THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE IT HAPPEN

Chief Executive Officer

Ines Polonius

Ines Polonius, Chief Executive Officer of Communities Unlimited, joined the organization in 2014 and works out of the Fayetteville, Arkansas, office.

She has been active in national and international economic development for over 30 years. She has dedicated her career to accelerating community economic development in persistently poor, rural places in the South. She leads Communities Unlimited, a CDFI dedicated to moving rural and under-resourced communities in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama toward prosperity.

She received a Master of Business Administration degree and a Master of Economics degree from Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts, and a certificate in Public and Not-for-Profit Management. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. 

Administrative Assistant - CEO

Candi Barbour

Candi Barbour, Administrative Assistant to the CEO, based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in September 2023. Candi provides support to the CEO by scheduling, creating reports, and performing other clerical duties.  

Before joining CU, she was an Executive Assistant to the Head of School at Harbor Day School in Corona del Mar, California. Candi holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Missouri State University. 

Director of Program Support Services

Elaine Crutchfield

Elaine Crutchfield, Ed.D., SPHR, Director of Research and Program Support, joined Communities Unlimited in 2001 after working in the Office of Services to Business and Industry at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where she served as a Performance Improvement Consultant. Dr. Crutchfield specialized in evaluation, program development, training, curriculum design, human resource policy/program development, and organizational assessment, with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small family businesses in agriculture, transportation, financial services/banking, retail, manufacturing, education, and various trades and services.  

 In her role as Director of Research and Program Support, Elaine is part of the Communities Unlimited Senior Leadership Team. She is responsible for directing the Program Support Services departments, which include Geographic Information System (GIS), Communication, Information Technology (IT), and Healthy Foods. She also supports grant management development and new program development.  

 Elaine works in the Fayetteville, Arkansas, office. 

Chief Financial Officer

Kim Griffey

Kim Griffey, Chief Financial Officer located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 1995. She is responsible for the financial aspects of federal, state, and foundation grants. She oversees cash management, payroll tax reporting, audit preparation, and federal income tax preparation. She develops and maintains internal controls and annual budgets. Kim works on special projects, including reorganization of the existing general ledger, development of monthly reporting, packaging, internal control evaluations, and development.  

She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants. She received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. She became a Certified Public Accountant in Arkansas in 1992.

Grants Coordinator

Joanna Moore

Joanna Moore, Grants Coordinator in Fayetteville, Arkansas, joined Communities Unlimited in June 2015 as a Staff Accountant. She is responsible for grant billings and researching various types of grants available and what criteria are needed to qualify. She also discusses new and available funding with her team to determine what the best needs for the company.  

She graduated from the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in the Walton Honors Program. She also received her Master of Accountancy degree from the same college. She also earned her certification as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in September 2019. Joanna has a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification.

Director of Community Sustainability

Martha Claire Bullen

Martha Clare Bullen started Communities Unlimited (CU) in August 2021 as the Director of Community Sustainability. In her role, Martha Claire evaluates and selects communties for long term engagement. She identifies partners and resources within CU and externally to support the work in the communities. She develops and manages a program budget for the team. She leads a team of ten employees and guides them with resources to assist CU’s communities. 

Martha Claire has a strong history of working with communities. She is skilled in strategic planning, relationship building, public speaking, and research. Martha Claire has a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Mississippi College and is the previous Community Development Director for the Foundation for the Mid-South.

Director of Entrepreneurship

Cynthia Terry

Cynthia Terry, Director of Entrepreneurship, has managed Tennessee entrepreneurship programs for Communities Unlimited since June 2004.

Her work includes management consulting with business clients and managing the entrepreneurship team. They serve small business owners onsite and virtually in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas. She also leads the development of new partner relationships, programs responsive to entrepreneur and local community needs (e.g. MEMShops) , and funding development.

Cynthia is an entrepreneur herself, having started her own successful business. She has a master’s in business administration and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Memphis in Tennessee.

SharePoint/Teams Administrator

Libby Harris

Libby Harris, Sharepoint/Teams Administrator based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in August 2019.

She provides laptops and phones for Communities Unlimited staff and training and troubleshooting for the hardware and software used by staff members. She assists in the installation and training of Office 365 for Communities Unlimited. She has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Office Assistant and Receptionist

Haley Reed

Haley Reed, Office Assistant and Receptionist, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in September 2019.  Haley is responsible for providing support services such as data entry for water systems, answering and directing incoming calls, meeting space preparation, mail processing and recording and receiving checks for processing.

She had previously worked in customer service positions before joining Communities Unlimited. Haley graduated from Broken Arrow High School in Oklahoma in 2016.

Digital Content Coordinator

Chris Baker

Chris Baker is the Digital Content Coordinator for Communities Unlimited (CU).

Chris is responsible for developing, publishing, and managing all social media content. He provides creative insight into current trends and supports other communication team projects including website creation and annual report production. Chris has a strong background in marketing and social media from his previous role as Operations Manager for Cumulus Broadcasting.

Chris works out of the Fayetteville office. 

Administrative Assistant - Finance

Carolyn Haley

Carolyn Haley started Communities Unlimited (CU) in August 2022. She is the Accounts Payable Clerk for the Finance Department. Carolyn researches client information and double-checks the (MIP) accounting system for accuracy. She also assists the CEO, CFO and Grant Coordinator on various office tasks.

Carolyn is also responsible for collecting and organizing information for the Company’s Yearly Staff Meeting. Carolyn purchases products for the Client Showcase, orders branded products, creates schedules, name tags, and printed materials.

Before coming to Communities Unlimited, Carolyn worked as the Marketing Lead for The Center for Sustainable and Cooperative Culture in Rutledge, Missouri. Carolyn has a B.A. in History and a Minor in Education from the University of Houston. Carolyn works in the Fayetteville office.

IT Special Projects

Bob Strickland

Robert (Bob) Strickland came to Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2001 as the Director of Technology. He later transitioned to Special Projects Manager. Bob assists in the planning, and purchasing of equipment as well as network installations, security planning and training, and tech support. Bob has a Bachelor of Science from University of Phoenix, AZ. 

Before starting CU, Bob was the Information Systems Trainer for the Jones Center for Families in Springdale. Bob lives in Lowell, Arkansas. 

Environmental Services Director

Karen Conrad

Karen Conrad is the Environmental Services Director. Prior to becoming the Environmental Services Director Karen was the Central Regional Area Director for Environmental Services in Miami, Oklahoma and began at Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2007 as an Operations Management Specialist. She was promoted to Oklahoma Coordinator in 2017. She has worked with community environmental management systems for more than 37 years. She has been a Certified Water and Wastewater Operator in Oklahoma and Missouri since 1980.

Karen received a Master of Business Administration degree from Pittsburg State University in 1999 and a bachelor’s degree from Missouri Southern State University in 1993. She also attended the Water and Wastewater Technical School in Neosho, Missouri, and graduated with high honors in 1980.  

