Founders - Seeking the Right Amendable Path (STRAP)

Steven Cooley

Chief Executive Officer

Deputy Steven Cooley, a dedicated member of the Gwinnett County Sheriff Department since 2003, currently serves at the Gwinnett County Justice Administration Center (GJAC). Beyond his law enforcement role, he brings over 21 years of military experience as a retired Army service member. An ordained minister and holder of a bachelor’s in business and a master’s in biblical studies, Deputy Cooley is deeply rooted in both his faith and education.

As a Sunday school teacher in the Outreach Ministry of Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church, Deputy Cooley actively contributes to his community. Inspired by a divine calling, he co-founded the STRAP Youth Intervention/Mentoring Program in 2012, earning recognition such as the Deputy Sheriff of the Year Award from the Gwinnett Rotary Club (2013), the Liberty Bell 2nd Award from the Gwinnett County Bar Association (2014, 2023), and the prestigious Daily Point of Light Award presented by President George H. W. Bush. Additionally, he proudly holds the Lifetime Achievement Award from Bishop Ray C. Thomas, Sr. of Faith Ministry Church of God, Inc. Deputy Cooley’s unwavering commitment to youth and community service stands as a testament to his exceptional contributions

Judge Rodney Harris

Judge Rodney S. Harris, a Duluth, Georgia native, currently presides as a distinguished Juvenile Court Judge. Prior to his current role, he served on the Recorder’s Court bench from 2011 to 2019. A proud graduate of Duluth High School, Judge Harris pursued higher education at Presbyterian College in South Carolina, earning both academic and athletic scholarships. His legal expertise was further honed at the Georgia State University College of Law.

Before ascending to the bench, Judge Harris garnered acclaim as a highly regarded criminal defense attorney, specializing in Juvenile Court matters for over 15 years. Beyond his legal career, he exemplifies an unwavering commitment to community service in Gwinnett County. Co-founding the STRAP Youth Mentoring Program, he extends his influence by mentoring numerous young individuals, dedicating his time as a volunteer youth football coach, and actively participating in various youth programs.

Judge Harris’s community engagement extends to his role on the Advisory Board for Central Gwinnett High School and his contributions to the United Way Gwinnett & United Ebony Society Boards. His impactful service has earned him several prestigious awards, including the Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Service Award and the Chief Justice Robert Benham Community Service Award. With a remarkable record of public service, Judge Rodney S. Harris stands as a beacon of dedication, both in the courtroom and within the community he serves.

Edgar Derricho

Edgar Derricho, a founding partner at STRAP, Inc., serves as Co-Director of Education, leading curriculum development and overseeing social and educational programs. Concurrently, he is a Technical Project Management Advisor II at Fiserv, Inc. and an accomplished amateur photographer/videographer for over two decades.

Before STRAP, Edgar held leadership roles at AT&T (formerly BellSouth), contributing to managerial coaching, strategic planning, human resource development, program/project management, and various technical responsibilities. After 30 years of service, he retired in 2008.

Currently a Ph.D. candidate in Applied Management & Decision Science, Edgar’s research interests include knowledge worker development, AI’s social impact, and cloud-based auditing in financial technology. He earned his MBA from Kennesaw State University and holds the Certified Managerial Coach (CMC) designation. His undergraduate degree is in Accounting from Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business.

Actively engaged in his community and church, Edgar serves as Deacon Officer (Secretary) and Children/Youth Church Ministry Advisor at The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church in Atlanta. He is affiliated with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Project Management Institute, ISACA, and Beta Gamma Sigma. Edgar’s diverse background showcases his commitment to education, technology, and community service.

Andie Derricho

Andie Derricho, a founding partner of Seeking the Right Amendable Path (STRAP), Inc., holds the position of Co-Director of Education. A graduate of Spelman College and Nova Southeastern University, she brings decades of classroom experience and curriculum development expertise to ensure high educational standards. Andie retired as an educator from Gwinnett County Public Schools.

Her early exposure to teaching, shadowing her mother in preschool and Vacation Bible School, instilled the belief that “Teachers who love teaching, teach children to love learning.” Throughout her career, Andie excelled as a teacher leader, mentor, and held various leadership roles, earning Teacher of the Year in multiple districts and nominations for Who’s Who Among Teachers in America.

Beyond education, Andie has contributed to her community through roles in the Shiloh Community Foundation, United Way Local Chair, and Morgan Remote Tutorial Services Education Director. Currently, she owns H.Q. Academy in Lilburn, Georgia, catering to ages two to five. Outside of work, Andie enjoys family time, participation in local theatrical and church productions, and exploring the joys of travel.