consistently dedicating her time, expertise, and passion to creating meaningful opportunities for better health care and social services for the community. As a former business owner, Chris utilized her corporate connections to impress upon for-profits the benefits of being a good community partner through nonprofit stewardship.Now she uses her voice to amplify the importance of women's health through early detection, as well as the importance of inclusive and equitable opportunities for persons living with a disability.
Rev. Michael Garrett is a respected faith leader, disability advocate, and champion for the blind and visually impaired community whose life reflects resilience, leadership, and service. Living with a progressive vision disability, Rev. Garrett has transformed personal challenges into a lifelong mission of advocacy, empowerment, and inclusion.A graduate of the Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired and the University of Texas at Austin, Rev. Garrett built a successful career, including three decades as an investment analyst before retiring from J.P. Morgan Chase. His commitment to service spans more than three decades.He has served on the Board for the Houston Center for Independent Living since 1992 and as Board Chair for over a decade. Rev. Garrett has also served as Chair of the Houston Commission on People with Disabilities, the Texas State Council of the Blind, and the American Council of the Blind. Today, as an associate minister, Rev. Garrett continues to serve through disability ministry, advocacy, mentoring, and community outreach. He brings to the Board a unique perspective grounded in breaking barriers for the blind and visually impaired (BVI) community while building a legacy of service.
Angela Y. Ford, PMP serves as Vice Chairman of the Board Elect for the Coalition for Barrier Free Living, bringing more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in project management, organizational development, and operational excellence. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Angela has built a distinguished career helping organizations improve performance through strategic planning, process improvement, technology implementation, and workforce development. She currently serves as Continuous Improvement Director for the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas, leading statewide initiatives focused on operational efficiency, compliance, and organizational growth.Throughout her career, Angela has held leadership positions with nationally recognized organizations including Vertafore, Beecher Carlson, and Guaranty Insurance Services, where she successfully led enterprise-wide projects, business transformation initiatives, and organizational change efforts. She is passionate about building high-performing teams, improving organizational performance, and creating sustainable systems that deliver measurable results. Living with a non-visible disability herself, Angela brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to her leadership. Her lived experience fuels her commitment to advancing accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity while inspiring others to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.As Vice Chairman, Angela provides strategic oversight and governance that supports CBFL's mission of empowering people with disabilities to achieve independence, self-determination, and full participation in their communities. Her leadership reflects a steadfast commitment to creating stronger, more inclusive communities where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Rev. Ed C. Jones, III serves as Secretary-Elect of the Coalition for Barrier Free Living (CBFL) Board of Directors, bringing decades of leadership, ministry, and community service to the organization. A respected pastor, mentor, and advocate, Rev. Jones is committed to strengthening communities through faith, service, and empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential.With more than 30 years of pastoral leadership, Rev. Jones has served congregations throughout the Houston area, including as Founding Pastor of Living Water United Methodist Church and Associate Pastor of Jones Memorial United Methodist Church. His ministry has been centered on servant leadership, spiritual growth, and building meaningful relationships that create lasting impact.Rev. Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts from Ottawa University and a Master of Divinity with a specialization in the Black Church from Saint Paul School of Theology. His extensive leadership experience includes serving on numerous denominational committees and boards, as well as mentoring emerging leaders and facilitating leadership development across the United Methodist Church.A dedicated husband, father, veteran of the United States Air Force, and lifelong community servant, Rev. Jones brings wisdom, integrity, and a collaborative spirit to the CBFL Board. As Secretary-Elect, he is committed to advancing the organization's mission of empowering people with disabilities to achieve independence, self-determination, and full participation in their communities through compassionate leadership and faithful service.
Michelle Colvard is a nationally respected disability advocate, community leader, and public servant whose lifelong commitment to accessibility and inclusion has transformed opportunities for people with disabilities throughout the Houston region.Born with Spina Bifida and a full-time wheelchair user, Michelle has dedicated her career to advancing disability rights through public service, advocacy, and leadership. She currently serves as Director of Research Administration at a leading academic medical center within the Texas Medical Center while continuing to champion accessibility initiatives across the City of Houston.Michelle has served in numerous leadership positions, including Executive Director of the City of Houston Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, Chair of the Houston Commission on Disabilities, member of the Houston Planning Commission, Houston Parks Board, Houston Parking Commission, and Mayor's Wellness Council. Her work has helped expand accessible transportation, housing, recreation, and public spaces while promoting policies that improve quality of life for individuals with disabilities.A former Ms. Wheelchair Texas and Ms. Wheelchair America, Michelle continues to use her voice and lived experience to inspire change, remove barriers, and advocate for greater inclusion. As a member of the Coalition for Barrier Free Living Board of Directors, she provides invaluable perspective and leadership in advancing CBFL's mission of making independence possible for people with disabilities.
Lee N. Coffee, Jr. is an accomplished leadership consultant, executive coach, and organizational development professional with more than three decades of experience helping organizations strengthen leadership, improve workplace culture, and build high-performing teams. Throughout his distinguished career, he has dedicated himself to developing leaders and creating environments where individuals and organizations can thrive.His leadership experience includes key roles at MD Anderson Cancer Center and AIG, where he designed and facilitated enterprise-wide leadership development, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness initiatives. He is also the Founder and President of To The Rescue, a consulting firm that has provided leadership development, executive coaching, diversity and inclusion, and organizational consulting services to organizations nationwide since 1994.A retired First Sergeant in the United States Army, Lee honorably served for 24 years while holding leadership and Equal Opportunity advisory roles. His unique combination of military leadership, executive coaching, mentoring, and organizational development has established him as a respected national speaker, facilitator, and trusted advisor.As a resilient leader and dedicated servant of the community, Lee has used his own disability as a catalyst for building others up. His journey reflects courage, perseverance, and a commitment to leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and service that empowers people to overcome barriers and reach their full potential.As a member of the Coalition for Barrier Free Living Board of Directors, Lee contributes his expertise in leadership development, strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, and community engagement to advance CBFL's mission of creating a more inclusive future where people with disabilities have the opportunity to live independently and participate fully in their communities.
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The contents of this website were developed, in part, under grants from the U.S. Department of Education and Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. The contents, however, do not necessarily represent the policies of the U.S. Department of Education or the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal or state government. Organizational Form 990 is available for review at www.guidestar.org.