About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
As leaders of Soleful Steps Foundation, we are committed to serving with integrity, compassion, and dedication.
We promise to lead with transparency, accountability, and a relentless focus on making a lasting impact in the communities we serve.
We will uphold our mission of supporting military families, families in need, young athletes, the unsheltered, and the elderly by providing high-quality footwear, fostering dignity, and enhancing quality of life.
Meet The Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
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Eugene Burgess
Executive Director / Founder​
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Eugene Burgess, born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, has proudly called Spokane, WA, home since 2005. A distinguished United States Marine Corps veteran, Eugene served with honor in the Gulf War, Operation Angels from the Sea, and Operation Gothic Serpent in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Following his military service, Eugene graduated from Penn State University in 1995 with a BA in Political Science. Then he embarked on a career in government collaboration, spending seven years with Axon, working closely with local, state, and federal agencies to bring innovative solutions to public safety.
With over a decade of experience coaching high school sports, including girls basketball; Eugene is currently an assistant football and track & field coach at Ferris high school.
Eugene has demonstrated a strong commitment to youth development and sportsmanship.
Currently, as the Executive Director of Soleful Steps, Eugene leads initiatives to provide quality footwear to those in need, driven by his lifelong dedication to service and community.
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Melissa Burgess
Vice President/ Treasurer
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Melissa Burgess was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and at the age of five, her family relocated to Dayton, Washington. From an early age, she demonstrated exceptional talent in track and field, ultimately winning three State Group B Championships with Dayton High School. Her athletic achievements earned her a track scholarship to Point Loma Nazarene University, where she continued to excel both academically and athletically, earning a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.
In 2020, Melissa furthered her education by earning a master’s degree in teaching from Western Governors University. Since 2004, she has been a dedicated resident of Spokane, Washington, where she currently serves as an educator at Logan Elementary School. Passionate about both education and athletics, she is also the sprint coach at Lewis & Clark High School, helping young athletes develop their speed, technique, and competitive mindset.
Melissa is a proud mother of a student-athlete at Ferris High School and Lewis & Clark High School, continuing her family’s strong connection to sports and education.
Jerrall Haynes
Jerrall Haynes serves as the inaugural director of Spokane’s Office of Civil Rights, Equity, and Inclusion (OCREI), leading the city’s efforts to advance racial and social justice, enforce civil rights protections, and foster inclusive policies. Appointed by Mayor Nadine Woodward and confirmed by the Spokane City Council, Haynes has been a key architect in shaping the office, having worked since 2021 to establish its foundation.
A dedicated public servant, Haynes brings extensive experience in civic leadership and advocacy. He served on the Spokane Public Schools Board of Directors for six years, culminating in his election as board president in 2019. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in major policy decisions, including new school boundaries, the construction of a downtown stadium, and the district’s adoption of an equity policy.
Prior to leading OCREI, Haynes was Spokane’s first civil rights coordinator, responsible for addressing discrimination complaints, guiding individuals to legal resources, and helping define the scope of the city’s civil rights work. His career also includes roles as a community court coordinator with the City of Spokane’s Municipal Court and as a peer support specialist at Excelsior Youth Center. Additionally, he served seven years in the U.S. Air Force, deepening his commitment to ensuring fairness and justice in institutional systems.
Jerrall is also the Head Football Coach at Ferris High School.
Gregory Butler
Board Secretary / Director of Community Relations
Born and raised in Camden County, GA, Greg now calls Spokane home. His family moved to Spokane in 1988, at which time he attended Spokane Community College. Greg advanced his education by attending Eastern Washington University where he obtained his Bachelor degree in Social Work. Greg retired from military service after 20 years and worked for another 26 years for the State of Washington as a Social Worker, Corrections officer, and a cook supervisor. Greg looks forward to his continued service to the community of Spokane.
Andrew Mitchell
Chief Legal Advisor
Kristin Thornton
Website Developer/ Graphic Designer/ Crafty Lady