James Allard is the Sheriff of Steuben County, New York, a position he was elected to and has held since 2016. Between 1988 and 2009, James worked for the Steuben County Police, serving as a police officer, patrolman, training director, sergeant and lieutenant. He was then appointed session director for the Southern Tier Law Enforcement Academy at Corning Community College while working part-time as a police officer. James is a US Army veteran, who achieved the rank of Sergeant and served as a Drill Sergeant. He has an associate’s degree in mechanical technology and studied manufacturing engineering at the University of Houston. James has been married to his wife since 1987, and has three children and two grandchildren.

Bonnie Barker is the Director of the Women’s Business Center of Central Appalachia, hosted by the Economic Community Development Institute (ECDI) and located at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio. Prior to becoming director, she served the center as both Program Coordinator and Program Manager, working directly with entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the Appalachian region. A Certified Business Advisor and longtime entrepreneur, Bonnie brings more than two decades of business experience to her work. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships and strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems by connecting people, organizations, and resources to create opportunities across Appalachia. Outside of work, she is a proud wife, mother, and grandmother. Bonnie believes life is better behind the wheel of her ’72 Chevy Blazer.

Kevin Baxter serves as Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs and Chief Campus Officer for North Carolina School of Science and Math-Morganton. Building on a career as an administrator in honors education at the University of Maryland and East Carolina University, he has invested the last decade in designing, opening and operating a new campus of the University of North Carolina system. Kevin gives back to his community through numerous roles, including his service as Vice Chairman for UNC Health Blue Ridge. When he is not working or enjoying the NC foothills with his family, Kevin is an avid golfer and loves to travel.

Denzel Bell is the Executive Director of the Hattie E. Evans Family Foundation, where he leads workforce pathway initiatives, family engagement, and community partnerships. He previously worked in education policy and research with New America, the College Board, and The Education Trust. Denzel holds a BA in Mathematics from The University of Alabama and an MA in Higher Education from Louisiana State University. A Birmingham native and first-generation graduate, he enjoys traveling and recently moved back home to Birmingham after more than six years living abroad.

Katie Bottoms Jones is a seasoned administrative and communications professional. Based in North Alabama, she has more than 20 years of experience supporting C-suite executives, elected officials and board leadership. Her career spans local government, collegiate athletics, and event management. Having spent more than a decade working for the City of Arab, Katie has a proven track record of elevating digital communications while cultivating strong community and stakeholder partnerships. Katie is an avid concertgoer and proud parent who studied at Auburn University.

Lindsay Butler is a Senior Consultant at Pinnacle Strategies and managing member of Pinnacle Workforce Solutions, where she works on strategic planning and program implementation. Lindsay’s work includes serving as Executive Director of the Maryland Rural Health Association and supporting the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition, Diabetes Leadership Council, Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance, and Theresa’s Research Foundation. She previously held leadership roles at the American Diabetes Association and Breakthrough T1D. Lindsay holds a master’s degree in Nonprofit and Association Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus and plans to pursue a doctorate in public health. She lives in Frostburg, Maryland with her husband, two children and two dogs.

Will Chappell is the Assistant Director for the Dalton Parks and Recreation Department in Dalton, Georgia, where he has served since 2017. Will has held several leadership positions within the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association, including District 5 Chairman. He holds a BS in Recreation from Georgia Southern University and an MPA from the University of West Georgia. In his free time, Will enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter and hound dog.

Dyana Costello Banks has served as Branch Manager at the Rabun County Public Library in Georgia since May 2021. She was previously the branch supervisor at the Five Forks branch of the Greenville County Public Library System in South Carolina. While attending the University of North Texas to earn her Master of Library Science, she also served as a trainer and outreach coordinator for the Mountain Regional Library System in Georgia. Dyana holds a BA in History from Clemson University, is a member of the Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, and has two dogs and one cat.

