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Mountain Association

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You are here: Home / About / Team

Team

Our Team

Our Operations team also supports the staff of our two affiliates, Kentucky Natural Lands Trust & Kentucky Policy, and our fiscal sponsorships.

andrea munoz Mountain association

Andrea Muñoz

Outreach Specialist

andrea munoz Mountain association

Andrea Muñoz

Outreach Specialist

andrea@mtassociation.org

Andrea joined the Mountain Association in 2024. Originally from Santiago, Chile, she immigrated to New York City in 2005 where she found a new career as a community educator with Cornell University Cooperative Extension in Jamaica Queens. In this position, she worked in a melting pot of cultures and brought this experience with her when she moved to Eastern Kentucky with her family in 2012. Prior to coming to the Mountain Association, Andrea worked for Kentucky State University in sustainable agriculture and nutrition education. She also has gained extensive experience as a Spanish-English interpreter throughout her career. In her position as Outreach Specialist at the Mountain Association, Andrea focuses on getting the word out about Mountain Association’s programs and other resources. She cares deeply about Eastern Kentucky communities and the culture and sense of belonging here. She also loves to travel, meet new people and learn about their stories. In her free time, Andrea enjoys photographing nature, painting with watercolors and listening to Latin music. She also serves on the board of the New Americans Initiative. Andrea is fluent in Spanish. Contact: andrea@mtassociation.org
professional photo of Ariel Fugate

Ariel Fugate

Communications Manager

professional photo of Ariel Fugate

Ariel Fugate

Communications Manager

ariel@mtassociation.org

Ariel joined the Mountain Association in 2018. She manages the Mountain Association’s communications including our website, social media, media coverage, outreach, storytelling and publications. She supports our policy work by developing op-eds and educational materials. A certified Project Management Professional, Ariel previously served as a communications specialist supporting two Marine Corps bases with strategic communications, public affairs, and outreach to build strong community partnerships and grow environmental conservation projects around the installations. Prior to that, she started and managed a local produce program for a major chain of 100+ grocery stores, including marketing, event planning, and farmer outreach and education. She is a graduate of NC State University where she studied Sustainable Food Systems. Ariel's favorite spot in Eastern Kentucky is the mighty waterfall at Bad Branch Falls in Harlan County.
ashley marks

Ashley Marks

Loan Support Associate

ashley marks

Ashley Marks

Loan Support Associate

ashley@mtassociation.org

Ashley joined the Mountain Association in 2024 as our Loan Support Associate. She is originally from Lincoln County, Kentucky and resides there with her family. Prior to joining Mountain Association, Ashley worked at the Lincoln County Clerk's office as the supervisor of the DMV. She also brings a financial background working as a Loan Administrative Assistant for several years. Ashley enjoys photography as a hobby, being outdoors, traveling, listening to folk music, and is always up for an adventure. Her favorite place to visit in Kentucky is the holler she spent her childhood, wading in the slate creek beds and walking the hills that surrounds it. She also enjoys visits to Short Creek in Pulaski County.
betsy whaley

Betsy Whaley

Director of Strategic Initiatives

betsy whaley

Betsy Whaley

Director of Strategic Initiatives

betsy@mtassociation.org

Betsy joined the staff of the Mountain Association in 2015. Betsy leads our Strategic Initiatives Team and our community development work. She is particularly invested in developing collaborative relationships and building strong networks to support communities and businesses in Eastern Kentucky. She is co-chair for the Central Appalachian Network's working group on climate resilience and adaptation. Prior to the Mountain Association, Betsy was the Vice President of Programs and Community Collaborations for the Julian Center, which serves survivors of domestic violence in Central Indiana. While there, she developed expertise in program development, project management, grant writing and partnership building. A graduate of the University of Tennessee and Christian Theological Seminary, and having grown up in the mountains of East Tennessee where her family has lived for seven generations, Betsy has a deep love for Appalachian people, culture and place. Betsy's favorite spot in Eastern Kentucky is Breaks Interstate Park, where Kentucky's border meets Virginia. Betsy speaks intermediate level Thai.
cameron mott

