Meet the Team

Mr. Anderson Hill II, Founder and President of HZ Construction, Inc., is a distinguished leader and a man of profound faith. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, he has proudly called Florida home since 1976. His life’s foundation was set at age 14 when he accepted Christ, a decision that has guided his personal and professional journey ever since.

A lifelong member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Mr. Hill earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1976 from Clark College. He went on to make history at the University of Florida in 1982 as the first minority graduate of its esteemed JD/MBA program. He credits every milestone in his life to God’s grace and provision.

Throughout his career, Mr. Hill has received numerous accolades, including the Father of the Year Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Male Role Model of the Year Award from Bethune-Cookman University. His humanitarian efforts were celebrated with the Humanitarian Award from the Anti-Recidivist Effort, Inc., recognizing his compassion and commitment to uplifting others. As a respected orator, he has inspired audiences nationwide with motivational and faith-centered messages, believing his calling is to empower and encourage.

In addition to his work in ministry and public service, Mr. Hill is the founder of Education is Cool – Get One, Inc., an organization dedicated to fostering education and perseverance among youth. Through HZ Construction, he has spearheaded the administration of over $90 million in contracts that promote minority business participation, including significant contributions to projects such as the Kia Center in Orlando.

An alumnus of Leadership Orlando and Leadership Orange, Mr. Hill has served his community with dedication, including as Chair of Education for the Orange County NAACP, a 13-year member of the Orange County Schools Superintendent’s Advisory Committee, and a board member for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando.

A devoted Deacon at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, Mr. Hill is also the founder of Men of Jesus, Inc., a faith-based outreach ministry recently expanded to Cleveland, Ohio. His deep gratitude to God is matched only by his love for his family. Married to Sandra Alene for over 45 years, their enduring union has been celebrated on national television as a testament to faith and love. Together, they have raised three children and now cherish their roles as grandparents.

Mr. Hill is also the author of In Search of the Truth, a poignant reflection on his life’s journey and unwavering testimony. He lives by the declaration, “Praise the Lord, for He is worthy to be praised, always!” A visionary, humanitarian, and servant leader, Mr. Hill continues to inspire those around him to live with purpose, faith, and excellence.

Hailing from Little Rock, Arkansas, Mrs. Hill has called Florida home since 1977. A woman of unwavering faith, she accepted Christ at an early age and has dedicated her life to serving her church and community. She is a devoted member of Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Orlando, where her contributions are nothing short of extraordinary. Mrs. Hill serves as a Deaconess, Choir President, and member of the Graduation Celebration Committee. She is a graduate of the inaugural class of The Bible Academy and an inspiring educator, teaching various Christian education classes. As a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she exemplifies excellence and sisterhood.

A scholar and leader, Mrs. Hill earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hendrix College and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. Her career is marked by distinction, having held pivotal roles in higher education, including Director of Foundation Support and Coordinator of Volunteer Groups at Bethune-Cookman College. Since 2006, she has also been a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, a remarkable achievement that underscores her versatility and ambition. As the Senior Vice President of HZ Construction, Inc., Mrs. Hill is the cornerstone of the company’s success, contributing vision, strategy, and steadfast leadership.

Graceful yet deeply impactful, Mrs. Hill embodies humility and strength. She is the heart of her family, sharing a beautiful life with her husband, Anderson C. Hill, II. Together, they are proud parents to three exceptional children and doting grandparents to three cherished grandchildren.

Mrs. Hill’s journey is one of faith, excellence, and service—a true testament to her extraordinary character and enduring legacy.

