Leadership

STEERING COMMITTEE

The Steering Committee of the Appalachia Funders Network is the main governing body and is responsible for the growth, development, and well-being of the Network.

It consists of a set group of influential local, state, regional, international, federal, public, and private grantmakers and philanthropic investors who are working collectively to guide the overarching roles, activities, and impacts of the Network. They attend monthly conference calls and serve on at least one Group or ad-hoc committee.

2026 Steering Committee co-chairs

Garrett Blaize

Executive Director, Appalachian Community Fund
Laura Nixon

Senior Program Director, Educational Foundation of America

2026 Steering Committee Members

Annie Forrest

Appalachian Ecosystem Lead, REDF Impact Investing Fund
Ashley Ahlers

Director, Partnerships and Communication, John Rex Endowment
Baylen Campbell

Director of Programs & Partnerships, Invest Appalachia
Cynthia Brown

Former Board Chair, Parkersburg Area Community Foundation
Emma Wyatt

Chief Operating Officer, The Innovate Fund
Heather Parlier

Senior Vice President of Operations, Dogwood Health Trust
Jeff Mansour

Program Director, Thompson Charitable Foundation
Kerry Pigman

Executive Director, Athens County Foundation and Representative of Invest Appalachia
Kristin Walker Collins

Executive Director, Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky
Peter Dolkart

Community Development Regional Manager, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
Stephanie Randolph

Managing Director, Purple Tiger Impact, LLC