Gregory Alston currently serves in the Office of Mississippi’s Attorney General. Previously, he was the North Mississippi Representative and General Counsel for United States Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and the late Senator Thad Cochran. A native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Alston attended Ole Miss he was elected on February 19, 2013 as Student Body President. He graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Law in May of 2017 where he also served as Student Body President from 2016-2017. Alston is a member of the Mississippi Bar and is an Eagle Scout. He and his wife Ann Ferrell reside in Oxford, Mississippi.

Anthony Armaly is the Global Partnerships Manager and Regional Workforce Initiative (RWFI) Federal Coordinator for the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) of the Department of Energy (DOE) where he works with regional stakeholders in developing or promoting workforce and linking it to opportunities in the energy area. As Global Partnerships Manager, Armaly pursues new global collaborations on behalf of the laboratory. Prior to joining NETL in 2015, Anthony spent 5.5-years with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) at Wright-Patterson AFB. He has a B.S., in Business from Bowling Green State University and a M.S., in Administration from Central Michigan University.

Tricia Ball is the Associate Director of Marshall University’s Innovating for Impact Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (iCenter). Prior to the iCenter, she worked at the Appalachian Transportation Institute and Center for Business and Economic Research focusing on marketing and economic development. She also has experience in the fields of experiential marketing and student affairs. Ball has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism (Public Relations) from West Virginia University and a master’s degree in Student Personnel in Higher Education from the University of Florida. She is an amateur Crossfitter, Christmas enthusiast, and boy mom times two.

Terry Bellamy is Madison County’s Director of Community and Economic Development. She has a wealth of experience in workforce development, infrastructure planning, and affordable housing. Bellamy also serves as the Administrative Coordinator for the Pearson Project Collaborative, a multi-generational network of African American neighborhoods. During her tenure as Councilmember, Vice-Mayor, and Mayor, of Asheville, Bellamy was involved in addressing regional issues in Western North Carolina. Bellamy is a graduate of UNC-Charlotte (BA), Western Carolina University (MPA) and current doctoral student at Western Carolina University (EdD). She is married to Lamont Bellamy, and is mother to Seth and Imani.

Albine Bennett serves as the Director of Communications and Imagine the Possibilities Career Expo Coordinator at the CREATE Foundation. She oversees the overall direction of CREATE’s communication, marketing, and coordinating of events which includes hosting over 7,000 8th grade students at the annual Imagine the Possibilities career expo. Bennett has a BA in Managerial Finance from University of Mississippi and an MBA from Louisiana State University. She enjoys giving back to her community through her efforts in volunteering with several organizations in Northeast Mississippi. Outside of volunteering, she enjoys reading, exercising, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Lisa Bright is the founder and Chief Executive Officer for the Will Bright Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to breaking the barriers of recovery from addiction. After the loss of her son, Will to a heroin overdose, she and her husband Bill decided to take their tragedy and use it to help those struggling with addiction. In 2017 the Will Bright Foundation opened Restoration Springs, in Fayette, Alabama. Restoration Springs is a transitional living facility for men coming out of recovery but needing help with that next step in life. Prior to her foundation work, she owned and operated a drapery design business for 24 years and was featured in Southern Living Magazine numerous times with her cutting-edge drapery designs. She has been married for 37 years has 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren.

Denise is currently a Senior Educator for the CAMC Department of Continuing Education. She is a Registered Nurse, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Marriage and Family Therapist. Burgess holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling, a BSN, a BA and an ADN. In 2011 she received the WV Nurse Excellence Award for Nursing Leadership and was the recipient of the WV YWCA 2016 Women of Achievement. She and her husband Mike have been married for 38 years; have two sons, two daughters-in-law and 1.5 granddaughters.

Bill Caudill serves as the Coordinator of the Steuben County Youth Bureau, in Bath, New York, and has lived in the Appalachian Region for more than 30 years in Mississippi, Maryland, and New York. Caudill leads assessment and planning initiatives to address the needs of youth, and collaborates with agency, school, and community partners to administer state and local funding. His background includes 25 years’ experience in youth and adult education, non-profit and public administration, grant writing, and community development. He holds a B.S. from Frostburg State University (Maryland), and an M.S. from Rochester Institute of Technology (New York).

Jamie Chrisman Low is the statewide Recovery network weaver for Faces and Voices of Recovery South Carolina and board secretary for Faces and Voices of Recovery Piedmont. She has served as project director and Recovery consultant for federal- and state-funded initiatives. Chrisman Low is a licensed professional counselor associate and board-certified telemental health provider in North Carolina and South Carolina. Her professional expertise in existential theory, strength-based approaches, and person-centered, Recovery-oriented care reinforces her personal experience in long term Recovery and unwavering resolve to remove barriers and improve access to Recovery for individuals, families, and communities. Her grandchildren call her “Giggie.”

Brennan Dudley resides in Byesville, Ohio. He attended Muskingum Perry Career Center where he studied Audio and Video Production and Zane State College where his field of study was Business Management. Dudley currently serves as the City Manager for Byesville, Ohio. He has served in other leadership roles such as retail management, pastor, business owner, and the board of directors for several community organizations. Dudley is a Certified Fire Fighter, Emergency Medical Responder, Certified in FEMA Incident Management & Command, Notary Public, serves on The Ohio State University Extension Advisory Board for Guernsey County, and an OHSAA Basketball Official.

