Our Team
Amy Williams
Project Analyst
Amy Williams
Project Analyst
[she, her]
Amy joined the Mountain Association’s staff in 2016. A member of the lending team, she works to support small businesses by connecting them to the Mountain Association capital and development services. Amy also works with community organizations to find ways to help communities thrive. She is a former small business owner and has a Master of Science degree in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University. Amy served in the Peace Corps as a Community and Business Development Volunteer in Armenia and served as a Kiva Fellow assisting microfinance institutions. She enjoys hiking, dancing and exploring. Amy's favorite spot in Eastern Kentucky is the view from the top of Lily Mountain near Irvine.
Ariel Fugate
Communications Manager
Ariel Fugate
Communications Manager
[She, her]
Ariel joined the Mountain Association in 2018. She manages the Mountain Association’s communications including our online presence, printed and e-publications, media coverage, outreach, and story-telling. 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. After graduating from NC State University, 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. Ariel's favorite spot in Eastern Kentucky is the mighty waterfall at Bad Branch Falls in Harlan County.
Betsy Whaley
Chief Strategy Officer
Betsy Whaley
Chief Strategy Officer
Betsy joined the staff of the Mountain Association in 2015. Today, Betsy oversees our energy, business support, and communications and policy teams, and builds strategies for our community development work. She is particularly invested in developing collaborative relationships and building strong networks to support communities and businesses in East Kentucky. 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.
Cameron Mott
Energy Associate
Cameron Mott
Energy Associate
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. In his spare time, he enjoys getting outside and partaking in any adventure recreation he can, especially rock climbing.
Carrie Ray
Energy Program Coordinator
Carrie Ray
Energy Program Coordinator
[she, her]
Carrie has worked with the Mountain Association’s Energy Program since 2017, coordinating with businesses, governments and non-profits across the region to help connect them to both knowledge and opportunities regarding energy efficiency, renewable energy and utility bills. In addition to coordinating the work of the energy team, Carrie frequently performs utility bill reviews that can save thousands for businesses and organizations struggling with high energy bills. Carrie has worked for non-profits 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 the Rock Bridge Trail in Red River Gorge, which she always follows with a pizza at Miguel's.
Chris Woolery
Residential Energy Coordinator
Chris Woolery
Residential Energy Coordinator
[he, him]
Chris Woolery joined the Mountain Association’s Energy Team in 2011 after two decades as an ENERGY STAR® builder and energy services contractor. Over his career, Chris is proud to have helped deliver residential energy efficiency upgrades to more than 800 households. As the Residential Energy Coordinator, Chris manages the How$martKY™ program, which partners with rural electric cooperatives to implement residential energy improvements paid directly from their energy savings. His work also focuses on equitable energy policy and clean energy workforce development. 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 include the Lily Mountain and Pilot Knob State Nature Preserves.
Christa Stiner
Accounting Manager
Christa Stiner
Accounting Manager
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.
Debbie Reardon
Loan Fund Administrator
Debbie Reardon
Loan Fund Administrator
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.
Elizabeth Almanza
Staff Accountant
Elizabeth Almanza
Staff Accountant
[she, her]
Elizabeth Almanza joined the Mountain Association in October 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
Business Support Specialist
Emily LaDouceur
Business Support Specialist
Emily joined the Mountain Association’s staff in 2022. A member of the business support team, she works to connect small business owners throughout Eastern Kentucky to the training and resources they need to be successful. Emily is a former city councilwoman for the city of Berea, KY and enjoys connecting the dots between local government and policy to their practical application in the daily lives of Kentuckians. Prior to serving in public office, she held a decade-long career in higher education administration, most of which was in NYC, followed by several years as an independent contractor and consultant in Kentucky. Originally from a small valley town in the mountains of western North Carolina, Emily now resides with her two sons in Berea. She is a studio art graduate of Berea College and obtained a master’s in human services from Eastern Kentucky University. Emily’s favorite hike/view is atop the Pinnacles of Berea, right down the road from where she lives.
Hope Broecker
Energy Associate
Hope Broecker
Energy Associate
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.
Jason Coomes
Chief Operating Officer
Jason Coomes
Chief Operating Officer
With the Mountain Association since 2013, Jason assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2020, overseeing implementation of programs and directing new program research and development, including assessment and evaluation of our impact. In his previous roles, he served as the Energy Programs Manager and the Director of Performance Culture, leading organizational assessment, evaluation and operations. 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. Originally from Henderson County, Kentucky, he currently resides in Berea 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
Lending Specialist
Jeni Meyer
Lending Specialist
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 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.
Jennifer Martin
Lending Specialist
Jennifer Martin
Lending Specialist
[she, her]
Jennifer joined the Lending Team in August 2022 with nearly 10 years of experience in mortgage lending and title work. She previously worked at a small title company and at local community banks. Since graduating from Morehead State University in 2007, she has always hoped to work for a nonprofit like Mountain Association. Jennifer is passionate about chronic health issues, mental health advocacy, and women’s issues. She loves Thai/Indian/Cajun dining, all things coffee, but most of all mom’s home cooking. A lifelong resident of Winchester, Kentucky, Jennifer enjoys a comfy life at home with her 13 year old cat, Max, spending time with her amazing partner, relaxing, and meeting up with friends. Jennifer's favorite spot in Eastern Kentucky is sitting with her parents on their front porch at their home in London.
