Marla Akridge is the Executive Director of the Tuscarawas County, Ohio Economic Development Corporation. Throughout her 22-year career, Marla has assisted many communities in furthering their economic and community development interests. She has worked with economic development organizations and chambers of commerce in Tennessee, Alabama, Virginia, Colorado, and Ohio. Marla has worked with large companies as well as entrepreneurs and has helped develop several rural development projects. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University and Auburn University.  Marla is married to Ron, “her Southern Gentleman,” and they have a Catahoula (Zigzag). She enjoys biking, running, hiking, and being outdoors.

Amy Ball Braswell is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Prior to relocating to North Carolina in 2018, she spent her life in Southwest Virginia. Amy has worked for over twenty years leading grant projects, programs, and regional initiatives in multiple sectors including performing arts, cultural heritage, economic development, manufacturing, college access, and higher education. Amy holds a Master’s of Higher Education Administration from LSU and is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. An avid reader and traveler, Amy currently resides in Clemmons, NC with her husband and their two rescue dogs.

Malania Birney is a Project Manager at Sunday Creek Horizons (SCH), an advocacy and community development consulting firm in Southeast Ohio. Malania works to connect state government and local clientele, helping Appalachian organizations advocate for policy solutions and procure resources for the region. She specializes in child welfare and education projects: issues that she holds near and dear to her heart. Malania is a lifelong Appalachian, born and raised in Harrison County, Ohio. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Kent State University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She enjoys weekend crafting alongside her cat, Archie.

Dr. Emily Kate Bowen is the Dental Assisting Program Director for Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. She serves on the University of Virginia’s Cancer Center SWVA Community Advisory Board and LENOWISCO Oral Health Coalition. She also works with the Virginia Health Catalyst, focusing on addressing dental care inequities through innovative solutions. Dr. Bowen is a graduate of Virginia Tech (BS, biology), Virginia Commonwealth University (Doctorate of Dental Surgery), and Michigan State (MA, higher, adult, and lifelong education). A lifelong resident of Appalachia, Emily also enjoys cooking, volunteering with her church, and spending time with her family and Boston Terrier, Gobble.

Baylen Campbell (he/him/his) is Invest Appalachia’s Director of Community Impact. Based in Hazard, Kentucky, Baylen brings experience working as an economic development & social impact practitioner. He has previous experience working at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, InVision Hazard, Appalachians for Appalachia, Unbound Philanthropy, Amnesty International USA, & Independent Diplomat. He holds a BA in International Affairs from John Cabot University in Rome, Italy and an MSc in Development Practice from Trinity College Dublin/University College Dublin. He currently serves on the Boards of the Appalachian Impact Fund, Commonwealth Alliance Donor Table, Lige Clarke Liberation Fund & Appalachian Arts Alliance.

Jamie Carpenter is the Downtown Manager for the City of Hendersonville, North Carolina where she oversees the economic and community development within the City’s Main Street and 7th Avenue commercial districts as a Main Street America Accredited program. Jamie is a graduate of UNC-Asheville (B.S.- Management) and Western Carolina University (MPA) and has previously worked in downtown revitalization and economic development capacities throughout Western North Carolina with the Tryon Downtown Development Association, Asheville Downtown Association, and HandMade in America. 

Mackenzie Chastain is a probation supervisor with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice in the Community Service Division. Mackenzie has served the State of South Carolina since 2013. Prior to joining the Department of Juvenile Justice, Mackenzie was an officer at the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Mackenzie graduated cum laude from the University of South Carolina with a BA in Criminal Justice. Go Gamecocks! Mackenzie enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and son, and house full of four legged children. Mackenzie enjoys thrifting and is a huge fan of trivia.

Amanda Craig Bradley serves as the Business Outreach Manager of DRIVE, an Economic Council of Governments serving Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Union and Snyder Counties, where she visits local manufacturers and small businesses. Her career has covered a variety of fields from commercial real estate to higher ed fundraising and alumni relations. Amanda is the Board President of The Improved Milton Experience (T.I.M.E.), a downtown revitalization non-profit focused on small business development, historic building preservation, and community growth. She holds a BA in English from Gettysburg College, and a certificate in Fundraising and Development from Villanova University.

