The People Behind the Foundation
Stewards of John Preston “Pete” Hill’s Legacy
Meet the board members of The John "Preston" Pete Hill Foundation who are committed to preserving his legacy and empowering the next generation.
Ronald Hill, Co-Founder and Executive Director
Founder and Executive Director of The John Preston “Pete” Hill Foundation, Ronald Hill is the great nephew of Baseball Hall of Famer and Negro Leagues player, John Preston (Pete) Hill. Raised in the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA, Ron often heard through his older relatives that there was a great baseball player in his family. Little did Ron know that he would live through some of his Uncle Pete’s struggles to find an equal place in society to excel and advocate for his civil rights. Although Ron’s sport of choice was football from an early age, it was this opportunity to be part of a team working towards the goal of victory that cemented much of his path in life.
Ron attended Westinghouse High School, where he became a standout on the football field striving for and achieving a championship. He then attended Tuskegee University, where he again, soon found his place on the football team and soared toward victory. Leaving Tuskegee in 1969, Ron joined The United States Marines. Ron knew that it had only been about 30 years for African Americans to be part of the Marines. Yet even in the late 60s and early 70s, Ron quickly realized that African Americans still were not treated equally as other members of the corps. After the military, Ron enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh.
In the early 1980s, Ron worked for DiCesare Engler Productions managing security and promotions for music venues, working with many black entertainers including the likes of Earth Wind and Fire and Smokey Robinson. Still, Ron noticed even then in the 1980s, the public’s preconceived notion was that, when the performers were African Americans, trouble was coming. Ron made it his mission to keep things running smoothly and to prove them wrong. He went on to work for Sylvia Robinson as the Road Manager for The Sugarhill Gang. Eventually, Ron left touring and management and returned to Pittsburgh. He then worked at the Allegheny County Jail for over 20 years rising from Correction Officer to the position of Major until his retirement.
Looking back, Ron could relate to the experiences of his Great Uncle Pete, as African American players were excluded from Major League Baseball and its affiliated Minor Leagues until 1947. Learning about the details of his Great Uncle Pete Hill’s accomplishments, Ron also recognized two characteristics he shared with his great uncle: determination and commitment, both of which led to much success in Ron’s own life.
Just as Pete Hill continued in the business and management of baseball after his retirement from the Negro Leagues, Ron stayed active working security for the University of Pittsburgh and supervising locker room and hotel security for several Super Bowl games after retirement. Ron briefly relocated to Los Angeles, and grabbed the opportunity to guide and mentor youth at Los Angeles High School and GALA: Girls Academic Leadership Academy. He then moved to Frederick, MD to be near his son and granddaughters. He continued his work with youth volunteering as a mentor in the I Believe in Me program whose mission is youth empowerment and development.
Ron’s desire is for African American inner city youth facing challenges to learn a lesson from his Great Uncle Pete Hill. It is his hope that The Pete Hill Foundation will ensure opportunities for youth to be part of a team and strive for victory, and to excel through participation, not only in the sport of baseball, but in life.
Vaughn Hill, III, President
Vaughn Hill was born in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh, the same neighborhood where John Preston "Pete" Hill, grew up, a connection that adds personal meaning to Vaughn's work carrying forward Pete's legacy. Vaughn earned both his bachelor's degree in Business and his MBA from the University of Phoenix.
Vaughn brings more than 30 years of experience in the business industry, with a career built on relationship-building, leadership, and results. His work has taken him across the country, where he has developed strong relationships and partnerships with companies in a variety of industries. Vaughn has a natural ability to connect with people, and he has built a wide network of relationships that he continues to draw on to create new opportunities and add value. He has a strong passion for improving business and helping organizations grow, and he is especially skilled at bringing people together for a common purpose and moving an agenda forward.
Vaughn holds a strong belief in the value of family. He has been married for nearly 30 years to his junior high school sweetheart, Dr. Nicole Sherrod-Hill, whose encouragement and belief in growth has consistently inspired him to "level up." Together, they have one daughter, Ashley, who holds a global position in the fashion industry, traveling the world as she leads in her field.
As President of the John Preston "Pete" Hill Foundation, Vaughn is deeply committed to preserving, protecting, and sharing Pete's legacy as one of baseball's earliest Black superstars and a foundational figure in the Negro Leagues. He carries this work forward through education, historical awareness, mentorship, and community outreach, with a passion for preserving legacy that runs through everything he does for the Foundation.