Ray Farley is Executive Director of Alliance Pickens, an Appalachian economic development organization he has led since 2002. He is an economic development professional with 27 years of experience, 25 of which in Appalachia. His work in infrastructure development, industrial park development workforce development and job recruitment and retention has positively impacted thousands of Appalachian residents and families in West Virginia and South Carolina. He is the creator and developer of Scholar Technician®, an International Economic Development Council acclaimed workforce development initiative aimed at successfully developing technical manufacturing STEM skills in K-12 students. He received his BA from Bowling Green State University, MBA from the University of Toledo, and completed the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma. Farley received the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation through the International Economic Development Council. Mr. Farley was recently awarded the 2019 South Carolina Economic Developer of the Year by the South Carolina Economic Developers Association. He is married to an elementary school teacher, the lone love of his life. They have two grown children who are both health care professionals.

Luke Glaser lives in Hazard, Kentucky, where he teaches AP Calculus, AP Literature, Precalculus, and Entrepreneurship at Hazard High School. In 2018, Glaser was elected City Commissioner in Hazard. His work includes modernizing infrastructure and creating one of the most comprehensive city internship programs in the state of Kentucky. Glaser is a graduate of the University of Kentucky (English and Hispanic Studies) and is currently pursuing his Masters in Educational Studies through Johns Hopkins University. In his free time, he enjoys running, hiking with his significant other, and training his dog to get drinks out of the refrigerator.

Jacqueline Gottlieb is the President and CEO of Hinton Rural Life Center, a Retreat and Conference Center that engages in community outreach. This is her 21st year in non-profit management. She earned a Masters and EdD from NC State University and BS from Western Carolina University. She is an Alumnae of Leadership North Carolina, North Carolina Rural Economic Development Institute, and Kenan-Flagler School of Business’ Program for Manager Development. Gottleib is the President of the Rotary Club of Clay County. She is a single mother of three teenagers and in her spare time loves hiking, pottery, stained glass, and traveling.

Chuck Hammonds is the Assistant Executive Director of the SETDD/CARCOG. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. His primary responsibility is supervision of the Community & Economic Development Division of the agency. This department of the agency includes Historic Preservation, Tourism, Housing, Local Government Planning and GIS functions, Infrastructure Development, Transportation Planning, Economic and Industrial Development, and the day to day operations of the agency. Chuck has been with the agency for 18 years. Prior to joining the Development District, Hammonds worked for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation as an Environmental Specialist.

Beau Harbin is a County Legislator in Cortland, NY as well as a Global Manager of Client Success and Training for Advanced Solutions International. As Legislator, Harbin is an active participant in numerous committees and boards, including Chairman of the Buildings and Grounds committee and Vice Chair of the Southern Tier 8 Regional Planning Board. He has been engaged on issues involving planning and development, the environment, and criminal justice. As a Global Manager at ASI, he is responsible for leading an international team of software consultants. Harbin and his family have lived in Cortland for 11 years after having moved there from Northern Virginia.

Mary Anne Holbrook is the Director of Community Relations for United Way of Southwest Virginia where she leads a team of dedicated development professionals and serves on the CEO’s leadership team. She has worked in all facets of fundraising including donor development and stewardship, grant writing, governmental relations, and events. A graduate of Radford University, Holbrook holds a Master’s Degree in English with concentrations in Appalachian Studies and Business and Technical Writing. She lives in Washington County, Virginia with her husband, Jon, and their children.

Jessie Hunt is a Financial Project Manager at Fahe in Berea, KY. In her current role, she oversees an ARC Power Grant focusing on Transformational Employment for people recovering from addiction. She also assists in the development of low-income housing projects across Appalachia by securing various forms of funding such as: LIHTC, tax-exempt bonds, HOME, AHTF, and CDBG. Hunt holds a BBA in Accounting from Eastern Kentucky University and an MBA from Morehead State University. She is a licensed KY Resident Agent for Health and Life Insurance and is working towards her Project Management Professional Certification.

Leanne Kinker Johnson is currently the Vice President of Business Development and the Banking Center Manager at WesBanco Bank in Portsmouth, Ohio. With twelve years of business management and business banking experience, she began her financial career with CitiFinancial. She joined WesBanco in 2014 and was promoted to Assistant Vice President in 2015 and Vice President of Business Development in 2017. Under her leadership, the Portsmouth Banking Center won the prestigious President’s Club award for “Overall Top Performing Branch” within WesBanco in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Leanne is actively involved with her community and currently serves on the boards of the local American Red Cross, Star Inc., and is Treasurer of the 14th Street Community Center. In 2018, she co-founded “Watch Me Grow”, a Youth Agriculture & Entrepreneurship program for the youth in the Portsmouth area. Leanne is the mother of four children and a grandmother. She currently resides in South Webster, Ohio with her husband.

Colby Kirk is the Executive Director of One Harlan County, an economic development organization serving Harlan County, Kentucky. Prior to this position, he managed projects for a regional economic development entity covering nine counties in southeastern Kentucky. He also served two years as a Teach For America (TFA) Corps Member, teaching high school mathematics in the TFA Appalachia region. Kirk holds a degree in Finance from the University of Kentucky and is currently enrolled in the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. He is a lifelong Appalachian who is committed to diversifying the region’s economy.