Kim Davis is the Executive Director of Friends of Southwest Virginia, Southwest Virginia Heritage Cultural Heritage Foundation, and ‘Round the Mountain Artisan Network. A native of Bristol, Virginia/Tennessee, Kim is a seasoned marketing and tourism professional with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit, communications, event management, and marketing. As executive director, Kim leads the Friends of Southwest Virginia team to work with partners throughout the region to help advance community development and tourism initiatives. Kim holds a BS in Communications from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and an MBA from Louisiana State University in Shreveport.

De’Ossie D. Dingus Sr. is the Founder and Executive Director of the Alliance House Community Coalition-AHCC, a local non-profit in Knoxville, TN. De’Ossie spends his time building equity and advocating for better services and needs for the Black community, as well as addressing racism as a public health crisis. De’Ossie has served in the US Army, Air Force, and law enforcement with the State of Tennessee. De’Ossie is involved with the Antiracism Solutions E Pluribus Unum’s Southern Voices Campaign and the Knoxville Water and Energy for All campaign. De’Ossie is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Greater Knox County Black Chamber of Commerce, Iota Alpha Foundation, and Tennessee Valley Mediation Association.

Tee Faircloth is the Founder and CEO of Coordinated Care Inc (CCI), a healthcare technology company focused on economically beneficial, rural-based solutions to the rural health crisis. Tee has organized multiple national forums on utilizing existing rural health assets to improve access to in rural America. Tee serves as chair of the Rural Health Innovation Council which promotes technological innovation in rural healthcare. He led the Advanced Technology Development Center’s HealthTech Summit at Georgia Tech and gave a TED Talk on the crisis. Prior to CCI, Tee spent 20 years turning around distressed companies after a career on Wall Street.

Allison Fowler serves as the Director of Community and Tourism Development for Pickens County. Previously, Allison was the Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. She has been with Pickens County since early 2020 when she made the switch from working for the City of Pickens for almost seven years. Prior to working in Pickens, Allison was the Marketing Director for Trehel Corporation, an upstate design/build construction firm. She holds a master’s degree in Historic Preservation from Savannah College of Art and Design and a bachelor’s in History from Clemson University. She resides in Clemson with her husband and three sons.

Jody Gooslin is a Cofounder of Appalachia Made Co., a company dedicated to investing in rural Appalachia. Before devoting his work fulltime to Appalachia Made Co., Jody served as Founder of Local Lumber Supply where he centered his efforts in restoring skilled trade jobs and inspiring the communities they serve. Jody is excited to continue his community centered focus by empowering and scaling the 10 plus companies that fall under the Appalachia Made Co. umbrella with the stated goal of revitalizing the region where he was born and raised.

Jennifer Griggs is the Supportive Services Program Director at the Randolph County Housing Authority. She focuses on developing programs in workforce training, assisting individuals and families struggling with financial stability, and those in recovery. She graduated from California State University, Chico, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Before moving to Elkins, WV, she worked for Gaynor Telesystems, Inc. in sales and operations. She began her social service career as the homeless coordinator for the Butte County Continuum of Care. She lives with her husband, and they enjoy traveling to learn more about the different cultures here and abroad.

After a successful career in the private sector, Randy Heady was elected to the office of county mayor of Jackson County, Tennessee, in 2018. Serving as the mayor of the community where he was born and raised, Mayor Heady’s revitalization efforts have been fruitful, resulting in economic growth, thriving tourism attractions, and a robust tax base. His goal of cultural change is being realized – from social disadvantage and economic distress to well-being and prosperity for all citizens. Mayor Heady is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Upper Cumberland Development District and the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency. Family, church, and community are his passions.

