Project Leadership Team

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Andrea K. McCray serves as President/CEO of Friends of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery, leading the organization’s strategic vision, preservation initiatives, and community engagement efforts.

With a background in statistics from the University of Florida and professional experience in corporate compliance and systems implementation, she brings a structured, results-driven approach to large-scale preservation work.

Andrea is responsible for:

• Project leadership and execution strategy 
• State grant coordination and compliance 
• Community partnerships and stakeholder engagement 
• Fundraising and organizational development 

Her leadership reflects a commitment to restoring dignity, honoring legacy, and ensuring long-term preservation of this historic site.

Gary Ellis provides archaeological oversight and guidance for preservation efforts at the cemetery, ensuring all work aligns with professional standards and historical integrity.

His role includes:

• Provides archaeological oversight for all preservation and ground-disturbing activities 
• Leads and coordinates Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Survey to identify unmarked graves 
• Conducts site assessments and historical analysis to guide preservation strategy 
• Ensures protection of human remains and burial sites in accordance with state and federal standards 
• Develops archaeological reports and documentation for compliance and grant requirements 
• Advises on appropriate treatment of discovered remains, including recovery and reinterment protocols 
• Collaborates with engineering and project teams to balance preservation with infrastructure needs 
• Provides guidance on culturally sensitive and historically accurate practices 
• Supports engagement with agencies such as the Florida Public Archaeology Network when needed 
• Assists in establishing long-term preservation and documentation strategies for the cemetery 

His expertise ensures that all preservation efforts respect both the cultural and historical significance of the site.

Michael J. Wood is a nationally recognized Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) specialist with extensive experience in archaeological investigations, historic cemetery preservation, forensic mapping, and subsurface imaging. As Principal GPR Specialist and Owner of Geo-Scan Ground Penetrating Radar Services, LLC, Mike has conducted high-precision surveys for major organizations including NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, law enforcement agencies, and historical preservation projects throughout Florida and beyond.

With specialized expertise in locating undocumented burials, historic grave sites, and cultural resources, Mike combines advanced radar technology with archaeological field methods to identify and map subsurface features without disturbing the ground. His work has contributed to the discovery and documentation of previously unknown graves dating to the nineteenth century and has supported numerous preservation initiatives focused on protecting historic cemeteries and cultural landscapes.

Mike also serves as a Research Assistant with the Gulf Archaeology Research Institute, assisting principal investigators with archaeological geophysics studies, data acquisition, analysis, and reporting. His career includes more than two decades in law enforcement investigations and public safety, providing him with a unique background in forensic analysis, systematic search methodologies, and field operations.

For the Historic Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery Preservation Project, Mike leads the Ground Penetrating Radar survey efforts, helping identify unmarked and undocumented burials while advancing the organization's mission to preserve, document, and honor the individuals interred within this historic African American cemetery.

His work reflects a commitment to scientific accuracy, historical preservation, and ensuring that forgotten stories are brought back into the historical record.

His expertise ensures that all preservation efforts respect both the cultural and historical significance of the site.

 Bunch Lawn Care and Tree Service supports ongoing maintenance and environmental preservation of the cemetery grounds.

Services include:

• Performs routine grounds maintenance to ensure a clean, safe, and respectful environment 
• Provides tree trimming and canopy management to protect headstones and burial areas 
• Conducts hazardous tree removal to prevent damage to graves and visitors 
• Assists with vegetation control and overgrowth management in sensitive burial areas 
• Utilizes specialized equipment, including crane-assisted tree work, when required 
• Works in coordination with archaeologists to avoid disturbance of unmarked graves 
• Helps maintain clear access pathways for visitors, volunteers, and project teams 
• Contributes to long-term preservation efforts by protecting the integrity of the landscape

All work is performed with sensitivity to burial locations and in coordination with archaeological guidance when required.