Larry L Bowman, Jr., Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Research in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at East Tennessee State University. He is also a member of the Dean’s Office as a data services administrator where he uses data to inform evidence-based, strategic decisions for the Clemmer College of Education and Human Development at ETSU. Prior to his career at ETSU, Dr. Bowman was a marine biologist and the Assistant Director of University of Georgia’s Marine Institute. He has held faculty positions at UGA, University of North Georgia, College of Charleston, and The Citadel and was the principal investigator of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Population Genetics lab. Dr. Bowman’s areas of expertise include population genetics and evolutionary ecology of sport and recreational finfishes.

He is a ‘23 Leadership Lab member.

Kevin was raised in Ashland, Kentucky. He is a graduate of Paul G. Blazer High School. He has earned degrees from Nazarene Bible College (BA) and Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MMin). Kevin is currently continuing his education at the University of the Cumberlands (MAT). Kevin also earned a Certificate in Appalachian Studies from Ashland Community and Technical College. Professionally, Kevin is an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene and serves as lead pastor of Ashland (KY) First Church of the Nazarene. He is proud to be a part of the faculty as an English teacher at Greenup Co High School (KY).

He is a ‘23 Leadership Lab member.

Kristin Walker Collins is the Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky (Foundation) in Hazard, Kentucky, the only nationally accredited community foundation in southeastern Kentucky. Before starting her career in philanthropy, Kristin worked as an attorney specializing in Family Law and Municipal Law with the law firm of Hollon & Collins. Kristin obtained her Juris Doctorate from Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University, and a B.S. in Integrated Strategic Communications with a Minor in Business from the University of Kentucky.

Kristin is active in many community activities including serving as a member of InVision Hazard, Vice-President of the Hazard-Perry County Chamber of Commerce, and serves as President of Redbud Financial Alternatives, Inc, and of the Appalachian Early Childhood Network. She is the founder and President of the Hazard Rotary Club Foundation, Inc., which operates the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Perry County, Kentucky, a program providing a free book a month to children under the age of five. In addition, she is Past-President of the Hazard Rotary Club, and former President-Trustee of the Perry County Public Library, and a Philanthropy Southeast’s Hull Fellow (Class of 2020).

In her (little) free time, she enjoys traveling the world, visiting with family and friends, and reading. Kristin resides in Hazard, Kentucky with her husband, Jonathan, a local attorney, and their daughters, Palmer and Piper.

She is a ‘23 Leadership Lab member.

Rob Collins is an educator and a lifelong Eastern Kentuckian. Rob began his teaching career as a high school English teacher in Greenup County, Kentucky, and from there, began exploring various teacher leadership roles across the Commonwealth. His interest in supporting the future of education led him to promote the teaching profession as a GoTeachKY Ambassador for the Kentucky Department of Education and later as a Teacher Fellow for the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence. Rob now works as an Innovative Programs Consultant for the Kentucky Department of Education, where he supports innovation and educational transformation by facilitating the Kentucky Innovative Learning Network (KY ILN) and the KY ILN Innovative Teacher Fellowship.

Rob lives in Greenup, KY, with his wife, Kati, and their daughter Ellie June. He is thrilled to join TFA's Central Appalachia Leadership Lab to learn, grow, and work to realize TFA's 2030 goal so that learners like his daughter can realize their full potential while living amongst the rich history, culture, and natural wealth of Central Appalachia.

He is a ‘23 Leadership Lab member.

Cori is a transplant to Appalachia. Originally, she is from the suburbs of Chicago and after college she served as an Americorps VISTA and then taught science in Indianapolis for 4 years. Moving halfway across the country to a new climate and culture has brought with it some very challenging moments, while also providing her opportunities that she would have never had access to in other places. She has been able to build partnerships with the United Way of SWVA, local colleges and universities, and other community organizations to create a network of partners to meet her students’ and community’s needs. Here she has rekindled familial ties that have existed here for generations, been a student of the Appalachian culture and learned a small part of the history that exists here, and explored the vast mountainous landscape, which is much different then the flatlands of the Midwest. In her free time you can find her hiking the mountain trails admiring the local flora and fauna or enjoying the views from her grandparents’ front porch.

She is a ‘23 Leadership Lab member.

