The Community Campaign Accelerator is a three-year capacity-building program designed to support Community Foundations in developing effective Community Campaigns that increase local collective giving by engaging communities and strengthening nonprofits.
Our 2025-2028 cohort brings together 18 individuals representing 36 Community Foundations and their affiliates across five Southern states: Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
The program builds enduring networks of generosity that enhance civic participation and regional resilience by fostering collaborative relationships that strengthen communities' capacity to address local challenges.
Chief Community Officer, Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky
Kathy King Allen is Chief Community Officer at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, dedicated to building stronger communities by supporting local causes and fostering partnerships that improve the well-being of residents across the region.
Kathy King Allen is a Chief Community Officer for the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky. Kathy has spent her entire career focused on making positive contributions to the community and working to create opportunities for many in our region. She believes the best days lie ahead for Appalachia Kentucky and promotes positive attributes of our region throughout her travels and through networking. In her role at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, Kathy has been instrumental in the development of geographic affiliate community foundations created to support local causes that improve the health and well-being of residents and the communities. Kathy serves on various boards and committees including One East Kentucky, Appalachian Early Childhood Network, East Kentucky Chapter of the American Red Cross, Baptist Learning Center Committee, and the Floyd County Chamber of Commerce. Kathy is a graduate of the University of Louisville – College of Business. Kathy and her husband Robert live in Prestonsburg and have two grown sons, Rob and Wil.
Ashley Copeland
Director of Marketing & Community Relations, East Tennessee Foundation
Ashley Copeland is the Director of Marketing & Community Relations at the East Tennessee Foundation, where she leads strategic communications to amplify the Foundation’s impact across 25 counties, drawing on nine years of diverse experience in storytelling, public relations, and community engagement.
A storyteller at heart, Ashley Copeland is passionate about shaping strategies and sharing stories to bring people, organizations, and their missions visibility. As Director of Marketing & Community Relations at the East Tennessee Foundation, Ashley leads strategic communications to elevate the brand, foster community engagement, and echo the Foundation’s impact across its 25-county region.
With nine years of award-winning experience spanning corporate communications, higher education, journalism, media relations, and nonprofit development, Ashley is privileged to shine light on inspiring people and causes. Her background includes global communications and community relations for Piedmont Lithium, directing strategic initiatives at Tennessee Wesleyan University, and serving as a reporter with The Daily Post-Athenian, where she first fell in love with East Tennessee.
Ashley holds a Master of Arts degree in public relations from Webster University, a bachelor’s degree in English from King University, and an associate degree from Georgia State University. She is an adjunct professor, a freelance consultant, and proudly serves on the boards of the McMinn Regional Humane Society and Etowah Main Street. A lifelong learner, Ashley is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and is committed to doing her part to move communities forward.
Lacie DeGough
Communications Officer, Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky
Lacie DeGough is a Communications Officer at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, using her passion for storytelling and communications to help strengthen communities across Eastern Kentucky.
Lacie DeGough serves as a Communications Officer for the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky. She graduated from University of the Cumberlands in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Arts and a Bachelor of Science in English. While in college, Lacie served as a Communication Specialist Intern for the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky. She is honored to continue working with the Foundation post graduation, utilizing her skills to support their mission to make Eastern Kentucky a better place. Lacie currently resides in London, Kentucky.
Ameliea Dulaney
Marketing and Communications Manager, Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi
Ameliea Dulaney is a mission-driven communications professional at the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, leveraging her expertise in storytelling and nonprofit leadership to advance equity, engage donors, and strengthen community impact.
Ameliea Dulaney is a mission-driven communications professional with a strong background in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and strategic storytelling. A graduate of The University of Mississippi’s Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, she holds a degree in English with an emphasis in Editing, Writing, and Publishing, and a minor in Sociology.
Ameliea brings more than four years of experience in the nonprofit sector, where she has combined her passion for service with her strengths in research, writing, and visual storytelling. As the Marketing and Communications Manager at the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, she provides creative and strategic direction across all platforms, ensuring that the Foundation’s message effectively engages donors, partners, and the broader community. Her leadership supports the Foundation’s philanthropic goals by elevating impact stories, advancing donor stewardship, and strengthening community relationships.
Ameliea is deeply committed to advancing equity and opportunity through community-based philanthropy.
