Board of Directors Candidates
2025 Recommended for Board of Directors Candidate
Vernon Omarr Smith is a Dallas native and a Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center Health Professions Magnet graduate. He earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from the University of North Texas, a Master of Management from UNT at Dallas, and an MBA from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Vernon is also a graduate of the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service and is a licensed funeral director. He serves as Scheduling Director and Staff Manager at Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home & Flower Shop in Dallas and Terrell, TX. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Dallas Local Funeral Directors Association, the Independent Funeral Directors Association of Texas, the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association, and the National Funeral Directors Association.
A devout Christian, Vernon accepted Christ at a young age under the leadership of his late grandparents, Bishop William Smith and Mother Earnestine Smith. He is now a proud member of Antioch Fellowship Church, where he serves in the music ministry and as part of the Renew Young Adult Leadership Team.
His favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Vernon strives to live fully, learn always, and be kind to everyone.
Tyrone Thornton is a seasoned accounting professional with over 20 years of experience in various roles, including Controller, Accounting Manager, Chief Accountant, and General Accountant. He is currently the Controller/Systems Administrator at the Episcopal School of Dallas, where he has been since 2008. Tyrone has a proven track record of implementing effective financial systems and controls, converting manual accounting systems to technology-driven processes, and ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance.
Before his current role, Tyrone provided consulting services to Xavier University, where he also held several key positions from 1996 to 2007, including Comptroller and Associate Comptroller. His responsibilities included financial statement preparation, audit coordination, staff training, and treasury function management. He was pivotal in implementing the Banner 2000 Administrative software and automated tax reporting processes.
Tyrone began his career at Grambling State University, where he held various accounting positions from 1986 to 1996, including Manager of General Accounting and Chief Accountant. He was instrumental in preparing annual financial statements, ensuring compliance with accounting principles, and managing endowment funds.
Tyrone holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Loyola University in New Orleans and is a CPA candidate, having passed three parts of the exam. He is proficient in several financial management systems and software, including Senior Systems, Microsoft Excel, and Banner 2000.
In addition to his professional achievements, Tyrone is actively involved in community service, serving on the HBCU Advisory Board and holding various leadership roles here at Antioch.