Co-Founder and Executive Director, Washtenaw Promise
Tim Wilson is a lifelong educator and community builder with more than 35 years of experience working with children, families, and teachers. His career has spanned every grade level and subject, with a deep focus on science education, relationship-building, and child-centered learning.
Tim served as Head of School at Emerson School in Ann Arbor, where his collaborative leadership helped shape a thriving learning community. He has earned multiple Teacher of the Year awards, served on national advisory committees for science education, and created enduring programs in environmental learning, Science Olympiad, and student leadership.
As co-founder and Executive Director of Washtenaw Promise, Tim brings people together with uncommon warmth and purpose. His ability to connect—with students, educators, families, and volunteers—continues to inspire the work and shape the spirit of the organization.
Co-Founder, Washtenaw Promise
Bob Ufer is an attorney and entrepreneur with decades of experience in commercial litigation, environmental law, and business leadership. He began his legal career as a partner at Dickinson Wright before founding his own firm and later leading several national companies, including the International Hockey League and Service Brands International.
In 2017, Bob co-founded Washtenaw Promise with a focus on early childhood literacy and mentorship in the Ypsilanti and Willow Run communities. He played a key role in expanding the organization’s reach through partnerships with local universities and volunteer networks.
In 2022, Bob established The Woodlands at Bruin Lake—117 acres of natural space now serving as a hub for teacher wellness, professional development, and outdoor education.
Early Childhood Family Services Coordinator, Washtenaw ISD
For over a decade, Althea Wilson has dedicated her career to promoting early childhood success and supporting family well-being across Washtenaw County. She brings a deep understanding of the needs of young children and their caregivers, rooted in both professional expertise and lived experience.
Althea has served in multiple roles supporting families and early learners, including as a Parent Liaison advocating at the local and state levels, a Parent Educator, and an Early Head Start Home Visitor. She currently works as an Early Childhood Specialist for the county’s home-based Head Start program, where she helps families navigate the critical early years of development.
A graduate of the University of Illinois and Eastern Michigan University, Althea has lived in Jamaica, Canada, and the United States. She resides in Ypsilanti with her partner of 24 years and their three daughters.
Project Manager, Entrepreneur Specialist
Anthony T. Harbin II holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Entrepreneurship) and a Master’s Certificate in Business Management from Eastern Michigan University.
He is the founder and president of Aseptic Solutions, LLC, a company specializing in the electrostatic disinfection of indoor spaces. He also leads Harbin Steel LLC, a minority-certified business that provides steel supply, fabrication, and installation services across Southeast Michigan.
Anthony has consulted with ex-felons and individuals with disabilities to support job skills and placement, and worked as a recruiter and program coordinator for the Cranbrook Horizon Upward Bound Program.
STEM Region 2 Director, Washtenaw ISD
Scott Heister has over 27 years of classroom teaching experience in the Ypsilanti school district, where he championed student-centered, hands-on learning. He is the lead designer of a STEM-based Middle College, where he also served as director for five years.
He has mentored students in FIRST Robotics for over 15 years and presented at numerous local, state, and national education conferences. His honors include the State of Michigan Woodie Flowers Finalist Award and the Michigan Science Teachers Association’s Science Teacher of the Year.
Scott currently serves as the STEM Region 2 Director for the Washtenaw Intermediate School District.
Health and Wellness Champion
Randy Step is an avid lifelong runner, entrepreneur, and community leader with a passion for helping others achieve their goals. Over the past 40 years, he has logged more than 75,000 miles and completed over 70 marathons, including multiple Boston Marathons and the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. He founded Running Fit, a nine-store specialty running chain, and later created RF Events, which produces iconic races like Run Woodstock and the Dances With Dirt trail series. Randy has coached thousands of runners through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program, helping participants cross the finish line while raising millions for a vital cause. He brings his energy, resilience, and love for the outdoors to support Washtenaw Promise and its mission to inspire and uplift local children.
Empowering young children in underserved communities through literacy, confidence, and social-emotional growth — supported by volunteers, educator development, and strong community partnerships.