About Us
Ronald E. McCowan, PhD - Visionary
Pamela “Pam” Fox, EdD - Community Partnerships & Curriculum Development
Christopher R. Cotton - Business & Partnerships
Dr. Ronald McCowan is a data-driven strategist, educator, and executive coach with over two decades of experience in education research, workforce development, and organizational leadership. He currently serves as co-founder of bEastSide.ai and TheExecutiveCaddy.com, where he helps individuals and organizations make purpose-aligned decis
Dr. Ronald McCowan is a data-driven strategist, educator, and executive coach with over two decades of experience in education research, workforce development, and organizational leadership. He currently serves as co-founder of bEastSide.ai and TheExecutiveCaddy.com, where he helps individuals and organizations make purpose-aligned decisions that lead to lasting growth, impact, and legacy.
Throughout his career, Dr. McCowan has directed multi-million-dollar research and evaluation projects, advised school systems nationwide, and designed data frameworks that bridge analytics with human insight. Known for his ability to “see through people, patterns, and processes,” he brings clarity and measurable structure to complex systems and collaborations.
Dr. McCowan earned his Ph.D. from the University of Houston, and has held leadership roles in research operations, postsecondary outcomes, and data innovation. A proud Houstonian and father, he is deeply invested in uplifting youth and families across Houston’s East Side. His teenage son, Jonathan, is a student-athlete whose passion for sports and teamwork continues to inspire bEastSide.ai’s mission to blend creativity, community, and purpose.
Christopher R. Cotton - Business & Partnerships
Pamela “Pam” Fox, EdD - Community Partnerships & Curriculum Development
Christopher R. Cotton - Business & Partnerships
Christopher Cotton is an analytical dealmaker and operations strategist with over a decade of experience in financial transactions, economic development, and program management. He currently serves as Chairman of Westlake Investment Group and is a minority owner of Peachtree Automotive Group, where he oversees high-value acquisitions, op
Christopher Cotton is an analytical dealmaker and operations strategist with over a decade of experience in financial transactions, economic development, and program management. He currently serves as Chairman of Westlake Investment Group and is a minority owner of Peachtree Automotive Group, where he oversees high-value acquisitions, operational strategy, and cross-functional collaboration.
Throughout his career, Christopher has structured small- and mid-cap deals, led multi-party closings, and streamlined operational workflows to deliver measurable results. He also has a strong track record in mentoring professionals and managing workforce development initiatives, helping clients and teams navigate strategic growth and career advancement.
Christopher holds a Master of Science in Community and Economic Development from Prairie View A&M University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Morehouse College. He is married to Dr. Tanisha Green Cotton, and together they have two sons, Solomon and Ezekiel. Known for uniting data, process, and people, Christopher brings a results-driven approach to every project and partnership.
Pamela “Pam” Fox, EdD - Community Partnerships & Curriculum Development
Pamela “Pam” Fox, EdD - Community Partnerships & Curriculum Development
Pamela “Pam” Fox, EdD - Community Partnerships & Curriculum Development
Dr. Pam Fox has enjoyed a long and varied career as a middle and high school teacher, an associate professor, a curriculum developer, and a management trainer. As Vice President of a regional education laboratory, Dr. Fox had broad managerial experience
overseeing multi-million dollar federal grants and contracts including budgeting, hirin
Dr. Pam Fox has enjoyed a long and varied career as a middle and high school teacher, an associate professor, a curriculum developer, and a management trainer. As Vice President of a regional education laboratory, Dr. Fox had broad managerial experience
overseeing multi-million dollar federal grants and contracts including budgeting, hiring, monitoring compliance, and reporting activities. At the lab, she managed a cadre of professional developers providing technical assistance on K-12 school improvement and instructional technology to state agency and school district staff in six states.
While living in Kuwait, Dr. Fox served as a Senior Management Consultant to the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research developing management and leadership skills in young Kuwaiti scientists. A highlight of her time in Kuwait was serving on a team at the Gulf Bank to develop and deliver the first Teller Training program in the Middle East. Later in her career, she directed “Hands on Science,” an afterschool program in Silver Springs, Maryland. The program was so successful that several Congressmen included a $400,000 earmark in one of their bills. Dr. Fox believes in the benefit of strong partnerships between communities and educators and co-authored “Developing Family and Community Involvement Skills Through Case Studies and Field Experiences” to train preservice teachers. The book has been used by universities all over the U.S. for the past 20 years.
Dr. Fox earned her Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston, her M.A.T. in Sociology from the University of Louisville, and her B.A. in English from the University of Evansville. She has three children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Dr. Fox is excited to be part of bEastSide.ai and contribute to building
successful teams and community partnerships.