Madi Duboise
Marketing Coordinator, Walker Area Community Foundation
Madi Duboise is the Marketing Coordinator at the Walker Area Community Foundation, where she combines her passion for community engagement with strong communication skills to support the Foundation’s mission and mentor the next generation of professionals.
Madi Duboise is a dedicated communications professional currently serving as the Marketing Coordinator at the Walker Area Community Foundation in Jasper, Alabama. A recent graduate of the University of Alabama, Madi earned a degree in Communication Studies with a 4.0 GPA, balancing academic excellence with meaningful, real-world experience.
During her time at UA, Madi was actively involved in leadership and service. She contributed to organizations such as Professional Women in Communication and Business and the Elliott Society. She also worked with the Crossroads Civic Engagement Center, furthering her passion for community-focused initiatives. In addition, Madi held a management position at Designer Shoe Warehouse for three years, demonstrating strong leadership.
After completing two summers as an intern with the Walker Area Community Foundation, Madi transitioned into a part-time marketing role in 2024 and now works full-time to support the Foundation’s mission. She is especially passionate about guiding the upcoming generation of professionals and enjoys serving as a mentor to the Foundation’s interns, helping them develop confidence, skills, and purpose in their early careers.
Lisa Ford
Senior Director of Strategic Engagement and Stewardship, East Tennessee Foundation
Lisa Ford, Senior Director of Strategic Engagement and Stewardship at the East Tennessee Foundation, brings extensive experience in university advancement and donor engagement to her role, where she leads efforts to build strong relationships with donors and community partners to advance ETF’s mission of lasting philanthropic impact.
Lisa Ford joined the East Tennessee Foundation (ETF) in March 2024 as Senior Director of Strategic Engagement and Stewardship. Lisa is a native East Tennessean with a passion for public service and philanthropy.
Lisa came to ETF from the University of Tennessee, where she spent 18 years in university advancement. Most recently, Lisa led the robust donor engagement, stewardship, and annual giving program at the UT Institute of Agriculture (UTIA). In that role, she managed UTIA’s annual Big Orange Give campaign, which is part of the campus-wide, all-inclusive day of giving.
Prior to joining the team at UTIA, Lisa worked with the Central Services group at the UT Foundation, where she led teams responsible for campaign support, prospect management and research, data analysis, reporting, and measuring fundraising success across the UT system.
Lisa has also worked for the University System of Georgia and the Maryland General Assembly. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Baltimore. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys golf, cooking, spending time with family, and UT sports.
At ETF, Lisa has been charged with working across the organization to create a comprehensive stewardship and engagement plan, including the coordination of all annual giving activities. She is relying on her experience working with donors, public officials, and community partners to ensure that all donors and grantees feel heard, appreciated, and engaged in ETF’s mission to provide philanthropic leadership to make lives better and communities stronger in enduring ways across generations.
Scott Gillenwaters
East Tennessee Foundation
Scott, born and raised in East Tennessee, brings decades of experience in ministry, local government, and nonprofit leadership to the East Tennessee Foundation, combining his passion for community service with a background in education, software development, and volunteerism.
Scott was born and raised in East Tennessee and loves this area. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/Secondary Education from Emory & Henry College (now a university!) and a Master of Arts in Ministry Leadership from Huntington University. Scott spent three decades in church ministry working in program ministries as well as church administration and fundraising. He is a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) and spent a few years in the corporate world and a year and a half in the government sector working on software development teams. These “software years” reminded him of his desire to more directly help others, which led him to the East Tennessee Foundation. Intermingled among his work years was a passion for local government; he served two terms as an Anderson County Commissioner before being elected to the County School Board, where he has served since 2011.
When he’s not working, Scott enjoys running and participating in 5Ks for good causes. He appreciates music and working on home improvement projects. He also volunteers as a mediator with the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP) of Community Mediation Services (Clinton), with the Oak Ridge Lions Club, and at First United Methodist Church (Oak Ridge). Scott and his wife have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter.
Zack Hall
Community Engagement Officer, Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky
Zack Hall is a Community Engagement Officer at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, dedicated to disaster recovery and community development in Eastern Kentucky, and actively serves his hometown of Hazard through local board leadership.