Jimmy Owsley
Business Support Specialist
Jimmy Owsley
Business Support Specialist
Jimmy joined the Mountain Association in 2022. As a Business Support Specialist, he works to connect small businesses and non-profits with experts to help them grow their impact. Jimmy first fell in love with Eastern Kentucky as a full-time volunteer and AmeriCorps member with Christian Appalachian Project from 2011 to 2013. Since then, he has focused on leading others in the experiences of service and community living. He has recently expanded his skillset in the field of Information Technology, helping local nonprofits streamline their workflows for a digital age. 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. 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
Data & Technology Manager
Joe Sheehan
Data & Technology Manager
Joe joined the Mountain Association staff in 2008. He has provided technology support to non-profits for more than 14 years, and in his current role as the Mountain Association, he assists staff with technology needs and education to move us toward 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.
José Socarras Ramos
Development Associate
José Socarras Ramos
Development Associate
[he, him]
José Socarras Ramos joined the Mountain Association in September of 2021 as a Development Associate. In his role he works to research grants, contribute to proposals, and support overall fundraising efforts for the organization. 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
Commercial Energy Specialist
Josh Bills
Commercial Energy Specialist
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 since 1992 calls Kentucky home. 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
Chief Financial Officer
Kacie Zechman
Chief Financial Officer
[she, her]
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.
Ketaki Bhattacharyya
Consulting Services Manager
Ketaki Bhattacharyya
Consulting Services Manager
[she, her]
Ketaki joined the Mountain Association in 2015 and manages the Business Support Program, which works to connect small businesses and non-profits with experts to help them grow their impact. The expert services can range from QuickBooks training to strategic planning. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Warren Wilson College focusing on Social Ecology and a Master of Health Sciences degree focusing on Behavior and Community Intervention from the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. Ketaki has centered her career on supporting low-income people and directly-impacted communities around the world. She has worked on international projects with Save the Children, John Snow, Inc., and Johns Hopkins University in the areas of finance, operations, and communications. Ketaki's favorite spot in Eastern Kentucky is Creech Overlook in Kingdom Come State Park. Kortney Hendrix
Lending Specialist
Kortney Hendrix
Lending Specialist
Kortney joined the Mountain Association in May 2023. She grew up in Campton, KY, 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, KY. 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, KY where her granny would cook the best fried taters.
Les Roll
Special Projects Manager
Les Roll
Special Projects Manager
[he, him]
Les opened the Mountain Association’s Hazard office in 2011. 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 pilot of our solar loan product in Letcher County, Kentucky and has led the Mountain Association’s energy financing to grocery stores. Since 2011, he has been responsible for more than $10.3 million in loans to businesses and nonprofits in Eastern Kentucky. Les has led Mountain Association’s community development work in Hazard and Perry County, including the creation of an ongoing community event series focused on artist-entrepreneurship and the creation of InVision Hazard, a people-led community action group focused on downtown revitalization and local government advocacy. Currently, he is leading Mountain Association’s first foray into real estate re-development, The 479 Main Project. A two-term AmeriCorps alum, Les is a graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Law and a member of the Kentucky Bar Association. He was certified as an Economic Development Financial Professional in 2012. 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
Development Director
Leslie Ferguson-Oles
Development Director
[she, her]
Leslie serves as the Development Director for the Mountain Association, working across the organization to ensure funding 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.
Peter Hille
President
Peter Hille
President
[he, him]
Peter Hille has been President of the Mountain Association since 2015. He joined the Mountain Association's board in 2003 and served as board treasurer and board chair before joining the Mountain Association's staff in 2012 as Executive Vice President, overseeing our programs in energy, forestry, lending and business support, as well as finance and operations. During his tenure, Peter has helped expand the Mountain Association’s work in many ways, including in the clean energy sector through our New Energy Intern program and our solar financing that makes solar more accessible to businesses and organizations serving low-income communities. Previously, Peter was Director of the Brushy Fork Institute of Berea College, working in leadership and community development throughout Central Appalachia for 22 years. He also served as a consultant to regional and national organizations and implemented community development projects internationally in Russia and Slovakia. Peter currently chairs the board of the East Kentucky Leadership Foundation and serves on the Berea Human Rights Commission. A graduate of Swarthmore College, his background includes experience in grassroots organizing and small business management. He lives with his wife in a passive solar home they designed and built in the midst of fifty acres of forest near Berea, Kentucky. He enjoys fishing, hiking, music, ongoing home improvement projects and family gatherings, particularly in his role as a grandfather. Peter's favorite activity in Eastern Kentucky is floating the Cumberland River.
Robert Allen
Lending Director
Robert Allen
Lending Director
Robert joined the Mountain Association in April 2022 as Lending Director. He is responsible for the leadership, development and effective implementation of our lending work, focusing on a just transition to a new economy for Appalachia. Prior to this position, Robert worked in banking for more than 34 years where he served in a 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, where you can see the sun come up in the morning as it glistens on the old stone face of a familiar mountain.
Toni Wells
Human Resources Manager
Toni Wells
Human Resources Manager
[she/her]
Toni joined the Mountain Association’s staff in 2022. She has worked in a variety of Human Resources roles at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) for the last 18 years. Toni brings a wealth of experience to the Mountain Association and its affiliate organizations, 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 EKU; 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
Lending Associate
Yvonne Burchett
Lending Associate
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, and managing the Paintsville office. 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
Operations Manager
Zuojay Johnson
Operations Manager