Rashene Hill, Vice President
Rashene Hill is an accomplished technology professional with more than 21 years of experience as a Network Engineer. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Networking and has built a successful career managing complex technology environments, solving problems, and supporting reliable systems and operations. Outside of his professional work, Rashene is a lifelong music aficionado. He and his high school sweetheart, Tamara, have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of two daughters, Amirah and Mariah, who attend Howard University. As Vice President and Treasurer of The Pete Hill Foundation, Rashene brings a valuable combination of technology expertise, analytical thinking, leadership, and financial stewardship. His experience supports the Foundation’s efforts to strengthen its organizational infrastructure, maintain responsible financial oversight, and build a sustainable future. Rashene is committed to helping expand the Foundation’s reach and create meaningful opportunities through education, historical preservation, athletics, scholarships, and community engagement—ensuring Pete Hill’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Loretta Hill Embry, M.A., SLP – Co-Founder and Board Member
Loretta Hill Embry is a distinguished speech-language pathologist, community leader, and passionate advocate for Negro Leagues history. As the great-niece of Baseball Hall of Famer John Preston “Pete” Hill, one of the game’s earliest Black superstars, Loretta has dedicated herself to preserving and sharing his legacy through education and community outreach.
Raised in Penn Hills, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Loretta earned her undergraduate degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from Cleveland State University. For over 30 years, she has served urban youth in the Cleveland Municipal School District, helping students overcome communication challenges and achieve academic success.
Loretta’s leadership extends beyond education. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, she has held multiple leadership roles supporting service and empowerment initiatives. She was also appointed to the Ohio State Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, one of few African Americans to serve in that capacity.
In 2007, following a breast cancer diagnosis, Loretta turned her personal journey into advocacy. She wrote and staged a theatrical play about her experience, and later founded SHOWS (Survivors Helping Other Women Survive), a nonprofit dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness in the African American community through creative educational programming.
As co-founder of the Pete Hill Foundation, Loretta channels her commitment to heritage and youth empowerment into preserving Negro Leagues history, promoting baseball as a tool for education, and inspiring new generations through the enduring story of her great-uncle. Her multifaceted contributions continue to bridge the worlds of sports, education, health, and cultural preservation.
Ashley Hill, Board Member
As the Social Media Manager and Administrative Assistant for The Pete Hill Foundation, Ashley combines her creativity, organizational expertise, and strategic thinking to strengthen the Foundation's digital presence, engage supporters, and help advance its mission. She is deeply passionate about preserving the legacy of John Preston "Pete" Hill and is committed to inspiring future generations through meaningful storytelling, community engagement, and educational outreach.
Ashley brings a unique blend of innovation, professionalism, and purpose to the Foundation, helping ensure that Pete Hill's legacy continues to educate, inspire, and impact communities for generations to come.
Kelly Protho, Board Member
Kelly Protho is a community engagement leader dedicated to advancing equitable, place-based partnerships between institutions and the communities they serve. As the Director of the University of Pittsburgh’s Community Engagement Center (CEC) in the Hill District, she leads initiatives that align academic resources with community-identified priorities to drive measurable impact.
Kelly brings extensive experience in public systems, nonprofit leadership, and community-centered program design. Previously, she served in a supervisory role at Macedonia FACE, where she focused on intergenerational programming and grassroots engagement. Her background also includes impactful work with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, where she advanced racial equity and implemented trauma-informed strategies.
A graduate of Hampton University (B.A., Political Science) and the University of Pittsburgh (Master of Public Policy and Management), Kelly is committed to relational leadership that bridges gaps between systems and communities to foster long-term empowerment.
Montel Staples, Board Member
Montel Staples is a dedicated professional, community-minded leader, and lifelong Pittsburgh sports enthusiast who brings a strong commitment to public service and community connection to The Pete Hill Foundation. He serves as a Route Supervisor for Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), where his work requires leadership, coordination, problem-solving, and the ability to effectively work with people across the community.
Montel’s commitment to serving others extends beyond his professional career. A passionate Pittsburgh sports fan, he has also invested his time in local youth as a basketball coach, providing mentorship, encouragement, and guidance to young athletes. His experience working directly with youth and families has strengthened his belief in the power of sports to build confidence, teach life skills, and create meaningful connections across generations.