Jennifer Crawford is the Director of Community Health & Development at Adena Health, where she draws on more than 20 years of experience in healthcare and social work to help strengthen rural communities across southern Ohio. A lifelong Appalachian, Jennifer is passionate about moving beyond identifying challenges to building practical solutions through collaboration, partnerships and community action. Her commitment to service extends beyond healthcare through involvement with local organizations, community initiatives, and youth programs, including serving as a 4-H Advisor. A wife and mom of three, Jennifer believes meaningful change happens when people come together, show up, listen, roll up their sleeves, and make their communities better.

Cynthia Falk is the Interim Dean of Graduate Studies at the State University of New York (SUNY) Oneonta and Professor at the Cooperstown Graduate Program, where she has taught since 2000. Cynthia serves the Village of Cooperstown as Deputy Mayor. She co-edited the Vernacular Architecture Forum’s journal, “Buildings & Landscapes”, from 2012-2017 and previously served on the National Historic Landmarks Committee of the National Park System Advisory Board. Cynthia is the author of “Barns of New York: Rural Architecture of the Empire State” and “Architecture and Artifacts of the Pennsylvania Germans”, as well as articles and book chapters on material culture. She holds a Ph.D. in History of American Civilization, as well as an MA in Early American Culture and a BA in American Studies and Integrated Art.

Bradley Harris is the founder of Bradley Harris Strategic Advisory, where he helps organizations align stakeholders and move ideas from vision to execution across economic development initiatives in West Virginia. A native of Dorothy, West Virginia, Bradley brings more than 14 years of experience spanning state government, regulated utilities, and public affairs, including roles as a senior advisor to the West Virginia Secretary of State, Strategic Initiatives Lead for the WV Department of Commerce, and an external affairs leader for American Water. He currently serves as President of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Foundation and on the boards of the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia and the YMCA of the Kanawha Valley. Bradley is passionate about helping rural communities strengthen their capacity and creating reasons for the next generation to build their lives in Appalachia.

Trisha Hiemstra serves as the Director of Planning and Economic Development for Cortland County, New York, where she lives, works, and remains deeply dedicated to her community. Before joining Cortland County, she spent 8 years in the private sector utilizing her professional engineering license to work on bridge design, structural engineering, and business development. Trisha holds a BS in Civil Engineering from Clarkson University. When not working, she loves to travel and is mom to three boys.

Bobby Hughes is the Executive Director of the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation. For 30 years, he has sought opportunities to collaborate with watershed organizations, municipal government agencies, active mining industries, and economic development organizations in northeast and northcentral Pennsylvania to reclaim legacy abandoned mines and restore coalfield community watersheds. Bobby holds a BS in Environmental Resource Management from Pennsylvania State University. He is an Anthracite Region corn hole champion, author, and podcast host for the PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Chronicles.

Candace Johnson is a relationship builder with more than two decades of experience in public relations, marketing, tourism, and economic development. She has led statewide initiatives focused on outdoor recreation, public art, hospitality workforce development, and rural tourism destination development. Candace serves as the Marketing Director for Alabama Black Belt Adventures, leading efforts to promote the region’s tourism and outdoor recreation. She previously served as the Tourism Director for Selma-Dallas County and spent more than a decade at the University of Alabama supporting communities through strategic planning, workshops, partnerships, and tourism development.

Richard Johnson serves as the Community Development Manager at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, where he works on community and economic development initiatives across southwest Virginia. Prior to joining UVA Wise, Richard served as the Community Development Director for Lee County, Virginia, overseeing planning, zoning, economic development, tourism, and industrial recruitment efforts. He also served as the Executive Director of the Lee County Economic Development Authority. Richard holds a BS in Real Estate from Virginia Tech and is a Certified Zoning Administrator. He is passionate about empowering rural communities, developing local leaders, and creating opportunities that strengthen the Appalachian region.

Shaylan Johnson is a Georgia business leader, community advocate, and the youngest Black Chamber of Commerce president in the state’s history. As the owner of Blooming Oak Photography, she is a two-time Best of Rome winner and recipient of dual Black Business Month proclamations. She is the 2026 Rome Celebrity Dance Challenge winner, where she hepled raise more than $200,000 for sexual assault survivors. She holds an Associates of Science in Human Services degree from Georgia Highlands College.

