COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY

Community Facilitator

William Thrasher

William Thrasher came to Communities Unlimited (CU) in October of 2021 as a Community Facilitator for the Community Sustainability Team. William works with low-income and underserved communities to assist them with outreach and planning. He leverages and closely coordinates with other Communities Unlimited and other strategic partners to implement training and technical assistance to accomplish strategic goals and desired community sustainability outcomes.

William has experience working as a leader and has a background in public speaking and building relationships. William received his B.S. in Sociology & History from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. 

Area Director of Program Operations

Michelle Viney

Michelle Viney, Area Director of Program Operations, joined Communities Unlimited in 2018 after previously working for the organization from 2003-2007 as a Community Education and Outreach Specialist responsible for the production of the Community Water Bulletin and CRG Small System Guides.

Today, Michelle works with rural communities in Arkansas to develop strategies for community and economic development. She is a certified NPDES Stormwater Inspector and is a licensed Class I Wastewater Treatment Operator and Class 1B Solid Waste Management Facility Operator in Arkansas.  She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hendrix College in Environmental Ethics and a Master’s Degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University. 

Senior Community Facilitator

Kelle Menogan, Jr.

Kelle Menogan started Communities Unlimited (CU) in December of 2022 as a Community Facilitator and was promoted to Senior Community Facilitator in March of 2025. He works with communities to assist them in developing improvements. He builds relationships with community members and businesses to assist them find funding opportunities, tools and resources to help accomplish their goals and be more sustainable.

Kelle has a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Communications from Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi.

Area Director for Field Operations

DeAnna O’Malley

DeAnna O’Malley is the Area Director for Field Operations at Communities Unlimited (CU), where she works with communities to secure funding, deliver training, and implement projects. She partners with CU and other organizations to provide technical assistance and resources that help communities achieve their goals.

Previously, DeAnna worked for the Arkansas Department of Health, supporting community grants and providing technical assistance. She attended Kaplan University and Texarkana College and lives in Texarkana, Arkansas.

Area Director Community Strategies

Russ Garner

Russ Garner joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in January 2023 and is the Area Director Community Strategies. In his role, Russ provides field leadership and support for Community Sustainability initiatives across CU’s seven-state service area. He works with communities, partners, and cross-functional CU teams to strengthen strategic blending efforts, support emerging initiatives, build partnerships, and advance rural community development strategies that help communities move toward long-term prosperity.

Russ holds an M.P.P.A. from Mississippi State University and has a background in research and rural development. He earned his Professional Economic Developer certification through the Community Development Institute in October 2023.

Community Facilitator

Chantel Poor

Senior Community Facilitator

Kristy Bice

Kristy Bice, Senior Community Facilitator (T.L.L. Temple), joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2023. She helps organize communities through stakeholder engagement, resource mapping, and connecting local leaders with opportunities across areas like broadband, water, healthy foods, and small business. She also supports CU staff, develops peer learning opportunities, and provides one-on-one support to East Texas team members.

Kristy was promoted to her current role in 2025 after starting as a Community Resource Manager. She holds a Master of Public Service and Administration from Texas A&M University’s Bush School and lives in Lufkin, Texas.

Community Resource Manager

Timeka Mayfield

Community Resource Manager

Yolanda Martin

Yolanda Martin is a Community Resource Manager for Communities Unlimited (CU). She is located in Southeast Texas and joined CU in February 2024. Yolanda works with Southeast Texas communities and helps bolster civic infrastructure across the area. She develops and maintains relationships with community members and businesses and assists them in finding resources and tools to achieve goals for their community. 

Yolanda attended Texas Woman’s University and earned a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and Business Administration.

Healthy Foods Coordinator

Brenda Williams

Community Resource Manager

Yadira Hernandez

Yadira Hernandez started with Communities Unlimited (CU) as a Community Resource Manager in March 2024. Yadira works with Southeast Texas communities and helps bolster civic infrastructure across the area. She develops and maintains relationships with community members and businesses and assists them in finding resources and tools to achieve goals for their community. 

Yadira attends Lamar University working towards her Bachelor of Applied Arts & Science. She lives in Port Arthur, TX. 

Community Facilitator

Amanda McBride

Amanda McBride, Community Facilitator, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in June 2024. In her role, Amanda coordinates and facilitates projects and funding opportunities with community members to help their communities. She collaborates with CU and other strategic partners to implement training and technical assistance, aiming to achieve community goals and outcomes. She also partners with communities and businesses to find funding opportunities, tools, and resources to meet community needs.

Amanda has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Mississippi State University. She lives in Mathiston, Mississippi.

Community Resource Manager

Chloe Keahey

Director of Community Sustainability

James Hopper

James Hopper joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in May 2026 as Director of Community Sustainability. He leads a team of 13 in implementing strategies that help communities move toward long-term prosperity while coordinating Community Sustainability efforts with CU’s broader mission and strategic goals. He also works with strategic partners to strengthen CU initiatives and community development efforts.

Before joining CU, James served as the Director of Outreach for the Alice Walton School of Medicine. He also previously served as Director of Development & Programs at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute and Director of Development for the EAST Initiative.

James holds an M.S. in School Psychology from the University of Central Arkansas and a B.A. in Psychology from Harding University. He earned his Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED) certification through the Community Development Institute in 2023.