Dr. Ernest Duncan

Sunday, Oct 12, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Adodi National Appoints Ernest Duncan as National Facilitator

ATLANTA, GA – October 12, 2025 – Adodi National, a brotherhood of Black same-gender-loving men, announces the appointment of Dr. Ernest Duncan as the organization's National Facilitator, effective September 29, 2025. Dr. Duncan succeeds Grey Jones, who served with distinction for nearly two years and led the organization through a period of stability and strategic planning.

The National Facilitator serves as the chief executive of Adodi National, responsible for guiding the organization's strategic vision, overseeing the implementation of programs and initiatives, and working closely with the Board of Directors and chapters to advance the mission of providing experiential, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth opportunities for same-gender-loving men of African descent.

The Adodi National Board of Directors expressed profound gratitude for Grey Jones's dedicated service and leadership during a transformative period for the organization. The Board unanimously appointed Dr. Duncan, citing his deep commitment to the brotherhood, his extensive leadership experience, and his vision for building upon Adodi's 40-year legacy while preparing the organization for its next chapter of impact and growth.

Dr. Ernest Duncan brings over 20 years of executive leadership experience in nonprofit management, finance, and organizational development. He holds a Doctorate in Management and Leadership from the University of Phoenix, an MBA in Strategic Management and Public Policy from George Washington University, and a BS in Accounting from the University of Alabama. His professional background includes senior leadership roles as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at the Vera Institute of Justice and The Doe Fund, as well as his current position as the owner of Coached By Ernest, LLC, an accountability life coaching practice. Dr. Duncan has been a dedicated member of Adodi since attending his first retreat in 2009, and has previously served the organization as Treasurer and as chair of the annual summer retreat for three years.

"The measure of our success will no longer be how well we endure the storm, but how boldly we build the village," said Dr. Duncan. "Our vision for ADODI is to move from being a refuge to being a launchpad for the full, empowered humanity of every Black same-gender-loving man. As the National Facilitator, I hope to accomplish two key outcomes: systemic stability and amplified impact. Systemically, I will work with the Board and the new National Circles (formerly known as committees) to formalize our operations, creating the stable 'Hub' of resources and support that enables local chapters to thrive without volunteer burnout. In terms of impact, I aim to ensure that our new programming—the holistic wellness and economic empowerment initiatives—move from concept to reality, leading to measurable improvements in the well-being and life outcomes of our brothers across the diaspora."

Dr. Duncan emphasized the personal significance of the role: "This role, especially as the National Facilitator, is a deeply personal commitment to the concept of Aché, which means 'so be it' or the power to make things happen. It means stepping into a role of service to manifest the vision our founders laid out. It is an opportunity to be a caretaker of this sacred space, ensuring that the next generation of same-gender-loving men of African descent not only finds a place of belonging in ADODI, but finds the tools, wisdom, and brotherhood needed to thrive fully and without reservation. It is the honor of turning shared purpose into tangible power."

Under Dr. Duncan's leadership, Adodi National will advance its 2025-2028 Strategic Priorities Blueprint, which focuses on three core pillars: Holistic Wellness & Healing, Economic & Professional Empowerment, and Intergenerational Mentorship & Legacy. This strategic vision reflects the organization's evolution from a refuge to a comprehensive platform for the empowerment and thriving of Black same-gender-loving men.