Bronwyn Lucas is the director of leadership at the NC Rural Center. She has a deep passion for leadership development, health equity, community engagement and systems change. She spent several years working on food systems change at the national level but loves working with communities across NC. Lucas is the founder and past executive director of Youth Empowered Solutions (YES!), a national nonprofit that empowers youth to create community change. Bronwyn’s roots are from Gastonia, NC and Sydney, Australia. Lucas has a BS from Amherst College and a Master of Public Health from the Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Daniel Martin serves as Director of Economic Development for the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission (GMRC). In this role, he assists local governments and development authorities in pursuing financing for projects through various grant and loan programs. Prior to joining GMRC, Martin held management roles with Kite Realty Group and Victory Real Estate Investments both of which focused on the development of anchored shopping centers across the U.S. He is a native of South Alabama and holds a BA in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration, both from Auburn University.

Lydeana Martin is the Community and Economic Development Director for Floyd County, Virginia, a role she has played since 2004. Prior to that, she was a regional planner at the New River Valley Regional Commission, a district manager for the Roanoke Times, and an independent real estate appraiser. She has a BA in History/American Studies from the University of Virginia, and Masters in Business Administration and Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech. She’s also a certified planner. She is active in her church and community. She has one daughter, named Shayley, who is in her second year of college.

GT McCullough serves as the Project Manager for The Alliance, the economic development organization and chamber of commerce for the City of Corinth and Alcorn County, Mississippi. Prior to joining The Alliance in June of 2017, he spent five seasons on the baseball staff at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. McCullough earned a Bachelor of Science from the College of Education at Mississippi State University. He is married to Sally Beth, who is the Biology teacher at Corinth High School. They have two children, Sally Grace (4) and Sam (2).

Josh Miller is an Assistant Vice President & Business Development Officer at Somerset Trust Company. Miller possesses nearly fifteen years of diversified management experience in various industries including the field of international trade, manufacturing, economic development, and banking. His background in quasi-government, private sector, and non-profit management afford a well-rounded professional experience. Miller earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kutztown University. A member of various councils, service clubs, and advisory boards, he remains passionate about serving his community and helping others. Joshua resides in Somerset, Pennsylvania, with his wife and three beautiful children.

Alicia Phelps is Executive Director of Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association. Prior to joining NETTA in 2016, she worked in public relations for Emory & Henry College, and as Director of Tourism for Jonesborough. Phelps is a graduate of Emory & Henry College, King University, and Southeast Tourism Society’s Marketing College. She is active on several community boards and serves as principal instructor for East Tennessee State University’s Hospitality & Tourism Certification. Under her leadership, NETTA was named 2019 Tennessee Destination Marketing Organization of the Year. Phelps is a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, and can be found at car shows, cruising backroads, hiking, paddleboarding or kayaking.

Steven Puckett serves as the Business and Community Outreach Director within the University of North Alabama’s College of Business. In that role he develops relationships with local industry leaders to build a strong focus on various economic and community development projects. Puckett also teaches Innovation and Entrepreneurship and assists students with start-up projects through The Generator, the University’s student business incubator. Before coming to UNA, Puckett served as managing director of Southern Research’s Prosperity Fund. In this role he was responsible for advancing the fund’s strategic objectives of assisting business growth, stimulating start-up activity, and spurring job creation throughout Alabama.

Chris Robinson, the Vice-President of Workforce Development and Community Education at Wilkes Community College, is responsible for non-credit courses offered by the college in its three-county service area and the operations of WCC’s Ashe Campus. Robinson has been part of teams that have recruited seven major industries to the area, grown the Ashe Campus by 400 percent, and grown the college’s customized training programs significantly. He holds a BA in English from the University of Maryland. Robinson lives in Jefferson, NC, with his wife Yolanda, and is the proud father of two daughters and grandfather to Briggs and Collins.

Denny Wayne Robinson serves as the County Executive for White County Tennessee where he is focused on economic development for the community. Robinson also serves on several boards: Tri-County Railroad, Center Hill Rural Planning Organization, Legislative Committee for the Association of Mayors, Upper Cumberland Regional Airport, Upper Cumberland Development District & Human Resources Agency and has recently been appointed to Launch TN Board of Directors, a public-private partnership that supports entrepreneurs across Tennessee. Robinson is a graduate of Tennessee Tech University and completed the Economic Development Course University of Tennessee. He is also a veteran of the Army and National Guard.

Andrew Sargent’s career has spanned small business management, real estate, commercial property management and economic development, which has led to his current role as the Senior Business Development Representative for Western Maryland for the MD Department of Commerce. He lives with his wife, Dr. Tara Sargent and is the proud father of George (15) and Grace (13). In his spare time he enjoys pedaling, reading, and listening to live, handcrafted music of almost any sort. He is currently serving on the Fletcher Foundation board of directors and as the Chair of the Washington County Convention & Visitor Center Board of Directors.

Josh Sawyers is responsible for the extracurricular entrepreneurial program offered at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, as well as the day-to-day operations for the UVa-Wise Innovation Centers, including The Nest and the Oxbow Center for Innovation and Technology. He also helps to grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Southwest Virginia by facilitating Opportunity SWVA, the region’s entrepreneurial support organization. He earned a B.S. in Business Management and Sports Management from Virginia Intermont College. He enjoys all the outdoor activities SWVA has to offer and planning for the next adventure with the wife and three kids.

Erin Schotte works as a Community & Economic Development Administrator for the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) in NC, assisting member governments with grant writing and administration as well as long-term planning projects. She was raised in East Tennessee before receiving her BS in Land Use Planning from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. In her spare time, she enjoys playing music, exploring nature, reading, gardening, cooking, and eating.

