Staff

“I love working with donors to discover the philanthropic
dream that resonates with their soul.”

Jennifer S. Maddox has served as President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama since 2011. The Foundation’s mission is to achieve positive change through the generosity of donors, now and for generations to come. The Community Foundation serves nine (9) counties, including Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Cherokee, DeKalb, Etowah, Randolph, St. Clair, and Talladega.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Houston and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame.  She earned her accreditation as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® from The American College in 2016.

A native of South Bend, Indiana, Ms. Maddox has taught at Brown Mackie College, the University of Notre Dame, Purdue University, and for ABATE of Indiana and the Cleburne County Extension.  She is an in-demand speaker and consultant to not-for-profit organizations on a variety of topics, including board governance, management, fundraising, leadership, managing change, and strategic planning.  

Jennifer currently serves on the board of the International Endowment Foundation for Jacksonville University’s International House.   She is a past president of the Rotary Club of Anniston.  Jennifer also serves in a leadership capacity as a member of the First United Methodist Church.  She has been the President of the Rocky Hollow Neighborhood Association since 2012.  The neighborhood is home to the historic Woodstock 5k Race.

She is a member of the Women’s Executive Network, the Junior League of Anniston-Calhoun County, and the First Friday Women’s Forum in Gadsden.  Jennifer was honored by the Junior League in 2015 with the Natalie Henderson Award.  She is a graduate of Leadership Calhoun County Class of 2013 and Leadership Alabama Class of 2016.  She is a member of the St. Clair County Leadership Class of 2020. Jennifer was recognized in 2016 as one of Calhoun County’s most influential Business Leaders in the Anniston Star’s The Power 20 issue.

Jennifer and Mark Stevens have been married since 2004. She has a history of community service for over 40 years, including volunteering, serving on numerous not-for-profit boards, not-for-profit leadership, and consulting.  Jennifer is passionate about community foundations and how they can benefit the people and communities they serve.

"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. 

“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 Rogers joined the Community Foundation in July 2016. He is the Director of Scholarships, Partnerships & Operations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Jacksonville State University. 

Mitch is not at all new to Community Foundation. His passion for the work of the Foundation began many years ago as a volunteer grant reviewer. For 14 years, he co-chaired the Mary Katherine "Katy" Williamson Scholarship Fund Annual Hook & Cook fundraiser.  He became an Anvil Society member through his planned gift.  

Mitch manages the scholarship program, pass-through funds, donor-advised funds, designated funds, agency funds, special projects, partnerships, and operations for the Community Foundation.  

In September of 2018, Mitch earned his accreditation 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. 

Mitch is a member of the Rotary Club of Calhoun County. He is a past President and is on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Foundation and Club. Mitch is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Randolph County and a 2021 graduate of Leadership St. Clair County. Mitch also serves on the Board of the Piedmont Education Trust.

Before joining the Community Foundation, Mitch was the Corporate Administrator for a real estate development company responsible for all administrative activities and project management. 

"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 is the Director of Grants & Partnerships. 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.  Prior to joining the Community Foundation, he served as a grant reviewer,  grant applicant, grant recipient, and grants manager. In training not-for-profit organizations and the grant process, he speaks from experience.    

As the Director of Grants & Partnerships, Fred manages all competitive grants for the Community Foundation and partnerships such as the E2 Program for Education and Employment and the Open Spaces Sacred Places Project, which celebrates the 100-year anniversary of Susie Parker Stringfellow's will. 

Fred serves on the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama Roundtable, a group that gives young civic and business leaders the opportunity 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. 
 
Prior to 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. Prior to 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 degree in Rehabilitation Services and Disability Studies, focusing on individuals with disabilities and case management. She is a native of Calhoun County.  

As Meeting & Technology Specialist, Cassandra will plan, manage and execute a variety of meetings 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.

“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.  Prior to working at the Foundation, Norma was a store manager for Dollar General. 

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. Prior to joining the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama, Lethea worked for American Express Platinum Travel.

Lethea graduated from Johnson & Wales, the University of Denver, earning an Associate in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management with a concentration in Event Planning. She is a native of Dekalb County and calls Fort Payne home.

As the Scholarships & Grants Coordinator, Lethea will assist both the Director of Scholarships, Partnerships & Operations and the Director of Grants & Partnerships. She will work closely with scholarship recipients and not-for-profit organizations.

Lethea is active in many Fort Payne Main Street activities, along with volunteer opportunities in the area.

“I love witnessing the generosity of donors and
being a part of the team that brings their philanthropy to fruition.”

Sharon Zachery joined the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama on November 1, 2021, as an Administrative Assistant to the Finance and Accounting Office.  Sharon was promoted to Executive Assistant on February 4, 2022.

Sharon is a lifelong native of Alabama; she graduated from Gadsden State Community College in 2018 with an associate's degree in Engineering.  Sharon retired from Walmart Stores Inc after thirty-three years as District Office Manager.

Sharon enjoys spending time with her family, walking, running, cycling, and hiking.  She serves her church as Administrator, Treasurer, Trustee, and youth advisor.

“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.