Board Members & Partners

Governing Board

Joe Breedon, Chair

Joe Breedon, Chair

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.”

Brian Chang, Vice Chair

Brian Chang, Vice Chair

Associate Director, Faculty Ministries, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

“As a child of immigrants, it is so meaningful to utilize my gifts and talents to help refugees develop their new life in America.”

Daniel Allman, Vice Chair

Daniel Allman, Vice 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.”

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.”

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 […]

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

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.”

Manny Rodriguez

Manny Rodriguez

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.”

April Shaffer

April Shaffer

Manager, SO Board Support Services

“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.”

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.”

Greg Skowronski

Greg Skowronski

CFO & CIO, Four Stones Real Estate

“I am inspired to help Friend of Refugees empower New Americans so they can thrive.”

Non-voting Board

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.”

Kendra Jeffreys

Kendra Jeffreys

Executive Director, Friends of Refugees, Ex Officio Board Member
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.”

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.”

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!”

 2023 Top 25 Partners

ABA
Anonymous
Bill & Carolyn Baker
CDC Foundation
Chet & Lee Beth Burge
Decatur City Church: Be Rich Campaign
Georgia Health Foundation
Georgia Power Foundation, Inc.
Jesse Parker Williams Foundation
Katherine John Murphy Foundation
Kelly & Martha Bissell
MASCO Corporation
Matt & Tiffany Alley

Memorial Drive Ministries
Passion City Church
Purisolve
RBR
Rita Sislen
Sandell Ministries
The AEC Trust
The Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Ghanta Foundation
The Goizueta Foundation
The Hawkins Foundation
The Scott Hudgens Family Foundation, Inc.