Staff

"Working at the Community Foundation feeds my
unceasing desire to use my knowledge and talent to
improve my community and positively impact the region we serve."

Mitch joined CFNEA in July 2016 as Director of Scholarships and Initiatives. Since then, his role has expanded to include Partnerships and Operations. He received his bachelor's degree in marketing and a master's in business administration from Jacksonville State University. 

Before joining the Community Foundation, Mitch worked in medical administration and was the corporate administrator for a commercial real estate development company. He has served as a grants and scholarships reviewer since 2005. For 14 years, he co-chaired the Mary Katherine "Katy" Williamson Scholarship Fund Annual Hook & Cook fundraiser. Through his planned gift, he became an Anvil Society member.  

In September 2018, Mitchell was accredited as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® from The American College. 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. 

Mitchell is a member and past President of the Rotary Club of Calhoun County and the Assistant Governor of Rotary District 6860. He graduated from Leadership Randolph County in 2019 and Leadership St. Clair County in 2021, and he serves on the Board of the Piedmont Education Trust.

"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.

“I love telling our donors’ stories and sharing the
impact their generosity has provided.”

Susan has been an integral part of the Community Foundation since 1999, when she was invited to serve as a scholarship reviewer.  It was through this relationship and becoming a part of this wonderful organization that her family was led to establish the Mary Katherine “Katy” Williamson Scholarship Fund in 2005, following the death of their daughter and sister, Katy, who was killed in an accident on the family's farm at age 20. For the Williamson family and friends, this has been a healing process. Each recipient that receives Katy's scholarship continues her dream. 

Katy's fund mirrors her passions for working with animals, wild and tame, serving her community, and being a friend to many. The scholarship provides educational opportunities to individuals pursuing degrees in the healthcare field, both human and animal. The fund supports the individual for up to 8 years. 

In April 2010, Susan was invited to join the Community Foundation as the Vice President of Advancement & Communications. She has over 40 years of experience in media, marketing, and public relations. She holds a degree in business from Jacksonville State University.   

Susan loves her job with the Community Foundation as a storyteller and wordsmith. She communicates the generosity of donors and the impact their gifts make on individuals and not-for-profit organizations. Susan develops all marketing pieces and oversees all communications.   

Susan and her husband, John, are both Annistonians. Their son, Ben, is an organic chemistry professor at Binghamton University in New York. 

"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 on October 1 as the Finance and Accounting Manager.

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 be assisting the Chief Financial Officer. Katelyn enjoys spending time with her two young children: Cooper Jack – Age 4, and Josie – Age 3. She also enjoys traveling, cooking, and reading.

Lisa joined the staff of the Community Foundation as the Director of Region 2 of the Regional Workforce Council, now known as East Alabama Works.  Prior to joining the Community Foundation, Lisa served as the Director of Community Leadership Development with the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. In that capacity she managed the Leadership Calhoun County, Youth Leadership Calhoun County and education and workforce programs. As a graduate of LCC Class of 2005, she was uniquely qualified to serve as the director of the leadership programs. While at the Chamber, she partnered with Region 2 to host the first hands-on, interactive career expo, Worlds of Work, in East Alabama engaging over 1,871 students, 75 business and industry career presenters and nearly 300 volunteers in its first year. The Regional Workforce Council is organized and funded by the Department of Commerce and AIDT. The Community Foundation serves as East Alabama Works fiscal sponsor. Lisa is responsible for identifying and responding to the needs of business and industry to provide a skilled workforce. 

Carl joined the Community Foundation staff in June of 2018 as the Workforce Program Manager for East AlabamaWorks, the state’s Workforce Development Council for Region 2.  Carl comes to the Community Foundation after thirty-one years of serving East Alabama in the broadcasting industry…twenty years in Radio and the last eleven years in television…including stints at radio stations like WAAX-AM, Z93.1, WQSB-FM, and 97.9 WVOK (K98).  All eleven years of Carl’s television career were spent at WEAC-TV24 where he worked as a producer, editor, graphic artist, writer, talk show host, and news anchor.  Carl has been recognized as one of the best in Alabama Broadcasting and is a four-time Alabama Broadcasters Association ABBY Award winner.

A native of Gadsden, Carl currently resides in the Calhoun County community of Alexandria.  As Program Manager for East AlabamaWorks, Carl will help to identify the workforce needs of business and industry and help to fill those needs with a skilled, well-trained and available workforce in East Alabama.

Abby comes to EAW from the Cleburne County District Attorney’s Office where she served as a Victim’s Service Officer. Prior to the DA’s office, Abby was the Executive Director of the Cleburne County Chamber of Commerce from 2015-2018. Abby graduated cum laude from Jacksonville State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. She is a native of Cleburne County and currently makes her home in Heflin.