Dr. Reddick is a highly successful professional with 40 years of increasing levels of educational, management, and political experience.  With more than 35 years as an administrator, professor, and teacher in private and public education.  He has been invited to share his expertise and knowledge by providing lectures on Civil War and African American History, specializing in the role of the black cowboys in the west.  Dr. Reddick has also worked in all levels from primary to higher education in segregated and non-segregated schools/institutions 

 
Dr. Reddick was director of an innovative program to recruit veterans who have served in the United States military to further their education to become educators.  He designed this program to provide veterans a second career, help alleviate the shortage of qualified teachers, increase the number of males in the education system, provide positive role models/mentors for at-risk youths.  A 12-year professional and administrator from one of the oldest private colleges in the state of Florida.  Dr. Reddick recruited students for one of the fastest-growing community colleges in Florida.  He was also instrumental in initiating and developing a 2+2 Articulation Agreement between Valencia Community College (now Valencia College) and multiple Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).   Dr. Reddick was the first African American male to teach at Winter Park High School, located in Winter Park, Florida. .

A.J. Handal grew up in the vibrant cities of New York and Miami, Florida, shaping his diverse perspective and dynamic approach to life. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Miami before completing two graduate degrees at the University of Central Florida. Now firmly rooted in Orlando, he shares a fulfilling life with his lovely wife, Sandra.

As a key contributor to HZ Construction, A.J. leverages his analytical expertise and meticulous attention to detail across multiple domains of the company. In his role in project management, he establishes and enforces safety protocols, meticulously plans task completion strategies, and conducts site visits to ensure secure and accurate project execution. His commitment to maintaining thorough project documentation and verifying data accuracy underscores his dedication to excellence.

A.J. firmly believes that success is no accident, embodying a doctrine of determinism that guides his career. He actively trains field staff through both didactic and hands-on methods, fostering a culture of safety and high-quality performance. Beyond project management, A.J. also supports administrative operations, including payroll and human resources, showcasing his versatility and leadership within the company.

In his free time, A.J. enjoys exploring new destinations, attending sporting events, and supporting his cherished Miami Hurricanes. A passionate SCUBA diver, he finds adventure and inspiration beneath the waves. Additionally, A.J. is a proud member of the Knights Templar, reflecting his commitment to service and tradition.

Ms. Eileen F Shafer grew up in Belleville, New Jersey. She earned her Bachelor of
Science Degree at Montclair State University in 1980 and her Master of Education
degree at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania in 1981.
She was appointed Paterson Superintendent of Schools by the Board of Education
in 2018, the third largest District in the state of New Jersey. She became the first
woman in the history of the district to be appointed to the position. As
Superintendent Ms. Shafer oversaw the district’s 27,000 students, 4,200 staff
members and 52 schools. Ms. Shafer led efforts to reduce the chronic absenteeism
in elementary schools by more than 50%, increased the number of K-5 students
reading at or above reading level, and created more opportunities for high school
students to earn college credits before graduating.
During the covid pandemic, Ms. Shafer was committed to meeting the needs of the
districts students and their families. In collaboration with the Deputy Superintendent
Ms. Shafer worked to close the districts digital divide by providing internet access
and Chromebooks to all district students. She ensured that students would have
access to the food they needed by leading the district to distribute more than three
million nutritious meals to students. She founded the district Confidence Closet
program which provided students with toiletries they may not be able to afford,
helping them to be at their best while they are in school.
Ms. Shafer implemented efforts to instill greater equity throughout the district by
working with the Paterson Education Fund to institute Restorative Practices in
schools. She was an enthusiastic partner on the PEFs child literacy promotion
programs including Paterson Reads and the Book Bundles program that provided
books to Paterson children.
Through all these efforts, Ms. Shafer counted on the assistance of volunteers,
churches, organizations and leaders in the Paterson community.
Ms. Shafer never forgot, and she never let anyone else forget, that leading Paterson
students to achieve their best is a team effort. Ms. Shafer led Paterson Public
Schools under her slogan, “Together We Can.” In the spirit of that motto, Ms. Shafer
cultivated partnerships throughout, and beyond, the district to help meet the needs
of students and their families. She credited the members of the Superintendent’s
Cabinet for their leadership and support. Ms. Shafer’s team-oriented approach led

to a profoundly positive change in the perception of Paterson Public Schools by
people within and outside of the district.
Ms. Shafer always stated, “When you have worked in the Paterson schools for 32
years, you know from practical experience that the Superintendent cannot
accomplish anything alone.”
Ms. Shafer is a visionary and prides herself on customer service.
Ms. Shafer retired as the Paterson Superintendent of Schools on June 30, 2023.