Family and community remain important parts of Montel’s life. He has been married for 28 years to his wife, Monica Staples, with whom he has shared more than 42 years. Together, they are the proud parents of four children, grandparents to 12, and great-grandparents to one. In his personal time, Montel enjoys traveling, staying active, and riding his Harley-Davidson.
As a member of The Pete Hill Foundation’s Board, Montel brings a valuable combination of public-service experience, operational leadership, knowledge of the Pittsburgh community, and a passion for sports and youth development. His community-centered perspective will help the Foundation strengthen local relationships, expand its outreach, and identify opportunities to engage young people and families through athletics, education, and community-based initiatives. Montel is committed to helping the Foundation ensure that Pete Hill’s legacy is not only preserved, but used as a platform to inspire, connect, and create opportunities for future generations.
Rebekah Hill, Board Member
Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, and now proudly residing in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, Rebekah Hill is a compassionate healthcare professional, entrepreneur, and advocate for preserving family legacy.
A Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and an Associate Degree in Nursing, she combines clinical expertise with a deep commitment to improving the lives of others. As the owner of a successful home care business, she is dedicated to providing quality, compassionate care that allows individuals to maintain dignity and independence in the comfort of their own homes.
Beyond healthcare, Rebekah is highly tech-savvy and has a passion for creating organized, efficient digital systems that help individuals and organizations stay connected and productive. Her attention to detail and organizational skills make her a trusted resource for managing information and preserving important records.
She is the proud mother of her son, Cordell, and places family at the center of everything she does. Deeply committed to honoring history and preserving legacy, she believes the stories and accomplishments of those who came before us deserve to be celebrated and passed on to future generations. Whether serving her community, supporting loved ones, or advancing a meaningful mission, she approaches every endeavor with determination, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that legacy lives on.
Carl Chester, Board Member
Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Carl is an experienced leader, educator, entrepreneur, and mentor whose career has been shaped by service and a commitment to helping others reach their full potential. His connection to baseball began at the age of four, instilling an early appreciation for the discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and resilience that continue to influence his approach to leadership and service today.
Carl earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Pre-Physical Therapy from Coppin State University and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Walden University. He is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, embracing its longstanding principle of “Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor.”
With more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning retail, local government, education, and entrepreneurship, Carl brings a diverse professional perspective and a strong understanding of organizational leadership, public service, and community engagement. His experience as a former Level V special education teacher further strengthened his commitment to ensuring that every individual is recognized for their potential and provided with opportunities to succeed. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to developing people, mentoring others, and leading with integrity and purpose.
As a member of The Pete Hill Foundation’s Board, Carl brings a valuable combination of leadership, public administration, education, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and a lifelong passion for baseball. His experience will support the Foundation as it develops community partnerships, expands youth and educational programming, strengthens organizational initiatives, and creates opportunities for young people to grow through education, athletics, leadership, and mentorship. Carl is committed to helping the Foundation use Pete Hill’s legacy as a platform to educate, empower, and inspire future generations while leaving a lasting impact in the communities it serves.
Jared Poniatowski, Board Member
Jared Poniatowski is an entrepreneur, executive, and investor driven by a passion for developing people and building high-performing organizations. Since 2014, he has cultivated a diverse professional portfolio spanning marketing, franchising, real estate, and small business development, bringing a broad understanding of business strategy, organizational growth, and entrepreneurship.
Jared’s professional philosophy is rooted in the belief that success is defined by the impact one has on others. This guiding principle has fueled his commitment to mentorship and leadership development. He currently oversees an organization spanning 15 offices, with a core focus on operational excellence, team development, and sustainable business growth. As an independent franchisee of Voodoo Brewing Co., Jared continues to pursue ventures that create tangible value and contribute to the communities they serve.
A former collegiate swimmer and graduate of Gannon University and St. Bonaventure University, Jared holds a degree in Business Management. Though he has called Charlotte, North Carolina home since 2017, he remains connected to his Western Pennsylvania roots and is a proud supporter of the Pittsburgh sports community.
As a member of The Pete Hill Foundation’s Board, Jared brings valuable expertise in entrepreneurship, business development, organizational growth, operations, marketing, and leadership development. His experience building and scaling businesses can help the Foundation strengthen its organizational strategy, develop sustainable partnerships, identify opportunities for growth, and expand its reach and long-term impact. His entrepreneurial perspective and commitment to mentorship can also support the Foundation’s efforts to expose young people to leadership, business, and opportunities beyond athletics.
