Lisa brings more than two decades of executive experience to this position, including serving as the Finance Director for AppCAA and 15 years as the Finance Director for Kid Central, Inc. Ms. Barton was the Adult Education Director for Hawkins County for three years, where she helped older learners gain life skills and improve their employability. Ms. Barton’s extensive experience helping the people of our region uniquely positions her to guide AppCAA. “We are happy that Lisa has accepted the Executive Director position,” said former AppCAA Board Chair Selma Hood, “She has done an excellent job as Finance Director. With that experience and devotion to the Agency, she will lead AppCAA into a successful future.” Ms. Barton spearheads several initiatives for AppCAA — including implementing the Agency’s Strategic Plan — while expanding AppCAA’s client base. Ms. Barton has introduced several new programs during her tenure as executive director and has been the catalyst for the significant growth of our agency in recent years.

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.

Amy started with AppCAA in 2015 as an intake/outreach specialist and is deeply knowledgeable about all AppCAA programs. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration, Management from Western Governors University. Amy became a HUD-certified housing counselor in 2019 and became the Financial Opportunities Center (FOC) Director in 2021. She then went on to become the Agency Planner in 2023. Amy is also a certified 502 Direct Rural Development Loan packager and is the administrator of AppCAA’s client management data system. As Agency Planner, she continues to promote program growth and expansion within our agency.