Zack Hall lives in his hometown of Hazard, Kentucky with his wife, Hannah, and their daughter, Ruby. Deeply rooted in his community, Zack actively serves on several local boards and currently chairs the board of New Beginnings Daycare. He has worked at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky for the past three years as a Community Engagement Officer, where he plays a key role in both immediate and long-term disaster recovery efforts, as well as supporting community development projects across Eastern Kentucky. Outside of work, Zack enjoys cooking, cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats, and making memories with his family.
Tammy Hignite
Community Engagement Officer, Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky
Tammy is a Community Engagement Officer at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, bringing over 25 years of community service experience to her work building strong relationships and supporting growth throughout Eastern Kentucky.
As one of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky’s Community Engagement Officers, Tammy brings over 25 years of experience in serving and supporting her community. She is deeply committed to making a difference and has had the privilege of serving on numerous committees and boards throughout the years. She currently serves on the Hazard-Perry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Hazard Rotary, the Appalachian Center for Assistive Technology Advisory Board, and the Perry County Fair Board, among others.
Before joining the Foundation, Tammy spent 16 wonderful years at Primary Care Centers of Eastern Kentucky as the Community Outreach Coordinator, where she built lasting relationships and connected with people and resources.
Tammy is proud to call this region home. She loves watching the community grow and thrive, and she is passionate about helping it reach its full potential. She’s married to Taylor, and together they have three amazing children, one beautiful grandchild, and two beloved pets—Bruno the dog and Bella the cat.
When she’s not working or volunteering, you can find Tammy enjoying time with family and friends, indulging in a little retail therapy, cooking, singing, soaking up the sunshine, or attending church.
Emily McGruder
President & CEO, Central Louisiana Community Foundation
Emily McGruder is President & CEO of the Central Louisiana Community Foundation, where she leads bold efforts to strengthen communities through philanthropy, generosity, and civic connection.
Emily McGruder is the President & CEO of the Central Louisiana Community Foundation (CLCF), where she leads efforts to strengthen communities through strategic philanthropy, donor engagement, and nonprofit partnership. A dedicated advocate for generosity and civic engagement, Emily brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, community development, and organizational strategy.
As a proud military spouse, Emily has long channeled her passion for service into supporting military families and communities. She served for several years as a Giving Tuesday Military Ambassador, helping to grow a national movement of generosity rooted in gratitude, service, and community connection.
Under her leadership, CLCF has expanded its role as a trusted philanthropic partner, advancing innovative initiatives and empowering nonprofits across Central Louisiana. Emily is committed to building a more generous, connected, and resilient region through the power of philanthropy.
Katey Nelson
Communications Director, Black Belt Community Foundation
Katey Nelson is the Communications Director at the Black Belt Community Foundation, where she leads strategic outreach across 12 Alabama counties, blending her background in design, technology, and public engagement to elevate community impact.
Katey Nelson is a seasoned communications professional with a background in graphic design, technology, and public engagement. Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Auburn University. She began her career at her alma mater, where she spent over a decade in the University Outreach division as an IT Specialist and later as a Network Engineer, supporting websites and digital communications.
In 2023, Katey transitioned into nonprofit leadership as the Communications Director for the Black Belt Community Foundation, where she leads strategic communications efforts across 12 counties in Alabama’s Black Belt region. She brings a creative, systems-minded approach to storytelling, branding, and outreach.
Katey lives in Opelika, Alabama, with her husband, their spirited almost-four-year-old daughter, and a lively crew of two dogs and two cats.
Caroline Nurkin
Director of Operations, Pinebelt Foundation
Caroline Nurkin is a dedicated community leader and mother who serves as Minister of Community and Stewardship at Ekklesia Hattiesburg and Director of Operations at the Pinebelt Foundation, where she fosters spiritual connection and drives philanthropic impact across the region.
Caroline Nurkin is a dedicated community leader and proud mother, whose life is marked by service, stewardship, and deep personal commitment. She serves as the Minister of Community and Stewardship at Ekklesia Hattiesburg, where she nurtures spiritual connection and communal well-being. She also brings strong organizational leadership to her role as Director of Operations at the Pinebelt Foundation, helping to guide philanthropic efforts that strengthen the region.
At the heart of her life is her role as a mother to one college-aged child—a source of constant pride, joy and inspiration. Whether she’s balancing strategic plans or building relationships through community outreach, Caroline’s work is shaped by the perspective and empathy that come with motherhood.