As a 30 year old, Halie has never lived outside of Appalachia. These mountains are her home, and it's a home she is proud of. She is starting her 8th year in the classroom, teaching at her alma mater, and is leading a committee to install small learning communities (Houses) within her school. She believes teaching is secondary to loving - without mutual respect in the classroom, very little learning can occur. She graduated with her BA in Psychology from Marshall University, an MBA From Radford University and is a proud Alumni of Teach for America Appalachia. If she’s not working or coaching Soccer, you can find her on a walk with her husband (Nick), her one-year old (Elouise), and their Great Dane (Clyde). Her English Bulldog (Bonnie) is probably at home asleep on their couch. Her favorite place to visit in Mercer County is Bramwell. Regionally, she loves too many places to name, but considers Inez, Kentucky her second home.

She is a ‘23 Leadership Lab member.

Sam Keathley is a data professional with a decade of experience in education and workforce statistics. He currently serves as the Senior Workforce Analyst for the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), and serves on a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Policy Council in that capacity. He also provides grant support services and data consulting services to non-profits and businesses throughout Central Appalachia. He currently divided his time between Powell and Pike counties in Eastern Kentucky, and he enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, and caring for his four rescue dogs.

He is a ‘23 Leadership Lab member.

Morgan Kirk is a dedicated professional with a strong background in sociology and social work. Currently, she plays a pivotal role at Aetna Better Health, where she focuses on addressing the intricate connections between social determinants of health and health equity in Appalachia and beyond. Born and raised in Harlan, Kentucky, Morgan's upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of community and a passion for creating positive change. She currently resides in Hazard, Kentucky, along with her husband, who works tirelessly to improve housing security and sustainability, and their eight year old son, who keeps their family and the community in stitches. Morgan's commitment to her community is evident in her involvement in various local and national initiatives, reflecting her drive to enhance the lives of those around her. With her educational background, professional expertise, and genuine dedication to making a difference, Morgan is excited to participate with the 2023 cohort, working better together to create equity for the communities we live in and serve.

She is a ‘23 Leadership Lab member.

Over five years ago, Samantha Nygaard moved to West Virginia from Florida after falling in love with the natural beauty of the mountains and kindness of the people. Despite having no roots in Appalachia, she somehow knew that West Virginia was the place where she belonged.

Growing up in a military family, Sam lived in Washington, Oregon, Florida, and Japan. These experiences shaped her passion for community service, appreciation for the outdoors, and love for learning about the rich heritage and unique cultures of these communities.

Sam serves as the West Virginia Program Manager at the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).Through this role Sam is dedicated to advocating and preserving the Mountain State’s parks and public lands, including one of America’s newest national parks, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.

Prior to her current role, Sam focused on initiatives to attract and retain young folks to West Virginia through her role as Assistant Director for Generation West Virginia’s Impact Fellowship program. Before transitioning to nonprofit work, Sam coordinated outreach and marketing efforts and hosted curated trips to promote the state as the Destination Sales Manager for the West Virginia Tourism Office.

When Sam isn't hiking with friends or hosting bike tours with West Virginia Pedal Pals, she remains active in her local community through volunteering. She has a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Media/Communication Studies from Florida State University and lives in West Virginia’s capital city of Charleston with her dog, Georgia.

She is a ‘23 Leadership Lab member.

John has been married 10 years to his beautiful wife, Chelsey; they have rambunctious 6-year-old twin girls Caiden and Carson. He is entering his 17th year in education (6th as an administrator). He is formerly an athletic trainer and Athletic Director, and is currently working through the doctoral program at Radford University. He has been a raft guide on the New River for 23 years; Fayetteville, WV gets a visit from him at least once a year.

John grew up in Roanoke, VA, before going to school at Virginia Tech, East Tennessee State University, and Radford University. He loves taking the back roads through the mountains, smelling the air, and feeling the breeze. John’s parents are from Southwest Virginia (Tazewell) and Southeast West Virginia (Crumpler/Northfork). He visited their childhood homes often during his own childhood.

His love for trains has been one of his biggest draws to Central Appalachia. If there are tracks running through it, he wants to see where they go (and hopefully catch a train!).

He is a ‘23 Leadership Lab member.

Darryl (Dee) Parker is a highly accomplished individual hailing from Lexington, Kentucky, but has planted his roots in Hazard. He possesses a notable academic record, having obtained an associate degree in science and arts from Hazard Community and Technical College, as well as a bachelor's degree from Morehead State University. He is currently preparing for his master's program. Currently, Darryl is a Project Manager at Fahe. Before this role, Darryl held the position of Coordinator of Cultural Diversity at HCTC. He also served as a recruitment specialist and was the first Social Media Student Liaison for the Office of Equity & Inclusion within the same institution. Darryl is deeply passionate about promoting community, diversity, equality, inclusion, and Belonging. His unwavering dedication to empowering young leaders of color is the driving force behind his commitment.