Tim Hendrick is the Deputy Director / Environmental Planner at the East Tennessee Development District (ETDD). Prior to joining ETDD in 2017, he worked as a planner at a private consulting firm and as a researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Hendrick has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Tennessee and an M.S. in Planning from The University of Tennessee. An avid hiker and kayaker, Tim loves to explore the mountains and rivers of East Tennessee.

Donna Hoylman Peduto currently serves as Executive Director of the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative. The WVPEC is composed of various educators from West Virginia and the national arena who have come together to champion public education from early childhood to post-secondary levels. Before serving in this role, Ms. Peduto recently served as Director of Operations for the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE). Ms. Peduto is a graduate of West Virginia University with both a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Reading. She lives in Fairmont, WV and loves travel and all sports, particularly the WVU teams.

Joanie Jasper is the Executive Director of Middlesboro Main Street. With a background in Tourism and Administration she has embarked on the goal to help the Middlesboro Main Street Board bring life to the historical downtown area by developing better opportunities to live, work, shop, and play. With extensive travel throughout the world, Joanie and her daughter Jenni have created promotional content for towns like: Durham, NC; Jacksonville, IL, and Key West, FL. Joanie says she could have picked anywhere in the world to live and work, but when she arrived in Middlesboro in 2021 she knew without a doubt she was home.

Jamila Jones is founder and President of Innovative Community Solutions, a non-profit focused on minority economic development, minority and underserved empowerment, and diversity in technology. She is also CEO of Innovative Solutions Technology, a small, minority serviced, disabled veteran owned IT government contracting company. She has called the Eastern Panhandle home for over 17 years and is very active in the community. She serves on the African American Community Association of Jefferson County Board, on the Board of the United Way Eastern Panhandle, and on the Advisory Board of the Bank of Charles Town (BCT). She has three children, enjoys hiking at Harpers Ferry, cooking and gardening.

Robert Kell is the New Economy Program Manager at Appalachian Voices. He combines a decade of grassroots community organizing experience and nonprofit leadership to advance the policy and programmatic goals of the organization. Robert has a BA in Political Science from the University of Virginia and an MTS from Vanderbilt Divinity School. He advocates for healthy mountain communities where citizens lead the movement for regional prosperity. He likes gardening, riding his mountain bike, and playing in the creek with his nephews.

Dr. John F. Kvach serves as the Executive Director of the Singing River Trail, a 220+ mile greenway trail system that will span North Alabama. Previously, John spent ten years as an Associate Professor of Southern History at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and served as Vice President of Liberty Learning Foundation. He has a BA and two MA in History from West Virginia University and a Ph.D. in History from the University of Tennessee. He is married to Ann and has two boys, Ben and Tom.

Bobbi Larson is the Director of Economic Development and Community Engagement at the University of North Georgia. Prior to joining UNG in 2014, she spent 14 years with the American Red Cross serving in fundraising and management positions. Larson holds a BBA- Management from Methodist College and an MBA from the University of North Georgia. Larson serves on several community boards including the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, Lumpkin County Library and Chestatee Regional Library System boards. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, especially her grandsons – Kieran, Aiden, Hunter and Tyler.

Kristy Luse is the Vice President of the Toyota Wellspring Fund at the CREATE Foundation. Prior to joining CREATE, Kristy was a public-school educator for 27 years, serving in roles ranging from a classroom teacher to school and district level administration. Kristy holds a B.Ed. and M.Ed. from Mississippi College, and an Ed.S. and a Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi. Throughout her career, Kristy’s continued belief that changing the educational landscape, while impacting the economic development of our communities, can influence the trajectory of future generations. This work is the core of Kristy’s lifelong commitment to the students of her state.

Melinda McTaggart has a dual appointment as the Director of Historic Property for Schoharie County and the Schoharie County Historical Society. Prior to joining county government, she worked in education in a variety of settings including colleges, Cooperative Extension, Job Corps, high school, and NYS Department of Correctional Services and Supervision. Melinda received a BA in International Studies from West Virginia University and a MS in Secondary Education from SUNY Oneonta. When not working, she is active in numerous organizations in her community and cheering on the Mountaineers.

