Rev. Dr. Themba Mafico,PhD,MA,ThM,PhD

Founder,President

The Rev. Dr. Themba Mafico founded the Mafico Leadership Renewal Institute, a nonprofit collaborative institute devoted to revitalizing people suffering from burnout, stress, and diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and related debilitating issues caused and also controlled by lifestyle.
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While studying the Bible, Dr. Mafico noticed that the word " rest " appeared so often. An in-depth study revealed that rest is required for every creature because it promotes and sustains good health. Even God rested to be refreshed (Gen 3:1-3; cf. Exod. 31:17). Jesus also retreated from caring for the people in order to rest (Mark 6:31ff. and passim). Thus, resting (Sabbath) is one of the greatest biblical requirements for humanity.

Dr. Mafico earned the Th.M. (HDS), M.A., and Ph.D. (GSAS). becoming the first black and non-Westerner to graduate from Harvard University with a doctoral degree in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. For Mafico’s detailed biography, please click here.

Dr. Mafico is a spiritual leader who is passionate about motivating people to observe the spirituality of rest. Those who practice rest as worship or as a sacred rite allow the body to rejuvenate and heal itself from opportunistic diseases.

Dr. Mafico is well-trained in interpreting the Bible, and he makes it come alive, ushering fresh insights for practical use in life. Using a comparative method, Dr. Mafico captivates his audiences by revealing parallels between African and Israelite religiocultural practices.

His expertise in the Old Testament, African religioculture and Christianity sets him apart from his peers as a scholar, spiritual resource person, pastoral advisor, teacher, motivator and mentor.

To reconnect with self, i.e., to discover who you are, your needs, and your uniqueness, Dr. Mafico encourages people to participate in pilgrimages to other lands to see life from a different perspective. He urges those suffering from fatigue, burnout, stress, anxiety, and spiritual vacuum to join him on international pilgrimages to experience an immersion in different cultures, an experience that is relaxing and refreshing physically and spiritually. Personal testimonials reveal that pilgrimages have impacted many pastors, seminarians, and lay people.

Dr. Darryl Ann Lai Fang MA, MS in HRM, DMin​

Associate Director

Dr. Darryl Ann Lai Fang has a passion for excellence and a proven track record of transforming good organizations into great ones. She serves as the Director of Transformation Support at the United Negro College Fund, Institute for Capacity Building (UNCF ICB). She is responsible for designing and executing strategic support for HBCUs to improve their student and institutional outcomes. As Darryl Ann is a United States military veteran who served in the Air Force during Desert Storm and Desert Shield, she understands the value of discipline, hard work, and operating as an extraordinary team member. She leverages each of these qualities when propelling institutions toward transformational change.

Darryl Ann accepted Jesus Christ as her savior in 1991 at O’Fallon Christian Church in O’Fallon, Illinois, under the tutelage of Bishop Gregory Wells. Darryl Ann was licensed as a minister by Pastor Paul Hobson of United in Christ Christian Church in 2013. In 2015, she continued her ministerial responsibilities at her new church home, Spread the Word (STW) Christian Ministries. Her activities at STW include serving as co-navigator over the Church Life ministry, navigator of the Specialty Ministry, and JUDAH Warriors dance ministry leader. Her favorite Bible verse is Acts 17:28, “In Him, we live, and move, and have our being.” In February 2020, Darryl Ann was ordained as an Elder of the gospel at STW under Bishop John S. Battle, III. 

Darryl Ann is honored and humbled to use the gifts God has given her to serve others. She served on the board of the diPA Center, Inc., a minority-serving performing arts center. She recently stepped down as the board chair of The Mafico Institute, which provides biblical lessons on rest, spiritual renewal, and self-care, with programming for pastors, clergy members, individual worshippers, and whole congregations. 

Education is critical to Darryl Ann. She has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management, and a Doctorate of Ministry from the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC). She is also a certified Six Sigma Green Belt, specializing in process improvements. Darryl Ann loves to share her life’s lessons with her four children, Xavier Adams, Alexzandrea Adams, Alexis Adams, and Jeffrey Blackwood, II.

After more than 30 years of salvation, Darryl Ann has finally realized the simplicity of her relationship with God. To Darryl Ann, her relationship is grounded in her unconditional love for God and His people. She enjoys sharing her love of God with anyone and everyone. She hopes to use God’s Word to support the broken-hearted, marginalized or otherwise disenchanted. She is passionate about the emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being of Black women. Through her service and ministry, Dr. Darryl Ann is committed to mentoring young women to believe they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-14).

