Our Team
Our Operations team also supports the staff of our two affiliates, Kentucky Natural Lands Trust & Kentucky Policy, and our fiscal sponsorships.
Alexandria Knipp
Client Success Coordinator
Alexandria Knipp
Client Success Coordinator
Alexandria joined the Mountain Association in 2023 and she brings a wealth of nonprofit, government, and consulting experience to her role. Originally from Olive Hill, she holds a Master’s in Global Development from Queen's University in Canada, where her research compared post-extractive economic transitions in the Canadian Arctic and Appalachian Kentucky. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arabic and International Affairs from Western Kentucky University. In her previous role at FUND Consulting, Alexandria secured over $27 million in federal grants for rural and Native Community Development Financial Institutions. Prior, she was as a Research & Data Fellow at the Rural Community Assistance Partnership in Washington, DC, focusing on Indigenous entrepreneurship in rural communities. In a past life, Alexandria also served as an Economic Foreign Service Officer at U.S. Embassy Ottawa and in the Office of Israel and Palestinian Affairs. She is a current board member of Redbud Financial Alternatives, one of our key partners in Eastern Kentucky. She is excited to return to her roots to serve the communities that have shaped her. Alexandria’s favorite thing to do in Eastern Kentucky is explore the beautiful trails and caves at Carter Caves State Park, followed by a stop at Tyler's Pizza in Olive Hill.
Alex is an advanced level Arabic speaker.
Andrea Muñoz
Outreach Specialist
Andrea Muñoz
Outreach Specialist
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
Ariel Fugate
Communications Manager
Ariel Fugate
Communications Manager
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 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
Loan Support Associate
Ashley Marks
Loan Support Associate
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
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Betsy Whaley
Director of Strategic Initiatives
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
Energy Specialist
Cameron Mott
Energy Specialist
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
Director of Energy Programs
Carrie Ray
Director of Energy Programs
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
Energy Projects Coordinator
Chris Woolery
Energy Projects Coordinator
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 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.
Corey Sparkman
Technology Associate
Corey Sparkman
Technology Associate
Corey Sparkman joined Mountain Association in 2023 as our Technology Associate. In this role, he supports Mountain Association and our two affiliate organizations, Kentucky Natural Lands Trust and Kentucky Policy, with our technology infrastructure by providing front line response to computer systems, staff workstations and other related systems and equipment, and other technology ralted needs. He was born and raised in Letcher County, Kentucky. Corey is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems. He is CompTIA Security + Certified.
Dayzaughn Graves
Business Support Associate
Dayzaughn Graves
Business Support Associate
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
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
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
Business Support Specialist
Emily LaDouceur
Business Support Specialist
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 Broecker
Energy Specialist
Hope Broecker
Energy Specialist
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
Chief Operating Officer
Jason Coomes
Chief Operating Officer
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
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 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
Disaster Recovery Coordinator
Jessica Epperson
Disaster Recovery Coordinator
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
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 nonprofits with experts to help them grow their impact. Jimmy 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 volunteer management, nonprofit management, and information technology. Jimmy is the administrator for Mountain Association’s digital client resource platform, Initiate. In addition to this work, he recently served for one year 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. 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 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.
José Socarras Ramos
Development Coordinator
José Socarras Ramos
Development Coordinator
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
Senior Energy Analyst
Josh Bills
Senior Energy Analyst
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
Chief Financial Officer
Kacie Zechman
Chief Financial Officer
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
Director of Business Support Services
Ketaki Bhattacharyya
Director of Business Support Services
Ketaki joined the Mountain Association in 2015 and directs the Business Support Program, which works to connect small businesses and nonprofits 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. She currently serves on the board for the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky.
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, 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
Special Projects Manager
Les Roll
Special Projects Manager
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
Chief Advancement Officer
Leslie Ferguson-Oles
Chief Advancement Officer
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 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.
Peter Hille
Chief Executive Officer
Peter Hille
Chief Executive Officer
Peter Hille is Chief Executive Officer for the Mountain Association. After nine years as President, he became CEO in June 2024 to support the leadership transition prior to his retirement in April 2025. He joined Mountain Association's board in 2003 and served as board treasurer and board chair before joining 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 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 previously served on the Berea Human Rights Commission. He was founding Board Chair of the Kentucky Environmental Foundation and served in that capacity for more than two decades, during which time he helped to lead a successful international effort to ensure safe disposal of chemical weapons in Kentucky and beyond. A graduate of Swarthmore College, his background includes experience in grassroots organizing, consulting, woodworking, construction and small business management. He lives with his wife in a 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.
Regina Becknell
Lending Analyst
Regina Becknell
Lending Analyst
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
Executive Assistant
Rhonda Stapleton
Executive Assistant
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
Director of Lending
Robert Allen
Director of Lending
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, 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.
Robin Gabbard
President
Robin Gabbard
President
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
Policy & Research Coordinator
Samuel Tolliver
Policy & Research Coordinator
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 Wells
Human Resources Manager
Toni Wells
Human Resources Manager
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
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. 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
Organizational Development Manager
Zuojay Johnson
Organizational Development Manager
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 diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility efforts (DEIA) and identifies 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.