Charlie Jones is the Southwest Virginia Regional Director for U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, where he works with communities across the region on economic development, infrastructure, constituent services, and federal programs. Before joining the Senator’s office, he served as Assistant Director of Downtown Wytheville, helping advance projects in community and economic development. His work helped the organization and community earn the 2026 Great American Main Street Award for its ongoing downtown revitalization efforts. A Wytheville native, Charlie is a graduate of James Madison University, where he earned degrees in Public Policy & Administration and Economics.

Tricia Kingery is an entrepreneur and advocate dedicated to making a lasting impact in West Virginia. She is the founder of Kingery & Company, a consulting firm strengthening nonprofits through planning, training, marketing and fundraising support. She holds an MA in Counseling and a BA in Psychology from Marshall University, and an MBA from West Virginia University. A former child and family therapist, Tricia continues advocating for children as Executive Director of EveryChild NOW, statewide coordinator for the ACEs Coalition of WV, and a board member of YWCA Charleston. She also manages the John K. Clendenen Scholarship Fund, honoring her father’s legacy as a longtime principal. Through Kingery & Company, she launched the event venues The Retreat WV and The Cottage at Northgate. Outside of work, Tricia enjoys spending time with her family, collecting children’s books, and traveling.

Christina Koren is the Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where she advances partnerships among higher education, government, and local industries to address workforce and economic challenges across Pennsylvania. Her career in higher education includes administrative and leadership roles, complemented by experience teaching at several colleges in Pennsylvania. Christina serves on several local, county, and statewide boards dedicated to advancing Pennsylvania’s economic vitality. She holds a BA in Business Management from Saint Vincent College, an MBA from Waynesburg University, and a Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership Studies from IUP.

Kayleigh Kyle is a community and economic development leader focused on strengthening rural communities across West Virginia. As a Senior Community Liaison with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, she leads cross-sector partnerships connecting communities with federal, state, philanthropic, and technical assistance resources. Her work addresses some of rural Appalachia’s most pressing priorities, from economic diversification and business development to rural health, housing, and infrastructure. With experience in government and nonprofit leadership, Kayleigh specializes in translating complex systems into actionable opportunities and building partnerships that move communities forward. She is passionate about empowering Appalachian communities and leaders to shape sustainable, locally driven futures.

Maddie Ludt is the Assistant Director of Outreach and Engagement for the College of Professional and Continuing Studies at Mississippi State University, where she builds partnerships connecting education, industry, and workforce development. Before pivoting into higher education, her career spanned public libraries and nonprofits, as well as consulting for organizations in healthcare, manufacturing, and construction. Maddie holds a BS from York College of Pennsylvania, a Master of Library and Information Science from San José State University, and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Leadership from Mississippi State University. An avid hiker and concertgoer, she feels equally at home atop a mountain and in a mosh pit.

Andrea Mahone Blackmon is a faith-driven nonprofit executive, workforce development leader, and community advocate with more than 35 years of experience serving individuals, families, and communities throughout Youngstown, Ohio. As CEO of the Andrea Mahone Foundation and Just in Time Employment Agency, she leads initiatives focused on workforce development, employment services, youth engagement, and community empowerment. A former Youngstown City School Board member, MYTV television host, and Youth Director, Andrea currently serves as Director of Youth and Children’s Ministries at New Bethel Baptist Church. She holds an MA from Liberty University and a BA from Kent State University.

Amanda McBride is a Community Facilitator with Communities Unlimited, working alongside rural communities across Mississippi and Alabama to create regional strategies for tourism, outdoor recreation, and revitalization. She believes that communities already know their own strengths, and her job is to draw those out. Amanda holds Professional Certified Economic Developer and Certified Group Facilitator credentials, as well a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Mississippi State University. She lives in Choctaw County, Mississippi, with her husband and two children.

Jordan McCall is the Marketing & Events Manager for Lake Hartwell Country, upstate South Carolina’s regional tourism bureau. With a background in historical interpretation, journalism, and preservation, she has a passion for making towns and rural areas of South Carolina’s Appalachian region safer and more prosperous for locals. Jordan is also a former roller derby player and is always working towards a brighter future for the place she and her family call home.

