Governance
The people accountable for this work.
Second Chance Opportunity is governed by a volunteer board of directors. We publish who we are, because trust starts with knowing who's behind the door.
Founder & Executive Director
Pernell (Khalil) Thompson
“What our neighbors need isn't pity it's a door, a hand, and a community that believes in them long enough for them to believe in themselves again.”
Second Chance Opportunity exists because we know what it feels like to walk out the gate and not know where to take the first step. The system releases you but it doesn't rebuild you. That's our work. We close the gap between release and stability, between paper freedom and real freedom, between trying alone and being walked alongside.
Founder's Story
From second chance to Second Chance Opportunity.
Pernell Thompson is the Founder and Executive Director of Second Chance Opportunity, which he created to give returning citizens the mentorship, guidance, and resources he never had. His leadership is rooted in lived experience: after incarceration, Pernell rebuilt his life in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, securing steady employment, developing financial discipline, and establishing the stability that now anchors his work. That firsthand understanding of reentry shapes the organization's model, which spans workforce development, financial literacy, reentry support, personal development, mentorship, and community partnerships. Grounded in faith, accountability, and the conviction that one mistake should never define a person's future, Pernell leads the organization's strategic direction, program design, and community relationships across Philadelphia and Williamsport. His story gives Second Chance Opportunity both deep credibility with the people it serves and a clear, mission-driven vision that everyone deserves a real second chance.
Board of Directors
A volunteer board carrying the work forward.
BOARD CHAIR / PRESIDENT
James Whitehead
James Whitehead serves as Board Chair and President of Second Chance Opportunity, leading the Board of Directors, setting its agenda, and partnering closely with the Executive Director to ensure strong governance and mis…
VICE CHAIR / VICE PRESIDENT
Marc Barnes
Marc Barnes serves as Vice Chair and Vice President of Second Chance Opportunity, supporting the Board Chair, helping steer governance, and standing ready to lead in the Chair's absence. A Philadelphia-based businessman…
SECRETARY
Christopher Marshall
Christopher Marshall serves as Secretary of Second Chance Opportunity, maintaining the board's official records and minutes and ensuring compliance with meeting and governance requirements. He brings more than 20 years o…
TREASURER
Jasmyne Dixon
Jasmyne Dixon serves as Treasurer of Second Chance Opportunity, overseeing the organization's finances, budget, and financial reporting and chairing the finance committee. She is a healthcare operations professional with…
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & REENTRY SUPPORT
Reginald Mann
Reginald Mann serves on the Board of Directors in Behavioral Health and Reentry Support, guiding the organization's approach to the behavioral-health and human-services needs of the people it serves. He holds an Associat…
Join us
We're growing our board.
We're looking for directors with experience in reentry, workforce development, finance, and law. If that's you, let's talk.
Start the conversation →Transparency
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit
- EIN: 42-2275828
- Governed by a volunteer board of directors
- Financial statements and Form 990 available upon request