Cameron Mott

Energy Specialist

cameron mott

Cameron Mott

Energy Specialist

cameron@mtassociation.org

Cameron joined the Mountain Association in 2023. As a member of the Energy Team, he is committed to aiding small businesses, local governments and nonprofits in Eastern Kentucky in reducing energy costs through efficiency upgrades, as well as increasing access to renewable energy. Prior to joining the team, Cameron was a chimney technician serving Southeastern Kentucky. He has a Building Performance Institute Building Analyst Technician (BA-T) certification and is a certified Building Operator. Cameron is also a licensed drone pilot, allowing us to do more detailed solar assessments. In his spare time, he enjoys getting outside and partaking in any adventure recreation he can, especially rock climbing.
Carrie Ray

Carrie Ray

Director of Energy Programs

Carrie Ray

Carrie Ray

Director of Energy Programs

carrie@mtassociation.org

Carrie has worked with the Mountain Association’s Energy Program since 2017. In that time, the Energy Team has helped hundreds of businesses, governments and nonprofits across the region lower their energy bills through energy efficiency and renewable energy. In addition to directing the work of the energy team, Carrie seeks out new program opportunities, grants, and partnerships to help advance clean energy in Eastern Kentucky, works directly with clients, and wrangles spreadsheets. Carrie is also the co-chair for the Central Appalachian Network Clean Energy working group. In the past, Carrie has worked for nonprofits in energy, policy and social justice work, including over three years at the Mountain Association as a Research and Policy Associate. She holds a Master’s Degree in International Public Affairs from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She lives in Lexington with her husband and two boys, and enjoys baking, hiking, reading, and talking too much about energy policy and utility reform. Carrie's favorite spot in Eastern Kentucky is Hanson’s Point in Red River Gorge, which she always follows with a pizza at Miguel's.
Chris Woolery

Chris Woolery

Energy Projects Coordinator

Chris Woolery

Chris Woolery

Energy Projects Coordinator

chris@mtassociation.org

Chris Woolery joined Mountain Association’s Energy Team in 2011 after two decades as an ENERGY STAR® builder and energy services contractor. Over his career, Chris has helped deliver residential energy efficiency upgrades to more than 800 households. Chris manages the How$martKY™ program, which partners with rural electric cooperatives to install residential energy improvements paid directly from their energy savings. His work also focuses on equitable energy policy and clean energy workforce development. Chris is proud to serve on the Southeast Energy Insecurity Project’s Leadership Forum, which works to implement Stakeholder Recommendations for Reducing Energy Insecurity in the Southeast United States. When he is not being an "energy nerd," Chris enjoys spending time with family and in Kentucky’s beautiful natural spaces. Chris's favorite hiking spots in Eastern Kentucky include the Lily Mountain and Pilot Knob State Nature Preserves.
christa

Christa Stiner

Accounting Manager

christa

Christa Stiner

Accounting Manager

christa@mtassociation.org

Christa Stiner joined Mountain Association in May 2022 as Accounting Manager. In her role she supervises and performs day-to-day accounting functions and tracks team and organizational performance against budget goals. After graduating from Pennsylvania State University, Christa worked in and around San Jose, California in nonprofit accounting and governance at a variety of public benefit organizations. While not at work, she enjoys playing bassoon and making, decorating, and playing bamboo pipes. Christa’s favorite thing to do in Eastern Kentucky is inner tube bobbing in Herrington Lake.
dayzaughn graves

Dayzaughn Graves

Business Support Associate

dayzaughn graves

Dayzaughn Graves

Business Support Associate

dayzaughn@mtassociation.org

Dayzaughn Graves was born and raised in Richmond, Kentucky. She graduated from Berea College in 2019 with a degree in Women and Gender Studies, and will cross the stage of Eastern Kentucky University with her master’s in public administration in December 2023. As the Business Support Services Associate, she is thrilled to open the door to changemakers throughout Eastern Kentucky. She is the Founder of “Ain’t I a Girl Empowerment Program,” and knows first hand the difficulties of being an entrepreneur in Kentucky.
Debbie Reardon

Debbie Reardon

Loan Fund Administrator

Debbie Reardon

Debbie Reardon

Loan Fund Administrator

debbie@mtassociation.org

Debbie joined the Mountain Association in 1999 as a Staff Accountant. In 2002, she became the Senior Business Development Associate and is now the Loan Fund Administrator. Her primary responsibilities include loan closings, loan client relations and records maintenance, monthly payment collection, delinquent loan collections, loan default collateral repossession and property management. Previously, Debbie worked as a Staff Accountant for the City of Fairfax, Virginia and as a Budget Assistant for The Florida Bar. She attended Northern Virginia Community College and the University of South Florida. As a community volunteer, she has worked with the Girl Scouts, the Madison County Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity and the Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run. Debbie was raised as an Army “brat” and has lived many places, but is proud to call Kentucky her home.