Jessie Beth Miller serves as Director of Community Engagement for the Greene County Partnership in Greeneville, Tennessee, overseeing Leadership Greene County, Youth Leadership, Keep Greene Beautiful, and community volunteer programs. A former educator with 18 years of experience, she taught students from elementary through high school in general and gifted education. She was selected for the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program, which included a field experience in Morocco. Passionate about connecting people, ideas, and resources, Jessie Beth works to strengthen civic engagement, environmental sustainability, and quality of life throughout Greene County and rural Appalachia.

Lindsay Mitchell is the Executive Director of Amory Main Street in Amory, Mississippi, where she gets to do what she loves most: work with people, dream up big ideas, and find ways to make her community an even better place to live, work, visit, and do business. Her work spans downtown revitalization, small business support, tourism, grants, and economic development. Lindsay serves as Co-Chair of the Amory Railroad Festival. She lives in Mississippi with her husband and three children.

Camila Moreno is a Senior Research Associate at Fahe. She has worked in the nonprofit sector in rural Appalachia for five years, specializing in geographic information system research and other analysis to support rural development and evidence-based ​narratives. She graduated with an MA in Geography & Planning from Appalachian State University with a special concentration in Geographic Information Systems. Camila is passionate about supporting diverse and equitable communities. She is proud of her Colombian heritage and her daughter.

Terra Mortensen is a Grant Professional Certified grant strategist, Grant Professionals Association-approved grant trainer, and founder of TerraGrants+, where she helps nonprofits secure funding, strengthen programs, and build effective grant strategies. With more than 15 years of grant experience and a previous career in marketing and public relations, Terra has written hundreds of successful proposals, secured millions of dollars in funding, and trained hundreds of nonprofit leaders. Her work focuses on rural and regional communities and spans nonprofit capacity building, public health, workforce development, arts, and community revitalization. She holds a BA in Mass Communication from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Courtney Neese is a Client Service Manager at Thompson & Litton, where she works with communities throughout Appalachia on project development, funding strategies, and community engagement. She previousy worked in regional planning and development, managing state and federal grants and helping communities secure funding for infrastructure and economic development projects. Courtney is a lifelong resident of southern West Virginia and a graduate of Concord University. She is actively involved in community service and local organizations, and is passionate about helping Appalachian communities identify opportunities, address challenges, and bring important projects to life.

Matthew Platz is the Executive Director of the Erie Center for Arts and Technology, where he leads efforts to transform lives through arts, education, workforce development, and community engagement. His career spans more than 20 years of leadership across nonprofit management, higher education, workforce development, public safety, and community development. In his previous role as Executive Director of the Corry Higher Education Council, Matthew expanded programming, partnerships, and workforce development initiatives, spearheading the Corry Area Technical and Cyber Hub (CATCH) to build pathways in broadband infrastructure, aviation, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and entrepreneurship while advancing regional initiatives in advanced manufacturing and economic development. Named The Nonprofit Partnership’s CEO of the Year, Matthew remains actively engaged in regional boards focused on workforce development, education, economic mobility, and community revitalization. He earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership from Gannon University, an MS in Organizational Leadership from Mercyhurst University, and a BA in Speech Communications from Edinboro University.

Celesta Riffe is the Vice President of Federal Programs at Partners for Rural Impact. She has more than 25 years of leadership experience in cradle-to-career and large-scale federal initiatives. A coal miner’s daughter, Celesta redefined educational expectations in her own family by becoming the first to complete high school and college. Deeply rooted in Appalachia, Celesta champions rural-by-design work—for rural, with rural—honoring local expertise, amplifying rural brilliance, and ensuring public investments translate into meaningful outcomes for rural children and families. She believes rural communities possess the talent, resilience, and wisdom to shape their own futures when given equitable opportunities, trusted partnerships, and sustained investment. Outside of work, you can find Celesta scuba diving local rock quarries and chasing chickens on her family farm.

Josh Rister works at the Buffalo Trace Area Development District, where he provides community and development assistance to governments and nonprofit organizations in Fleming, Robertson, and Lewis Counties. Josh attended the University of Kentucky, where he earned a BA in Psychology and a minor in Appalachian Studies. Outside of work, he enjoys charity work, singing and songwriting, and working to preserve Appalachian culture. Josh is a lifelong resident of Lewis County, Kentucky.

