Board of Directors
Robert Irick
Founder and Executive Director | American Pledge Foundation
Robert Irick is the founder and executive director of the American Pledge Foundation. With over 50 years in the real estate industry, he started as a commercial mortgage banker and went on to lead various companies. His expertise includes development, construction, mortgage finance, sales, and property management throughout the Southeast. Robert is dedicated to making housing accessible and sustainable for those facing financial and personal challenges.
His deep understanding of the housing market and desire to make a difference drive his efforts in promoting homeownership and wealth generation.
Robert holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and studied at Wofford and Newberry Colleges. He is actively involved with the Mortgage Bankers Association of America and of the Carolinas. Additionally, he has served as a Stephen Minister, providing support and comfort to individuals experiencing personal challenges akin to many he has endured.
Rob Henger
Co-Founder and Associate Director | American Pledge Foundation
Rob Henger is a seasoned mortgage banking leader committed to creating equitable opportunities in homeownership through fair lending and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) initiatives.
As SVP at FirstBank Mortgage, Rob founded “FirstBank Forward,” a CRA and Fair Lending program that earned the Mortgage Bankers Association’s National Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award in 2021. The program opened doors to homeownership for minority and low- to moderate-income families, helping make the dream of owning a home a reality for many.
Rob also serves on the Board of Directors for The Mortgage Collaborative and has held key leadership roles, including President of the Alabama Mortgage Bankers Association and co-chair of the MBA’s National Community Bank Committee.
A passionate advocate for community development, Rob actively supports nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity and is a co-founder of American Pledge Foundation.
Stephen Gilchrist
Program Director | American Pledge Foundation
Stephen Gilchrist is a passionate advocate for civil rights and economic empowerment, currently serving as a Commissioner for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Appointed by President Trump in 2020, he is committed to amplifying the voices of all Americans, serving through 2025.
As Chairman and CEO of the South Carolina African American Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Gilchrist leads a network of over 15,000 businesses, championing minority and African-American entrepreneurs and advocating for equal opportunity and economic growth.
Stephen is also deeply involved in community service, serving as a Minister of Music and Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission in South Carolina. Through his work with the Mastercard Master Your Card Corporate Advisory Board, he advocates for financial inclusion for underbanked communities.
A frequent voice on national issues, Stephen has been featured in Black Enterprise Magazine and Carolina Daily, and appears regularly on CNN, FOX News, and MSNBC. He is a proud graduate of South Carolina State University, Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and the South Carolina Executive Institute.
Elmer L. Roman
Board of Directors | American Pledge Foundation
Elmer L. Roman serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Mission Integration under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)). He leads mission engineering efforts that support the DoD, Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, and Services in analyzing and evaluating current and emerging technologies to enhance mission outcomes and close capability gaps. He also conducts data-driven modeling and simulation to inform DoD investment decisions.
Previously, Mr. Roman held senior government roles in Puerto Rico, including Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Public Safety, and served as the Homeland Security Advisor. He is a U.S. Navy Reserve Captain (O-6), former U.S. Marine, and has led global salvage missions and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
His DoD roles have included Director of the Joint Capability Technology Demonstration Program and various positions supporting international cooperation, counterterrorism, and disaster response. He was also the Regional Director for the Office of Naval Research Global in Santiago, Chile.
Mr. Roman’s awards include two U.S. Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Medals, two Navy Meritorious Service Medals, the Chilean Military Star, and several national honors for science, engineering, and leadership. He holds degrees in mechanical and systems engineering and is a graduate of multiple military and federal executive programs.
Frank Pollock
Board of Directors | American Pledge Foundation
Frank Pollock is an accomplished marketing executive with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of marketing, innovation, and strategy. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the American Pledge Foundation, where he leverages his extensive expertise to contribute to the foundation’s mission.
In addition to his board role, Frank is the Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Founder of Home Lending Pal and serves as Chief Marketing Officer at BlueRecruit. His leadership extends beyond these roles, as he also serves as the Piedmont Regional Entrepreneur In Residence for NC IDEA, mentoring and guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs. Frank advises a diverse portfolio of early-stage companies across the United States, offering his insights into growth, marketing, and strategic development.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Frank is a passionate college basketball fan, often found in front of the TV, enthusiastically cheering on his beloved Tar Heels.