Jennifer Brown worked in non-profit management for 13 years before joining Share It Forward in 2014 as the Coordinator in the Smoky Mountain Region. In 2017, she transitioned to her current position as the Support Services Director. In this role, Jennifer provides support to the financial and programmatic aspects of SIF. “I have always loved the bible verse ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’ and working for Share It Forward gives me the opportunity to live this verse out loud through the work I do.”
“Throughout my life, I have seen evidence of God’s Iove through the hands of caring people. I am reminded of that love each time the Share It Forward committee votes to approve an application for a colleague in need. I am truly grateful to work with such a caring and compassionate team.”
Shelly is excited for the opportunity to be a member of the Share it Forward Team. Shelly dedicated 36 years of her life to education as a teacher, principal and school superintendent. As she enters this new chapter of her life she draws encouragement from Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”. Shelly looks forward to making her new role as the OMC Region Share it Forward Coordinator one that allows her to serve, encourage, and support those in need.
Kevin Kipfer started with Share It Forward in 2021, and brings years of nonprofit leadership experience. His most recent experience has been working with international refugee resettlement through serving as the Executive Director for Friends of Refugees and other organizations in Atlanta. Prior to that, he spent time working domestically and internationally with Habitat for Humanity and Loving Shepherd International. He has served in roles to develop and executive strategy, steward major donor and stakeholder relationships, and facilitate program innovation. Kevin lives in Atlanta with his family and is very active within his community. He is excited to lead the Share It Forward team focusing on strategic development to ensure a bright future for our organization and our hosts at HFE. “I have been greatly impacted by seeing the culture and values of Herschend Enterprises firsthand, and it’s a privilege to play a small part in helping us live that out by caring for each other.”
Aaron Newberry worked for Herschend Enterprises for 14 years along with serving in leadership roles with local non-profit organizations prior to beginning work at Share It Forward in May of 2012. Aaron loves making a positive difference in the lives of others and believes SIF is a powerful vessel allowing him to do just that. “Share It Forward programming is the perfect opportunity for me to serve the same Herschend Enterprises employees (and their families) that I had the opportunity to work with for several years,” states Aaron. “This company and its people are family to me.”
“I am blessed to be a part of Share It Forward due to their unwavering dedication to supporting our hosts. The fact that hosts are donating to support each other creates a heartwarming sense of community and mutual care. Their commitment to Christian values further enhances their mission, fostering an environment of compassion, generosity, and love. It's truly inspiring to see a community come together to uplift one another in such a meaningful way. I have been a registered nurse for 38 years and have been working at Newport Aquarium since 2015, now being part of this nonprofit perfectly aligns with my passion for improving the lives of others."
Martha is a seasoned marketing professional who has both hospitality and non-profit experience. She joined the Share It Forward team in 2023 to help build employee engagement at Herschend properties. “I love being a part of an organization focused on supporting people when they need it most. We are fortunate to be associated with Herschend whose strong culture of caring for their employees is reflected in the Share It Forward programs.”
Aletha has worked at various roles with Dollywood for the past 17 years and is currently a part of the Administrative Services team. Her compassion and desire to serve is evident, and she has volunteered with Share It Forward for several years. Aletha brings incredible interpersonal, organizational, and people-centered skills to serve the Hosts of Smoky Mountain Country.