Chuck Slemp is Commonwealth’s Attorney for Wise County & the City of Norton. Prior to his election to office in 2015, Slemp served as Commissioner of Accounts (a position similar to probate judge) and managed a private law practice representing local governments and private individuals in Virginia and Tennessee. Slemp earned a B.S. in Business from UVA-Wise, M.A. in Public Policy, Juris Doctor from Regent University, and completed post-graduate study at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. He is a husband, father of two young boys, an adjunct professor, and serves on various boards and commissions throughout Virginia.

Tiffany Swigert is the Executive Director for the Coshocton Port Authority. Prior to joining Coshocton’s Economic Development office in July 2017, she served as the Executive Director of the Coshocton County Regional Planning Commission and the Safety Coordinator for the Coshocton County Commissioners. Swigert attended Zane State after high school and returned to college while working full-time and raising a family to obtain her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, graduating in 2008. Tiffany and her husband of 19 years, Gene Swigert, have two teenage sons, Briar, 16, and Camden, 14, and their dog, Huck.

Melissa Tabb is a program analyst with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development in the Community Service Block Grant program. Through this position working with local Community Action Agencies, Tabb has developed a passion for community revitalization, especially in rural areas. She and her husband are also small business owners which has diversified her experiences and added an additional layer of commitment to making her local communities thrive. Outside of work, she can be found enjoying arts festivals, hiking, and thrift shopping with her two young children and a camera in tow.

Bevin Tomlin works for Alabama Power Company in the Economic & Community Development organization as the Community Development Manager. Previously, she worked in the Business Intelligence organization and on special projects for the Executive Vice President for Customer Services. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for several non-profits, including Alabama Communities of Excellence and Main Street Alabama. Bevin graduated from the University of Alabama in December 2004 with her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Financial Management. Tomlin received her Master’s of Science in Finance from UA in May 2007. She lives in Hoover with her husband and three children.

Jennifer (Jenny) Totten currently works for both the WV Community Development Hub and the WV Food and Farm Coalition on grass roots community and economic development. A native of West Virginia, she currently resides in Welch, after a series of moves and creative career choices. Totten attended Virginia Tech where she majored in aerospace engineering and followed that brief career up with adventures in Haiti, AmeriCorps VISTA, and the 1890 university extension system. In her spare time, she dreams about her future Appalachian flower farm, coaches an all-female LEGO robotics team, and follows dogs she’s never met on Instagram.

Jesse E. Turner is the Director of Planning and Transportation for the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments (NACOLG) in Muscle Shoals, AL, a position he has held since 2018. Previously, he was the Transportation Planning Program Director for NACOLG from 2006 -2018. He oversees the region’s public transit system and the agency’s transportation, recreational, and regional planning programs. Turner was elected as Mayor of Loretto, TN in 2014 and was reelected in 2018. He holds a BS in Professional Geography from the University of North Alabama and resides in Loretto, TN with his wife and their three sons.

Jennifer Walsh is the Executive Director of The Greater Cumberland Committee, a regional economic development organization whose mission is to create a vibrant and prosperous five-county, tri-state region. Born and raised in New Mexico, Walsh graduated with honors from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 2001. Following law school, she served as a Law Clerk for Justice Joseph Baca at the New Mexico Supreme Court and then for Judge Hiram Puig-Lugo at the District of Columbia Superior Court in Washington, D.C. Jennifer worked as a Legislative Assistant for former US Senator Jeff Bingaman, before moving to Cumberland. She has been practicing law in Cumberland since 2004 and currently practices part time in the areas of estate and long-term care planning at the Law Firm of Geppert McMullen Paye & Getty.

Elizabeth Wells is the Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of LaFayette, Georgia and the City of Rossville, Georgia. Preceding her work in Economic and Community Development, she worked in private investment in an analyst and research role. Wells has also worked with small businesses building strategies for lead generation and business development. She has also traversed the globe as a flight attendant. Wells has a BA in Psychology from Georgia State University and an AAS in Fashion Business Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is an avid wanderlust and explorer of new ideas!

Laura White-Brown is the Mayor for the City of Morehead, Kentucky. Prior to becoming Mayor, she was employed by Harold White Lumber, Inc., as the Export Logistics Coordinator and the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Program as a regional supervisor. Mayor White-Brown has a BA in Health Promotion from Morehead State University. She is married and is the mother of two children. White-Brown is also a marathon runner and enjoys being involved in local non-profits.

Lara Bowman is the Executive Director of The Enterprise of Mississippi representing Choctaw and Webster Counties. Bowman was hired in 2015 to establish and lead the newly formed regional organization. Her background boasts experience in human resources, non-profit organizational management and university level outreach work providing training to business and industry in technology applications. Bowman has a BA in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and MBA with a minor in Economics both from Mississippi State University. She is a certified Business Retention and Expansion Coordinator through BREI. She is married to Trey and has one son, Bo (1). In her spare time she enjoys being outdoors and listening to audio books.

Samuel Brady is the Executive Director of the Jackson County Economic Development Partnership. Prior to joining the Partnership in 2008, he worked in convenience retail. During his career he has served in various public service roles including President of the Wellston Chamber of Commerce and member of Wellston City Council. In 2018 he became Chairman of the Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio, and was appointed by Ohio Governor John Kasich to the Rio Grande Community College Board of Trustees. He lives in Jackson, Ohio with his wife, Rebekah, and their sons Samuel, Sullivan, and Simon.

