Our Team

Barbara Kelly joined Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC) in 1966 as the Director of Neighborhood Services. She became Executive Director in 1999. She is grateful to the extraordinary team of employees, volunteers, board members, partners, and representative of the City, County, and State governments who have made it possible for CAC to meet the complex needs of children, families, and older adults.

For almost sixty years, CAC has been “Helping People. Changing Lives.” in Knoxville and Knox County with a goal to help residents become economically self sufficient with access to health care, nutrition, education, improved housing, and employment opportunities and the ability to engage in the future of their own community.

Equity is at the core of the CAC’s mission and the Promise of Community Action. We strive to promote a culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates inclusivity. We value the individual lives of our clients, employees, volunteers, and partners. We are committed to fostering a community where everyone can thrive. Everyone is welcome.

Barbara Kelly

Executive Director

Cathy Gonzalez

Executive Assistant

Meet Our Team

Ray Abbas

Social Services Assistant Director, Workforce Development

Lauren Bird

AmeriCorps Assistant Director

Adam Caraco

Nutrition Services Assistant Director

Karen Estes

Transit Services Director

Misty Goodwin

Chief Program Officer

Renee Hauge

Head Start Director

Lisa Higginbotham

Special Projects Director

Michael Humphrey

Transit Services Assistant Director

Suzanne Inman

Head Start Associate Director

Carol Lamb

Social Services Assistant Director, Client Services

Dottie Lyvers

Office on Aging Director

David Mincey

Fiscal Services Manager / Internal Auditor

Judith Pelot

Nutrition Services Director

Charlotte Rodina

Urban Agriculture Director

Laura Sadler

Compliance Director

Jason Scott

AmeriCorps & People Experience Director

Jeffrey Vincent

Housing and Energy Services Director

Amie Whitworth

Social Services Director

Windie Wilson

Human Resources Director