Dr. Dora Mbuwayesango,PhD, MTS, BA Hons

Tech Project Manager

• PhD., Emory University, 1998 Dissertation Title: The Defense of Zion and the House of David: Isaiah 38-39 in the Context of Isaiah 1-39. 
• MTS., Harvard Divinity School, 1990 
• BA. Honors, University of Zimbabwe, 1987 Thesis Title: “Old Testament Prophecy and Prophecy of the Church of John Maranke.” 
• BA, University of Zimbabwe, 1986 
• Major: Religious Studies, and African Experience in the Diaspora 

Learned Societies 

• Society of Biblical Literature (SBL): co-founded and have chaired and served on the steering committee of the African Biblical Hermeneutics Section 
• Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars (AABS): served on the steering committee 
• The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians 

Editorial Boards 

• Old Testament Essays: Journal oft the Old Testament Society of South Africa 

Academic Function 

• George E and Iris Battle Professor of Old Testament and Languages, 
• Hood Theological Seminary, 2011-present 
• Dean of Students, Hood Theological Seminary, 2006-present 
• Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies, Hood Theological Seminary, 1999-2011 
• Assistant Professor of Old Testament Studies, Hood Theological Seminary, 1998 
• Instructor of Old Testament Studies, Hood Theological Seminary, 1995-1997 
• Adjunct Instructor, “Introduction to Biblical Hebrew,” Interdenominational Theological Center, 1994 
• Teaching Associate, “Biblical Literature,” Emory College, Spring, 1994 
• Teaching Assistant for Dr. Martin Buss, “Hebrew Bible Literature,” Emory College, Spring, 1993 
• Teaching Assistant for Dr. Martin Buss, Hebrew Bible Literature,” Emory College, Spring, 1992 
• Teaching Assistant for Dr. Gene Tucker, “Introduction to the Old Testament,” Candler School of Theology, Fall, 1991 
• Teacher, Christian College of Southern Africa, 1988 
• Teaching Assistant for Dr. Paul Gifford, University of Zimbabwe, 1988 
• Teacher, University of Zimbabwe Evening School, 1987-88 

Publications of the last 5 years [no publications from earlier than 2016] 

• Peer-reviewed articles 
• “Justice for Rahab and the Gibeonites in the Book of Joshua? The Elusive Communities of Justice in Imperial/Colonial Contexts” in Transgression and Transformation: Feminist, Postcolonial and Queer Biblical Interpretation as Creative Interventions (eds. Juliana Claassens, Christl M. Maier and Funlọla O. Ọlọjẹde, eds., T&T Clark, forthcoming) 
•  "The Challenge of Feminist Bible Translation in African Contexts" in The Oxford Handbook of Feminist Approaches to the Hebrew Bible (Susanne Scholz, ed. Oxford University Press, 2021) 
• “Numbers" in Postcolonial Commentary and the Old Testament (Hemchad Gossai, ed. T & T Clark, 2019). 
• "The Bible as a Tool of Colonization: The Zimbabwean Context" was published in Colonialism and the Bible: Contemporary Reflections Form the Global South edited by Tat-siong Benny Liew and Fernando F. Segovia, Lexington Books, 2018. 
• “How Local Divine Powers Were Suppressed : The Case of Mwari of the Shona” in Postcoloniality, Translation and the Bible in Africa (Eugene: Pickwicks Publications, 2017). 
• “Sex and Sexuality in Biblical Narratives” in The Oxford Handbook of Biblical Narratives (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016) 

Veronica Metcalfe,BA in Pol Sci

Financial Consultant

Ms. Metcalfe earned a B.A. in Political Science. She is an ambitious and optimistic leader with a proven record for achieving business goals while demonstrating a high degree of integrity and passion. Strong analytical skills and abilities in strategic planning, operational efficiencies, project management, process improvements, business transformation, risk management and overall claims management. Demonstrative ability to motivate staff to maximum productivity and control costs through the most effective uses of manpower and available resources.

Core Competencies

• Effective Communication
• Project Management
• Cross Functional Collaboration
• Litigation Management 
• Quality Assurance
• Employee Training
• Process Standardization
• Process Improvement
• Insurance and Risk Analysis
• Change Management
• Operations and Risk Management
• Fleet Management
• Vendor/Client Relations
• Loss Management
• Litigation Management
• Xactimate 28

Project Management:
● Initiated new process to improve quality while eliminating leakage. This new process resulted with 100% compliance expectation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Audit.
Project Development

● Collaborated with team of Senior Leaders, Managers and employees from various departments in the development of Claim Center Advancement (PLCS) system to improve processing time, capture data, reporting capability and customer service.
Process Improvement
● Created new/revised departmental procedures manual.
● Assessed organizational training needs. Completed cross training for 40 claims specialists and managers in three states.

Examiner: Property Damage/Homeowners/Manufactured Homes

September 2017 to Current

David Morse and Associates (DMA Claims Services)

Reviewed and recommended revisions of completed Home estimates that were written on Xactimate according to the Standard Operating Procedures defined by DMA. Called Homeowners to advise the current status of file and the next steps.  Answered all questions related to check distribution and any supplemental process.

