DEBBIE PENDER
Chief Executive Officer of Expression of Hope and Mel’s Manager
Debbie’s inspiration for the title of Mel’s book spawned the creation for Expression of Hope. She has successfully established and implemented previous programs that create change and was recently inducted into the Semipro Football Hall of Fame for 10 years of dedication as a team owner and manager of the West Seattle Warhawks.
Debbie is responsible for managing Expression of Hope operations, including schedules, contracts, and promotional events. Along with co-authoring Mel’s autobiography Expression of Hope: The Mel Pender Story, Debbie has 30 years of experience in business and event management. She has created and executed successful special events, including all book launch activities, including a special event held at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta Georgia.
Debbie is also an ordained minister. Since 2002, she has served as a pastor, missionary and motivational teacher of the “Word of God.” Debbie was also an international pastor in London, England for several years. Further, she helped support the development of clean drinking water and care for orphaned children in Africa.
Debbie earned degrees in psychology, life coaching and Christian counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. She is a ghost-writer for aspiring authors and a health enthusiast.
AR-LENA D. RICHARDSON
Owner of The ArLena Richardson Agency and Mel’s Coach
ArLena has been creating, building, and managing personal brands for retired professional athletes for 30 years. The ArLena Richardson Agency (The Agency) began with one client, former Houston Oiler and Carolina Panther defensive back Bubba McDowell, who is currently Head Coach-Defensive Backs at Prairie View A&M University. His teammate defensive back Marcus Robertson, who is a coach in the National Football League (NFL), was quickly added, and The Agency soon began representing some of America’s outstanding athletes from the prism of sports.
Prior to becoming a sports entrepreneur, ArLena was a junior consultant in the Houston office of Arthur D. Little, Inc. (ADL), the world’s oldest management and technology firm. Her professional background 
Houston Newspages and Houston Style and two terms as Chief Operating Officer of Black Athlete Sports Network (Blackathlete.net). She has earned numerous awards for her professional achievements and charitable contributions.
ArLena chose and developed the Expression of Hope brand message based on the title of Mel’s autobiography co-authored with his wife, Debbie. ArLena is responsible for Mel’s branding, corporate sponsorship, publicity, website, and social media activities.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Southern Methodist University (SMU), a Master of Business Administration in Information Technology at Western International University (West) and is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Sports Management program at the United States Sports Academy (USSA).
ArLena enjoys studying ancient cultures, practicing holistic healing methods, and observing nature.
MEL THROWS FIRST PITCH OF SEASON FOR ATLANTA BRAVES