Donna Daniels

Chief Program Officer

Donna Daniels

Chief Program Officer

donna@mtassociation.org

Donna joined Mountain Association in 2025 to provide leadership to the organization’s programs for lending, business support, energy, and strategic initiatives. For more than 30 years, Donna has served in a variety of roles to support leadership and community development in both rural and urban settings. She most recently served as Executive Director of the Brushy Fork Leadership Institute at Berea College, building upon a 30-year history with that program. She also has served as Principal Planner for Department of Housing and Urban Development programs focusing on affordable housing, community infrastructure, and homelessness in Clark County/Las Vegas, Nevada. In a previous role with Mountain Association, Donna was the Director of Learning Resources at Communities by Choice, an affiliate program. She brings skills in program management, workshop and curriculum design, meeting facilitation, strategic planning, communications, fundraising and proposal writing, and grant management. Donna is a first-generation college graduate with a BA in English from Berea College. In the summer of 2025, she will earn her Master of Public Administration from Eastern Kentucky University. She was born and raised in Kingsport, Tennessee, where her father’s family has lived since the late 1700s. She raised her children on a farm in Estill County, Kentucky, before sojourning to the Desert Southwest for a couple of years. She now lives in Berea with her husband Gene, two spoiled pups, Jack and Joplin, and a frisky feline named Dobby. Donna’s favorite activity in Eastern Kentucky is photographing landscapes, birds, and wildlife to serve as subjects for paintings that celebrate the natural beauty of these mountains.
elizabeth almanza mountain association

Elizabeth Almanza

Staff Accountant

elizabeth almanza mountain association

Elizabeth Almanza

Staff Accountant

elizabeth@mtassociation.org

Elizabeth Almanza joined the Mountain Association in 2021. She grew up in Richmond, Kentucky, and graduated from Berea College in 2018. She holds a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. While at Berea College, she participated in the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs which offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. Elizabeth has worked as Financial Advisor for White House Clinics, and most recently worked for Eastern Kentucky University as a Student Accounting Services Supervisor. Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her partner and daughter.
emily ladouceur Ma

Emily LaDouceur

Business Support Specialist

emily ladouceur Ma

Emily LaDouceur

Business Support Specialist

emily@mtassociation.org

Emily joined the Mountain Association’s staff in 2022 as part of our Business Support Team. Originally from a small valley town in the mountains of western North Carolina, Emily now resides with her two sons in Berea, KY. She is a studio art graduate of Berea College and obtained a master’s in human services from Eastern Kentucky University. Emily considers her life’s work to be finding creative ways to meet the greatest challenges of our times with compassion and competency. In 2018, she ran for public office and was elected to the Berea City Council, where she served for two years. Prior to serving in public office, she held a decade-long career in higher education administration, most of which was in the New York City area, followed by several years as an independent contractor and consultant in Kentucky. She is also Director of Youth Ministries at Union Church, the congregational foundation started by abolitionist pastor and founder of Berea College, John G. Fee. Emily’s favorite place to rest and reflect in nature is on the banks of Owsley Fork Dam, right down the road from where she lives.
hope b

Hope Broecker

Energy Specialist

hope b

Hope Broecker

Energy Specialist

hope@mtassociation.org

Hope first started her journey at Mountain Association in 2010 as an Energy Team intern while studying Technology of Industrial Design at Berea College. Her first experiences around energy and community development really began with doing energy upgrades in houses while working in disaster recovery with and alongside AmeriCorps. Hope has done extensive work with volunteers and construction management during her time at Habitat for Humanity and has a huge curiosity for building science. Her passion is in strengthening community partners and resources, particularly in rural and remote areas. She believes in the power of service and is drawn towards the outdoors, which led her to pursue her Masters in Recreation and Parks Administration at Eastern Kentucky University in 2022. Hope rejoined the Mountain Association in 2023 and is excited about the opportunity to continue to serve and explore Eastern Kentucky. She has a Building Performance Institute Building Analyst Technician (BA-T) certification and is a certified Building Operator.
Jason Coomes