Dr. Braman is the Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medical Affairs for Appalachian Regional HealthCare. Prior to joining ARH in 2016, she was Vice President of Medical Affairs at St Peter’s Hospital in Helena MT. She has over a decade of experience in rural health care. Dr Braman completed her medical degree at George Washington University. She completed a residency in Pathology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. After Residency she completed a Fellowship at University of Michigan in Breast Pathology. In 2018 Dr Braman completed her MBA at The University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business. Her most enjoyable moments are spent with her husband, three children, 2 dogs, 3 cats and her pot belly pig.

Matthew Bull is the Chief Operations Officer at Pro Action of Steuben and Yates, Inc., a Community Action Agency in the Finger Lakes – Southern Tier region of New York State. Prior to joining Pro Action in 2018, he worked with the NYS Dept. of State Community Services Block Grant Program, directed the economic development efforts at the City of Salamanca, and served as the elected Town Supervisor in his hometown of Machias, NY. Bull holds a BA from SUNY Geneseo and a MBA from St. Bonaventure University.

Violet Burdette has worked in southern WV for nearly thirty-five years. She is employed at MountainHeart Community Services, Inc. (a Community Action Agency). The agency provides a variety of services targeting low-income individuals, families, communities and businesses throughout West Virginia. Ms. Burdette has an Undergraduate Degree in Social Work and Master’s Degree in Management. She is a Certified Community Action Professional, Certified Case Manager and Strengthening Family Workers Instructor. Violet has completed the Grantsmanship Training Program, WVU Certificate for Excellence in Nonprofit Management and multiple other programs. Violet is the mother of three and enjoys spending time with her family.

Brandon Butler is an experienced administrator turned consultant passionate about building communities through talent development. Brandon is currently a consultant with Greenwill Consulting Group, an Annapolis based government relations firm. Previously, Butler served as Allegany County Administrator, where he reorganized government, established a summer youth fellowship, and created a makerspace / training center. Previously, Brandon served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Workforce Development and Adult Learning at Maryland’s Department of Labor. While there, Butler led the crafting of Maryland’s Workforce Plan. Butler earned a BS from Frostburg State University and his JD from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Joe Choate is the Judge/Executive in Hart County Kentucky. Prior to being elected in November 2018, Joe was self-employed as an Automotive Wholesaler and Real Estate Broker. Joe is active in his church and in the community. He enjoys any down time he has on the cattle farm with his four children.

Amanda Clark is the External Affairs Manager for Kentucky Power. Before joining Kentucky Power, she was the Vice President for Ashland Alliance, the regional economic development organization for Northeast Kentucky. Amanda is the youngest female elected to Ashland's Board of Commissioners. She has served three consecutive terms. She chairs the Capital Projects Committee and represents the city on the Destination Ashland Team. She is a graduate of Marshall University and The Economic Development Institutes at The University of Oklahoma and The University of Kentucky. Amanda lives in Ashland with her husband Brian and their two sons.

Philip Cooper is a Western North Carolina Native and the Coordinator for Up Skill WNC and the Founder of Hire Powered Staffing. Philip has committed his life to human services and specializes in working with justice involved citizens. As an expert by experience, Philip has evolved into a regional Change Agent, advocating and innovating solutions for public safety. He has a beautiful Woman of God on his side and 5 daughters, yes all daughters! He is an Evangelist and loves music and lifting weights.

A business consultant and partner of Fronterra Resources today Mike and his wife Jan operate 4 tourism related business in Garrett County, Maryland. Fronterra Resources is the parent company of Savage River Lodge, Cornucopia Café, Little Crossings Pantry and SRL Outdoors. Mike graduated from Hagerstown Community College and Frostburg State University. Mike is also a graduate of Leadership Maryland 2007 and Leadership Washington County 1989. Mike belongs to many outdoor organizations: Sierra Club, National Wild Turkey Federation, Ruffed Grouse Society, Trout Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Issac Walton League. He is President of Garrett Trails.

Mack is Mayor of his hometown and has served in the Williamston community as a Chiropractic Physician for 29 years. Joining the Appalachian Council Of Governments Board in 2013, he currently serves as Vice-Chair. Mack is married to Sharon Durham with five wonderful children. “I believe that the structure of our communities must primarily facilitate a functional social environment to grow healthy and vibrant communities. By creating this “human habitat”, rich with place-making and relationship-building opportunities, we attract residential growth. Residential growth expands the local market to increase support for existing businesses and create opportunities for next tier business investment."

Rachel Rae Dyer is the Owner and President of This Place, a successful Business Services and Consulting company in Fairmont, WV. Rae received her MBA from WVU with a BS from Linfield College and a BA from Hiram College. She is a USAF veteran who serves as Chapter Captain of the North Central West Virginia Chapter of Team Red, White and Blue, and serves as President of the board for Choose West Virginia. Rae believes in continuous improvement both personally and professionally and conducts business and life on the principles of integrity, honesty, and service to others.

Elizabeth Georg is an attorney at Deep Creek Title Group in Oakland, Maryland. Georg is actively involved in the Garrett County, Maryland community and is a director on the following boards: The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, The Garrett College Foundation, First United Wealth Management Advisory Council, and The Deep Creek Watershed Foundation, Georg serves as chair of the Garrett County Economic Development Corporation, and was appointed as a member of the Garrett County Planning Commission in 2016. Elizabeth earned her Juris Doctorate from Vermont Law School in 2003. She resides in the McHenry, Maryland area with her son, Avery.

