GOLDEN LEAF - Key Persons
Angela joined the Golden LEAF Foundation in July 2022. As Director of Programs, Angela assists in managing and implementing Golden LEAF's grant programs and special initiatives and also manages staff as they conduct due diligence on proposals and monitor projects. Her work focuses on the Foundation's job creation and economic investment priority area through public infrastructure projects. Before joining Golden LEAF, Angela Watkins Gailliard was the Chief Corporate Officer of Word Tabernacle Church at The Impact Center in Rocky Mount, N.C., with responsibility for administrative, business, financial, and facility operations. Prior to Word Tabernacle Church, she held leadership positions in operations, finance, and engineering at several large corporations including Procter & Gamble and Cummins, Inc.
In addition to her many years of corporate work experience, Angela has continually served in her community for over thirty years, holding leadership roles with many notable nonprofit organizations including United Way Tar River Region, Edgecombe Community College Foundation, North Carolina Community Foundation, Down East Partnership for Children, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Angela holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Duke University and a Master of Business Administration from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. She is also a graduate of Leadership North Carolina.
Job Titles:
- Scholarship Program Manager
Arlena joined the Golden LEAF Foundation as Scholarship Program Manager in August 2021. In this role, she leads the implementation of the Golden LEAF Scholarship Program. This includes leading outreach and engagement efforts for the program and managing awards to administering entities of the scholarship and additional scholarship enhancement opportunities. Before joining Golden LEAF, Arlena taught for six years in Halifax and Northampton counties as a Teach For America corps member. She then served as Director, Incoming Corps Member Pipeline for Teach For America - Eastern North Carolina where she led the region's efforts to onboard and hire its corps members.
Arlena was born and raised in Rockingham, North Carolina and lives in Rocky Mount with her husband, Shane. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Strategic Communication in 2013 from UNC-Chapel Hill and received a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Johns Hopkins University in 2018.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant for Operations & External Affairs
Blythe Evans joined the Golden LEAF Foundation in May 2023 as the Administrative Assistant for Operations & External Affairs. In her role she provides administrative support to the Foundation, working collaboratively with the Operations, External Affairs, and other staff to ensure efficient operation of the office.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor's degree in political science, Blythe comes to the Golden LEAF Foundation with a background in office administration and experience in the defense contracting industry, North Carolina state government, and the nonprofit sector.
A native of Wilson, N.C., Blythe pursues her passion for music by serving as a worship leader at her church and enjoys cheering on the Tar Heels at every opportunity.
Job Titles:
- in 2020 As a Program Officer
- Program Officer and AV / Tech Coordinator
Brynn Fann joined the Golden LEAF Foundation in 2020 as a program officer for the Disaster Recovery Program. Before joining the Foundation, Brynn served as a program coordinator for a statewide nonprofit. In his previous role, Brynn provided assistance and resources for strengthening programs in his target area. As a program officer he evaluates funding proposals, supports the implementation of Golden LEAF priorities, and provides oversight for project monitoring and compliance activities. Brynn's primary focus areas include disaster recovery, flood mitigation, agriculture, and infrastructure. Along with program officer responsibilities, Brynn manages Golden LEAF's AV/technical resources for successful remote and hybrid board meetings.
Brynn was born and raised in rural North Carolina and now lives in Middlesex with his wife, Madison, and their dog, Renny. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminology in 2016 at N.C. State University and received a Master's in Public Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2020.
Celia Thiel joined Golden LEAF Foundation part-time as a Program Associate for the Disaster Recovery Program in September 2019. As a Program Officer, she evaluates funding proposals and provides oversight for project monitoring and compliance activities.
Celia was born and raised in south Georgia. She earned a bachelor of science degree in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Celia has worked as an industrial engineer and project manager in both manufacturing and distribution.
She has lived in Rocky Mount with her family since 1996.
Job Titles:
- Administration Specialist
- Grant Administration Specialist
Debbie Pennington joined the Golden LEAF Foundation in 2008. As Grant Administration Specialist, Debbie assists with grantsmaking and grant-monitoring activities and processes proposals. She also assists senior management and performs other related programs and administrative duties. Prior to working at Golden LEAF, Debbie worked for 15 years in human resources for workforce staffing companies and as a retail sales manager for 10 years.
Erica Smith has served as controller of the Golden LEAF Foundation since 2022. She has been a CPA for 15 years. Prior to joining the Golden LEAF Foundation, Erica was Senior Vice President - Financial Reporting Manager for First Bancorp in Southern Pines, NC. She began her career with KPMG in Raleigh.
Erica is a North Carolina native and graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with a bachelor of science in business administration and a master of accounting. She is a member of the NCACPA and the AICPA.