Director of Lending

Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera started Communities Unlimited (CU) as a Director of Nuestra Casa in April 2022. In January 2024, he was promoted to the Director of Lending. Michael provides leadership to a team of 7 employees. He handles the management of the loan process as well as Communities Unlimited’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) program. The CDFI Program includes small business, consumer, and commercial portfolios with assets of $17 million.

Michael has a 15-year background in banking and finance. During his time as Director of Nuestra Casa, he led the Nuestra Casa program that offered small-dollar loans to people in the Colonias for home improvement projects.

He has an Associates of Arts Degree in Business Management and Marketing from Athens Technical College.

Area Director of Lending

Debra Williams

Debra Williams, Area Director of Lending, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in May 2021.

She is responsible for originating quality loans through internal and external referral sources. She also develops strategies to market the bank’s SBA and small business grant programs to entrepreneurs with financing needs. She came to Communities Unlimited with a strong financial background, from her previous roles as a Vice President/Loan Manager for Arvest Bank as well as Vice President of Commercial lending for RCB Bank.

Debra has a BS in Business Administration, Marketing Management Orientation from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo.  

Loan Operations Manager

Jane Coffin

Jane Coffin is the Loan Operations Manager for Lending for Communities Unlimited. She started CU in a Small Business Association (SBA) Payroll Protection role.

Jane has 16 years of nonprofit experience and brings her office management skills to her role as Loan Operations Manager. Her duties include post loan management, compliance, and collections. She is responsible for monitoring line filings, financial statements, and insurance compliance. She assists the Director of Lending in producing weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports. She has also increased the functionality of Communities Unlimited’s loan software. Jane monitors and reports on our current SBA profiles and assists in grant reporting and data management.

Senior Economic Development Loan Officer

Chris Ranniger

Chris Ranniger is a Senior Economic Development Loan Officer for Communities Unlimited (CU). On top of commercial loans, Chris also handles CU’s environmental lending. He meets with borrowers to develop relationships, helps them get all accurate documents, and ensures they are properly prepared for the loan process. He guides clients through the loan process and works with the loan committee to ensure that everything is ready for loan closing.

Chris has a retail management background and experience handling inventory and annual sales. Chris has a B.A. in Finance from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Chris works out of CU’s East Texas office.

Economic Development Loan Officer

Chris Tillman

Chris Tillman joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in October 2021 as an Economic Development Loan Officer Small Business Development Lender.

He has an Associate of Arts in Business Administration from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. Chris has several years of experience in the loan, financial, and lending business.

Loan Assistant

Amber McClellan

Amber McClellan, Program Assistant (Loan), originally came to Communities Unlimited in July 2018 as a Receptionist and moved up to Program Assistant in April 2019. In 2020, Amber became the Executive Assistant to the CEO and assisted with AHCC, Loan Closings, and more. She eventually moved into a full-time Loan Assistant position in 2022. In this role, Amber accepts and reviews new loan applications, answers client’s questions, files necessary paperwork, and performs other administrative duties.

Amber attended Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville, Arkansas, and is a graduate of Farmington High School.

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. 

Area Director for Field Operations

Russ Garner

Russ Garner started Communities Unlimited (CU) in January 2023 as a Community Facilitator on the Community Sustainability Team and has since been promoted to Area Director for Field Operations. He facilitates community members on projects and funding opportunities to help the communities. He coordinates with strategic partners to implement training and technical assistance to accomplish goals and outcomes for communities. He partners with communities and businesses to find funding opportunities, tools, and resources to achieve needs in the community.

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

Healthy Foods Coordinator

Brenda Williams

Brenda Williams is the Healthy Foods Coordinator for Communities Unlimited (CU).  Brenda is responsible for managing the Food LINC program, a value chain initiative focused on increasing access to and availability of healthy foods for residents of food deserts in the Memphis Mid-south region. 

This initiative also includes outreach to minority and small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs to encourage their participation in local food production. She also coordinated the Farm to Food Pantry Program, which purchased food from small-grow farmers through a grant from the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation and donated it to local food pantries.  Previously, Brenda was the manager of graduate programs for The University of Memphis Fogelman College of Business of Economics.

Brenda received her B.S. from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and her Master of Business Administration degree from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri.  Brenda lives in Olive Branch, MS.

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 Broadband

Catherine Krantz

Catherine Krantz started working at Communities Unlimited (CU) in November 2022. She is the Area Director for Broadband. Catherine manages the implementation of broadband strategy by developing and submitting grant proposals to ensure equitable accessibility to infrastructure and funding for disadvantaged families in rural communities throughout CU’s footprint. Before coming to CU, Catherine worked as a Broadband Solutions Manager for Connected Nation. Catherine has a B.A. in Liberal Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and a M.P.A Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.  

Community Facilitator

Kelle Menogan, Jr.

Kelle Menogan started Communities Unlimited (CU) in December of 2022 as a Community Facilitator. 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.

Before coming to CU, Kelle worked as a Career Transition Specialist and Recruiter for the Mississippi Job Corps. Kelle has a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Communications from Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi.

Community Facilitator

Deanna O’Malley

Deanna O’Malley is a Community Facilitator for Communities Unlimited (CU). She has a strong background in building relationships and working with communities. In her role, Deanna coordinates and facilitates with community members on projects and funding opportunities to help the communities. She coordinates with Communities Unlimited and other strategic partners to implement training and technical assistance to accomplish goals and outcomes for communities. She partners with communities and businesses to find funding opportunities, tools, and resources to achieve needs in the community.

Before coming to Communities Unlimited, Deanna worked for the Arkansas Department of Health, where she aided with community grants and provided guidance and technical assistance for the community. Deanna attended Kaplan University and Texarkana College. She resides in Texarkana, Arkansas.

Community Facilitator

Chantel Poor

Chantel Poor first came to Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2020 as a Contractor. She joined Communities Unlimited in December of 2021 as a Communities Facilitator. In her role, Chantel coordinates and facilitates with community members on projects and funding opportunities to help the communities. She coordinates with Communities Unlimited and other strategic partners to implement training and technical assistance to accomplish goals and outcomes for communities. She partners with communities and businesses to find funding opportunities, tools, and resources to achieve needs in the community.

She lives in Almyra, Arkansas. Chantel works in community outreach, and strategic planning in low-income and underserved communities, while collaborating with community leaders. Chantel has several years of office experience, including all Microsoft programs. She is very skilled in Customer Service and working with the public.

Area Director

Brian Wells

Brian Wells, Area Director for Communities Unlimited (CU) works with rural communities, small businesses and entrepreneurs to solve problems and grow their business with in-depth consulting and innovative lending programs. He started his career as a command pilot in the United States Air Force. He then transitioned to being the Chief Financial Officer of a small firm with multiple business lines. Brian’s years of experience in different fields make him especially adept at finding solutions that fit his client’s needs. He has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Indiana University Bloomington.