Don Godbey is a Licensed Independent Social Worker -Clinical Practice with over 40 years of clinical mental health counseling experience. Don served on Council and Mayor of Mauldin, South Carolina, form 2001 – 2011. While serving on council, Don was appointed to the Appalachian Council of Government (ACOG) and is the chair of the 6-county Economic Development Committee. He has spent the past 4 years servicing on the Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC) board. Don is married to Becky and they have two adult children. Don enjoys gardening, reading and hiking.

Jennifer Ivey is the branch manager of the Madison County Library in Danielsville, Georgia. She enjoys being an active part of her community and is involved in several community groups, such as the Madison County chapter of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library committee and the Madison Area Resource Team. Ivey received a BA in sociology from the University of Georgia in 2000. In her spare time she enjoys hiking at nearby Watson Mill State Park, kayaking on the Broad River, reading, and sewing. She lives in Danielsville with her family (human and canine).

Kyle Jordan currently serves as the Deputy District Director for Congressman Michael Guest. Prior to this role Kyle served on former Congressman Gregg Harper’s staff during his ten years representing Mississippi’s Third Congressional District. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University and has been accepted into State’s Master of Public Policy and Administration program. Kyle is an active Rotarian and Mason and enjoys volunteering in his spare time in service to his community. From 2018 to 2019 he served as Master of Abert No. 89 Masonic Lodge in Starkville. Kyle sits on the board of trustees for the Mississippi Heritage Trust and is a member of the Starkville Rotary Club. He is married to the former Lura Corban of Winona, MS. They attend First United Methodist Church in Starkville where they reside with their Golden Doodle, Alice.

Diane Lautenschleger found the passion of her lifetime growing the economy through tourism at the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau where she is responsible for Partnership Development. The dynamic nature of her career means her focus shifts from marketing buys and destination travel trade shows, to local grant writing, community development, and board service including Ohio’s Appalachian Country, the organization dedicated to growing Ohio’s economy through tourism as Past President. Co-creator of the #livetusc campaign, Lautenschleger actively seeks to influence positive workforce change throughout Tuscarawas County and the region. After business hours, you will find her working in her flower gardens.

Jeremy has worked for State Farm for 14 years and is currently an Agency Manager in Kingsport, TN. Prior to transitioning to agency, he was a Senior Agency Field Specialist responsible for consulting small business owners across Tennessee. Jeremy has held leadership roles for a number of non-profits in his community and enjoys volunteering, fund raising, and youth development. He is a graduate of UT, Knoxville with a B.S. in Communications as well as earned his LUTCF designation from the American College. He and his wife, Mary Glenn, have also owned small business and promote community development. Jeremy is an avid coach of youth sports, runner, and enjoys the outdoors. He has three children; Will (13), Mary Kate (10), and Charlie (5); a dog; and a cat named Richard.

As the City Manager of Oneonta Alabama, Ed Lowe is a public servant with a passion for strengthening community and was recently awarded the designation of master practitioner in the field of advanced economic development. He believes that, with hard work and focus, we can control our own destiny. Ed also subscribes to the principle of strength-based leadership. As someone who professes to be blessed with much more than he deserves, Ed enjoys spending time with his family, all things automotive, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Bridgett Massengill is the President and CEO of Thrive Regional Partnership in the greater Chattanooga tristate region. Prior to joining Thrive in 2012, she consulted with small towns on downtown revitalization strategies through the National Main Street Center, led the Johnson City Development Authority, and served as legislative staff for the Tennessee General Assembly. Bridgett has a BS in Political Science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a MPA in Planning and Development from East Tennessee State University. She is a travel enthusiast who prefers adventures to National Parks in the RV with her husband and twin daughters.

Mayor Darren “Hal” McCabe is the Director of the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources and the Mayor of the Village of Homer, NY. McCabe has an impressive resume of public service and a long history of advocating for rural issues. He was most recently the Director of Outreach at NY FarmNet, where he led legislative efforts to help New York’s farmers survive and thrive in today’s challenging economy. Prior to joining FarmNet, McCabe was the Director of External Congressional Relations at the Council on Foundations in Washington DC, where he trained grantmaking foundations in how to lobby and advocate with their members of congress. Before CoF, he oversaw nine counties for former Congressman Michael Arcuri. Mr. McCabe is the current Mayor of the Village of Homer in Cortland County. He attended Ithaca College, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications and Public Relations. He then went on to graduate studies in Political Management at George Washington University, Binghamton University, and Cornell University. As a native of Upstate New York, Mr. McCabe has a lifelong love for the area. He is an avid hunter and loves camping in the Adirondacks.

Betsy McGriff joined the Dawson County Chamber as the Economic Development Director in 2018. She holds an MBA and BS in Chemistry both from Georgia Southern University. Previously, she worked with the University of Georgia’s Archway Partnership. Betsy also worked as a Key Account Analyst with Georgia Power and served as Mayor of her hometown of Register, Georgia. She is a 2017 graduate of Locate South Georgia LEADS and a 2016 Georgia Forward Young Gamechanger. She and her husband Harley spend their free time ferrying their children Mac & Charlie to football, soccer, basketball, and drama practice.

