Amy is the Executive Director of Appalachian Community Action and Development Agency, Inc. (AppCAA), bringing over a decade of dedicated service and leadership to the organization. With a strong foundation in community action, Amy has served in multiple key roles at AppCAA, including Intake/Outreach Specialist, Financial Opportunity Center Director, Agency Planner, and now Executive Director. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Management and maintains several professional certifications, including HUD Housing Counseling, USDA 502 loan processing, and Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) Implementation. Amy has played a vital role in the success of several key initiatives at AppCAA, including the Financial Opportunity Center Program and the National Diaper Distribution Pilot Program. As a skilled grant writer, she has secured numerous funding opportunities that have expanded the agency’s programs and services. Her expertise and commitment to community development have earned her recognition and appointments to several statewide committees through the Virginia Office of Community Services. She currently serves on the ROMA Implementer Workgroup, the EmpowOR Client Database Workgroup, and the CSBG Annual Report Workgroup. Amy’s leadership, vision, and dedication to empowering individuals and strengthening communities continue to drive AppCAA’s mission forward.

Denise, a lifelong resident of Lee County, Virginia, has been the Financial Director at AppCAA since June 2021. She completed her Associate’s Degree at Mountain Empire Community College before attending Lincoln Memorial University and receiving her Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. Ms. Lambert worked in the administrative offices of Lee County Public Schools for 32 years, serving as their Finance Director for 25 years until her retirement.

Stephen began his career with AppCAA in 2004 as a Weatherization worker. Since then, Stephen has been a Crew Leader, Energy Auditor, and Rehab Specialist. In 2010, Stephen was selected to be the agency’s Housing Director. Stephen holds his Class A Contractor building license and Energy Auditor license through DPOR (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations). Stephen also holds his Building Analyst Professional and Quality Control Inspector through BPI (Building Performance Institute). Stephen is also a HERS rater through RESNET and holds Carpentry Instructor, Core Curricula Instructor, and Management Educator Instructor for NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research). In addition, Stephen has been highly recognized by colleagues at both the state and national levels for his contributions through Weatherization.

Karen has 30 years of experience at AppCAA. Karen received an Associate Degree in Information Systems Technology from Mountain Empire Community College and a Certificate in Administrative Assistant and Information Processing. Karen currently serves as the Chair of the Scott County Triad. Karen coordinates the RSVP program, CHORE program, oversees the volunteer tax preparation site, and oversees the Scott County Christmas Cart program.

Darlene started at AppCAA in 2015 as an intake/outreach specialist. She has since received numerous certifications, but the one that stands above the rest is her HUD Housing Counselor Certification, which she received in 2021. As a HUD Housing Counselor, she works with our participants providing rental, pre-purchase, and post-purchase counseling. Darlene can be seen throughout our service area conducting workshops that provide information on budgeting, credit, and identity theft, along with other areas of financial literacy, to help our participants improve their financial or housing situation. She is also a certified 502 Direct Rural Development Loan Packager. Darlene became the Financial Opportunities Center (FOC) Director in 2024.