Leadership Council

The Leadership Council is a group of at least 24 individuals from Partner organizations, nominated by the Governance Committee, with equal representation from Virginia and Tennessee, a balance of sector and geographic diversity, and diverse backgrounds and interests. In addition to Partner organization representatives, each backbone organization has an ex-officio, voting representative.

The Leadership Council serves as the governing body for the STRONG ACC. It reviews and approves all STRONG ACC plans, strategies, policies, and finances. It also authorizes and appoints all standing committees, steering committees, and other structures it may choose.

Patrick Brunty
Washington County VA Department of Social Services 

Claudia Byrd
Speedway Children’s Charities 

Dr. Dennis Carter – CHAIR
Smyth County Public Schools 

Dr. Andi Clements
Uplift Appalachia

Dr. Nancy Dishner
Niswonger Foundation

Jennifer Ellison
Cocke County Cradle to Career Coalition

Margaret Feierabend
Appalachian Promise Alliance

Kristie Hammonds – VICE CHAIR
Frontier Health

Dr. Meagan Helmick
Mount Rogers Health District

Dr. Donna Henry
University of Virginia’s College at Wise

Victoria Hewlett
Appalachian Opportunity Fund 

Marty Holliday
New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board

Dr. Paula Masters (backbone partner – ex officio) 
Ballad Health 

Sean McMurray
Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia 

Dan Minahan
Crutchfield Corporation 

Dr. Linda Nelms
Walters State Community College 

Erika Phillips
Hawkins County School System

Beth Rhinehart
Bristol Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Karen Schetzina
ETSU Pediatrics 

Kiran Singh Sirah
Speaker/Consultant/Peacebuilder

Chase Stewart
Communities in Schools of the Appalachian Highlands

Dr. Teresa Tyson
The Health Wagon

Kathy Waugh
YWCA of NETN & SWVA 

Dr. Kris Westover
Mountain Empire Community College 

Tammy Wilson
TN Voices