Dr. Teresa Orok is a professor and executive director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Economic Development (CEIED) of the College of Business and Public Affairs at Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, Alabama. Dr. Orok has assisted more than 200 businesses in start-up and business scaling, and she is known for her leadership skills in building effective community engagement and collaborative partnerships. The Jackson, Tenn., native received training at Lane College in Jackson, Tenn.; Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Ga.; Georgia State University, Atlanta, Ga.; Union Institute and University, Cincinnati, Ohio; and post-doctoral training at Harvard University. She shares her life with husband, Dr. Michael Orok, and daughter, Ekemini Orok, MD.

Dr. Carol Moore is the CEO & President of STEM West, a non-profit, working to create partnerships between educators and local STEM businesses in western NC. She brings with her 30+ years of experience in science and math education that includes seven years as a curriculum specialist. As a specialist, she managed science kit refurbishment programs, provided an array of PD opportunities, wrote and managed multiple grants, and built partnerships with local STEM businesses, government, and non-profit organizations. Throughout her career, she has been active in the NC Science Teachers Association and NC Science Leaders Association.

Angelee Murray is the Director of Corporate & Community Development at ReVIDA Recovery Centers. Angelee’s career was built working across the nation in the fields of sales, marketing and image consulting with Mary Kay Cosmetics earning 13 Career Cars, with 6 of those being consecutive Pink Cadillacs. Angelee is Founder and Board President of Red Legacy Recovery, a contracted Addiction Recovery Program agency with TN Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services. In 2016, Murray was named as Advocate & Educator for the National Safety Council. Angelee’s favorite things are her special needs dog and her two nephews.

Jessie Owensby is the Community Development Manager for the City of Cornelia. Jessie is originally from Oakwood, Georgia and is the fourth of five children. She is a 2001 honor graduate from Rabun Gap Nacoochee School where she lived her four years of high school. She attended Middle Tennessee State University on a scholarship in the school of Mass Communications. Jessie is a 2015 graduate from Piedmont College with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications. She is the incoming President of Cornelia Kiwanis, serves as Vice Chair of the Habersham County Library board, is an active member of the Habersham Chamber of Commerce, the Director of the Cornelia Business Association, and is an active choir member at Level Grove Baptist Church where she attends. Jessie is a Georgia Certified Economic Developer from Carl Vinson Institute of Government at UGA, and she is also a Georgia Downtown Development Professional through the Georgia Downtown Association. She is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration degree from the University of North Georgia. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, tennis and golf. She has been married to Mike Owensby for almost 16 years and has two children, Jake (13) and Savana (9).

Abbi Peters is the EVP of Operations for the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship. She brings 20 years of experience within the creative economy to the Center’s leadership team and played a crucial role in establishing the programs that drive the PA Wilds Center’s place-based entrepreneurial ecosystem. Abbi is especially eager to put her experiences to work in her local community of Ridgway, Pa, as an elected councilperson. Abbi lives the dream of creative placemaking as she and her husband restore a 10,000 square-foot schoolhouse that serves as their home, work studio, and eventually a space for visiting artists.

Beth E. Pirtle-Frazer is the owner of Freestyle Consulting which offers planning, consulting and grant services that lead to organizational growth, strength and sustainability. Ms. Pirtle-Frazer is the president of the fledgling Manchester Renaissance Foundation, Inc. , an organization whose mission is to unite the arts, history and nature to revitalize Manchester, Ohio. A graduate of Hanover College with a BA in English, Beth is a member of the Leadership Adams Class of 2015, treasurer and past president of the Manchester Lions Club and she has served on both the Adams County Reentry Committee and the Jail Task Force.

During her more than three decade long career in the tourism and travel industry, Tami has lived and worked by the theme expressed by the famous American heroine Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” Tami is the President/CEO of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA). Her duties include planning, implementing, directing, and evaluating all promotional programs as well as overall development of the tourism and travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the State of Alabama. The region currently generates more than $3.2 billion in travel expenditures on an annual basis.

Lesley Ridge Allen is passionate about helping businesses thrive. Her primary role at the Chamber is to connect businesses to Pennsylvania’s economic development ecosystem to maximize continued growth and expansion opportunities in Erie County. Previously, Ridge-Allen’s ran a digital marketing agency focused on small businesses and worked as the community manager for a consumer marketing agency in Boston. She began her career in public relations for a DC-based start-up after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University. She and her husband, Chris, enjoy spending time at Presque Isle and UPMC Park with their two sons.

AJ Robinson is the Director of Community Development and Tourism for Tazewell County, Virginia where she oversees the County’s public relations, tourism industry, broadband initiatives, recreational development and community COVID-19 response. Previously, she worked in the United States Senate. A native of the Commonwealth, Robinson is passionate about serving her community and is on the board of the Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority, the Crooked Road and Communities in Schools of Southwest Virginia. Robinson resides in Bluefield, Virginia with her husband, Erik, and their set of twins, Sophia and Dalton. Outside of volunteering, she enjoys travel, reading, cooking and needlepoint.

Edna O. Schack is Co-Director of MSUTeach and professor of mathematics education in the Morehead State University Volgenau College of Education. She is a Kentucky Center for Mathematics faculty associate collaborating to develop community mathematics resource centers. She serves on the joint Morehead-Rowan County-Lakeview Heights Planning Commission and the Advisory Council of the Prichard Committee Kentucky Collaborative for Families and Schools. She and her husband live in the Morehead community where work, parks, bookstore, coffee shops, restaurants, bakery, and brewery are a short walk from home. Their four adult children visit to enjoy the local lake and forest activities.

