I convert vision to strategy and strategy to operations because it’s not enough just to hope that children will thrive. I must act so that children thrive throughout generations.

Joan brings to the team an ability to strategize, build relationships and put Children’s Trust vision and mission into operational form. She oversees strategy, grant writing and human resources for the organization.

Her previous work leadership roles in her 30-year career of systems building and service to the field include director of grant making and programs at the Central Carolina Community Foundation, executive director of Communities In School of the Midlands, and director of development for The Nurturing Center.

Joan holds a master’s in business administration-management from the University of South Carolina as well as bachelor’s degrees in journalism and theater and speech from USC. She has served on multiple boards and committees in the community, and she currently serves on the national board of directors for the Children’s Trust Fund Alliance.

Mackenzie supports events planning and logistics for trainings and programs, as well as other ad hoc events-related tasks.

Most recently, she completed an internship at the PGA of America on the Home Team Operations team. 

Mackenzie is currently pursuing a degree in hospitality management and a minor in advertising and public relations from the University of South Carolina. She is from Prosper, Texas, a northern suburb of Dallas. 

Resources are available but can sometimes be inaccessible or ill-appropriated. When we combine resource allocation with strategic communications and community engagement, we can identify and remove barriers, and help all South Carolina families and communities thrive.

Charles develops and promotes processes that support the organization and execution of program-specific and organization-wide grants. He also works to identify new funding sources, steward relationships with existing funders, and provide staff with funding trend assessments and grants management training opportunities.

Prior to joining Children’s Trust, Charles worked in education and fundraising in several environments, including children’s museums and rural arts organizations. He secured several federal, state and foundation grants to support an array of programming, including health equity advocacy and oral history collection in historically Black Appalachian communities, community story preservation and climate resilience, and documentary films capturing lived stories of substance use, incarceration and homelessness in rural communities.

Charles holds a master’s in arts policy and administration from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree in arts administration with a minor in vocal performance from the University of Kentucky. He is originally from Raceland, Kentucky.

Supporting children and families means healthier communities and a healthier future for everyone. I believe that everyone can relate to the mission of Children’s Trust. We were all children once!

Alison plans and implements high-quality events, including training, program, board, and other ad hoc events and functions.

She previously served as the director of volunteer programs at Pawmetto Lifeline and volunteer services senior specialist at the American Red Cross Asheville Mountain Area Chapter. She also volunteered at the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge as a development committee member and event chair.

Alison earned a bachelor’s degree in public and international affairs from the University of Georgia.

Jennifer Haley serves as the executive assistant for Children’s Trust. She provides administrative and organizational support to assist operations and works with senior leadership and administrative staff to plan, organize, and implement administrative support systems.

She previously served in executive assistant roles for the past 20-plus years supporting the CEO and executive-level members of a global manufacturer and a community-based federal credit union.

Carrie oversees our Individual & Major Gifts Program, working with donors to help them meet their philanthropic goals and push forward Children’s Trust’s mission. 

She previously served as philanthropy officer for Water for Good and director of State Law Enforcement Torch Run Events & Engagement for Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

Carrie earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Pittsburgh. She is from Landenberg, Pennsylvania, but was born in Camden, South Carolina.

Caitlyn oversees all logistics for the development team related to the organization’s donor stewardship, communications, and special events.

Prior to joining Children’s Trust, Caitlyn worked as an events specialist with a local catering company. She previously worked at the University of South Carolina in various capacities with both the Honors College and the Gamecock Club in fundraising, donor communications, sales and membership services.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a master’s degree in sport and entertainment management from USC.

I find ways to keep our team safe, happy, and healthy as the team finds ways to keep South Carolina kids safe, happy, and healthy.

As a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), Ameka leads the development of employee relations, workforce development and continuous quality improvement while also implementing policies and strategies, serving as point of contact for staff and stakeholders, and delivering human resources services. She is responsible for benefits, payroll, employee relations, recruiting/employment and onboarding.

A graduate of Midlands Technical College with associate degrees in business management and marketing, she has spent her career in accounting and office administration.