Job Titles:
- Food Distribution Assistance Program Officer
Imani West joined the Golden LEAF Foundation in September 2022 as the Food Distribution Assistance Program Associate. The program will make grants to nonprofit organizations to become food bank partner agencies, to expand capacity for these partners and to establish or enhance school-based food assistance programs. In her current role, Imani supports the Food Distribution Assistance Program Manager in the implementation of the program, including contributing to program and process development, reviewing program applications, recommending funding, monitoring grantees, and ensuring program compliance.
Before joining Golden LEAF, Imani was the Administrative Director of The Point Care Center. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing the operation and compliance of four food pantries in the triangle, working closely with the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. Prior to her time at The Point Care Center, she held key roles in the Town of Holly Springs Development Services Department and Habitat for Humanity of Wake County as an Americorp service member. She has expertise in program development and implementation, program compliance and monitoring, and budget reporting.
Imani earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Campbell University and Master of Arts degree in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University in 2018.
J.P. Boyd, CAIA, joined Golden LEAF in February 2017 as Golden LEAF's investment officer. He is involved in all aspects of the investment process. J.P. also serves on various advisory boards and allocator groups.
Prior to joining Golden LEAF, J.P. was an investment officer at the South Carolina Retirement System Investment Commission (RSIC) in Columbia, South Carolina. He spent eight years at RSIC and oversaw a $2.7 billion low-beta hedge fund portfolio of the $27.7 billion Plan. Prior to RSIC, J.P. was a research intern at the Palmetto Institute where he focused on economic development and agribusiness.
J.P. received a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business where he double majored in international business and finance, as well as minored in French. He also is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst.
Job Titles:
- Program Officer
- Program Officer With the
Jason Rochelle began his position as program officer with the Golden LEAF Foundation in February 2016. As a program officer, Jason helps ensure that Golden LEAF funding drives effective project implementation and positive economic outcomes for rural NC. He evaluates funding proposals, supports the implementation of Golden LEAF priorities, and provides oversight for project monitoring and compliance activities. Prior to joining Golden LEAF, Jason was employed as a regional director for a healthcare corporation for six years; and most recently, served as a nonprofit program manager, overseeing grant development, program monitoring, and evaluation.
Born and raised in eastern North Carolina, Jason holds a master's degree in general/theoretical psychology from Appalachian State University and a bachelor's degree in psychology from UNC-Wilmington. He also successfully completed a 16-month executive leadership training program, Ladder to Leadership, through the Center for Creative Leadership. Jason resides in Rocky Mount, NC with his wife, Michelle, and their two children, Elijah and Lillian.
Job Titles:
- Communications Officer
- Communications and External Affairs Manager
Jenny Tunstall Tinklepaugh joined Golden LEAF as communications officer in August 2007. In her current role, she is responsible for managing the development and dissemination of content, Golden LEAF's website, and social media platforms. Jenny also manages the internship program at Golden LEAF, serves as the media contact, and is the Board liaison. Before joining Golden LEAF, she worked for the Washington Daily News as an editor and advertising manager.
She was born in Washington, N.C., and attended Beaufort County Schools. Jenny earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in English at East Carolina University. She lives in Rocky Mount with her husband and two daughters.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Secretary
- Treasurer
Job Titles:
- Chief of Staff
- Vice President
Kasey Ginsberg joined Golden LEAF in January 2017 as the first program officer for the Disaster Recovery Grant Program and now serves as Vice President/Chief of Staff.
Her responsibilities include leading the strategic development and execution of the external-facing work of Golden LEAF including communications, government relations, and the Golden LEAF Scholarship Program. Kasey provides management support on internal initiatives to increase organizational effectiveness and organization-wide strategic planning efforts.
Kathy joined the Golden LEAF Foundation in March 2023 as Program Associate. In her current role, Kathy supports the Programs team in the management of grants that have been awarded and participates in other program-related activities. She focuses on making certain that grantees have submitted required information and the information is ready for substantive review by Program Officers.
Kathy previously served as the Registrar at Vance-Granville Community College since 2001. In her role, Kathy evaluated information submitted by students and faculty for compliance and provided feedback. She oversaw various reports, managing against many deadlines and responsibilities. Prior to joining Vance-Granville, Kathy served in roles at Wake Tech Community College and as a US Peace Corps Volunteer.
Kathy is a graduate of SUNY Alfred, Cornell University, and received a Masters at N.C. State University.
Katie Fisher joined the Golden LEAF Foundation in August 2023. As a program officer, Katie evaluates funding proposals, supports the implementation of Golden LEAF priorities, and provides oversight for project monitoring and compliance activities. Before joining Golden LEAF, Katie worked as a consultant providing grant writing and project administration services to rural communities across North Carolina.