Michael Robinson is an entrepreneur, investor, and economic development leader with more than 17 years of experience. As co-founder and CEO of PROOF, a food and beverage business incubator and entrepreneurial support organization, he has helped support more than 1,500 entrepreneurs, developed six incubator facilities, and forged numerous partnerships. Michael previously spent more than a decade as COO and partner at Chattanooga Whiskey. Today he is focused on rural economic development, with a particular interest in Appalachian communities and the power of small businesses to revive downtowns and rebuild sustainable local economies.

Katie See is the Assistant Director at the Brownfields Assistance Center at West Virginia University, where she provides technical assistance to communities for brownfield assessment, remediation, and redevelopment throughout West Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region. She previously worked as a city and county planner in West Virginia, Florida, and the Carolinas, where she assisted communities with engagement, development review, and long-term planning. She is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a BA in Urban Affairs in Planning, as well as a BS in Environmental Policy & Management. She is an American Institute Certified Planner. Katie enjoys spending time with her family, going to National Parks, and eating delicious desserts.

Anna Shields is the CEO of Snowville Creamery, and has spent nearly 20 years in the dairy industry cultivating her leadership skills, building grit, and creating value for the company she leads. At work, she prioritizes connection over comfort, which she believes creates a culture where people are supported, seen, and celebrated for their collaborative efforts. Anna’s leadership is forged from knowing that the biggest influences on the bottom line will come when you prioritize the quality of life for those around you. 

Sadie Simpson is the Healthy Aging Manager for the YMCA of Western North Carolina, where she leads initiatives that help older adults remain active, connected, and engaged in their communities. Her work focuses on community partnerships and programs supporting the physical, cognitive, and social well-being of seniors. Sadie has served on boards and coalitions across western North Carolina, including the Swannanoa Community Council, McDowell County Health Coalition, and Marion Business Association, contributing to community health and economic development. She holds an MA in Health Education from East Carolina University, a BSEd in English from Western Carolina University, and lives in Swannanoa with her husband, son, and cat.

Chase Smithwick serves as Mayor of Pelzer, South Carolina, where he is working to redefine what local government can achieve for small Appalachian communities through infrastructure investment, economic opportunity, and community-driven solutions. A former flight engineer in the South Carolina Army National Guard, Chase is committed to serving others, both at home and beyond. An avid outdoorsman, he lives in South Carolina with his wife, son, and two dogs.

Darin Thomas is a healthcare professional with more than 20 years of experience in mental health, behavioral health, case management, program development, and population health. In his current role with Prisma Health’s Addiction Medicine Center, Darin advances practical, community-centered strategies that expand access to care and strengthen health systems across South Carolina. His broader service includes board and committee work with Mental Health America of Greenville County, Challenges, Inc. SC, the South Carolina Community Health Workers Association, Lawyers Helping Lawyers, and the Healthy Oconee Coalition. Darin is a Licensed Master Social Worker and holds an MBA from Southern Wesleyan University.

Courtney Thomas-Winterberg is the Director of the Allegany County Department of Social Services, where she leads more than 200 staff members and oversees programs serving children, families, and vulnerable adults. She recently completed an 18-month concurrent appointment as Acting Director of Maryland’s Office of Home Energy Programs, leading statewide operations across 20 local administering agencies serving the State of Maryland. With more than 20 years of experience in human services and community development, she previously served as Executive Director of Allegany County’s Community Action Agency and Area Agency on Aging. Courtney holds a master’s degree in Community Economic Development and has served as adjunct faculty at Frostburg State University.

Raven Thompson serves as Stakeholder Engagement Manager for Duke Energy. She previously worked with Hospice, Atrium Health, and Parks & Recreation, where she focused on building strong community relationships. A North Carolina native, Raven is a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the Leadership Rutherford 2025 Program, where she currently serves on the organization’s board. Outside of her professional and community commitments, Raven enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her dog, nieces, and nephew.