“Just as God so loved the world, I feel called to love the world and people around me by serving those in need, and in particular our friends in Clarkston.”
Board Members
Governing board
Daniel Allman, Chair
Director, Eastdil Secured
Manny Rodriguez, Vice Chair
VP Sales Consumer Products, Georgia-Pacific LLC
“May the Lord strengthen me and direct me to encourage and comfort others like He has encouraged and comforted me always.”
Greg Skowronski, Vice Chair
CFO & CIO, Four Stones Real Estate
“I am inspired to help Friend of Refugees empower New Americans so they can thrive.”
Ly Douglass, Secretary
Director of Product Marketing, AT&T
“As a refugee from war-torn Cambodia, I have a personal tie to and heart for the refugee cause and community. I was blessed with a footing when we arrived in the States and many opportunities along life’s journey, so I’d like to give back. Also, the Christian values and mission of FOR resonate with me.”
Lee Beth Burge, Treasurer
Accountant, Accounting With Purpose
“God has brought peoples of the world to my very doorstep, and I feel blessed to welcome them.”
Lauren Boden
Clinical Associate Professor of Special Education
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Friends of Refugees as we care for our New American neighbors.”
Jim Bouchard
Retired from The Clorox Company, Sales Management
“It’s a privilege and blessing to be part of a community helping refugee families flourish as new Americans.”
Tamara Harper
Senior HR Professional
“I am grateful for the unique opportunity to witness the love of Christ through the different ministries at Friends of Refugees.”
“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” – Hewbrews 13:1-2
Alison LaForge
Workforce Transformation Consultant, PwC
“I used to think I had to live overseas to engage in compassionate cross-cultural work. I love being able to care for refugees and New Americans right next door here in Atlanta.”
Helen Shuford
Marketing Application Development Manager, Southern Company
“I count it as a distinct privilege to welcome the stranger as Jesus encourages us to do.”
April Shaffer
Manager, SO Board Support Services, National Christian Foundation
“I went to Clarkston High School in the 1980’s, and continue to be enthusiastic about the community that God has brought together, and am grateful to participate in its flourishing.”
Non-voting board
Joe Breedon
CPA
“Serving as a volunteer in Friends of Refugees’ employment programs has enriched my life allowing me to witness how my engagement mentoring new Americans can contribute to positive transformation for an entire family.”
Kendra Jeffreys
Executive Director
Sonny Jester
Vice President, Cumming Group
“We are called by God to be in community. Friends of Refugees provides a wonderful opportunity to do just that in ways that enrich all of our lives, new neighbors and those of us who have been here a bit longer.”
Kevin Kipfer
Executive Director, Share It Forward
“My family has been blessed to live in this community. It’s been a joy to partner with Friends of Refugees to provide welcome, be a friend, and learn so much from our New American neighbors.”
Dinah Lee
Adjunct Instructor, Glendale Community College
“It’s been one of my greatest joys to participate in God’s invitation to love our ‘neighbors’ in the Clarkston community through the amazing work of Friends of Refugees.”
Joni Per-Lee
Retired, Chick-fil-A, Inc.
“It can be incredibly challenging to adapt in a new country even under the best of circumstances. As Friends, we get to come alongside the most vulnerable so that they might thrive in their new American home.”
Sharell Thomas-Hodge
Director of Total Rewards at Tides
“I’m blessed to be a blessing and God has called me to pour into the hearts, minds and souls of those we serve at Friends!”