Dr. Ruth L. Baskerville is Chairman of the Board of Directors for
the Urban Intelligence Institute, President of the Central Florida Writers
& Publishers Guild, and President/CEO of Waverly’s Way academic
assistance for struggling students from kindergarten to a doctorate,
currently serving learners in seven states. She is also a member of the
Florida Authors & Publishers Association, African American Chamber
of Commerce, and Watchman on the Wall prayer warriors. Besides
being an award-winning, published author of Hoodless Klan, Finding
Humor in Grief, and Beauty for Ashes: Mourning to Morning, she’s an
inspirational speaker, editor, and ghostwriter for 83 published authors
and six aspiring authors.
In her fifty-six years in education, she has been teacher, public
school principal K-12, charter school and Christian school principals,
and directors of Personnel/Human Resources and Curriculum/Staff
Development. She is known for turning failing schools around by
changing the climate and utilizing community resources to actively
support their local schools.
Dr. Ruth is a widow of thirteen years, having lost her husband,
Waverly Baskerville, after 45 years of marriage. She has one daughter
and four grandchildren, three of whom are college graduates and one
entering college. She travels with her BFFFFs — Best Friends Forever
From Fredonia (NY State University), who have been together sixty
years. Dr. Ruth enjoys regular, moderate exercise, light gardening, and
reading for pleasure. She savors her many, sweet, reciprocal
relationships among generations of friends and family members.

Gaye Johnson is a retired New Jersey educator. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English/Sociology at an HBCU and a master’s degree in Student Personnel Services including certification in Administration and Supervision from a New Jersey university.  She served 37-years in advancing positions as an English teacher, Counselor, Supervisor, Assistant Principal and District Director of Guidance and Student Services and Special Programs.

Born and raised in Orlando’s Washington Shores/Richmond Heights community, I proudly carry the legacy of strength, service, and resilience instilled in me by my mother, who raised five boys into men dedicated to their community. My commitment to public service led me to a career in firefighting, beginning on October 4, 1994, with the Winter Haven Fire Department. A year later, I joined the Orlando Fire Department, where I dedicated 25 years to protecting and serving the
city.
On April 1, 2015, I was honored to be appointed as the 2nd African American Fire Chief in the Orlando Fire Department’s 130-year history, overseeing daily operations and advising the mayor on public safety matters. Among the many challenges of my tenure, I led the department through
one of the most difficult crises a Fire Chief could face—the Pulse Nightclub shooting and its aftermath. That experience allowed me to share lessons learned across the country and Canada, offering insights into crisis management and resilience.
Beyond emergency response, my career has been defined by leadership in administration, organizational development, and diversity initiatives. I have spearheaded strategic planning efforts, implemented technological advancements, and developed sustainable diversity programs,
including my civilian transport plan designed to increase the number of women and minorities in the fire service. Additionally, I have worked across multiple divisions, shaping key programs
such as standardized testing, hiring processes, employee appraisal systems, and the Field Training Officer Program—all while fostering collaboration with civic organizations and mentoring groups throughout Central Florida. I am a proud holder of multiple degrees, including a master’s in management and leadership,
which has strengthened my ability to guide teams, implement strategic initiatives, and drive organizational excellence. As a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., I remain deeply committed to mentorship, community service, and the principles of achievement through leadership.
Guided by the philosophy of Constructive Discomfort, I lead with five core pillars: Safety, Education & Training Development, Succession Planning, Accountability, and Community Service & Outreach. These principles continue to shape my approach to leadership and service, ensuring that every initiative I undertake is rooted in growth, inclusion, and the betterment of the
community.