Area Director

Dale Rutherford

Dale Rutherford is based in Little Rock, Arkansas. He started as Senior Management Consultant for Communities Unlimited (CU) position in March 2021. He then started working as a Special Projects Coordinator and in 2023 was promoted to Area Director. Dale works with clients to develop financial models and budgets for their existing or conceptual business ideas. Dale conducts assessments with clients to scope the type of their needs and helps them identify problems and develop plans to achieve their goals and objectives. Aside from being a published author, Dale holds several certifications, including the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Dale also has an MBA and a BS in Management from Henderson State University.

Area Director

Marnell Love

Marnell Love, Area Director based in Memphis, Tennessee, began working with Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2020. He works daily to provide one-on-one assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs to guide them in building, growing, and sustaining their businesses.

In addition to assisting small business owners and entrepreneurs, Marnell serves as a chaplain for the Sardis Fire Department in Sardis, Mississippi, providing care and counseling to firefighters, their families and victims of fires or accidents. He is a member of The Federation of Fire Chaplains. He also serves as a chaplain for hospital patients and those in palliative care. His education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Business Management, a Master of Business Administration in Finance, a Master of Science in Industrial Management and a Doctor of Education in Management and Employee Training Practices internationally.

Senior Management Consultant

Rhett Douglas

Rhett Douglas, a Senior Management Consultant located in Memphis, Tennessee, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in October 2020. He works with small businesses and entrepreneurs to prepare financial and operational plans for clients, conduct webinars on digital marketing and corporate structure, and assess small businesses for loan readiness. He comes from a business background, having successfully launched, and promoted two new franchise concepts in Collierville, Tennessee. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Concentration with a minor in Business from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. He has a Master of Business Administration in Sales-Marketing from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee.

Management Consultant

Tracy Cook

Tracy Cook came to Communities Unlimited (CU) in May of 2022 as a Management Consultant. He works with small businesses to identify business problems and assists clients with the best course of action to guide their business in the right direction. He builds relationships with community leaders and other members of the community to educate them about the tools CU offers. He guides existing and potential business owners with funding and training opportunities to maintain their businesses and helps them to identify potential business problems and determine the best course of action. 

Tracy has a Master of Business Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Management Consultant

Trent Thomason

Trent Thomason, MBA, joined the Communities Unlimited (CU) team in January 2023 as a Management Consultant. Trent helps small businesses identify potential issues and determine the best course of action. He builds relationships with clients, community leaders, and other community members to educate them on the tools CU offers. He helps businesses with funding and training opportunities.

He has more than a decade of experience as an entrepreneur, successfully launching Fit Camp Austin and the Enlightened Eating seminars, featured on NBC, Mind Body Green, and UT television. Trent is well traveled, versed in Mandarin, and able to provide clients of all backgrounds with robust, transformational consulting services, training, and technical assistance. Before starting CU, Trent worked as an Event Logistics and Tour Manager for Aardvark Mobile Tours, Lime Media. Trent has a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Texas Permian Basin in Odessa, Texas.

Community Resource Manager

Kristy Bice

Kristy Bice, Community Resource Manager (T.L.L. Temple), started Communities Unlimited (CU) in April 2023. Kristy works with East 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.

She has a background in working for non-profits. Before coming to CU, Kristy worked as Senior Director of People Services at Goodwill. She has a Nonprofit Management Certificate from Texas A&M University Bush School of Government and Public Service. Kristy lives in Lufkin, Texas.

Community Resource Manager

Dawn Parker

Dawn Parker is a Community Resource Manager (T.L.L. Temple) for Communities Unlimited (CU). She is located in Northeast Texas and joined CU in April 2023. Dawn works with East 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. 

Before coming to CU, she worked as an Operations Manager for Texarkana Radio and maintained seven radio stations. She also owns 7LpStudios (photography). Dawn attended Strayer University-Global Region and studied Sociology.

Community Resource Manager

Timeka Mayfield

Timeka Mayfield started Communities Unlimited (CU) as a Community Resource Manager (T.L.L. Temple) in April 2023. Timeka works with East 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.

Before coming to CU, Timeka worked in the medical field as a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional at ResCare Community Living and an Administrative Assistant for Common Spirit Health. She also has worked as a substitute teacher and a Foster Care Home Developer. She has a Bachelor of Science in Leisure Studies and Therapeutic Recreation from Grambling State University and a list of certifications, including Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional Training, Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), Training Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification (CPR), Satori Alternatives to Managing Aggression (SAMA) Training and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Interstate Coordinator

Mark Pearson

Mark Pearson, Interstate Coordinator for Broadband, is based out of Austin, Texas, and joined Communities Unlimited in 2004.

Mark works in community outreach, and strategic planning in low-income and underserved communities, while collaborating with community leaders. He has worked with infrastructure finance community management for water and wastewater for more than 17 years. He currently supervises two staff members assisting more than 30 community water and wastewater systems throughout West Texas. He leveraged more than $4 million in community infrastructure financing last year. He regularly participates in the Texas Water Infrastructure Coordinating Committee (TWICC) with state and federal agency partners.

He received a bachelor of arts University Scholar/Liberal Arts degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and a master of science degree in Economics from Baylor. 

Broadband Technical Assistance Provider

Ali Milligan

Ali Milligan started CU in September 2023 as a Digital Equity Coordinator. Ali is an Amercian Connection Corps/AmeriCorps Member. She serves on the Broadband Team and offers broadband education to community members and stakeholders. Ali gives broadband presentations to elected officials, community stakeholders, and community members. She researches barriers that communities face with broadband and helps identify opportunities. 

Before coming to CU, Ali worked with Mission Texarkana as a Feeding Center Lunch Monitor. Ali is attending Southern Arkansas University, working on a Bachelor of Social Work Degree. Ali lives in Texarkana, Arkansas. 

Training Coordinator

Latoyia Morgan

Latoyia Morgan, Training Coordinator, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in September of 2021. Latoyia works alongside business management consultants to develop course content. She also coordinates and facilitates training and other events and assists in providing advice and services to business clients.

Latoyia has a previous background in training. Latoyia received her MBA in Human Resources from the University of Phoenix-online. Before coming to CU, she served as a Training Coordinator for Agape Child and Family Services in Memphis.

Management Consultant

LaKetter Cannon

LaKetter Cannon started Communities Unlimited (CU) as a Management Consultant in November of 2022. She assists aspiring and existing business owners in starting and growing their business. LaKetter helps them with business plans and financial forecasts.  

LaKetter has been a Diversion and Inclusion Specialist for the United States Army Joint Forces in Jackson, Mississippi, since 2021. She has an MBA from William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. 

Project Coordinator/Management Consultant

Katy Parrish

Katy Parrish, Management Consultant for Entrepreneurship in Amarillo, Texas, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in August 2020. She comes from a background in marketing and community outreach. At Communities Unlimited, she provides technical assistance in business financials, bookkeeping, strategic management, growth management, turnaround, and digital marketing.

