BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Leon McQuay Help Me Get There Foundation is led by a volunteer board of directors who lend their time and talents to the organization.

Leon McQuay, III - Chair & Founder

Leon McQuay III is a safety for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. (NFL) He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Leon played college football at the University of Southern California. He enrolled at USC in the spring of 2013 after graduating a semester early from high school as a Rivals 5 Star with a 5.14 GPA . At USC he graduated in three years with a 3.37 GPA , 73 tackles (4 for a loss), 16 deflections, 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and 5 interceptions in his career.

His high school honors included Parade All-American, Prep Star All-American Dream Team, USA Today All-USA second team, Max Preps All-American second team, ESPN 150, Rivals 100, Scout 100, AP All-State 6A and Tampa Tribune All-Hillsborough County first team as a senior safety and wide receiver at Armwood High in Seffner (Fla.). He was among 5 finalists for the 2012-13 Franklin D. Watkins Memorial Award, presented to the nation's top African-American male high school scholar athlete.

Leon McQuay, Jr. - President / Mentor

Leon McQuay, Jr. is a 1991 graduate of Cumberland College. A Tampa native, Leon attended King High School. A father of six (4 boys and 2 girls) Leon has had a long career, first at Cargill Fertilizer, followed most recently at Gopher Industrial. His strong love of football is evidenced by his years of playing and coaching football. Since 2011 he has served as the Defensive Coordinator for the two time, back to back IMG National 7 on 7 Champions...Team Tampa.

Angie Stephens McQuay - Vice-President of Marketing

Angelita Stephens McQuay is a Respiratory Therapist at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, Florida. In addition Angie has been a hairstylist for the past 25 years. She is married to Leon McQuay, Jr and an active, supportive mother of six children.

India Webb McQuay- Vice President of Finance

India Webb McQuay holds a Bachelors Degree from the International College of the Cayman Islands. India also attended the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. An accountant, with over 18 years of experience both in the United States and Internationally, India serves as the Vice President of Finance for the Leon McQuay Help Me Get There Foundation. India is a committed and caring mother of three amazing children, including Founder and Chair, Leon McQuay, III.

Catelon McQuay - Vice-President of Social Media & Branding

Catelon is a lifelong resident of the Tampa Bay area, except for a few years when she lived and attended school in the Cayman Islands. She is a graduate of Joe E. Newsome High School and is currently enrolled in the University of South Florida . She also holds a Associates degree from Hillsborough Community College.

Marla D. McQuay - Vice- President of Education

is a Florida native who has spent more than 16 years in education. She graduated from AP Leto Senior High School (Tampa, Fl.) in 1992. Marla is a graduate of the University of Florida with a BS in Health Education and an M.Ed./Ed.S. in Counselor Education. She also received her Master’s in Educational leadership from the University of South Florida. She brings a wealth of experience in the area of academics, graduation expectations, NCAA requirements, scholarship opportunities, social emotional wellness, tutoring, and information on college entrance exams. Marla is an avid football enthusiast and a fan of both the Gators and the Bulls. She believe that learning never ends and is passionate about helping students achieve their personal education and career goals.

Leon McQuay, Sr - Chair Emeritus

McQuay played college football with the now disbanded University of Tampa Spartans (from 1968 to 1970.) He was the first black athlete to receive a scholarship to UT. "All the Way" McQuay rushed for 3,039 yards, scored 37 touchdowns and was a two-time small college All-American in three seasons at Tampa. He rushed for 1,362 yards and scored 22 TDs as a junior. He was inducted into the University of Tampa Sports Hall of Fame in 1983.

McQuay skipped his senior season to sign with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in 1971. He was an all star and runner up for the CFL's Most Outstanding Player Award. He rushed for 745 yards in 1972 .

Originally undrafted, McQuay was picked by the New York Giants in the 5th round (119 overall) of the 1973 NFL Draft. He would go on to play 13 games for the Giants in 1974, 13 games for the New England Patriots in 1975 and 4 games for the New Orleans Saints in 1976, mostly returning punts and kickoffs. His best year was 1974, when he rushed for 240 yards. McQuay would return to Toronto for the 1977 season, rushing for 307 yards. He also played for the Jacksonville Firebirds of the American Football Association in 1980 and was drafted by Tampa Bay Bandits of the United States Football League in 1983, but was cut before playing with the team.

After retiring, McQuay returned to his native Florida to study to become a Minister, but past away unexpectedly in 1995.

Ethel Ricks McQuay - Secretary Emeritus

Ethel is the widow of the late Leon McQuay, Sr. Together they have one son and three grandchildren. Born in Tampa, Florida Ethel attended Howard W. Blake High School where she graduated from in 1969. She graduated in 2005 from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. Ethel is now retired after working as a Claims Manager for the City of Tampa for 18 years. Ethel recently passed away unexpectedly July 26 th 2018 .