And when it’s time for a well-earned break? She’ll happily reach for her favorite food—French fries.
Lauren Parsons
Director of Strategic Initiatives and Communications, Blue Grass Community Foundation
Lauren leads strategic communications and major initiatives at Blue Grass Community Foundation, using storytelling and strategy to inspire generosity and strengthen communities across Central and Appalachia Kentucky.
Lauren leads strategic communications and major initiatives at Blue Grass Community Foundation, including Bluegrass Gives, a reimagined regional giving day. She’s passionate about using storytelling, smart strategy and creativity to inspire generosity and grow community impact across Central and Appalachia Kentucky.
Lauren brings nearly 20 years of experience in communications, public policy and nonprofit advocacy, with a background that spans the Kentucky Legislature, a statewide nonprofit association, a PR agency and a law firm. She holds a J.D. from the University of Kentucky and a B.A. in Political Science and Public Relations from Western Kentucky University.
She lives in Lexington, Ky., with her husband and two kids, and always has a book (or craft project) in progress.
Jenna Rose
Communications Officer, Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky
Jenna Rose is a Communications Officer at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, passionate about uplifting the region through storytelling and community-rooted work.
Jenna Rose serves as a Communications Officer at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky. She has a passion for Appalachian Kentucky and the people rooted there. Prior to her current role, Jenna served as the Project Manager Fellow for Invest 606. She graduated from University of the Cumberlands with a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a Bachelor of Science in Christian Studies.
Nikki Sevigny
Director of Marketing and Communications, United Way of Greater Chattanooga
Nikki is a strategic marketing and communications leader at United Way of Greater Chattanooga, passionate about using data-driven storytelling and community collaboration to drive meaningful local change.
Nikki is a strategic marketing and communications leader with experience across the nonprofit and corporate sectors. In her current role as Director of Marketing and Communications at United Way of Greater Chattanooga, she leads campaigns that mobilize community support. She is passionate about data-driven storytelling, community collaboration, and driving real change at the local level.
Christin Waters
Executive Director of the Community, Community Foundation of East Mississippi
Christin Waters is Executive Director of the Community Foundation of East Mississippi, bringing over a decade of nonprofit and healthcare leadership to strengthen local philanthropy and community impact.
Christin Waters is the Executive Director of the Community Foundation of East Mississippi, where she leads efforts to strengthen local philanthropy and community engagement. She brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership and healthcare development, including previous roles as Regional Director of Business Development at Heart of Hospice/LHC Group, Director of Philanthropy at Baptist Anderson Regional Hospital, and Senior Manager at the American Cancer Society. Christin is deeply committed to advancing meaningful, community-centered impact across East Mississippi and beyond.
Brenna Wallhausser
Chief Philanthropy Officer, Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky
Brenna Wallhausser is Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, bringing over 30 years of nonprofit leadership in communications, fundraising, and community engagement.
Brenna Wallhausser is the Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky. She has over 30 years of non-profit leadership experience in public relations, marketing, communications, and fundraising, primarily in the areas of health and higher education. Brenna has served as chair of two statewide peer groups for Kentucky’s hospice association and was appointed education coordinator for the state’s hospice network. She is an active member of multiple community groups and collaboratives.
Ajoa Yemaya
Tuskegee Macon County Community Foundation, Inc.
Ajoa Yemaya is an experienced agriculture and natural resource management professional with over 18 years of expertise in program management, agribusiness, and community outreach, currently supporting small farmers and nonprofits in Tuskegee, Alabama.
Ajoa Yemaya, is known to be a smart, and outgoing individual, who is highly knowledgeable in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management. She is a graduate of Tuskegee University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and obtained a MBA in Environmental Management, from Ashford University, and more recently completed the Women’s Entrepreneurship Certificate at Cornell University. Over the last 18 years, her specialties now include Program Management, Agricultural Marketing and Education, Program Outreach, Agribusiness Management and Financial Planning, Heirs Property, Farm Organizational Management, Public Outreach, Agritourism Event Planning, and Public Speaking. She currently works with Small Farmers and Local Nonprofit Organizations such as Shady Grove Road Blueberry Patch, Smith’s Farm & Ranch, and the Tuskegee Macon County Community Foundation Inc., all located in Tuskegee, AL.