She received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas Tech University and a Master of Business Administration concentrating in International Business from Louisiana State University in Shreveport.

Management Consultant

Baretta Robinson

Barretta Robinson started Communities Unlimited (CU) in November 2022. She works as a Management Consultant, serving aspiring and existing business owners in starting and growing their business. She assists them with financial forecasts and business plans. Before coming to CU, Barretta worked as a Purchasing Specialist for the University of Arkansas Community College in Batesville, Arkansas.

Barretta holds a Master of Science for Organizational Leadership from John Brown University in Siloam Springs.

West Regional Area Director

Harold Hunter

Harold Hunter, West Regional Area Director for Texas Environmental Services in Richmond, Texas, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 1994. He has worked with community environmental management systems for more than 38 years. He assisted 11 community water and wastewater systems in Texas and leveraged more than $33 million in community infrastructure for Texas community water and wastewater systems. 

 He conducted three training workshops in Political Science with a minor in Sociology/History from Ouachita Baptist University in 1973 and a master’s in public administration at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

East Regional Area Director

Alexander Brandon

Alexander Brandon, East Regional Area Director for Environmental Services for Communities Unlimited (CU). Alexander joined Communities Unlimited in 2010 and manages the business operations for Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

Alexander has worked with community environmental management systems for more than 15 years. He has been a Certified Water Operator licensed by the State of Mississippi since 2003. He has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from Mississippi State in 2001. Alexander lives in Brandon, Mississippi.

Central Regional Area Director

Brad Jarrett

Brad Jarrett, Central Regional Area Director joined CU in 2010.  Before becoming an Area Director Brad was a Community Environmental Management Specialist and the State Coordinator for Arkansas Environmental Services. Brad oversees our Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana Environmental Services Team in providing technical assistance and training to small communities and water/wastewater facilities.

Prior to starting at Communities Unlimited Brad served on the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He received the Army Achievement Medal for his leadership of operations of the 212th Signal Battalion and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 2016. He attended Vincennes University and is a graduate of the U.S. Army School of Petroleum and Water Supply.

Louisiana State Coordinator

Chris Brunson

Chris Brunson, State Coordinator – Louisiana Environmental Services located in Dry Prong, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2001 as an Operations Management Specialist before being promoted in 2019. He has more than 37 years of experience in community environmental management systems. Chris works in community outreach and strategic planning in low-income and underserved communities while collaborating with community leaders. Chris worked with 22 projects and leveraged $9.4 million for community water and wastewater infrastructure development projects last year in Louisiana. He also presented six environmental training workshops. He holds Louisiana Class IV licenses in all five areas of water and wastewater.

Tennessee State Coordinator

Annie Chiodo

Annie Chiodo is the State Coordinator for Tennessee Environmental Services. She lives in Waynesboro, Tennessee. She joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2014.  Annie has worked with Community Environmental Management Systems for 20 years. She currently supervises and assists staff in Tennessee to ensure the development of critical, external, and professional relationships. She is currently mentoring two new employees for Communities Unlimited. Annie holds a Class III Tennessee Water Treatment License and a Class II (inflow & infiltration) (inflow & infiltration) Tennessee Water Distribution License.

Broadband Technical Assistance Provider

Jacqueline Carter Houston

Jacqueline Carter Houston joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in June 2024 as a Broadband Technical Assistance Provider (BTAP). She helps communities with broadband planning, education, digital equity, and literacy across CU’s seven-state footprint. Jacqueline’s work includes identifying broadband needs, addressing challenges, and facilitating solutions to improve high-speed internet access, adoption, and use.

Before joining CU, Jacqueline was a Project Program Coordinator at the American Diabetes Association in Jackson, Mississippi. She also runs her own business, A Gift of Organizing, providing top-tier organizing and project management workshops. Jacqueline holds an MBA from Mississippi College and a Bachelor’s in Computer & Information Science from the University of Mississippi. She lives in Jackson.

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.

Before joining CU, Amanda worked for the Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce in Ackerman, Mississippi. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Mississippi State University. Amanda lives in Mathiston, Mississippi.

Alabama State Coordinator

Dinah Foreman

Dinah Foreman, the State Coordinator for Alabama-Environmental Services, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2015. Dinah has worked with Community Environmental Management Systems for over 26 years. She currently assists over 5 community water and wastewater systems in Alabama. Ms. Foreman conducted over 4 training workshops last year. She has been a Certified Water and Wastewater Operator licensed by the State of Alabama since 2013 and received her Wastewater certification in Louisiana in 1999. Dinah has been a certified environmental trainer since 2003. Dinah supervises and assists a staff of three in Alabama to ensure the development of critical, external, and professional relationships.

Oklahoma State Coordinator

Gaylene Riley

Gaylene Riley, State Coordinator for Oklahoma Environmental Services, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2017 as a Community Environmental Management Specialist. Gaylene Supervises and supports the CU Environmental Program and staff in Oklahoma to ensure the development of critical, external, and professional relationships/partnerships within the State of Oklahoma are maintained.

Previously, she worked for 35 years as a Rural Development Specialist at USDA-Rural Development. She holds an Oklahoma Class D Operator license for water and wastewater operations and a Class C Water Lab license for Oklahoma.

Gaylene lives in Atoka, Oklahoma.

Arkansas State Coordinator

Tonya Kendrix

Tonya Kendrix started Communities Unlimited (CU) in January 2023 as a Community Environmental Management Specialist. She is now the Arkansas State Coordinator for Environmental Services. Tonya supervises and supports the Environmental Program staff in Arkansas. She also provides onsite technical assistance and training to rural community management systems with water and wastewater disposal problems and needs.

Before coming to CU, Tonya worked as a Home Health Nurse for Bradley County Medical Center. She also served as the Alderwoman for the City of Hermitage from 2014-2018. Tonya has a master’s in science of nursing from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Tonya lives in Hermitage, Arkansas. 

East Texas Regional Coordinator

Tom Fulton

Tom Fulton, State Coordinator East Texas Environmental Services, based in Longview, Texas, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2006. Tom supervises and supports a team that provides on-site technical assistance to existing water/wastewater disposal facilities in small rural communities that are experiencing operational, managerial, and/or regulatory compliance challenges with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act for wastewater permitting.

He has worked with community environmental management systems for many years. He has been a licensed water and wastewater operator in Texas since 1983. He has had a Class A Water license for Texas since 1993 and a Class B Wastewater license since 2009.

South Texas Regional Coordinator

Raul Gonzalez

Raul Gonzalez Jr. started Communities Unlimited (CU) as an Operations Management Specialist in 2003. In 2017 he was promoted to the State Coordinator South Texas for Environmental Services. Raul works with community water and wastewater systems in South Texas. He assists them in areas of financial and managerial capacity to maintain or obtain compliance. He establishes relationships with federal, state, and local officials, and project community leaders. Raul trains and mentors new Communities Unlimited Environmental field staff members.