Katie started her career with nonprofits while earning her Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. While Katie is a native of eastern North Carolina, she currently resides in Raleigh, where she enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Kimberly Smith joined the Golden LEAF Foundation in May 2022 as a program officer. She evaluates funding proposals, supports the implementation of Golden LEAF priorities, and provides oversight for project monitoring and compliance activities. Kimberly has a background in quality control and grants program management. She has an extensive history of community outreach and providing services to individuals in eastern North Carolina that are underserved and/or underrepresented.
Kimberly earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from North Carolina Wesleyan University and her Master of Arts in Human Services from Bellevue University with a concentration in healthcare. She is a certified Global Career Development Facilitator and has served as an adjunct instructor teaching human services courses at Halifax Community College in Weldon, NC.
Kimberly is a native of Halifax County. In her spare time, she enjoys activities such as bike riding and taking trips with her family.
Job Titles:
- Food Distribution Assistance Program Associate
LaKisha joined the Golden LEAF Foundation in June 2023 as Food Distribution Assistance Program Associate. The program will make grants to nonprofit organizations to become food bank partner agencies, to expand capacity for these partners and to establish or enhance school-based food assistance programs. In her current role, LaKisha supports the Food Distribution Assistance Program team in the implementation of the program, including the monitoring of recipients and supporting compliance across the Program and focusing on data and record management, including organization of physical and electronic records.
Before joining Golden LEAF, LaKisha was the Manager of Finance and Data Compliance with Teach for America. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing all expended revenue to ensure purchasing compliance within federal and state guidelines. Prior to her time at Teach for America, LaKisha held a vital role at Pitt Community College as the Executive Assistant to the Dean of Developmental Studies and Transitional Programs. She has expertise in grant management, program development and implementation, budget coordination and reporting, as well as program monitoring and compliance.
LaKisha earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from the University of Mount Olive and a Master of Science in Administration of Justice Security from the University of Phoenix.
Marilyn Chism joined the Golden LEAF Foundation in November 2013. As a Director of Programs, Marilyn assists in managing the Foundation's standard grant programs and special initiatives and also manages staff as they conduct due diligence on proposals and monitor projects in Golden LEAF's priority area of workforce preparedness. Before working at Golden LEAF, Marilyn worked for 20 years in North Carolina government in the General Assembly's Fiscal Research Division, in NC Central University's Chancellor's Office, and in the Office of the State Auditor.
Marilyn was raised in Chadbourn, NC. She attended UNC-Greensboro as a Katherine Smith Reynolds Scholar. She holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from UNC-Greensboro and a Juris Doctor from the UNC School of Law. Marilyn is an active member of her church and is also an avid fan of both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers. She is currently serving on the North Carolina Network of Grantmakers (NCNG) Board of Directors.
Job Titles:
- Food Distribution Assistance Program Manager
Meredith Bell joined the Golden LEAF Foundation in September 2022 as the Food Distribution Assistance Program Manager. The program will make grants to nonprofit organizations to become food bank partner agencies, to expand capacity for these partners and to establish or enhance school-based food assistance programs. In her role, Meredith will lead implementation of the Food Distribution Assistance Programs, including managing the process for reviewing applications and developing recommendations for awards, monitoring awards, managing compliance, and participating in outreach and engagement efforts for the programs.
In her career, Meredith has sought out opportunities to make a positive impact on underserved communities in the state. Before joining Golden LEAF, she was the Donor Engagement Officer and Team Lead at the North Carolina Community Foundation. In this role, she was responsible for management of various competitive grant programs. Prior to her time at North Carolina Community Foundation, Meredith held key roles in nonprofit organizations in North Carolina, including Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County and United Way of Pitt County. She has extensive experience in program and process development, facilitation of community grantmaking programs, and analysis of these programs to ensure compliance and alignment with donor intent.
A native North Carolinian, Meredith earned her bachelor's degree in Politics from Wake Forest University. She lives in Raleigh with her husband and three children.
Miranda Dalton joined the Golden LEAF Foundation in October 2012 as a program officer primarily focusing on education and workforce preparedness grants. In the role of program officer, Miranda evaluates funding proposals, supports the implementation of Golden LEAF priorities, and provides oversight for project monitoring and compliance activities. Before joining Golden LEAF, Miranda taught in the public school system teaching 9th and 10th grade biology and physical science and served as supervisor of the Family Services Department for Rockingham County Head Start, an early childhood program that promotes school readiness of children under 5 from low-income families through education, health, social, and other services. Miranda has served as an adjunct instructor for the basic skills program at Rockingham Community College, an instructor of strategic planning for Duke University's Nonprofit Certificate Program, and instructor of business at Gwinnett College in Raleigh, NC.
