ABOUT US
In 1939, Reverend Leroy McGee established the local unit and served as its first president. The Fourth Street Baptist Church was the meeting place for the unit. Reverend E. D. Broyles became the next president in 1957 after the death of Reverend McGee. Reverend Broyles was instrumental in orchestrating the March for Freedom. NAACP President David Powell was elected president in 1968 and previously held the office of vice president. Powell caused Baldwin Lima Hamilton to lose a two million dollar government contract in 1964. Under Powell’s leadership, the NAACP filed charges because the company refused to hire Blacks and the government withdrew the contract. Powell was influential in the initiative to hire Blacks in stores and banks downtown in the 1960’s. Mr. Powell personally took thirteen people to take test and eleven passed to enter trade unions in electrical, welding, plumbing, pipefitting, butchering trades. In 1969, Powell challenged the employment practice of Standard Oil Company in regards to block Black employees. The national office sent out notices to all the branches to boycott the company. Area farmers joined in the boycott who stopped buying chemicals and automotive products until practices changed. Powell was accredited for the employment of Blacks in 173 positions through the NAACP. In 1970-71, the NAACP was instrumental in the employment of 17 Blacks with the Lima City Schools in which 15 were from Mississippi. Other presidents of the Lima unit include Otha Harris, Cooper Smith, Frank Lamar, Rev. Robert Curtis and Rev. Fayne Wise. President Jason Upthegrove held the office of president of the local unit and served as state secretary. In 2014, President Ronald Fails re-established the Lima Unit in his passion to create equality for all in the community. We appreciate the efforts of all NAACP presidents who have served this community.
NAACP Mission
Our mission is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.
NAACP Vision
We envision an inclusive community rooted in liberation where all persons can exercise their civil and human rights without discrimination.
MEET OUR BOARD
The NAACP Lima Branch stands as a beacon of hope and advocacy within our community. As part of the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the United States, we are dedicated to fighting against racial injustice and promoting equality in Lima and Allen County. Our team works tirelessly to provide resources, foster education, and empower individuals to take action against discrimination. Join us on our journey to create a more equitable society where every voice is heard and valued.
ronald fails
PRESIDENT
Ronald Fails, a native of Selma, Alabama and graduate of Lima Senior High School, has built a life rooted in leadership, service, and community impact. From his early career with General Motors and managing a Standard Oil gas station to his global work with Procter & Gamble as a certified project manager and diversity instructor, Ronald’s journey reflects both professional excellence and purpose. Alongside his wife, Dr. Carol Fails, whom he has been married to since 1979, he has raised four children while founding multiple businesses and nonprofits that serve their community. In 2014, he led the re-establishment of the Lima NAACP Unit with a vision centered on unity, collective progress, and the belief that meaningful change can only happen when people come together for the greater good.
Supporting that mission are leaders like Rose M. Dillard, a Cleveland native with a background in business education and emergency medical services, whose diverse professional experience spans senior services, property management, and operations leadership. Also serving is Stanford Baddley, an Akron native and seasoned higher education professional, whose decades-long career across institutions like Kent State University and Lincoln University has focused on advancing minority student success and academic achievement through innovative programs and enrollment leadership.
Henry Huston is a lifelong resident of Lima, Ohio, and has been married to his wife, Nancy Hudson, since 1967. A graduate of Lima Senior High School, Class of 1965, he built a strong work ethic early in life and went on to develop a diverse career in industrial and manufacturing settings. His professional experience includes work with Baldwin Lima Hamilton, where he contributed to building steam locomotives and welding metals, as well as roles at Old Crude Steel, a sulfur recovery facility, and Standard Oil Refinery, where he served as a Lima Process Operator.
Mr. Hudson has long demonstrated a deep commitment to community involvement and social justice. In 1969, he joined the Black Panther Party, and in 1976, he became a member of the NAACP, maintaining lifelong membership and active support. His dedication has always been rooted in a passion for helping the poor and disadvantaged, reflecting a lifelong commitment to advocacy, service, and uplifting his community.
Henry L. Huston
VICE PRESIDENT
CHARLENE SMITH-ECHOLS
tREASURE
Charlene Smith-Echols was born in Chicago, Illinois, and has been a dedicated member of the NAACP in both Detroit, Michigan, and Lima, Ohio, where she has served since 2014, including in the role of Secretary. She is a 1976 graduate of Lima Senior High School and completed vocational training in stenography at Detroit Technical Institute and Cambridge Business School. She later earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Rhodes State College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social and Criminal Justice from Ashford University. She is also a member of the Alpha Phi Sigma and Gamma Beta Phi honor societies.
Ms. Smith-Echols has built a diverse professional background, working with organizations such as Detroit Receiving Hospital and Detroit Central City Community Mental Health, where she served as a mental health advocate. Her experience also includes roles with Finner Williams & Associates in Detroit and DaPore & Associates, Siferd & Reed, and Siferd & McCluskey in Lima, Ohio. She continues her service through her work with House of Grace Outreach & Recovery Program, C&R Professional Cleaning Concepts, LLC, Grace Church Worldwide Ministries, Grace Center of Excellence Development Corporation, and Project Genesis, Inc. Her commitment to the NAACP is rooted in her passion for advocating for civil rights and social justice, striving to create positive change in communities while contributing to the legacy of advancing justice and empowering individuals.
Rose M. Dillard, who serves as Secretary, was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She pursued her education at Dyke College of Business and Cuyahoga Community College and is a Certified Emergency Medical Technician. Ms. Dillard has a well-rounded professional background, including service with the Pathstone Senior Program, work as a reshipper and towmotor driver with CFA, and a leadership role as Coordinator at Crothall Laundry Service. She also served as a Property Manager with Tech-Nico-Op, Inc., demonstrating her versatility and commitment to both operational excellence and community service.
ROSE M. DILLARD
Secretary
ISAAC R. ULMER, SR
(serves as 1st Vice President)
Born in Lima, Ohio, Issac Ulmer Sr. is a proud graduate of Lima Senior High School. Demonstrating a strong work ethic from an early age, [he/she/they] began working at just 12 years old. At 18, [Name] became a member of the NAACP, later taking on a leadership role as an active member of the NAACP Lima Branch, where [he/she/they] currently serves as 2nd Vice President.
At the age of 21, Issac joined the Prince Hall Masons, beginning a lifelong commitment to service and brotherhood. By 29, [he/she/they] had expanded [his/her/their] involvement as a Shriner and Post Master. Continuing this path of growth and dedication, [Name] achieved the rank of Master Mason at the age of 32.