He has been a certified Water Operator licensed by Texas since 1996. He attended Texas Southmost College, Brownsville, TX for Geological Mapping, Surveying, Architectural and Texas State Technical Institute, Brownsville, TX for the Auto CAD Program.

West Texas Regional Coordinator

Kurt Grant

Kurt Grant is the State Coordinator for West Texas Environmental Services. He supervises and supports Communities Unlimited (CU) Environmental Program staff in West Texas and supports the CU Environmental State Director. He joined Communities Unlimited in May 2020 as a Community Environmental Management Specialist. Kurt is based out of Amarillo, Texas, where he assists community water and wastewater systems in Texas.

Kurt previously worked with the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission as a Local Government Services Specialist, where he served as contract City Manager for Timbercreek Canyon and as part of the Texas Revenue Recovery Association. He also administered and managed Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for various Panhandle region projects and trained for Grant Administration through the Texas Department of Agriculture. Kurt is working with 12 communities and conducted three training workshops in the last year.

Kurt has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, and an associate degree in business administration from South Plains College in Levelland, Texas.

Mississippi State Coordinator

Shannon McCranie

Shannon McCranie, Mississippi State Coordinator for Environmental Services, is in Southaven, Mississippi, and joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2019 as a Community Environmental Management Specialist. Shannon is responsible for leading her 3-member team across the state of Mississippi in providing community environmental technical assistance and training to small communities and/or existing water/wastewater systems.

She has worked in community development for more than two years. She previously worked as an Environmental Chemist for a power company, where she acquired knowledge of wastewater procedures, treatment systems, and analyses. In 2023,

She received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University in 2015.

Compliance and Data Administrator

Griffin Todd

Griffin Todd, Compliance and Data Administrator, joined Communities Unlimited in 2017 and worked with the Environmental team for 7 years before joining Program Support Services. He actively collaborates with the Director of Research and Program Support to ensure Communities Unlimited is in compliance with various laws, regulations, standards and policies. Additionally, he participates in the Impact Evaluation Workgroup and is working to help improve the processes CU utilizes to collect and represent data.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts – Lowell in 2017, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Griffin works in the Fayetteville office.

Regionalization Project Manager

Lupita Ortega

Lupita Ortega, Project Manager – Regionalization Environmental, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2018. Lupita ensures projects are met on time and provides technical assistance to small communities and/or existing small water/wastewater facilities in South Texas in areas of financial and managerial capacity to maintain compliance and sustainability.

Lupita also worked as a contract disaster assistance technician after Hurricane Harvey in Texas. She completed four training modules at the Utility Management Institute-North American Development Bank in San Antonio, Texas. The modules were Planning, Designing, and Implementing a Successful Utility and Financial Administration.

GIS Coordinator

Don Becker

Donald (Don) R Becker is a Geographic Information System (GIS) Coordinator based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in April 2020. He supervises two GIS Technicians and assists with the implementation, collection, validation, training, presenting, and publishing of GIS data for Communities Unlimited communities. Don assists communities with needs in water and wastewater, economic development, disaster response, disaster recovery, data analysis, data reporting, and general cartography.

Donald has 20 years of experience in GIS mapping. He has collected data and created maps for the US Census Bureau, voter registration, county road inventory management, and road maintenance documentation. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities with an emphasis in Anthropology from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas.

Senior Community Environmental Management Specialist

Oliver de la Garza

Oliver De La Garza, Senior Environmental Management Consultant in Texas, began Communities Unlimited (CU) in September 2018 as Assistant Director of Community Sustainability, where he coordinated recovery efforts in four communities affected by Hurricane Harvey.

In March 2020, Oliver became a Senior Environmental Management Consultant. Oliver provides onsite technical assistance and training to rural community environmental management systems with water and wastewater problems. He assists systems with planning, financing, utility, and administration needs.

Oliver previously served in the Texas Secretary of State’s office as a Child Support Officer II in the Texas Secretary of State’s office. Oliver has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Spanish from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.

Senior Community Environmental Management Specialist

Julie Hudgins

Julie Hudgins, Senior Environmental Management Consultant based in Westville, Oklahoma, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2018, as a Community Environmental Management Specialist. Julie manages projects, handles deliverables, and provides water and wastewater support to communities. She assists operators, board members and other staff through technical assistance and training.

She has worked with community environmental management systems for more than 24 years. She currently assists 13 community water and wastewater systems in Oklahoma and leveraged $20 million in community infrastructure financing in the last year. She has been a certified Water and Wastewater Operator licensed by Oklahoma since 2019. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Finance Management from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Senior Environmental Management Consultant

Richard King

Richard King is a Senior Environmental Management Consultant based in Bastrop, Louisiana. He joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2001 as a Community Environmental Management Specialist. He has worked with community environmental management systems for more than 20 years. He is currently assisting eight community water systems in Arkansas and Louisiana and has leveraged more than eight community water systems in Arkansas and Louisiana and leveraged over $2 million last year. He holds a Class IV Louisiana Professional Water Operator license in Water Production, Treatment, and Distribution. He received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1973 after serving a tour of duty in Vietnam.

GIS Project Manager

Trent Neathery

Trent Neathery joined Communities Unlimited in May 2020 as a GIS Specialist as part of the GIS Mapping program. Trent works in rural communities collecting map points and creating maps and presentations for community water and wastewater systems. He also provides environmental and GIS solutions and technical training for rural communities. He previously worked in Customer Experience positions with J.B. Hunt Transport in Lowell, Arkansas. Trent has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture – Environmental, Soil and Water Science from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

GIS Specialist

Alex Webb

Alexander Webb started Communities Unlimited (CU) as a GIS Technician in March 2023. He develops a wide array of computerized maps to assist with water and wastewater issues for our customers. Before coming to CU, Alexander worked as a Security Department Manager for the US Army. Alexander has a Bachelor of Arts in Geography/Cartography/Remote Sensing from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Alexander works in the Fayetteville office.

GIS Specialist

Harrison Brown

Harrison Brown started CU in March 2023 as a GIS Technician. He works with communities to assist them with their mapping needs. Before coming to CU, Harrison is working on his Bachelor’s in Geology at Northwest Arkansas Community College. Harrison works in the Fayetteville office. 

Quality Assurance Manager

Teresa Vite

Teresa Vite, Quality Assurance Manager, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in March 2021. She works directly for the Special Projects Area Director. Teresa is responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and reporting data.  

Before coming to CU, Teresa worked as a Secretary for the Rogers School District. Teresa holds a Bachelor of English Arts from the University of Arkansas – Fulbright College of Arts and Science as well as an Associates of Science in General Studies from Northwest Arkansas Community College. 

