Staff & Board

Ada has dedicated more than two decades to supporting children, families, and nonprofit organizations across East Tennessee. As Executive Director of United Way of Anderson County, she serves as a catalyst for bringing people, organizations, and resources together to build a stronger community where individuals and families can thrive.

She believes communities are at their best when people work together and look out for one another. Ada is passionate about helping nonprofits, businesses, public agencies, and community members turn collaboration into practical solutions, meaningful change, and more opportunities for everyone.

When she is not working, Ada enjoys dancing, staying involved with Rotary, and spending time with her family.

Jennifer brings more than 15 years of experience in public service, education, healthcare, and administrative support to her role as Outreach and Events Coordinator with United Way of Anderson County. At UT Extension in Campbell County, she coordinated school food drives, taught family nutrition, and supported 4-H programs.

Jennifer believes everyone deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported when asking for help. She brings a caring, practical approach to working with families and understands the importance of listening without judgment. In her new role, she looks forward to building community relationships and helping people connect with resources. She wants everyone who reaches out to feel welcome and comfortable asking questions.

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys life on her family’s small farm with her husband and son, supporting her son’s 4-H activities, and crafting. She is also active in her church’s Sisters in Christ women’s group.

Tamara York brings more than three decades of experience in marketing, public relations, and strategic communications to United Way of Anderson, Campbell, Morgan and Scott Counties.

A graduate of Purdue University, she began her public service career with the Indiana and Ohio Departments of Natural Resources, where she helped connect communities through education, outreach, and storytelling.

Tammy believes every story has the power to inspire action. She develops communication strategies that strengthen community partnerships, increase awareness of local resources, and showcase the impact made possible by donors, volunteers, and partner organizations.

A published author, she is passionate about using authentic storytelling to help build stronger, more connected communities.

Marcus is the Finance, Database, and Office Administrator. He graduated from Arizona State University with a Master’s Degree in Psychology.

Having spent several years as a bookkeeper, Marcus brings his expertise to keep the spreadsheets organized and ensure the office runs smoothly. Marcus has lived in Tennessee for the past three years.

Having lived most of his life in Southern California, Marcus is a newcomer to Tennessee. He enjoys spending his spare time exploring the beautiful nature Tennessee has to offer often hiking and bouldering at the local state parks.

Lisa is originally from Illinois, but has lived in Oak Ridge for 38 years. She has a Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Her prior work as the Director of Programs at First United Methodist Church and as Director of Recruiting for an IT staffing company, provided her with years of experience connecting people to service and career opportunities and she is excited to be able to use those skills to help United Way fulfill its mission.

She serves on the Board of Directors of Blossom Center for Childhood Excellence and as a mentor in the Oak Ridge High School Career Pathways program through United Way.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two sons and her grandchildren.