Our former ED, Kendra Jeffreys passing the Olympic torch to our new ED, Kevin Kipfer! And yes, that’s a real Olympic torch!
Dear Friends,
We are thrilled at Friends at Refugees to welcome our new Executive Director, Kevin Kipfer! If you missed the announcement, you can read more about it here. Having been closely connected to Friends for years, Kevin is a familiar and trusted leader as we move confidently into this next chapter together.
Today, we invite you to get to know Kevin better through our fun questionnaire!
We know your family has been in Clarkston for quite some time. Tell us about them!
My wife Erica and I have been married for nearly 19 years. It’s been a wonderful adventure together. She grew up in the Atlanta area and went to Berry College. We have three incredible daughters, Ellie (14), Charis (12), and Gabriella (10). I had a lot of fun coaching their basketball and volleyball teams this year, and we enjoy traveling together or just hanging out in our yard.
We shared a lot about your work experience in the previous email, but what was one of your first jobs?
I grew up in a farming community in Indiana, so most of my early jobs were working with our neighbors on their farms. I learned a lot about hard work. Most of these jobs don’t even exist anymore, but if anyone has ever hoed beans, baled hay, or hauled manure, send me a note and I’ll be sure to personally send you some Friends swag!
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I was a middle school math teacher for two years. I first came to Atlanta with Teach For America, and taught in west Atlanta at what is now John Lewis Invictus Academy. It was one of the most challenging and rewarding seasons of my life. They also asked me to coach football and track which was so much fun!
Gabriella’s class helping in the Jolly Avenue Garden.
How do you recharge outside of work?
I love being outside and spending time with family. Hiking, kayaking, biking or just going for a walk are all refreshing for me. You may see us (or just me) out at Stone Mountain. It’s wonderful having that so close. One of my favorite ways to unwind in the winter is watching Purdue basketball with a bottle of Coke (don’t judge, it’s one of Warren Buffet’s favorite drinks too).
If your friends or family had to describe you in three words what would they be?
I was curious myself, so I asked them. They were very gracious in their responses. So here are their words…
- Thoughtful & purposeful
- Planner & intentional
- Generous & collaborative
- Humble & kind
The Kipfer’s visited Switzerland where their families immigrated. The picture above is in front of the home Kevin’s great-great-great grandfather helped build before he left for America. Kipfers have lived in it ever since.
Thank you, Kevin, for opening a window into your life and sharing your beautiful family with us.
As we wrap up this special edition, we hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Kevin better! We are incredibly excited for what is ahead under Kevin’s leadership, and we are grateful to have you as part of this journey with us.
If you feel inspired by the work we are doing together, we invite you to support our mission. Your generosity makes it possible for us to walk alonsgide our New American friends as they build new lives. Through programs that support literacy, provide vital prenatal care for mothers, and ensure access to healthy food, you help meet both urgent needs and long term dreams with compassion and care.
Every contribution, big or small, makes a meaningful difference. Thank you for being part of our story!