Oversaw 47 Independent adjusters and Performed QA and audited bills that were submitted by the independent adjusters for their completed work. Made sure that the bill rate was accurately applied and the hours submitted were in line with the given fee schedule. Called Independent adjusters directly with any discrepancies and ensured compliance and correction.

Direct and Indirect Sales Manager: Auto / Property / Commercial /Life

July 2013 to September 2017

State Farm Insurance Company – Atlanta, GA

Took-high profile role, rapidly increasing sales performance and generating repeat business by grooming staff to facilitate customer loyalty. Added operational/sales efficiencies that will effect long-term impact. Managed inventory portfolio of 1800 individual clients while retaining 90% of Branches book of business with a 15% premium increase.

Hired new sales talent to cultivate strategic relationships to increase the customer base, and maximize account sales. Strategically planned and launched new Group initiatives that fostered a “team winning environment” Raised business profile to win title Best customer service for top level service and quality award.

Achieved goals that were currently established while creating others to raise the bar and challenge the team. Developed sales strategies for my assigned customers and potential customers. Developed a close relationship with all current employees both internal and external.

Became the Top Producer with a distinguished track record in sales, customer service and client/relationship management

Liability Claims Supervisor: Auto / Fire / Property / Casualty

September 2009 to June 2013

Farmers Insurance Company – Atlanta, GA

Identified, developed and retained high potential/high performing employees. Managed staff performance; implement strategies and plans to address staff development; identified and addressed training needs on an ongoing basis; provided frequent performance feedback. Successfully leverage data, managed information and technology to identify and make the most of opportunities to support business strategies and improve results. Focusing on resolution and process improvement at the same time. Developed and maintained effective relationships with colleagues, business partners, customers, agents, regulatory agencies and others to achieve organizational goals and create the best outcome.

Claims Branch Manager: Auto/ Fire/ Property / Casualty

September 2004 to August 2009

AIG –American International Group

21st Century Insurance Company – Alpharetta, GA

Managed claims branch office comprised of bodily injury, non-injury, and litigation adjusters. Hired, supervised, developed, and evaluated adjusters. Completed performance management, salary planning and administration, training and development, workflow planning, and disciplinary actions. Provided technical excellent, manage productivity, conduct open file reviews, reinforce corporate communications, enforce compliance issues, identify and resolve ethical dilemmas, and managed general personnel issues.

Claims Branch Manager: Auto/ Property / Casualty

October 2007 to February 2008

American International Group – Alpharetta, GA/Birmingham, AL

Provided analytical and data mining support to ensure that the leadership team within the Claims Operations functions received the data necessary to fully develop and execute their business and financial objectives. Determined metrics, goals, leading/lagging indicators and reports to help the leadership team within the Claims Operations determine the proper infrastructure and strategic initiatives necessary to properly execute the handling processes for PD, BI, Litigation, Appraisal, SIU, Subrogation and Salvage. Implemented and manage a data repository to enable claims to keep current on regulations and issues, industry activity and trends. Managed the processes and procedures to be used in the selection and management of external service provider agreements and vendor relationships, ensuring claims reporting data is maintained and monitored for compliance and results. Implement and manage processes, procedures and protocol for an effective budget planning and monitoring process. Implemented and managed a Quality Audit process, working with the Internal Audit Department and the leadership team in Claims Operations focusing on outcome measurement and file accuracy.

Claims Branch Manager: Auto/ Property / Casualty

August 1994 to September 2004

Progressive Auto Insurance Company – Duluth, GA

Managed multi-functional office of Claims professionals and support staff. Evaluated employees to ensure the best utilization of unit talent. Identified team-staffing needs and took necessary measures to ensure appropriate levels of service. Consistently monitored workflows to maximize efficiency. Maintained acceptable level of service and customer satisfaction and retention. Communicated and collaborated with all of the operating units and various departments/teams with whom the customer may interact or impact through daily processes. Evaluated training needs, developed training plans and ensured implementation. Developed unit goals, objectives, processes, procedures, and systems. Participated in development of annual departmental budget, monitors budget and identifies budget discrepancies.

University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Political Science: Bachelor of Arts

Professional Leadership: National Co-Chairperson for one of AIG’s Employee Network

Community Involvement: Board Member, Emory University Hospital- Family Action Board; Member, CAMP

Professional Development: Project Management; Time Management; Professional Leadership, Xactimate

Professional Affiliations: March of Dimes; American Heart Association; Susan G. Komen

Professional licensees: State of Georgia Adjuster license

**Licensed in the States of Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Kentucky, Michigan, South Carolina and North Carolina

State of Georgia Resident Adjuster License

State of Georgia Insurance Agent License

**Other Licenses held: Agent Property Casualty, Health and Life