Board Members & Partners

Governing Board

Daniel Allman, Chair

Daniel Allman, Chair

Director, Eastdil Secured

“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.”

Manny Rodriguez, Vice Chair

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

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

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 have been blessed with a footing when we arrived in the states and many opportunities along life’s journey.  I would like to give back.  Additionally, as a Christian, the values and mission of FOR […]

Lee Beth Burge, Treasurer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kendra Jeffreys

Executive Director
Sonny Jester

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

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

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

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

Sharell Thomas

Total Rewards Director, YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta

“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!”

 2024 Top 25 Partners

ABA
Anonymous
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Bill Hoyt
CDC Foundation
Decatur City Church: Be Rich Campaign
Georgia Power Foundation, Inc.
Intown Community Church
Jason and Jessica Gaby
Jesse Parker Williams Foundation
Martha and Kelly Bissell
MASCO Corporation
Mindy Zatto

Nalini Prema
North Avenue Presbyterian Church
Passion City Church
Purisolve
Rita Sislen
Sartain Lanier Family Foundation
Scott Hudgens Family Foundation, Inc
The Chestnut Family Foundation
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Inc.
The Ghanta Family Foundation
The Hawkins Foundation
Waterfall Foundation Inc.