Miranda is currently working on her PhD in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development with a specification in Adult, Workforce, and Continuing Professional Education at N.C. State University. Miranda holds a bachelor of arts in biology from UNC-Chapel Hill, an MBA from Winston-Salem State University, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from UNC-Greensboro. In her spare time Miranda enjoys attending concerts, plays, musicals and trying new restaurants. Miranda is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., where she devotes a lot of time giving back to her community.
Job Titles:
- Government & External Affairs Coordinator
Savannah joined Golden LEAF in July 2022. As Government & External Affairs Coordinator, she supports an increased focus on outreach and engagement work of the Foundation, including government affairs responsibilities. Before joining Golden LEAF, Savannah was a Legislative Assistant and Committee Clerk at the North Carolina General Assembly.
Savannah is from Wake County, with family ties to Gates County. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication - Media Studies, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science - American Politics, and a Master of Public Administration, all from North Carolina State University. During her time at NC State Savannah held roles within the Career Development Center, including being a Graduate Assistant, Communications Intern, and Career Ambassador. She also hosted her own show on the campus television network.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- President
- Member and past President of the North Carolina Economic Developers Association
Scott T. Hamilton became the third president of the Golden LEAF Foundation in November 2019. In this role, Scott is responsible for working with the Golden LEAF Board of Directors to develop and implement the foundation's grantmaking priorities and strategies, overseeing the work of the staff and consultants that manage the foundation's investments, and managing the day to day operations of the organization.
Hamilton previously served as executive director of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) located in Washington, D.C., a Federal-State partnership with the mission to innovate, partner and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia. During his tenure, he led a staff of more than 55 to invest nearly $675 million to support education and workforce training, highway construction, water and sewer system construction, leadership development, small business start-ups and expansions, energy and health. Prior to joining the ARC in 2014, Hamilton served in leadership roles with various county and regional economic development organizations in North Carolina, including most recently as president and CEO of AdvantageWest, a nonprofit regional economic development partnership serving the 23 westernmost counties of North Carolina.
Hamilton is a current member and past president of the North Carolina Economic Developers Association and has held leadership positions with numerous boards and organizations across North Carolina, including the North Carolina Economic Development Board. He served for 11 years as a gubernatorial appointee to the North Carolina Commission on Workforce Development.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Hamilton received additional training and certification in economic development from the University of North Carolina School of Government and the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is also a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma and the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center's Rural Economic Development Institute.
Suzanne Keil joined the staff of the Golden LEAF Foundation as a program officer in January 2016. As a program officer, Suzanne evaluates funding proposals, supports the implementation of Golden LEAF priorities, and provides oversight for project monitoring and compliance activities. Before joining the Golden LEAF Foundation staff, Suzanne worked at Vance-Granville Community College as Coordinator of Grants and Planning & Research, and previously served as Coordinator of the Adult High School Diploma Program. She also coordinated and instructed literacy programs for Marion Technical College and in Morrow County, Ohio.
Suzanne completed her bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University and received a master's in Instructional Technology from East Carolina University.
Ted Lord - Chief Legal Officer, SVP
Job Titles:
- General Counsel
- Senior Vice President
- in 2005 As a Program Officer
Ted Lord joined the Golden LEAF Foundation in 2005 as a program officer and now serves the Foundation as senior vice president and general counsel. Ted works with the SITE Program, Community-Based Grants Initiative, the Open Grants Program, the Economic Catalyst Program, and a variety of special projects and initiatives. His duties include discussing projects with potential applicants, conducting due diligence regarding proposals, and monitoring projects after grants are awarded. Ted also assists with development of grant programs and other initiatives of the Foundation and identifies and addresses legal issues related to Golden LEAF grants and programs. Before joining Golden LEAF, Ted was a fellow and special projects coordinator for the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation in Winston-Salem, served as law clerk to the Honorable James A. Beaty, Jr., United States District Judge, and practiced law with a firm in Greensboro.
Ted was born and raised in North Carolina. He attended Swarthmore College and Wake Forest University School of Law.
Job Titles:
- Dy Director of Programs / Program Administration
Terri Bryant Adou-Dy joined the Golden LEAF Foundation full-time in 2006 as a program officer and now serves as Director of Programs/Program Administration. Terri maintains a small portfolio of grants; oversees program officer review of and due diligence for grant applications, and grant monitoring across Golden LEAF grant programs; participates in program research and development, community and stakeholder outreach, and other board initiatives. She also manages the organization's grant management system, including migration from the Foundation's legacy software to a system that supports improved programmatic effectiveness and workflows. Terri has expertise in research and analysis; policy development; program development and evaluation; project management and implementation; budgeting; and domestic and international marketing and communications.
In addition to having worked for several multinational corporations, Terri earned her bachelor's degree from N.C. State University and her M.B.A. from UNC-Chapel Hill. She has also completed Cornell University's Project Management Certificate series and has earned PMI's Project Management Professional certification.