Area Director of Rural Housing

Audra Butler

Audra Butler started Communities Unlimited (CU) in 2022 as the Rural Housing Area Director. Audra has more than a decade in subsidized and affordable housing leadership and homeless advocacy. Over the last 10 years, Audra has worked with nonprofits and organizations focused on creating pathways out of poverty. As the Rural Housing Area Director for Communities Unlimited, Audra develops a rural housing strategy and offers a modular housing manufacturing program. Audra works in communities to help community members better understand housing and what their community needs.

Audra formerly served as the Interim Director and Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Fayetteville Housing Authority. While there, Audra led the organization through leadership transitions and organizational restructuring, stabilizing operations and allowing the team of housing professionals to continue providing services to thousands of Arkansans in Northwest Arkansas. Audra also served as the Chief Operations Officer for Community Programs at ARVAC, a community action agency in central Arkansas, directing operations in 9 counties and expanding the organizations homeless services and transitional living program.

Audra lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas and works out of Communities Unlimited’s Fayetteville office.

Community Environmental Management Specialist

Stacey Scarce

Stacey L. Scarce joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in October 2022 as a Community Environmental Management Specialist in Lafayette, LA. She assists Rural Community Water Systems with technical, managerial, and financial assessments to improve their infrastructure. She is responsible for ensuring proper project implementation, reporting, administration, and planning of environmental projects.

Before coming to CU, she worked as an Executive Director for Our Neighbors Farm and Pantry in Safford, AZ. Stacey has a BA in Elementary Education and a BS in General Studies from the University of Southwestern LA.

Community Environmental Management Specialist

Robert Kelley

Robert Kelley joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in October 2020 as an Environmental Service Manager. He later became a Community Environmental Management Specialist. Robert provides technical assistance for water and wastewater management and assists municipalities with gaining access to capital. He assists them in all areas of technical and financial compliance.

His previous work experience included serving as a Senior Wellsite Geologist for an oil and gas firm, where he provided clients with detailed geochemical rock and hydrocarbon gas analyses. He is PEC and H2S certified, and Tennessee’s rural water and wastewater systems trained as an Emergency First Responder. He has a bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Robert is based in Greenfield, Tennessee.

Community Environmental Management Advisor

Lucas Guinn

Lucas Guinn is a Community Environmental Management Advisor for Communities Unlimited (CU) Environmental Team. He assists communities with their water and wastewater needs. He also provides onsite technical, managerial, financial, and infrastructure development capacity building assistance and training to small community environmental management systems.

Lucas joined CU in April 2022. He has around 21 years of experience working with water and wastewater. Before coming to CU, Lucas worked for Oklahoma Rural Water Association as a Water Circuit Rider. Lucas lives in Westville, OK.

Training Project Manager

Lorraine Magee

Lorraine Magee, Training Project Manager, is based in Monticello, Mississippi, and joined Communities Unlimited in 2018.

She is responsible for planning, developing and delivering training for the Environmental team, for the seven-state regions. She has worked with community environmental management systems for more than eight years. She currently assists 16 community water and wastewater systems in Mississippi and has leveraged more than $1.2 million in community infrastructure financing last year.

Lorraine earned a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. She obtained her MSDH Class C Water Operator’s Certification in 2019. 

Central Texas State Coordinator

Kayley Westbrook

Kayley Westbrook started Communities Unlimited (CU) in October of 2022, as a Community Environmental Management Technician for Communities Unlimited in Temple, Texas. In December 2023, Kayley was promoted to State Coordinator Central Texas- Environmental Services. In her role as the State Coordinator, Kayley coordinates with Central Texas employes to achieve goals set by the Area Director. She establishes relationships with systems that need assistance and works with her staff members to obtain the best solutions to meet the goals in her communities.

She makes sure that systems are meeting federal and state environmental regulations.

Before coming to CU, Kayley worked as a Retail Manager.

Community Environmental Management Specialist

Jorge Negrete

Jorge Negrete is a Community Environmental Management Specialist for Communities Unlimited (CU). He assists Rural Community Water Systems with technical, managerial, and financial assessments to improve their infrastructure. He conducts data synthesis, research, and data collection for water and wastewater projects.

Before coming to CU, Jorge worked with city stakeholders and engineers to find solutions to water sewer improvement in Webb County Colonias. Jorge has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota. Jorge started CU in October 2022.

Community Environmental Management Technician

Janelle Saucedo

Janelle Saucedo joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in October 2022. She is a Community Environmental Management Technician in East Texas. She provides onsite technical assistance to rural communities with water and wastewater issues and assists them with project planning, financing, and utility management and administration. She makes sure that systems are meeting federal and state environmental regulations.

Before coming to CU, Janelle worked as a Laboratory Technologist for QualTex Laboratories at Biobridge Global in San Antonio. Janelle received a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of California at Riverside. Janelle lives in Dallas, Texas.

Community Environmental Management Technician

Irma Schultz

Irma Schultz, Community Environmental Management Technician in Tyler, Texas, began with Communities Unlimited (CU) in February 2021. She assists in providing essential onsite technical assistant services to 15-20 small communities and small water/wastewater systems serving rural areas. Irma graduated from Columbia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health Administration in December 2018.

Community Environmental Management Specialist

Cherub Alford

Cherub Alford is a Community Environmental Management Specialist for Communities Unlimited (CU). In her role, Cherub provides on-site technical assistance services to 15-20 small communities and/or existing small water/wastewater facilities serving rural areas, to address public water supply and wastewater disposal problems in the state. Cherub prepares research and provides reports detailing the technical assistance to each project community.

Cherub graduated from the University of Louisiana –Monroe in 2001 with a Major in Journalism. She has a background in communication, project planning, and funding. She has a passion for community development and growing rural communities.

Cherub lives in Crossett, Arkansas.

Community Environmental Management Specialist

Chad Brown

Chad Brown, a Community Environmental Management Specialist based in Tyler, Texas, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in February 2021. He provides technical, managerial, and financial assistance to rural water and wastewater systems. He spent four years working with the City of Raleigh (NC) Public Utilities for four years for four years City of Raleigh (NC) Public Utilities. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served with the 2-13th Aviation Regiment in Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom, the 82nd Airborne Division, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and in the 2nd Infantry Division as part of the United Nations Command Security Battalion-Joint Security Area in South Korea. He was honorably discharged in 2013.

Community Environmental Management Specialist

Bria Hines

Bria Hines started Communities Unlimited (CU) in November 2022 as a Community Environmental Management Specialist. Bria lives in Alabama, where she works with CU’s communities and assists them with project management, financial, operational and project budgeting needs. Before coming to CU, Bria was a Senior Team Lead and Disability Support Specialist for Fisk University Academic Excellence and Student Performance (AESP). Bria has a Master of Education from the University of Montevallo, AL.

Source Water Project Manager

Brett Capps

Before coming to Communities Unlimited (CU) in January of 2022 as a Community Environmental Management Specialist, Brett worked as a Wellsite Geologist for Impac Exploration Specialties. Brett now oversees CU’s Personal Well Program as a Source Water Program Manager. Find out more about our Personal Well Program

Brett graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a Bachelor of Science in May 2021.