Sam Miller is the Development Director of Buckeye Hills Regional Council, a council of government representing eight counties in southeastern Ohio. Before joining BHRC, Miller served on the staff of U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown as the Appalachian Regional Representative, serving as primary point of contact for residents across 25 Appalachian Ohio counties. Born, raised, and educated in Appalachian Ohio, Sam Miller attended Ohio University in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and graduated in May 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism– Strategic Communication. Sam currently lives in Athens, OH with her corgi, June. 

Tammie Nazario is the President/CEO of Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, Inc. She is also the Director of The Kentucky Wildlands. Tammie has been with the organization for 22 years. She has a BA in Organizational Management from Midway University. Tammie is a graduate of East Ky Leadership and Leadership Kentucky. She has obtained her travel marketing professional certification from Southeast Tourism Society. A native of McCreary County, she now resides in Pulaski County with her husband, Enrique. Tammie has one son, Codi Duncan, and three grandchildren, Eliana, Peyton and Ava.

Dr. Ricardo Nazario-Colón is an accomplished Higher Education Administrator with over twenty years of experience in various industries, including the U.S. Military, Colleges & Universities, Corporate Banking, and State Government. He is the inaugural Chief Diversity Officer and Inclusive Executive at Western Carolina University. He also serves as President of the Appalachian Studies Association, 2022-23. He was the former Chair of the University of North Carolina System Diversity and Inclusion Council and the Governor’s Advisory Council on Hispanic Latino Affairs. He earned a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Western Carolina University, a Masters in Secondary Education from Pace University, and a Bachelors in Spanish Literature and Latin American Studies from the University of Kentucky.

Bea Nellenback is the Development Director at Alternatives Federal Credit Union, a certified CDFI. In this role she applies grant management expertise and CDFI industry knowledge to advance AFCU’s mission. She has 20 years of experience in community development, from direct service outreach and caseworker roles to program management and directorships, and is devoted to working persistently to counteract the ways in which inequality is baked into the mainstream financial industry and into society as a whole. She has a BA in Sociology from Columbia University, and lives in NY with her partner Keith and their fluffy cat, Rhea.

Dr. Gary Padgett has over twenty years of experience in the field of education working in magnet schools, Title I schools, Renaissance schools, in tribal education systems, and in higher education. In addition to his role as a professor at the University of North Alabama, Gary is the Director of the South Eastern Ecoliteracy Project and a permaculture ambassador for the International Permaculture Education Center. Gary is also the husband of Ana Maria and the father of Tomás and Miranda. When he is not coaching his children, Gary is outside hiking, kayaking, practicing martial arts, or, of course, gardening.

Holly K. Pilcavage (she/her) serves as President and CEO of Coal Creative. In her role, she oversees all operations, finances, expansion and community-based efforts. Holly actively serves the underserved and underrepresented community members as an engaged member in a variety of positions, such as Dress For Success Luzerne County Board Chair, Rainbow Alliance Board, and the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber Board and Co-Chair of Legislative Education & Advocacy Day (L.E.A.D). Holly co-chaired the first ever Pride Parade in Downtown Wilkes-Barre, where over 700 community members walked in the parade and 3,500+ attended the celebration. Holly enjoys CrossFit, hiking, caring for 3 cats, and tending to her 130 plants.

Todd Pousley is Neighborhood Revitalization Manager at NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, where he leads collaborative, resident-driven efforts to improve communities. He has 15 years of nonprofit community development experience, having previously led Habitat for Humanity of Lackawanna County. Todd also serves on several nonprofit boards, is the chair of the Lackawanna County Housing Coalition, and is a member of the City of Scranton’s Planning Commission. He holds a BFA in Graphic Design and MPA from Marywood University. Todd resides in Scranton, PA, with his daughter Addison and enjoys good books and good BBQ.