Jason Coomes

Chief Operating Officer

Jason Coomes

Jason Coomes

Chief Operating Officer

jason@mtassociation.org

With the Mountain Association since 2013, Jason assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2020, leading operations in support of Mountain Association’s mission and programs. In his previous roles, he served as the Energy Programs Manager and the Director of Performance Culture. Prior to joining the Mountain Association, he taught at the Rural Studio, an internationally acclaimed design-build program in the School of Architecture at Auburn University, and was the Compton Chair in Ecological Design at Berea College. Jason holds a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Kentucky, and is a licensed REALTOR® in Kentucky. Originally from Henderson County, Kentucky, he currently resides in Lexington with his wife and two sons. Jason's favorite spot in Eastern Kentucky is the Wrigley Taproom in Corbin where Chef Kristin Smith makes life-changing brussel sprouts and other locally-sourced culinary delights.
jeni meyer mt association

Jeni Meyer

Lending Specialist

jeni meyer mt association

Jeni Meyer

Lending Specialist

jeni@mtassociation.org

Jeni joined the Mountain Association in 2023 as a Lending Specialist. Jeni grew up in Martin, Kentucky and graduated from Thomas More University in Crestview Hills, Kentucky where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with minors in English, International Studies, and Nonprofit and Public Administration. After graduating, Jeni worked in Business Correspondence with the IRS and several lending institutions. She is a board member of the TEK Center, Inc. located in Martin County, Kentucky. She enjoys being outdoors, especially running, hiking, and camping. Jeni’s favorite spot in Eastern Kentucky is her Gramma and Papa’s porch on Cracker Bottom where they swing on the porch swing and Jeni likes to pick on her 12-string guitar.
jessica epperson mountain association

Jessica Epperson

Disaster Recovery Coordinator

jessica epperson mountain association

Jessica Epperson

Disaster Recovery Coordinator

jessica@mtassociation.org

Jessica joined the Mountain Association as the Disaster Recovery Coordinator in 2024. Originally from Eastern Kentucky, she returned to her roots of Breathitt County in 2023 after overseeing new construction apartment development in numerous states, most recently in Southwest Florida, as Area Manager in senior management. After personally experiencing and living through the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian in September 2022 while in Florida, Jessica decided to return home to the hills of Appalachia to begin fostering recovery efforts after the horrific floods of 2021 and 2022. She served as the Regional Disaster Coordinator at the Kentucky River Area Development District, where she focused on recovery efforts for flood survivors and offering additional capacity to the local city and county governments within an eight-county region of Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, and Wolfe. In her new position with the Mountain Association, Jessica will devote her time to connecting small businesses and communities that are still facing challenges from the recent disasters to resources. She will work toward ways to build and bridge the gap with mitigation and provide resiliency needs for the future. Jessica attended the University of Kentucky studying Business Administration. In her free time, she loves to travel and spends every moment she can with her family and son. Jessica’s favorite spot in Eastern Kentucky is anywhere there is a walking trail to explore the outdoors. “Kentucky is beautiful, you just need to open your eyes, breathe, and explore it.” - Jess
jimmy owsley

Jimmy Owsley

Business Support Specialist

jimmy owsley

Jimmy Owsley

Business Support Specialist

jimmy@mtassociation.org

Jimmy joined the Mountain Association in 2022. As a Business Support Specialist, he works to connect small businesses and nonprofits with experts to help them grow their impact. Jimmy is also the administrator for Mountain Association’s digital client resources, like Initiate & LivePlan. He first fell in love with Eastern Kentucky as an AmeriCorps member with Christian Appalachian Project from 2011 to 2013. Since then, he has gained experience in project management, nonprofit startup, organizational leadership, and more. Jimmy is on the board of St. Vincent Mission and recently served as an inaugural board member for the Floyd County Disaster Recovery Coalition. Jimmy is a graduate of the University of Nevada-Reno, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, and of Wesley Theological Seminary, where he gained a Master of Theological Studies. In 2025, he became a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). Jimmy’s favorite place to be in Eastern Kentucky is the front porch at Lizzy B’s Café & Bakery on a sunny Friday afternoon.
Joe Sheehan

Joe Sheehan

Data & Technology Manager

Joe Sheehan

Joe Sheehan

Data & Technology Manager

joe@mtassociation.org

Joe joined the Mountain Association staff in 2008. He has spent his career providing technology support to nonprofits, and in his current role as the Mountain Association, he works with staff to use technology to accomplish our mission in an effective and efficient manner. He has lived most of his life in Kentucky, graduating from Morehead State University before settling in Berea. Joe was instrumental in helping start the Berea Makerspace which launched in 2019. While not at work he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, making things, and working in his garden. Joe's favorite activity in Eastern Kentucky is hiking to Lockegee Rock, which has a view of Cave Run Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Jose headshot

