▫ Executive Director
Justus Cornelius Cox
Justus Cornelius Cox is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Young Brothers Academy, where he leads with a steadfast commitment to developing the next generation of young men. An award-winning leader and educator, he has dedicated his career to creating intentional spaces where students grow mentally, academically, and emotionally while discovering the greatness within them.
Beyond his work in education and youth development, Justus is a proud husband and father to three beautiful girls, his greatest inspiration and daily reminder of the importance of building strong futures for all children.
Since co-founding YBA in 2018, he has helped grow the organization into a thriving mentoring program that empowers young men to excel in school, lead with integrity, and step confidently into their purpose. His leadership continues to uplift youth, families, and communities across the region.
▫ Finance Director
Jalen Tatum
Jalen Tatum (Financial Director) a Simpsonville, SC native who graduated from the University of South Carolina where he studied Accounting and Economics. He later attended Clemson University where he got his Masters in Accounting. After graduation, he started work at a CPA firm called E&Y where he is currently still employed. Jalen hopes to one day turn his passion for personal finance into a tool to educate and help his community build wealth, stability, and generational prosperity.
▫ Community Outreach Coordinator
Tim B. Johnson
Tim B. Johnson is a banker, author, and community leader who brings both commitment and strategy to Young Brothers Academy. As the organization’s Community Outreach Coordinator and a dedicated mentor, Tim plays a critical role in connecting young men to resources, opportunities, and experiences that expand their vision for what’s possible.
A Darlington, SC native, Tim graduated from USC Beaufort in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration before relocating to Greenville to advance his career and personal mission. In 2021, he made a personal vow to become the example he didn’t always have growing up. That vow led to a journey into public speaking, authorship, and financial education. Since his vow, he has spoken to more than 30 organizations and written multiple books, using his voice and story to challenge limiting beliefs and inspire growth.
▫ CProject Renew Coordinator
Alex Simmons
Alex Simmons is a Greenville, South Carolina native committed to strengthening communities through leadership, service, and advocacy. He studied accounting at multiple colleges/universities notating Clark Atlanta University and Clemson University, as his most pivotal institutions where he developed a passion for empowering youth and supporting underserved populations. During his college years, Alex served as a program advisor for college-readiness initiatives, worked as a youth advisor in his church, and gained hands-on experience in an adolescent inpatient facility.
Once finishing his studies, Alex began his career with the Local Alcohol and Drug Commission in his home county. Over his tenure, he has held numerous roles and now serves in leadership for the largest single-county treatment agency in South Carolina. His work focuses on expanding access, debunking barriers, and improving outcomes for individuals and families across the community.
Beyond his agency leadership, Alex has partnered with multiple community organizations and local businesses to support initiatives that uplift and equip underserved neighborhoods. Known for his ability to motivate others, Alex is recognized as an inspiring leader who values integrity, collaboration, and relationship-building.
Despite his many professional and community accomplishments, Alex considers his most important role to be that of a dedicated and present father.
▫ Chief Operating Officer
Breylon Jones
born and raised in Greenville SC. Breylon is the happy husband to Mrs. Barbara Bennett Jones of Greenville, SC and a loving father.
Breylon graduated from South Carolina State University where he received a Bachelors of Arts in Broadcasting Communications in 2015. After graduation, he served as a promotional assistant at Summit Media, where he then worked his way up to On-Air personality on 107.3 Jamz and Hot 98.1. After leaving the Summit media Breylon serves as the Dean of Scholars for Legacy Early College Middle School. Currently he serves as a program coordinator with the ASPIRE scholar initiative at Greenville Technology College.
In his personal life, Breylon founded Brilliant Views Productions, his freelance videography/ photography company where he services your videography and photography needs for weddings, parties, baby showers, sports highlights, and so much more.
Along with co-founders, Mr. Justus Cox and Mr. Andre Sullivan, Breylon founded the Young Brothers Academy (YBA), an 501C3 Organization whose mission is to mold the minds of young leaders in our community through education empowerment and exposure.
Breylon is a proud member of The Reedy River Missionary Baptist Church led by Rev. Arron Brown Sr. At Reedy River Breylon serves as president of the young adult ministry
In his future, Breylon plans to one day build his own state of the art community center to help develop our children and help them grow to be productive members of society and leave a blessed legacy. wherever they mention his name.