Welcoming our newest team members to the Appalachia funders network!
Dear Appalachia Funders Network Members,
As our network continues to grow and evolve, driven by our shared commitment to fostering impactful philanthropy across the Appalachian region, we're thrilled to share some exciting news with you. The strength of our network lies not only in the collective passion and dedication of our members but also in the capable hands of those who administer our day-to-day operations, ensuring we can achieve our mission effectively and efficiently.
For those who were unable to meet them at this year’s Annual Gathering, it is our pleasure to introduce two new team members, Jessica Miles and Jess Mullins Fullen. They will bring their expertise, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives to the Appalachia Funders Network.
Introducing Jessica Miles, Membership and Grants Administrator
A born and raised Appalachian, Jessica has always imagined what is possible in the region and brings this passion and curiosity into her new role as Membership and Grants Administrator. Formerly, Jessica was the Director of the Appalachian Media Institute at Appalshop and remains a volunteer for the grassroots group EKY Mutual Aid in Whitesburg, KY.
Using her experience as a community organizer, Jessica will play an essential role in fueling AFN’s current operations in support of its members, seeking new partnerships within and outside the Appalachian region, helping to connect with supporters and communities to drive projects, and fostering network relationships to grow AFN’s impact.
Welcoming Jess Mullins Fullen, Programs and Learning Administrator
Born and raised in the coal camps of Eastern Kentucky, Jess Mullins Fullen steps into the role of Programs and Learning Administrator with a passion for her homplace and a history of program development within the nonprofit sector. Formerly, Jess was the Lead Organizer for the environmental and social justice organizing collective Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards (SAMS), based in Big Stone Gap, VA..
Jess's expertise will be vital as we seek to expand our learning initiatives, offering innovative and meaningful opportunities for our members to engage, gain a shared analysis, and grow. With an eye for impactful programming and a dedication to community empowerment, Jess will play a key role in enhancing our offerings, ensuring that our members have access to the resources and conversation they need to make lasting connections in the region and communities we serve.
A Unified Vision
As Ryan steps into the position of full-time Executive Director, both Jessica Miles and Jess Mullins Fullen are joining the AFN team with a shared vision for a prosperous, vibrant Appalachia, supported by a network of funders who are not only passionate about what they do but also deeply invested in the communities they serve. Their roles, though distinct, will complement each other beautifully, weaving together the threads of grants and membership support with programs and learning opportunities to create a stronger, more connected network.
From Ryan Eller, AFN Executive Director
“I’m thrilled to welcome Jessica Miles and Jess Mullins Fullen to the Appalachia Funders Network team. Their deep-rooted passion for the Appalachian region, coupled with their diverse experiences as community organizers, comes at a timely juncture for AFN as we explore how to shift the long-held narratives around Appalachia and start to tell a new story about our people, places, and possibilities within the region. Their dedication to community-driven change will undoubtedly strengthen our network's capacity to make a meaningful impact. As we continue to grow and expand our reach, I look forward to seeing how their talents and energy will help us cultivate even greater opportunities for our members and the communities we serve.”
With anticipation for the journey ahead,
Ryan & the Jessicas