Board of Directors
Board Leadership
Claudia Bitran, Chair of the Board
A native of Brazil, Claudia started her career as an architect and urban planner developing neighborhood revitalization plans for under-served communities in her hometown of São Paulo. Her experience has since evolved to include a wide range of planning initiatives, including site and building design, neighborhood and community master planning, redevelopment, and downtown revitalization plans.
Her recent work includes projects in communities throughout the United States associated with HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods Initiative and community revitalization process. Claudia also has extensive experience with land development and redevelopment projects funded through a variety of federal and state programs.
Michele Velluzzi Castro, Director of Accounting
A finance professional with a background in public accounting and a passion for community service. Michele's network at The Campbell's Company connected her with Tom, and the intersection of her financial acumen, service-oriented nature, and love of books made her a great fit for The Free Books Project.
Susanne Rainier, Board Secretary
Susanne earned her bachelor’s degree from Duke University and a MSW from Rutgers Camden. She spent her career working in the behavioral health field, primarily in various management roles with the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. She is honored to serve on the Advisory Board of Triple C Housing, a New Jersey provider of affordable housing and supportive housing services. After retiring in 2020, mourning the loss of the book club she enjoyed for 25 years, she was delighted to find The Free Books Project. She loves to connect with individuals over books, especially finding just the right book for someone. When not reading or chatting it up with other book lovers, she can often be found traveling or in her sewing room playing with fabric. Susanne and her husband have two grown children, and have lived in Mount Laurel for over 30 years.
Board Members
(Listed alphabetically by last name)
Maurice Hayman, Board Member
Authentic Minds; Founder
The founder of Authentic Minds Public Relations, Maurice Hayman is an artist, educator, and community activist in the city of Camden. He is dedicated to empowering the city’s young people by providing the resources and mentorship they need to thrive and grow. To that end, he serves as the Program Development Director for the Bridges Teen Program at The Neighborhood Center. A devoted husband and father, and an artist in his own right—photography, music, and more!—Maurice brings a wealth of experience in the world of Camden nonprofits and a passion for community service to the board of The Free Books Project.
Amir Khan, Board Member
New Beginnings; Founder
A pastor and community activist, Amir strives above all to be an agent of change and a force for good in the city of Camden. His dedication to fighting for social equity makes him a natural fit for the board of The Free Books Project. His own nonprofit, New Beginnings, works to restore honor and dignity to people experiencing homelessness in the city of Camden. With the use of a food truck and Motorhome, New Beginnings offers hot showers, warm meals, and the ability for folks to wash their clothes. They also serve as a mobile resource center, connecting each individual to specialized services to assist with their specific needs.
LaCisha '“Flossie” Laws, Board Member
A jack of all trades, Flossie Laws served in the United States Navy for eight years and has been a Patient Service Representative, Registered Dental Assistant, Financial Screener, HR Generalist, and Care Coordinator. She is a Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) and holds a radiology license from the Department of Environmental Protection. Most recently, Flossie served as the Community Development Manager for CAMcare, deftly cultivating relationships and organizing events in the Camden community.
In her spare time, Flossie enjoys volunteering at the Community Care Food & Clothing Pantry, serving as her local Girl Scout troop leader, sunbathing on the beach, and traveling to places like London and Hawaii. She particularly enjoys attending wineries, craft fairs, antique car shows, and Broadway shows with her boyfriend, Mario.