He is a ‘23 Leadership Lab member.

Bailey Richards is the Downtown Coordinator for the City of Hazard in Kentucky. She has worked in non-profit and government for over 10 years and also has a background in journalism and fine art. Bailey is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio but moved to Eastern Kentucky in 2011 for a job at the Hazard Herald. She quickly found a home and a community she couldn't leave. Through volunteer work and being on various boards she discovered a passion for redeveloping property and working with businesses to create economic opportunities. Bailey was recruited by the City of Hazard and Perry County to be the first ever Downtown Coordinator. Her overall goals are to create opportunities for the small business community to thrive and bring life back into downtown. Bailey is married and has a 2 year old daughter.

She is a ‘23 Leadership Lab member.

Currently, Tina Wei Smith is working on relaunching a start-up non-profit, Rural Up, Inc., to focus on providing 21st century educational opportunities for youth in Eastern Kentucky that will equip them to be ready college and career ready. She serves as a board member and is part of the original launch in 2014 where they focused on providing coding education to middle and high school students throughout Eastern Kentucky. Today they are building a program that will enable youth to participate in work-based learning opportunities and bridge the digital divide for youth in the region.

Previously, Tina served as the Director of Operations for Prosper Appalachia, the youth development program of the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program. She was responsible for the internal operations and processes of the organization, oversight of staff as well as media communications. She also focused on establishing employer partnerships and spearheading the Youth Advisory Council program. Prior to joining Prosper Appalachia, Smith spent more than a decade in federal public service and higher education. From 2019-2021, Smith was appointed as the eighth Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, where she focused on workforce and economic development in the U.S. Department of Commerce. After leaving federal service, Smith has continued to work with a non-profit to grow the pipeline of minority students into federal internships, Congressional offices, and think tanks. Previously, she spent over five years at Asbury University as their founding director of the Global Engagement Office. In this capacity, she created new international education initiatives and curriculum to increase cross-cultural learning and better prepare students for an increasingly global economy.

Locally, Tina is a member of Corinth Baptist Church in London, KY and an active member of the PTO of Cornerstone Christian School, where 3 of her children attend. She is also on the Taste of the Southeast committee for God's Food Pantry and a member of Women in Business, London-Laurel Chamber of Commerce. She owns My Happy Place Toy Shop, which is inside the London Children's Museum.

Nationally she is actively involved in advocating for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. In 2023, she was appointed by Senator Mitch McConnell to be part of an 8-person congressional commission to do a feasibility study on the creation of a national Asian Pacific American museum as part of the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. She also runs the International Leadership Foundation's Civic Fellowship program for AAPI college students - a pipeline program to cultivate future AAPI public servants through federal, congressional and think tank internships and professional development programs.

Tina and her husband Kevin, reside in London along with their 4 young children. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois ,and she obtained her M.P.P and MA in higher education from the University of Michigan.

She is a ‘23 Leadership Lab member.

Kelsey Tackett is a former middle school science and reading teacher of over 12 years for Floyd County Schools. She has worked diligently to support and progress STEM initiatives throughout the region. This has included creating a Girls Who Drone organization, designing and implementing STEM lessons for middle school students, and providing professional learning opportunities for teachers to engage in STEM implementation. Recently, Kelsey has become the Director of Appalachian Engagement for The Lighthouse Beacon Foundation. This role emphasizes providing support to schools and students in the region to engage with exposing and supporting engineering opportunities.

She is a ‘23 Leadership Lab member.

Max Yurkofsky is an assistant professor in the Doctor of Education Program at Radford University. He obtained his Ed.D. in Educational Policy, Leadership, and Instructional Practice from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2020. He teaches courses focused on continuous improvement, leadership, collaborative inquiry, and equitable approaches to spreading change. His research centers on using organizational theory to explore how school systems can organize for continuous improvement toward more ambitious and equitable visions of learning. Max is committed to preparing school and system leaders to use collaborative continuous, improvement practices to inquire into and address high-leverage problems of practice in their settings. He partners with current and former students on research, professional learning, and writing projects focused on improving educational systems in Virginia.

He is a ‘23 Leadership Lab member.