José Socarras Ramos

Development Coordinator

Jose headshot

José Socarras Ramos

Development Coordinator

jose@mtassociation.org

José Socarras Ramos joined the Mountain Association in 2021. As Development Coordinator, he works to research grants, lead proposals, and support overall fundraising efforts for the organization. He writes the organization's annual impact report and supports our communications efforts by making engaging video content. José is a change-maker with experience in socially driven work as the Communications Associate and Program Manager for Entrepreneurship for the Public Good at Berea College. He is a graduate of Berea College and holds a degree in Studio Art. José is an Entrepreneurship for the Public Good Fellow, as well. He enjoys hiking Berea's Pinnacles, eating at local food spots, and going to farmers markets. José’s favorite place to visit in Eastern Kentucky is Natural Bridge State Park for its breathtaking views.
Josh bills website

Josh Bills

Senior Energy Analyst

Josh bills website

Josh Bills

Senior Energy Analyst

josh@mtassociation.org

Josh, a Certified Energy Manager, has worked with the Mountain Association since 2008 to develop and coordinate energy assessments and pursue emerging energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities for commercial enterprises across Central Appalachia. As a former NABCEP Solar PV Installation Professional and renewable energy contractor, with involvement in over 100 renewable energy installations throughout Kentucky, Haiti, and as far off as West Africa, Josh brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. He advocates for commercial businesses and organizations to always first lower their electricity demand through smarter usage and low-investment energy efficiency measures; then works diligently with people to help them combine available grant funds, rebates and financing to cover larger investments in efficiency and solar systems designed to optimize energy production. Josh’s goal is for clients he works with to be cash neutral or positive after paying both any loan payments on their energy efficiency or renewable energy improvements and their newly lowered energy bills. Josh grew up in Hawaii, but has called Kentucky home since 1992. He holds a Math degree from Berea College and Mechanical Engineering degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Josh's favorite spot in Eastern Kentucky is the quiet solace and beauty of Furnace Mountain Zen Retreat Center. He suggests meditating in the temple and climbing to the top of the mountain for a view of Daniel Boone National Forest that won't be forgotten. He also recommends Finchburg Furnace Historical Site for some great history while in the area.
KAcie zechman mountain association

Kacie Zechman

Chief Financial Officer

KAcie zechman mountain association

Kacie Zechman

Chief Financial Officer

kacie@mtassociation.org

Kacie joined the Mountain Association in 2019, having recently moved to Kentucky from Pennsylvania. She is a Certified Public Accountant with 10 years of experience in governmental and nonprofit accounting. Kacie is responsible for the Mountain Association’s financial planning, risk management and financial accountability, while also overseeing the administrative and collection sides of our lending program. At home Kacie enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons and growing their goat ranch. Kacie's favorite thing to do in Eastern Kentucky is grabbing a bite at the Back Porch Smokehouse while overlooking or boating on Lake Linville.
kortney hendrix

Kortney Foley

Lending Specialist

kortney hendrix

Kortney Foley

Lending Specialist

kortney@mtassociation.org

Kortney joined the Mountain Association in May 2023. She grew up in Campton, Kentucky, and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a General Business degree. Prior to joining the team, Kortney worked as a loan processor at a bank located in Breathitt County. She enjoys being at home with her family, reading, and trying different coffee shops. Kortney’s favorite spot in Eastern Kentucky is her granny’s kitchen located in Leslie County where her granny would cook the best fried taters.
Les Roll

Les Roll

Special Projects Manager

Les Roll

Les Roll

Special Projects Manager

les@mtassociation.org

Les began working for Mountain Association in 2011 when he opened our Hazard office. He manages special projects for the Mountain Association and leads teams in developing new strategies for place-based investment of organizational resources. Les helped shepherd the launch of our solar loan product and has led our energy financing to grocery stores. Since he started at Mountain Association, he has been responsible for more than $8.5 million in loans to businesses and nonprofits in Eastern Kentucky. Les has led our community development work in Hazard and Perry County, including the creation of Thursdays on the Triangle, an ongoing community event series focused on artist-entrepreneurship, and the creation of InVision Hazard, a citizen’s action group focused on downtown revitalization and local government advocacy. He was a founding director of Northfork Local Foods which works to support the local food economy and improve the community’s access to fresh, healthy food, and previously served on the board of Redbud Financial Alternatives. Les is currently leading Mountain Association’s first foray into real estate development, The 479 Main Project, in Hazard. Les is a graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Law, a member of the Kentucky Bar Association, and a certified Economic Development Financial Professional. Les' favorite thing about Eastern Kentucky is all the wonderful local food options, including Francis’ Diner in Hazard, Jumbo House in Whitesburg, and the Wrigley Taproom in Corbin.
Leslie Ferguson Oles

