Our Team
Meet the people behind the mission.
Meet Our Team
Amber founded Activate Good in 2005 (then known as ME3) when she noticed that people seemed to want to get involved to help the community but were not sure how to get started. Amber hopes all individuals will see the potential they have to make a difference and act to fulfill that potential.
AMBER SMITH
FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Activating Good since 2005
Amber@ActivateGood.org
Bringing experience in marketing and public relations, publishing, and higher education administration Krystal has fulfilled many roles within Activate Good over the years and is now focused on team strategy, engagement and management.
KRYSTAL HARE
HUMAN RESOURCES &
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Activating Good since 2016
Krystal@ActivateGood.org
Lee brings expertise to our team from many different spheres: psychology, dance, publishing and the beloved coffee industry. She received a Non-Profit Management Graduate Certificate from NCSU and is co-founder of the Raleigh Chapter of The Handsome Ladies, a 501(c)3 supporting women in bluegrass music.
LEE PIKE
FUND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Activating Good since 2020
Lee@ActivateGood.org
With an extensive career in the nonprofit sector across multiple states and disciplines, Rose brings a wide range of experience to the Activate Good team. She received her degree from Clemson University and now serves our team as the Senior Programs Manager.
ROSE THOMPSON
SENIOR PROGRAMS MANAGER
Activating Good since 2013
Rose@ActivateGood.org
Ethan holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Elon University and brings experience to our team from his years of involvement with various organizations. He’s served as the VP of a service fraternity and started an organization to help minority-identifying students during his college years.
ETHAN GABRIEL
YOUTH & COLLEGE PROGRAMS
COORDINATOR
Activating Good since 2023
Ethan@ActivateGood.org
Currently finishing her degree in Political Science at NCSU, Debra loves leading the community garden, being a part of Student Government, and contributing to a weekly column for the school newspaper about local policy issues.
DEBRA MULLIS
FUND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE
Activating Good since 2023
Debra@ActivateGood.org
Formerly serving as one of our community partners for many years, Corrie now serves our team as the Corporate & Special Projects Coordinator. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from UNC Asheville and brings over 15+ years of experience working with non-profits.
CORRIE MACNEIL
CORPORATE & SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR
Activating Good since 2023
Corrie@ActivateGood.org
JOIN OUR TEAM
Activate Good is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, disability, veteran status, age, sex, genetic information, gender identification, sexual orientation, or marital status. All are welcome here.
Our Board of Directors
Olivia brings years of experience in Communications and Human Resources across various industries, holds an MBA from Iona College, and served as a faithful volunteer with AG before joining the board.
OLIVIA ECKER
BOARD CHAIR
Activating Good since 2020
Olivia@ActivateGood.org
Since his early career in the Marine Corps and his career at Cisco, Bill has been a strong advocate of both volunteering and mentoring. He assists Activate Good’s fundraising efforts and community programs.
BILL HALVORSEN
BOARD VICE CHAIR
Activating Good since 2018
Bill@ActivateGood.org
Gerald brings an extensive background of servant leadership, public speaking, and economic trailblazing. He currently serves as the President of the Raleigh-Apex National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
GERALD GIVENS
BOARD TREASURER
Activating Good since 2021
Gerald@ActivateGood.org
Holly has spent most of her career working in non profit organizations. She has a Master’s degree in Public Health and her work focuses on communications, advocacy, and public relations.
HOLLY CRANE-WATKINS
BOARD SECRETARY
Activating Good since 2021
Holly@ActivateGood.org
Katelyn brings several years of professional leadership experience in the areas of corporate communications, human resources and learning & development; she holds a Master’s Degree in Education. Katelyn has a passion for connecting people in many ways, and a passion for partnering corporate organizations with the community to increase volunteerism and philanthropy.
KATELYN HOCKENBERG
Activating Good since 2024
Katelyn@ActivateGood.org
Patricia is the Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs at Saint Mary’s School. Her diverse professional background includes a mix of sports TV production, communications, secondary school education, and DEIB with a passion for helping young people maximize their potential, developing leaders and serving her community.
PATRICIA SASSER
Activating Good since 2024
Patricia@ActivateGood.org
Attorney, social entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader, Miles brings a diverse background of experience to our Activate Good board.
MILES WOBBLETON
Activating Good since 2021
Miles@ActivateGood.org
Bringing 17+ years of experience in senior roles in the tech industry along with diverse volunteer experiences, Varsha is passionate about helping people from all kinds of backgrounds and walks of life.
VARSHA CHAWLA
Activating Good since 2021
Varsha@ActivateGood.org
Connor is a student affairs professional at NC State University and has a passion for nonprofit leadership. He brings years of community-focused experience to our board.
CONNOR BRADY
Activating Good since 2022
ConnorB@ActivateGood.org
Sonali Ratnasinghe is a sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill, the founder & Executive Director of Youth Ambassadors of Service, and a Governor’s Volunteer Service Award winner. She also serves on the Alumni Board of Leadership Triangle, and was named by The United Way of the Greater Triangle on their 10 to Watch list in October 2023.
SONALI RATNASINGHE
Activating Good since 2022
Sonali@ActivateGood.org
Anu brings leadership experience in data and analytics across industries. She is passionate about giving back and supporting diverse community needs through her personal and professional experiences.
ANU MILLER
Activating Good since 2024
Anu@ActivateGood.org
India is an IT professional and is an active leader in the community. Currently working with Cisco Systems as a Customer Success Manager, she’s involved in various giveback efforts and leadership initiatives.
INDIA WILLIAMS
Activating Good since 2022
India@ActivateGood.org
Since his early career in the corporate world and his career at the State of North Carolina, John believes that volunteering is critically needed to strengthen our communities. He loves to volunteer and assists with Activate Good’s governing topics.
JOHN LESKOVEC
Activating Good since 2024
John@ActivateGood.org
MARIA BARBER
Activating Good since 2022
Maria@ActivateGood.org
With over 15 years of financial services industry experience, Megan brings a wealth of leadership experience along with a broad volunteer background. She is committed to making a positive impact on her community.
MEGAN LOFTIN
Activating Good since 2024
MeganLoftin@ActivateGood.org
Interested in becoming part of Activate Good’s
Board of Directors?
Advisory Board
Michael Del Tufo, Fitter Happier
Advisory Board Chair
James Jolley, Smith Anderson Law
Kimberley Sirk
John Lane, B2B Consulting
Bernard Hsu
Peter Michaels, BC Solutions, Inc.
Jenn Woodhull-Smith
Tracee Grimstead
Cyndy Yu-Robinson