Strong nonprofits begin with strong leaders—and nonprofit leaders do not have to navigate the challenges of leadership alone.
The Barrow Community Foundation is now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 cohort of the Cultivate Barrow Nonprofit Executive Mentoring Program. Cultivate Barrow connects nonprofit executives and emerging leaders with experienced community leaders for intentional, one-to-one mentoring.
The program was created to invest in the people who invest in others. Through trusted mentoring relationships, participants have an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, talk through organizational challenges, gain practical insight and build the confidence needed to lead their missions forward. By supporting individual leaders, Cultivate Barrow also strengthens the network of nonprofit organizations serving Barrow County.
Meet the Fall 2026 Mentors
This fall’s mentors bring extensive experience in nonprofit management, community collaboration, business leadership, organizational development, fundraising and service to Barrow County.
Traci Bledsoe — Peace Place
Traci Bledsoe is the Executive Director of Peace Place, which provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, advocacy and supportive services for individuals and families affected by domestic violence in Barrow, Banks and Jackson counties. Under her leadership, Peace Place works to help survivors move from crisis toward safety, stability and long-term healing while also engaging the community in breaking the cycle of domestic violence. Traci brings experience in nonprofit administration, crisis-response services, community partnerships, fundraising and the leadership of a mission centered on dignity, empowerment and hope.
Scott Dakin — The Ministry Village
Scott Dakin serves as Executive Director of The Ministry Village, a faith-based organization providing professional counseling, crisis support and practical assistance to individuals and families. Before entering nonprofit leadership, Scott completed 29 years of service with the Barrow County Fire Department. He also serves as Mission Pastor at River Hills Church and has expertise in critical incident stress management and international crisis-response instruction. His experience offers mentees valuable perspective on organizational leadership, crisis management, community service, staff development and leading with compassion.
Shannon Hammond — Adult Literacy Barrow
Shannon Hammond is the Executive Director of Adult Literacy Barrow, an organization working to expand educational and economic opportunity through free high school equivalency, English-language and citizenship classes. Before entering nonprofit leadership, Shannon spent decades serving as a Georgia elementary school teacher and administrator. She brings a deep understanding of education, program development, community outreach and the barriers that can prevent adults and families from reaching their full potential.
Tommy Jennings — Barrow County Chamber of Commerce
Tommy Jennings has served as President and CEO of the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce since 2006. Before joining the Chamber, he spent 35 years in the apparel manufacturing industry, including serving as president of his family-owned company, which operated several plants across Northeast Georgia. Tommy also helped lead the community-wide effort to establish the Barrow Community Foundation and has remained closely involved with the organization throughout its history. He brings considerable experience in business management, economic development, board leadership, community partnerships and building sustainable organizations.
Aimee Keibler — Barrow County Family Connection
Aimee Keibler is the Coordinator of Barrow County Family Connection, a collaborative that brings community partners together to improve outcomes for children and families. The organization convenes nonprofit, education, government, business, faith and community leaders to identify local needs, coordinate resources and develop strategies that strengthen families and the community. Aimee offers experience in collaborative leadership, relationship-building, community planning, program coordination and bringing diverse organizations together around shared goals.
Misty Manus — Adventure Bags
Misty Manus is the Chief Executive Officer of Adventure Bags, a Barrow County-based nonprofit that provides backpacks filled with essential and comfort items to children experiencing displacement or crisis. Adventure Bags works with foster-care agencies, domestic violence shelters, law enforcement, fire departments, homeless-service organizations and other partners throughout Georgia. Through her leadership of a mission that has served tens of thousands of children, Misty brings experience in nonprofit growth, volunteer engagement, community partnerships, fundraising, service delivery and communicating a compelling mission.
Tifanie Ring — New Path 1010
Tifanie Ring is the Executive Director of New Path 1010, a Barrow County nonprofit working to address systemic poverty and food insecurity. Among its initiatives, New Path 1010 operates a weekend food program serving students across Barrow County schools and develops partnerships that connect local resources with people in need. Tifanie brings valuable experience in program development, volunteer coordination, nonprofit operations, collaborative partnerships and mobilizing the community around practical solutions to persistent challenges.
Angela Yarman — Barrow Community Foundation
Angela Yarman is President and CEO of the Barrow Community Foundation and has more than 30 years of nonprofit management experience. Her background includes chamber of commerce management and a 22-year career with United Way, along with extensive experience in fundraising, strategic planning, board development, community collaboration and nonprofit capacity-building. At the Foundation, she leads efforts to inspire generosity, strengthen local nonprofits, manage charitable funds and mobilize resources for the benefit of people throughout Barrow County.
Who Should Apply?
Cultivate Barrow is designed for nonprofit executive directors, senior staff members and emerging leaders who are ready to grow professionally and strengthen the organizations they serve.
Mentoring conversations may explore topics such as:
- Working effectively with a board of directors
- Strategic planning and organizational growth
- Fundraising and community engagement
- Staff and volunteer leadership
- Financial sustainability
- Managing competing priorities
- Building partnerships
- Communicating a mission effectively
- Navigating the unique responsibilities of nonprofit leadership
Applicants should be prepared to participate actively, meet consistently with their mentor and identify specific leadership or organizational goals they hope to address during the program.
Applications Are Now Open
Participation in the Fall 2026 cohort is limited. Applicants will be selected based on the potential for the mentoring experience to strengthen their leadership, advance their organization’s mission and increase its positive impact on the people of Barrow County.
Nonprofit leaders who are ready to learn, reflect and grow are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Apply for the Fall 2026 Cultivate Barrow cohort
By cultivating capable, connected and confident nonprofit leaders, we can strengthen the organizations that serve our neighbors—and build a stronger Barrow County together.