Leslie Ferguson-Oles

Chief Advancement Officer

Leslie Ferguson Oles

Leslie Ferguson-Oles

Chief Advancement Officer

leslie@mtassociation.org

Leslie serves as the Chief Advancement Officer for the Mountain Association, working across the organization to ensure our funding, communications, and policy work aligns with and advances the organization’s strategic goals. She started at the Mountain Association in 2016 as a Research Associate, tasked with studying economic trends and opportunities in Eastern Kentucky in order to develop and implement strategic projects for the organization. Talk to her anytime about community wealth building strategies or sustainable tourism. Leslie holds a Master's in English Composition and Rhetoric from Western Carolina University and a Bachelor's in English-Writing from Berea College with a minor in Sustainability and Environmental Studies. Originally from Western North Carolina, Leslie is happy to call Berea home. Leslie's favorite activities in Eastern Kentucky are waterfall hikes in the Big South Fork, visits to the Pine Mountain Settlement school, and book browsing at the Fuzzy Duck in Morehead.

Liz Howard

Energy Program Assistant

Liz Howard

Energy Program Assistant

liz@mtassociation.org

Liz Howard joined the Mountain Association in Fall 2024. In her role as Energy Program Assistant, she guides businesses, nonprofits and communities through their energy savings projects from start to finish. Liz's bread and butter has always been working with local small businesses - specifically through management, marketing, social media, photography, and consulting. After spending the past several years working in higher education, Liz is ready to get back to her roots. A dedicated advocate for equitable change in Appalachia, she is so excited to join the Mountain Association team and dedicate her time to building the futures our communities and region deserve. Liz can usually be found with a camera in hand and cannot pass up a visit to an antique store or farmer's market. A proud mama of two, she loves nothing more than a lazy Sunday at home with her family in Corbin. Liz loves visiting new areas of Eastern Kentucky and learning the histories and stories they hold. Most recently, Liz found inspiration during a visit to the Hemphill Community Center and Black Sheep Bakery.
Regina becknell mountain association

Regina Becknell

Lending Analyst

Regina becknell mountain association

Regina Becknell

Lending Analyst

regina@mtassociation.org

Regina returned to the Mountain Association in 2023. She previously worked for the Mountain Association for 15 years and now has more than 30 years in community and economic development. During her time with the Mountain Association, Regina managed our regional office in the Big Sandy area, worked with local and state governments, and instructed business planning and QuickBooks classes. Since rejoining, in her position as Lending Analyst, she supports clients seeking financing and provides technical assistance. She is an accountant and a former QuickBooks Pro Advisor. In her career so far, Regina has served more than 150 clients and deployed more than $13 million in flexible loans to support businesses and organizations throughout Eastern Kentucky. Regina is the proud mom of two children and is currently residing in Corbin, Kentucky.
rhonda stapleton

Rhonda Stapleton

Executive Assistant

rhonda stapleton

Rhonda Stapleton

Executive Assistant

rhonda@mtassociation.org

Rhonda joined the Mountain Association in 2023 as the Executive Assistant, providing support to the President, the Executive and Leadership Councils, and the Board of Directors. She grew up in Eastern Kentucky and graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Berea College. She worked in the Thoroughbred industry prior to obtaining a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary. Rhonda recently moved back home to Kentucky after 20 years in Florida, where she lived and worked in Orlando’s most marginalized zip code for a decade before founding Samaritan Village, Inc., a nonprofit providing housing and holistic support to victims of sex trafficking. She is now excited to discover a new sense of place back home in Kentucky.
robert allen

Robert Allen

Director of Lending

robert allen

Robert Allen

Director of Lending

robert@mtassociation.org

Robert joined the Mountain Association in April 2022 as Director of Lending. He is responsible for the leadership, development, and effective implementation of our lending work. Prior to this position, Robert worked in banking for more than 34 years where he served in various roles including business lender, consumer lender and chief operating officer. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Louisville and a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Louisville. Robert and his wife Kathy live in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. Robert’s favorite spot in Eastern Kentucky is at the family homeplace on Cow Creek in Floyd County.
Robin Gabbard news