Aaron Poynter is a graduate of Western Kentucky University and the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training. Serving as a full-time police officer until 2019, Aaron transitioned from law enforcement to his current role as Director of Reentry Programming for the Cumberlands and South Central Workforce Development Boards. Aaron also serves as President of the Young Professionals of Lake Cumberland, is a Board member for United Way of South Central Kentucky and is on the Southern Kentucky Reentry Council. Additionally, Aaron coaches varsity football for Russell County High School and resides in Russell Springs with his wife Sara, daughter Reese, and daughter Ellaree expected in January 2023.

Jim Raley is a resident of Garrett County Maryland. He holds a B.S. degree from California University of Pennsylvania and a M.Ed. from Frostburg State University. Jim had a 31-year career in public education as a teacher and administrator. He has served as an elected official on the School Board and County Commission. He is the Executive Director of Archway Station in Cumberland, Maryland which is a psychiatric rehabilitation program. Jim has been a member of the fire and rescue service for 45 years. He previously participated in the ARC Nonprofit Resource Center cohort training.

Martha Ryan is a native of Puerto Rico who supports career exploration for students at the Delaware, Chenango, Madison, Otsego – Board of Cooperative Educational Services (DCMO BOCES). She holds a Bachelors in Business and Finance from Empire State College and serves as a board member for the Chenango County Industrial Development Agency. Martha is passionate about connecting industry with education and has implemented three ARC grant funded projects designed to improve workforce development efforts in the region. She gives credit to her husband Herb Ryan and her three children for her endless energy and desire to make a difference.

David Shuster is the President and CEO of Horizon Goodwill Industries in Hagerstown, MD. He has been with Horizon Goodwill since 2013, serving previously as an Associate Director, Director, and Interim CEO. Prior to Goodwill, he served at Virginia Tech for 15 years in student affairs. Shuster earned his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Frostburg State University. Currently residing in Smithsburg, MD with his wife Aliana and their four children, he also serves as President of the Board of OnTrack Washington County, is an active leader in Scouts BSA, a member of Hagerstown Rotary-Sunrise and the Greater Hagerstown Committee.

Kyle Sox is the VP of Industrial Development for OneSpartanburg, Inc. He has 10 years of economic development experience (4 years with the SC Dept. of Commerce and 6 years at OneSpartanburg, Inc.) Kyle works with global manufacturing, logistics, and headquarter projects on location solutions and resources in Spartanburg. Kyle has an IMBA from the University of South Carolina, and he studied in Germany. In a previous life he was a wilderness therapy guide in Western North Carolina. Kyle and his wife, Lucy, are avid rock climbers. Kyle volunteers with several local organizations to secure public recreational access to wilderness.

Jenny Stubbs is owner of Yellow House Publishing, LLC, and has enjoyed working as a travel writer, editor and publisher for over 20 years. Author of My Wetumpka: A Picture Book Love Story, she was the founding director of Main Street Wetumpka in her Alabama hometown, where she represented the organization on national platforms, including the premiere season of HGTV’s Home Town Takeover. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication & Information Sciences from the University of Alabama and owns Frios Gourmet Popsicles with her husband Troy, who was recently elected to the Alabama Legislature. They have four children. 

Will Warren was born and raised in Eastern Kentucky and has worked for almost two decades in various capacities to create economic and community development opportunities. He is currently an Economic Development Consultant with Vita Nuova, an environmental redevelopment firm working to revitalize distressed communities throughout Appalachia. He is also the founder of an equity crowdfunding platform focused on small businesses in Appalachia, as well as co-host of the podcast “Appalachia Meets World.” He holds a BS from Western Kentucky University and a MPA from the University of Kentucky. Although a proud “Kentucky Colonel”, he resides in Appalachia Ohio with his wife Christine, and children Wrenn, Parkes and Boden.

Tasha Werry was a teacher and then a grant coordinator for Marietta City Schools. Through the grant work, she realized a need for deepening the relationship between the community, local businesses, and the schools in the county. Building upon existing efforts, Tasha supported the founding of BB2C in 2012 to connect students, teachers, and parents to business and community in order to increase career connections for students. She went on to complete her Educational Doctorate in 2016, with BB2C as the focus of her research, and is now the Executive Director. BB2C is currently scaling the concept in other regions.