Community Environmental Management Advisor

Bradley Pittman

Bradley Pittman, Community Environmental Management Advisor, came to Communities Unlimited (CU) in November of 2021. He assists communities with their water and wastewater needs and provides onsite technical, managerial, financial, and infrastructure development capacity building assistance and training to small community environmental management systems.

Bradley graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Technology. Bradley lives in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Community Environmental Management Specialist

Alex Goodyear

Alex Goodyear joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in October 2022 as an Infrastructure Development Project Manager Region-6. Alex assists in community environmental system project assignments and infrastructure development. He is responsible for assisting in community environmental system project assignments and infrastructure development milestone phases. Alex assists in the predevelopment and application processing for grants that benefit communities in EPA Region 6.

Before coming to CU, Alex worked as a Loan Technician for the United States Department of Agriculture. Alex lives in Breaux, Louisiana.

Community Environmental Management Technician

Christina Hope Hernandez

Christina Hope Hernandez started Communities Unlimited (CU) in April 2023 as a Community Environmental Management Technician. She provides onsite technical assistance services to small communities and/or existing small water/wastewater facilities serving rural areas.

She prepares and submit written project reports, accurately detailing technical assistance activities provided to each project community, and research, develop, and submit to local community or utility decision-makers written reports, recommendations, feasibility studies, rate analyses etc.

Before coming to CU, Christina was a Case Manager for AYUDA, performing assessments on new clients. She attended El Paso Community College and studied Criminal Justice.

Community Environmental Management Advisor

Allen Spradling

Allen Spradling came to Communities Unlimited (CU) in May 2023 as a Community Environmental Management Advisor for the Environmental Team. Allen works with our communities to assist them with their water and wastewater needs. He provides onsite technical, managerial, financial, and infrastructure development capacity building assistance and training to small community environmental management systems. 

Before starting Communities Unlimited, Allen worked as a Water/Wastewater Operator for the town of Grubbs, Arkansas. Allen served in the US Air Force from 1988-1991 and attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Allen lives in Grubbs, Arkansas and works in the northeast portion of the state.

Community Environmental Management Specialist

Deborah Brown

Deborah R. Brown joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in June 2023 as a Community Environmental Management Specialist. She provides technical assistance for water and wastewater management and assists municipalities with gaining access to capital. Before starting at CU, Deborah worked as an Education Program Coordinator for Go Forward Pine Bluff. Deborah has a Master of Legal Studies from the Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources from The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Deborah lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Community Environmental Management Technician

Morgan Jones

Morgan Jones joined Communities Unlimited (CU) as a Community Environmental Management Technician in June 2023. She provides technical assistance for water and wastewater management and assists municipalities with gaining access to capital. She assists communities with project planning, financing, and utility management and administration. Morgan also ensures that systems are meeting federal and state environmental regulations.

Before coming to CU, Morgan worked for the City of Jackson Police Department, where she was responsible for analyzing and submitting results for illegal substances. Morgan has a Master’s in Pharmacy from the University of Florida and a Bachelor’s in Biology from Jackson State University. Morgan will be working in the Jackson, Mississippi, area.

Accounts Payable Clerk

Brandi Beers

Brandi Beers started full-time with CU in March 2024 as an Accounts Payable Clerk for the Finance Department. She manages the receipt, verification, and processing of invoices and expense reports, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. She fulfills supply orders as per requisitions, conducts weekly check runs, and updates and maintains vendor records. 

Before joining CU, Beers spent nearly four years as the Accounts Payable and Receivable Clerk at Hogbox in Fayetteville. A 2004 graduate of Springdale High School, she calls nearby Prairie Grove home, operating out of the Fayetteville office. 

Management Consultant

Sierra Polk

Sierra Polk joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in May 2023. She is a Management Consultant for the Entrepreneurship Team. Sierra works with business owners to develop relationships and work with them in areas that they need extra assistance. She develops relationships with potential clients and assists them in needs such as finance and business skills. She delivers one-on-one management consulting to help businesses with their goals.

Before coming to CU, Sierra was the Chief of Events, Engagement, & Programs for Precipice IP, PLLC Technology Law Firm. Sierra has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Sierra lives in Bentonville, Arkansas, and will work in the NWA area.

Community Environmental Management Technician

Cami Cullom

Lora “Cami” Cullom joined Communities Unlimited (CU) as a Community Environmental Management Technician in July 2023. She provides onsite technical assistance to rural communities with water and wastewater issues and assists them with project planning, financing, and utility management and administration. She makes sure that systems are meeting federal and state environmental regulations.

She has a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science and Community & Regional Environmental Planning from American Public University. She has a strong background in Forestry Planning and residential irrigation. Cami carries an Irrigator License from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Cami works out of the South Texas Region.

Community Environmental Management Advisor

Jessica Hester

Jessica Hester joins Communities Unlimited (CU) Environmental Services Team as a Community Environmental Management Advisor based in Trinity, Texas. She conducts research, prepares reports, and provides advice for meeting regulatory requirements and standards. Jessica conducts risk assessments and site inspections that help prepare regulatory approvals and environmental screenings. 

Jessica was a Water/Wastewater Operator for the City of Trinity, Texas, before coming to CU. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Everett University and has a Class C Certified Groundwater Treatment Operator and Class D Certified Wastewater Operator certificates. Jessica provides onsite technical, managerial, financial, and infrastructure development training to small community environmental management systems.

MBDA Center Lead

Pamela Reed

Pamela Reed started Communities Unlimited (CU) in August 2023. She is the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Center Lead for the Entrepreneurship Department. The MBDA provides growth of minority-owned businesses through the mobilization and advancement of public and private sector programs, policy, and research.

Pamela is also a Management Consultant for Communities Unlimited and provides direct one-on-one business technical assistance to potential and existing small business owners and communities throughout CU’s seven-state service area.

Pamela has a Master of Arts in Professional and Technical Writing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock as well as a master’s Thesis. She also has a master’s in business administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. Before coming to CU, she worked as a Managing Director for the Venture Center.

Pamela resides in Sherwood, Arkansas.

Small Business Lender

Candence Brooks

Candence Brooks started Communities Unlimited (CU) in September 2023 as an Economic Development Loan Officer (Small Business Development Lender). Candence meets with borrowers to develop relationships, helps them get all accurate documents, and makes sure they are properly prepared for the loan process. She guides clients through the loan process and works with the loan committee to ensure that everything is ready for loan closing.

Before coming to CU, Candence worked as a Business Consultant for the A-State Small Business and Technology Development Center. Candence has a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Jonesboro. Candence lives in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Loan Assistant

Yessie Hernandez

Yessie Hernandez started CU in September 2023 as a Program Assistant (Loan). Yessie assists the lending team by accepting and reviewing new loan applications, answering client questions, filing paperwork, and other administrative duties. 

