Staff

"I am privileged to work for a great organization and to be
a part of an outstanding team that exemplifies the highest
values. I am passionate about using my finance
and accounting knowledge and expertise to help
others achieve their goals, which leads to successful
families, organizations, and communities."

Deborah (Deb) Pfledderer received her Master of Business Administration/Finance Degree from Columbia Southern University in May of 2021 with a GPA of 4.0.  She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Indiana Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. 

Deb joined the staff of the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama in February 2013, moving to Alabama from Northern Indiana. Deb and her family live in Piedmont. 

Deb brings over 30 years of accounting experience in manufacturing, retail and not-for-profit settings. Previous to this position at the Community Foundation, she worked for five years with the Marshall County Community Foundation and United Way of Marshall County in Plymouth, Indiana.

Deb enjoys reading, family time, watching football, and volunteering at several not-for-profit organizations in the Piedmont area.

"My why - helping people fulfill their charitable dreams while
positively impacting the region we serve.”

Fred Smith joined the Community Foundation in July 2016. He holds an associate of science degree from Southern Union Community College, a bachelor’s degree in marketing, and a master’s degree in public administration from Jacksonville State University. Fred is also a graduate of the Alabama Association of Not-for-Profit Executive Leadership certificate program. He completed the Essential Skills & Strategies for New Grantmakers in 2016.  

Fred earned his accreditation as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® from The American College in December of 2021. The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) program gives professionals the broad knowledge and skills to assist donors in reaching their financial and philanthropic goals. The American College awards the designation to those who fulfill the rigorous educational, experience, and ethical requirements. 

Fred is an expert in all things grants.  Before joining the Community Foundation, he was a grant reviewer,  grant applicant, grant recipient, and grants manager. In training not-for-profit organizations and the grant process, he speaks from experience.    

Fred led the regional partnership to honor the 100^th anniversary of Susie Parker Stringfellow with the creation of 17 Open Spaces Sacred Places™ throughout our nine-county region and has elevated the growth of the Out of the Shadows Summit, which focuses on mental health.

Fred serves on the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama Roundtable, a group that allows young civic and business leaders to study issues and government policy in Alabama. On a national level, he has participated in Foundations on the Hill held annually in Washington, D.C. 
 
Before joining the Community Foundation, Fred was a member of the faculty for Gadsden State Community College. Later he served as the Director of Jacksonville State University’s Community Wellness Program. 

Fred met his lovely wife Rochelle while they both attended Jacksonville State University. They have two daughters, Eden and Zion, and reside in Jacksonville, Al.

“My why is to create meaningful experiences and provide innovative
technologies to expand our philanthropic reach.”

Cassandra joined the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama on October 1, 2019, in a new position as Meeting & Technology Specialist. Before joining the Community Foundation, Cassandra worked for the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services in Anniston, AL. 

Cassandra graduated from Auburn University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services and Disability Studies, focusing on individuals with disabilities and case management. She is a native of Calhoun County.  

As Events & Technology Manager, Cassandra will plan, manage, and execute a variety of meetings and events for the Community Foundation and assist staff with technology needs.  

Cassandra is an active volunteer in the community, working with the Greater Calhoun County Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities as the 5K race coordinator in 2016 and with Expression of a Brave Heart as the Art Coordinator, teaching children with disabilities to express their creativity through art. Her ability to manage various meeting platforms and her expertise in technology has taken the work of CFNEA to new heights. She keeps the Community Foundation up-to-date with technology changes.

“Working for the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama allows me to use my
accounting skills. I love being part of a team that gives back
to the community to create positive change.”

Norma Mancilla joined the staff of the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama in 2018.  Originally from Texas, Norma married and moved to Alabama in 1997.  Norma has an Associate in Applied Science in Accounting from Gadsden State Community College.  She is currently going to JSU for her Bachelor's Degree in Accounting.  Before working at the Foundation, Norma was a store manager for a large chain. 

Norma enjoys going to Truist Park to watch the Atlanta Braves in action, watching football games with the family and loves spending time with her children. 

“I enjoy being part of a community and seeing the
the difference we make in it.”

Lethea joined the staff of the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama on January 25, 2021, in a newly-created position as the Scholarships & Grants Coordinator and is the first full-time remote employee of the Community Foundation. Before joining the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, Lethea worked for American Express Platinum Travel.

Before joining the Community Foundation, Lethea was an American Express Platinum Travel Representative. She is the "go-to person" for grant and scholarship applications and questions She is a native of Dekalb County and calls Fort Payne home.

As the Scholarships & Grants Manager, Lethea will work closely with scholarship applicants, recipients, grantees, and not-for-profit organizations.

Lethea is active in many Fort Payne Main Street activities and volunteer opportunities in the area.

“I love being a part of this excellent team as we strive to
improve the communities we serve. Our work at CFNEA is
widespread and impactful.”

Katelyn Ferguson of Talladega County joined the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama staff as Finance and Accounting Manager on October 1, 2022.

Before joining the Community Foundation, Katelyn worked as the Financial Administrator of First United Methodist Church of Anniston, Camp Lee, and The Children’s Place Preschool, where she grew to love working in the not-for-profit sector. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Munford High School in 2012. She attended Gadsden State Community College, earning an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. Katelyn plans to further her education at Jacksonville State University and earn a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

As the Finance and Accounting Manager, Katelyn will be a team member in the accounting department and will assist the Chief Financial Officer. Katelyn enjoys spending time with her two young children, Cooper Jack and Josie. She also enjoys traveling, cooking, and reading.

Susan grew up in Missouri and graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia with a B.S. in Education. She taught secondary science education in Missouri, Florida and Texas. Susan and her husband, Craig, moved to Anniston from Georgia 20 years ago when she took a job with the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama.  They have one daughter and numerous dogs, cats and horses. She is an avid horseback rider and volunteers with the Back Country Horsemen of America – McClellan Chapter (BCHA-McClellan) here in Anniston. She also fosters dogs and cats.

Susan received her Master Gardener certification and enjoys doing volunteer work with the Longleaf Botanical Gardens, the Hobson City Community Garden and collaborating with the Sassy Trails program of BCHA-McClellan to build a sensory trail for children and adults with developmental disabilities participating in the special-needs riding program. She is a member of the North Alabama Rare Plant Society. the Friends of the Public Library of Anniston and Calhoun County Board, and the Algonquin Study Club, serving as its president.

Jade Stone of Calhoun County, AL, joined the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama in October of 2024 as the Data & Office Coordinator.

She is a graduate of White Plains High School where she played trombone in the band.  Before joining CFNEA, Jade served as an intern at the Berman Museum, Anniston, AL,

The Data & Office Coordinator ensures CFNEA’s data is accurate, accessible, and secure, plus coordinates the needs of a busy office through excellent communication, inventory control, and administrative procedures.

Jade is energetic and eager to learn all things CFNEA.