Ron Scott Jr. was born in Wheeling WV and has been a lifelong resident. He graduated from Wheeling Park High School. Upon graduation, he attended Morehouse College in Atlanta GA; but ended up graduating from West Liberty University. He spent 13 years as a counselor in the field of Addictions and work at several area agencies such as Northwood Health Systems, Lee Day Report Center, Quest Recovery Services, Juvenile Mediation, Wheeling Park High School, and Youth Services Systems. His love for community, justice, and creativity has led him to several positions like former President and Vice President of the Upper Ohio Valley NAACP, former Vice Chairman of the Wheeling Human Rights Commission, founder of the Ohio Valley African American Students Association, member of Undependent Films, and board member of the Independent Theater Collective. In the position of Program Director of Cultural Diversity & Community Outreach, I get the opportunity to do many different things. I get to do speaking engagement and presentations to conduct awareness in the areas of Cultural Diversity, Acceptance, and the rising prevalence of Rape Culture. I also get to have events that blend cultures, and place people in environments that they aren’t used to with people that have more in common with than expected. A few Examples have been Mini-Con, Beyond The Closet, Hip-Hop: A Black Tie Affair, and The Wyleane Project. I feel that the goals and objectives of advocating for people who are facing discrimination and prejudice, conducting Cultural Awareness Workshops, providing culturally specific education/information/referrals, and provide community outreach in Ohio Valley; are lofty ones, but with the history of the YWCA and the competence of the staff with whom I’ll be working, I should be just fine.

John Sider is Director of Second Stage Capital for Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern Pennsylvania. While also at Ben Franklin, he led the development of the “Innovate in PA” legislation which provided $85 million to fund a continuum of capital formation activities. Sider also worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development where he managed all venture capital initiatives and was appointed a Deputy Secretary by Governor Rendell in 2009. Previously, Sider was in financing roles at Community First Fund and Fulton Bank, graduated from Wheaton College and earned his MBA from Temple University.

Mark Stevans joined the First Tennessee Development District in 2015 and serves as the Director of Special Projects. Prior to joining the staff of the FTDD, Mark served as the Western Program Manager for the Congressional Award, the U.S. Congress’ highest award for youth. Mark is a graduate of East Tennessee State University with a BA in history and political science. Mark and his wife Meredith live in Greeneville with their dog Ladybird, and are active volunteers in their community. In his free time, Mark can often be found golfing, a sport in which he does not excel.

LeAnn serves as Key Accounts Coordinator with Appalachian Electric Cooperative in New Market, Tennessee. She came to AEC eight years ago after working as a Regional Economic Development Specialist with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. She obtained an MBA from Carson-Newman University and a BS in Organizational Management from Tusculum University. Sutton holds a Certified Key Accounts Coordinator designation from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and is a graduate of the TVA Rural Leadership Institute. She and her family enjoy spending time in the Great Smoky Mountains and traveling internationally.

Todd Wilkin is the city manager of Greenfield, Ohio, where he is responsible for the day to day operations. Todd has over 17 years of experience managing in both the private and public sectors. He is a member of the Highland County Planning Commission, as well as president of the Lynchburg-Clay Youth Basketball Association. He is a choir member and serves as the secretary at Faith Baptist Church. In his free time, he likes to coach youth baseball and basketball, as well as spend time with his wife, Bethanie, and their four beautiful children. Todd loves helping others and serving his community.

Ramona Seabron-Williams is the Chief Executive Officer of Jobs for Mississippi Graduates, Incorporated, a high school dropout prevention/college and career readiness organization. She has held this post for 9 years. In this capacity she has been the catalyst for change which has resulted in an increase in the number of participants served across the state (presently 2,100 individuals); expanded the service area to include over 24 counties-58 sites, increased the agencies assets; and facilitated a 94.5% graduation rate, a 40% post secondary enrollment rate, and a 30% job obtainment rate for the senior students in its program. Williams attributes these accomplishments to God, a dynamic team of 62 dedicated employees who labor tirelessly, diverse partnership with educational, industry, community, and parents. The company’s mantra is “JMG, A Solution That Works. Seabron-Williams has a juris doctorate from MS College of Law, master’s degree in public policy/administration from Jackson State University, and an undergraduate degree from Tougaloo College. She has over 30 years in the public service field.

Todd Wolford is the Executive Director for Downtown Wytheville Inc. a 501c3 non-profit community building and economic development organization. Downtown Wytheville has reached state designation and national accreditation as a Main Street organization under Todd’s leadership. Prior to working for Downtown Wytheville, Todd was the Community Program Coordinator for the Town of Wytheville in which he oversaw all community programs, events and continued development of outdoor recreation. Todd has recently completed the Southwest Virginia Rise Emerging leadership program, which brings regional leaders together to build on collaboration, relationship building, and strategic thinking to achieve positive results for the region. Todd has been featured by the Brookings Institution on how “entrepreneurship can boost the local economy” and how “smarter federal policies can save rural America”, as well as many featured Main Street America blog publications. Todd has a love for the outdoors while leading a healthy lifestyle, and is passionate about being a positive changemaker to the community that he grew up in.

Kenneth Zipovsky is the Rush Township Chief of Police in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and is an instructor at the Lackawanna College Police Academy. He is an accomplished member of the Law Enforcement community with three decades of experience. Zipovsky is Past President of the Pennsylvania Juvenile Officers Association, and The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #18. He has a BS in Government, Law, and National Security from Misericordia University, and an AS in Criminal Justice from Luzerne County Community College. He is a life-long resident of the northeast Pennsylvania coal region, and can been seen on two episodes of COPS.