Yessie has an MBA in Business Administration and a BS in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Before coming to CU, Yessie worked as the owner and operator at her Mobile Notary Services business. Yessie assists the Lending Team with loan documents and loan closings. 

Community Housing Technician

Kapriskie Mack

Kapriskie Mack joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in September 2023 as a Community Housing Technician. Kapriskie leads client scheduling and delivery of housing services, provides technical assistance and strategic planning, facilitates grants, and markets housing products to rural and poverty-stricken communities. 

Before starting at CU, Kapriskie was a Project Manager for Carnegie Learning. She has a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Memphis.  

Senior Management Consultant

James Custer

James Custer joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in November 2023. He is a Management Consultant for the Entrepreneurship Team. James works with business owners to develop relationships and assist them in areas where they need extra support. He helps potential clients with needs such as finance and business skills, delivering one-on-one management consulting to help businesses achieve their goals. 

Before joining CU, James was the Owner and Manager of Custer Construction Services. He has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from West Texas A&M University. James lives in Amarillo, Texas.

IT Service Tech

Keith Smith

Keith Smith, an IT Service Technician based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in January 2024. As a member of the IT support team, Keith corrects software issues and repairs hardware. His other duties include data entry, SharePoint list and database management, and physical inventory. 

Before joining CU, Keith was an IT Specialist for Garrett X in the Northwest Arkansas office. He lives in Siloam Springs. 

Community Environmental Management Specialist

Amy Ballard

Amy Ballard joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in February 2024 as a Community Environmental Management Specialist. She provides technical assistance for water and wastewater management and assists municipalities with gaining access to capital.  

Before starting at CU, Amy was a Correctional Officer for Alcorn County Regional Correctional Facility in Corinth, Mississippi. She has a Bachelor’s in Occupational Health and Safety from Columbia Southern University. Amy lives in Corinth, MS.

Community Environmental Management Specialist

Rebecca Manriquez-Fuentes

Rebecca Manriquez-Fuentes, Community Environmental Management Specialist, started with Communities Unlimited (CU) in February 2024. She provides technical assistance for water and wastewater management and assists municipalities with gaining access to capital.  

Before coming to CU, Rebecca worked in education for 18 years, most recently as a Language Arts Teacher for the Lewisville, Texas School District. She has a Master’s in Teaching English to Speakers of Others Languages (TESOL) from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor’s in English from Sul Ross State University. Rebecca lives in El Paso, Texas.

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. 

Before joining CU, she worked as a Community Success Manager for Communities for Better Health. Yolanda attended Texas Woman’s University and earned a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and Business Administration.

Staff Writer

Derek Shore

Derek Shore joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in March 2024. As the Staff Writer, Derek writes and edits content for CU’s print and digital publications, interviews key community members and clients, and translates information into engaging written content. He also secures photographs and videos of clients and communities for use in publications. 

Before joining CU, Derek was a Marketing Content Coordinator for Element 79 Media Group in Cassville, Missouri. He also spent two years as a Sports Reporter at The Joplin Globe in Joplin. Derek has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Missouri State University. He lives in Springdale, Arkansas, and works out of the Fayetteville office. 

Community Environmental Management Advisor

Charlie Bishop

Charlie Bishop, Community Environmental Management Advisor, came to Communities Unlimited (CU) in March 2024. She assists communities with their water and wastewater needs and provides onsite technical, managerial, financial, and infrastructure development capacity-building assistance and training to small community environmental systems. 

Before joining CU, Charlie was a Pretreatment Program Specialist for the City of Denton, Texas. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. Charlie lives in Fort Worth. 

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. 

Before joining CU, Yadira was a Workforce Development Counselor and Grant Case Manager for Lamar State College – Port Arthur. She attends Lamar University working towards her Bachelor of Applied Arts & Science. Yadira lives in Port Arthur, TX. 

Community Environmental Management Technician

Andres Villarreal

Andres Villarreal joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in May 2024 as a Community Environmental Management Technician in West Texas. He provides onsite technical assistance to rural communities with water and wastewater issues and assists them with project planning, financing, and utility management and administration. He ensures that systems meet federal and state environmental regulations.

Before joining CU, Andres worked as a Field Tech for the High Plains Water District in Lubbock, Texas. He received a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management from Texas Tech University in 2012. Andres lives in Lubbock.

Community Environmental Management Advisor

Britton Howe

Britton Howe, Community Environmental Management Advisor, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in June 2024. He assists communities with their water and wastewater needs and provides onsite technical, managerial, financial, and infrastructure development capacity-building assistance and training to small community environmental management systems.

Britton has eight years of experience working with water and wastewater systems. He holds certifications as a Class A Water Operator, Class II Collections, and Class C Wastewater Treatment. Britton lives in Abilene, Texas.

Community Environmental Management Technician

Madeline Phillips

Madeline Phillips came to Communities Unlimited (CU) in July 2024. She is a Community Environmental Management Technician in Southeast Tennessee. She provides onsite technical assistance to rural communities with water and wastewater issues and assists them with project planning, financing, and utility management and administration. She makes sure that systems are meeting federal and state environmental regulations.

Madeline has performed environmental sampling and monitoring, and before coming to CU, she was a legal compliance manager and employee relations consultant. Madeline has a degree in Environmental Biology from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. She lives in Chattanooga.

Community Environmental Management Advisor

John Hudgins

John Hudgins joined Communities Unlimited (CU) as a Community Environmental Management Advisor in July 2024. He assists communities with their water and wastewater needs and provides onsite technical, managerial, financial, and infrastructure development capacity-building assistance and training to small community environmental management systems.

Previously, he was a water operator for the largest rural water district in Adair County for RWD #3 in Westville, Oklahoma. John has a degree in Environmental Health and Safety Management from Northeastern State University. He will work with CU’s Environmental Team in Arkansas.

John lives in Stilwell, Oklahoma, and his mom is CU’s Senior Community Environmental Management Specialist Julie Hudgins.

Community Environmental Management Technician

Alexis Nank

Alexis Nank joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in August 2024. She is a Community Environmental Management Technician in Alabama. She provides onsite technical assistance to rural communities with water and wastewater issues and assists them with project planning, financing, utility management, and administration. She ensures that systems meet federal and state environmental regulations.

Alexis has a Master of Science in Environmental Science from Troy University and a Bachelor of Science in General Biology. She lives outside Montgomery, Alabama

Community Environmental Management Advisor

Andy Callaway

Andy Callaway joined the Environmental Services Team as a Community Environmental Management Advisor in October 2024, working with the Oklahoma team. Before joining CU, she worked as a wastewater operator at Inframark. Andy spent over 20 years with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), including 12 years in the Operator Certification Program, where she served as the Complaints Coordinator for the Water Quality Division. She also spent nine years in ODEQ’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), primarily conducting environmental reviews.

Andy holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management from Northeastern State University. She lives in Guthrie, Oklahoma.