Jared is committed to helping The Pete Hill Foundation grow into a strong, sustainable, and impactful organizationthat not only preserves Pete Hill’s historic legacy but uses that legacy to create opportunities, develop future leaders, strengthen communities, and inspire the next generation.
Michael Smith, Board Member
Michael H. Smith is the Founder and Senior Pastor of Destiny International Ministries (DIM), a non-denominational church serving Pittsburgh’s East End, with its church and offices located in Lincoln-Lemington and Homewood. Affectionately known as Pastor Mike, he has served in full-time ministry since 1994 and holds a Master’s in Religion from Trinity School for Ministry.
Pastor Mike’s commitment to community transformation is deeply personal. Born and raised in Homewood, he experienced firsthand many of the challenges facing the community before transforming his own life and dedicating himself to helping others do the same. In 2001, he founded Destiny International Ministries with a mission centered on helping individuals discover their purpose and positively transform their lives. For more than three decades, his ministry and community work have focused on reaching individuals and families through encouragement, mentorship, spiritual guidance, and opportunities that help people move toward more positive and productive futures.
Pastor Mike is the father of one son and is married to Dr. Camille Clarke-Smith, EdD, MS. Together, they are committed to using their individual talents, skills, and gifts to serve others and contribute to the continued strengthening of their community.
As a member of The Pete Hill Foundation’s Board, Pastor Mike brings extensive experience in community leadership, outreach, mentorship, relationship-building, and service, along with a deep understanding of the Homewood community that is an important part of Pete Hill’s Pittsburgh story. His longstanding relationships and trusted presence within the community provide the Foundation with an important bridge for developing meaningful programs and partnerships that directly reach youth and families.
Pastor Mike has already put that commitment into action through a growing partnership between Destiny International Ministries and The Pete Hill Foundation. Destiny hosted the Foundation’s inaugural scholarship presentation and generously matched the Foundation’s scholarship award, expanding the impact for its first recipient. The partnership continues to grow through plans for future scholarship, youth, and community outreach initiatives in Homewood.
Through his leadership and service on the Board, Pastor Mike will help the Foundation deepen its presence in Homewood and the greater Pittsburgh community, strengthen relationships with residents and community organizations, expand outreach to youth and families, and develop sustainable community partnerships. His experience will be instrumental in helping The Pete Hill Foundation transform Pete Hill’s historic legacy into meaningful opportunities for education, scholarships, mentorship, service, and community engagement—ensuring that the Foundation not only preserves Pete Hill’s story but uses that legacy to make a lasting difference in the lives of future generations.
Phil Dixon, Board Member & Baseball Historian
Phil S. Dixon is an award-winning baseball historian, author, and researcher who has dedicated more than 40 years to researching, documenting, and preserving the history of Negro League Baseball. A recipient of the SABR MacMillan Award, he has interviewed more than 500 Negro League players and their families and authored seven books, including the Casey Award-winning The Negro Baseball Leagues: A Photographic History, 1867–1955. He also co-founded the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City and serves on its National Advisory Board.
Known as baseball’s quintessential barnstormer, Phil has traveled more than 75,000 miles, presenting Negro League history in over 200 cities throughout the United States and Canada. Through decades of research, writing, interviews, and public presentations, he has helped bring greater recognition to the players, teams, communities, and stories that shaped Black baseball history.
As Baseball Historian and a member of The Pete Hill Foundation’s Board, Phil brings an invaluable depth of historical knowledge, research expertise, and credibility. He has already been an important resource in helping the Foundation ensure that information about Pete Hill’s life, career, accomplishments, and place in baseball history is accurate and responsibly presented.
Phil’s expertise will help guide the Foundation’s historical research, educational content, programming, exhibits, and public storytelling, while strengthening connections with historians, museums, educational institutions, researchers, and baseball organizations. Through his service, Phil will help ensure that historical accuracy remains central to the Foundation’s work and that Pete Hill’s extraordinary legacy is preserved, understood, and shared with future generations.
Sandy Carter, Board Member
More Coming Soon!
Join the Mission
Support Youth Empowerment and Negro Leagues Heritage
Ron’s desire is for African American inner city youth facing challenges to learn a lesson from his Great Uncle Pete Hill. It is his hope that The Pete Hill Foundation will ensure opportunities for youth to be part of a team and strive for victory, and to excel through participation, not only in the sport of baseball, but in life.
