Board of Directors
Thrive is supported by a phenomenal group of individuals who help ensure the success of Thrive Academy.
Larry Corker
Board Chair​
Larry has been foundational to the beginning and ongoing strength of Thrive Academy, serving as a trusted source of wisdom and guidance since its earliest days. As a resident of the community where Thrive is located, he brings invaluable insight into the culture, relationships, and needs of the students and families the school serves.
With over 20 years of experience serving as a bishop, Larry has developed a unique gift for leading leaders and helping churches and organizations move toward their mission with clarity and purpose. His steady leadership, pastoral wisdom, and deep commitment to the community make him an exceptional Board Chair.
Hammond McEver
Board Member & Head of School
Hammond serves as the Head of School for Thrive Academy, where he leads the vision, culture, and daily operations of the school.
In addition to his operational role, Hammond serves on the Board to help ensure the long-term health, clarity, and success of the organization. His presence provides continuity between vision and execution, helping steward Thrive’s mission with both conviction and care.
Parrish Owens
Board Member
Parrish Owens brings a deep legacy of generosity and community service to Thrive Academy. His heart for the work is rooted in a rich history that traces back to his family’s philanthropic work in Rome, Georgia, where a commitment to helping underserved communities helped shape the values that continue to guide Parrish today.
From a young age, Parrish built meaningful friendships across socioeconomic lines—relationships that have led to more than 30 years of faithful investment by his family in the lives of inner-city youth.
Parrish helped lead his family’s business in various roles until its recent divestiture. At Thrive, he has made a significant impact through both his resources and his heart for the mission, serving as a trusted partner in advancing the work of reaching inner-city youth and seeing lives transformed.
Parrish brings meaningful board leadership experience, previously serving on the Board of Trustees at Darlington School in Rome, Georgia.
Jeff Upshaw
Board Member
Jeff is the founder of a legal practice focused on the financing, acquisition, leasing, capitalization, and disposition of commercial real estate, along with related transactional matters including corporate and partnership law. His work reflects a deep understanding of complex deal structures and a steady ability to navigate high-level business and legal decisions.
In addition to his professional work, Jeff brings meaningful experience in the nonprofit sector, with a demonstrated commitment to mission-driven organizations. His perspective—grounded in both technical expertise and a heart for impact—adds significant value to Thrive Academy.
Thrive is strengthened by Jeff’s presence on the Board, where he offers thoughtful counsel, strategic insight, and a commitment to seeing the mission flourish.
Robert Thrasher
Board Member
Robert is an attorney based in Atlanta with Womble Bond Dickinson, where he brings both legal expertise and strategic insight to his practice. He holds a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and began developing his heart for service during his time at the University of Georgia.
While in college, Robert founded a nonprofit organization serving individuals experiencing homelessness—work that not only created meaningful impact in the community but also played a formative role in shaping the vision and calling of Thrive Academy’s founder. His early leadership in this space reflects a longstanding commitment to serving vulnerable populations with both compassion and intentionality.
Prior to pursuing his joint business and law degree, Robert served with the Atlanta Mission, where he contributed to strengthening organizational operations and advancing the ministry’s effectiveness. His ability to combine mission-driven conviction with operational excellence continues to distinguish his leadership.
Thrive Academy is strengthened by Robert’s presence on the Board, where he offers wise counsel, a deep alignment with the school’s mission, and a demonstrated history of investing in work that transforms lives.