Robin Gabbard

President

Robin Gabbard news

Robin Gabbard

President

robin@mtassociation.org

Robin Gabbard became Mountain Association President in 2024. Robin has spent her entire career serving Appalachia. Prior to becoming President, she served as Chief Operating Officer for LKLP Community Action, an agency of more than 300 employees that serves Leslie, Knott, Letcher, and Perry counties. With more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Robin was also previously the Associate Executive Director of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky and the Director for Teach for America Appalachia. Additionally, she served as Board Chair of the Mountain Association for five years and continues to serve as Board Chair for Buckhorn Children & Family Services. Robin and her family are rooted in Gays Creek, a beautiful Perry County community. Robin’s favorite spot in Eastern Kentucky is being on the water of Buckhorn Lake. 

samuel tolliver mountain association

Samuel Tolliver

Policy & Research Coordinator

samuel tolliver mountain association

Samuel Tolliver

Policy & Research Coordinator

samuel@mtassociation.org

Samuel joined the Mountain Association in March 2024. He serves as Policy & Research Coordinator where he guides the organization's policy priorities and research opportunities. Previously, he worked in gun violence prevention policy and research. He also previously worked in libraries, where he coordinated family and community engagement programs like Kentucky Humanities' Prime Time Family Reading. Samuel holds a Master's in Library & Information Science and Bachelor's in Communication from the University of Kentucky. His favorite spot in Eastern Kentucky is downtown Prestonsburg.
toni headshot

Toni Wells

Human Resources Manager

toni headshot

Toni Wells

Human Resources Manager

toni@mtassociation.org

Toni has served the Mountain Association and its affiliate organizations as HR Manager since 2022. She has extensive experience particularly in the areas of employee relations, training and development, compensation, compliance, employee supervision, organizational design, recruitment and retention, performance management, and conflict resolution. Toni has a bachelor’s degree in Human Geography from Eastern Kentucky University; she also holds certificates in Civil Mediation and Online Course Development & Instruction. Toni lives in Berea with her husband, son and two dogs. Together they enjoy traveling, camping, live music, farmers markets and the local, natural splendor that makes Kentucky special!
Yvonne Burchett

Yvonne Burchett

Lending Associate

Yvonne Burchett

Yvonne Burchett

Lending Associate

yvonne@mtassociation.org

Yvonne Burchett has worked with the Mountain Association since 2006 and serves as the Lending Associate for the lending team. Her primary responsibilities including working with business owners and nonprofit leaders on loan applications, and providing ongoing support for clients. Yvonne has been certified to administer our Kauffman FastTrac entrepreneur courses and is experienced with providing technical support on QuickBooks. Prior to joining the Mountain Association, Yvonne worked as business manager for a trucking business and a grocery business, both in Paintsville. Yvonne is a lifelong Johnson County resident. Yvonne's favorite spot in Eastern Kentucky is the walking trail at Paintsville Lake in Johnson County.
Zuojay Johnson Mountain association

Zuojay Johnson

Organizational Development Manager

Zuojay Johnson Mountain association

Zuojay Johnson

Organizational Development Manager

zuojay@mtassociation.org

Zuojay joined the staff in 2015 and serves as the Organizational Development Manager for the Mountain Association. Bringing empathy and a touch of humor to her work, she creates and executes initiatives that facilitate change and support a healthy work culture. Zuojay coordinates internal opportunities for staff development and training. She is a graduate of Berea College, where she studied Philosophy and English. Zuojay loves a good walk and recently took a muddy slog down Whittleton Trail enjoying its massive sandstone arch and small waterfall along the way. 

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Established in 1976. Prior to 2020, we were known as the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED).

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BEREA
(859) 986-2373
433 Chestnut Street
Berea, KY 40403

Meetings by appointment only

info@mtassociation.org

We are happy to make any accommodation
to better serve you. We have an on-staff
Spanish interpreter, and provide
additional free language/
interpretation services as needed.

If hearing or speech impaired,
please dial 7-1-1 for relay
services prior to calling.

HAZARD
(606) 439-0170
420 Main St
Hazard, KY 41701

PRESTONSBURG
(606) 264-5910
268 E Friend St, Ste 101
Prestonsburg, KY 41653

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