Board of Directors

Melissa Peele, MSW
Founder & Executive Director

Melissa Peele is the Founder and Executive Director of Firm Foundation of Virginia. Melissa earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University and a Bachelor’s of Human Services Counseling from Old Dominion University. She worked as a professional Social Worker for the cities of Newport News and Norfolk Social Services with foster care and adoption. She also worked with UMFS where she was a Regional Independent Living Consultant helping youth prepare to transition out of foster care.

In these professional roles and after experiencing her bout with homelessness, Melissa saw the need for transitional housing for pregnant mothers, youth aging out of foster care, and families who experienced homelessness. Driven by her passion for serving single mothers, Melissa founded Firm Foundation of Virginia, an organization that would provide women a nurturing environment where emotional, social, spiritual, and financial needs are addressed to move them from homelessness to home. In addition to leading Firm Foundation of Virginia, Melissa is currently working as an Adjunct Social Work Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and is a Deaconess in her local church.

Melissa is a native of North Carolina, but has resided in the Hampton Roads Area since 1991. Prior to her Social Work career, Melissa served in the United States Air Force.

Mirna Custis
Board Member

Mirna Custis is a dedicated advocate for families, caregivers, and children whose commitment to service is rooted in personal experience and community involvement. As a former single mother, she understands the importance of strong support systems and was inspired by the positive impact organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters had on her family.

Professionally, Mirna serves as the Director of Cosmetics and Medical Device Services at a global regulatory consulting firm, bringing extensive leadership experience in strategic planning, governance, risk management, and operational excellence.

As the mother of a young son on the autism spectrum, Mirna is passionate about helping families access resources, support, and opportunities for growth. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she brings empathy, cultural awareness, and compassionate leadership, with a strong belief that when mothers are supported, families thrive and communities become stronger.

Phillip Killebrew
Board Member

Phillip Killebrew holds a deep passion for growth in the community and people. Growing up in a poverty and crime populated are of Portsmouth, Virginia, he has found that is always rewarding to help those from disadvantage areas. His community driven and servant leader footprint extends through Mentor Collective assisting college students, engaging in speaking seminars with Upward Bound Federal TRiO Program at Old Dominion University, Speaking and Mentoring minority students in STEM ages 12 and under, and engaging with a host of organizations that he is a member of and those he find along his life journey. Serving an organization dedicated to empowering and uplifting the community brings personal fulfilment to his on going commitment to continue the oath he took upon himself after graduating high school in 2009.

Phillip is a Requirements Officer at Department of the Navy, where he is responsible for assisting the Office of the Deputy, Chief of Naval Operations throughout the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution process.

Phillip holds a Master of Science in Engineering and Operations Management from University of New Haven and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering/Mechanical Technology/Technician from Virginia State University.

George Alexander Pegram Jr.
Board Member

George Alexander Pegram Jr. is a senior program and technology leader with over 20 years of experience supporting mission-driven and public-sector organizations through strong governance, risk oversight, and strategic planning. He brings a collaborative, service-oriented approach to the board, with a focus on accountability, sustainability, and advancing organizational impact.