CLAY STRIBLING
President & CEO
President’s Letter
Moving forward
As we work to emerge from the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear the effects of this crisis are not just a memory. In 2021, we made great strides in working to transition from crisis management to addressing the specific needs of our community moving forward.
The strategic priorities for the Amarillo Area Foundation were temporarily paused as we addressed the unique challenges our community faced while dealing with COVID-19. These priorities included addressing the Health, Education, and Economic needs of our region. In returning to these priorities, we were able to more carefully identify the areas of greatest need and greatest opportunity.
In Health, it was clear that both before and after the pandemic, mental health was a significant challenge. The loss of life and health, the stress of dealing with interruptions to our lives, and the absence of a sense of “normal” took a toll on our friends and neighbors throughout the Panhandle. In addition, food insecurity has similarly been identified as a significant need throughout our region and one that we are working diligently with our partners to address.
The Foundation has always had a strong presence in education, and we will continue to work on postsecondary achievement through our scholarship programs and our Panhandle Community Partnership (formerly No Limits, No Excuses) initiative. In addition, our data show a significant need to address literacy in our early childhood population. To do so, we are seeking to address this challenge for young children and parents alike through a variety of creative initiatives.
As many entities are working to bring high-speed broadband into Texas Panhandle communities, we will look for partnerships that will bring additional tools needed to make these initiatives truly successful. This can include access to digital devices such as laptops, digital literacy training, and technical support. Finally, we are working to address the critical needs of families and employers in our region by working to create childcare solutions for our residents that will allow parents to return to the workforce with a childcare plan that is convenient and affordable. To accomplish this, we will need to work closely with regional employers to research their needs and resources as more and more employees look to re-enter the workforce.
As we focus on all of these critical areas, we will continue to support many of those constituents that have long looked to the foundation for critical support. We will support Arts and Culture initiatives through a generous program funded by The Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation, and we will support nonprofits in crisis who need immediate assistance to continue their great work.
It is exciting to consider all the possibilities in our region as we move through 2022 and beyond. By focusing on these key challenges, we are confident that we can prepare our region for continued success and improve the quality of life for all our residents.
2022 Staff Members
Clay Stribling joined the Amarillo Area Foundation as President & CEO in May 2011. Prior to joining the Foundation, he had a successful career as a health care attorney. First with Jenkens & Gilchrist of Dallas and then with Brown & Fortunato of Amarillo, Clay provided health care regulatory counsel to hospitals, pharmacies, and durable medical equipment providers and was a nationally recognized speaker and author on Medicare billing and compliance matters. He is a 1988 graduate of West Texas State University and graduated with honors from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University in 1999.
As President & CEO of the Amarillo Area Foundation, Clay directs the organization in fulfilling the Foundation’s mission to improve quality of life for Texas Panhandle residents. Clay is originally from the Texas Panhandle and after just short of a decade in Dallas, found himself called to return. He moved back to the area in 2002 with his wife, Katherine, and son, Spencer.
As President & CEO of the Amarillo Area Foundation, Clay directs the organization in fulfilling the Foundation’s mission to improve quality of life for Texas Panhandle residents. Clay is originally from the Texas Panhandle and after just short of a decade in Dallas, found himself called to return. He moved back to the area in 2002 with his wife, Katherine, and son, Spencer.
CLAY STRIBLING
President & CEO
Keralee grew up in Amarillo and is a proud Amarillo High Sandie. She received a BA in Vocal Performance from Arizona State University and lived in NYC for 10 years where she pursued a performing career. During this time, she also maintained a “day job” with her consulting company, Red Clay Consulting, assisting small firms with HR, training, and IT. After the birth of her son, she and her family returned home to Amarillo and she worked as the Director of Ticketing for the Civic Center/Globe-News Center. She joined the Foundation in 2016 as the Director of Operations, became the VP of Operations in 2019, and Senior Vice President in 2021. She oversees HR, IT, Operations, Communication, and Special Projects. In addition, she has an enhanced role supporting promotion of the foundation's mission through community outreach. She and her husband have two amazing kids and she can occasionally be seen on stage with her cabaret act. Keralee goes to work every day excited to collaborate with the dedicated and creative AAF staff, working to improve quality of life for her Texas Panhandle neighbors.
KERALEE CLAY
Senior Vice President
LARA ESCOBAR
Vice President of Community Investment
David Hurtt joined the Foundation as the Director of Accounting in 2015. He was promoted to Vice President of Finance in 2019. He has lived in the Panhandle since 1998 and calls Amarillo home. David has over twenty-five years of experience in accounting, internal auditing, and operations management. Prior to joining the Foundation, he held positions as a Controller, Director of Internal Audits, and Director of Administration. David graduated magna cum laude from Texas Tech University and holds a degree in Accounting. He is a Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Fraud Examiner.
DAVID HURTT
Vice President of Finance
Prior to joining the Foundation in 2021, Melanie was the Development Director for a non-profit in Frisco, Texas. She began her career in the non-profit field 18 years ago in Amarillo and has raised funds for various non-profit organizations throughout the state of Texas since then. She loves meeting new people and hearing their stories.
Melanie grew up in the Texas Panhandle and graduated from West Texas A&M University with her Bachelor of Music and Master of Business Administration degrees. It's been a joy for her to return to her roots and serve the people of the Texas Panhandle.
MELANIE SMOOT
Vice President of Development
Kimberly joined the Foundation in 2020 as the No Limits No Excuses Program Assistant and became the Panhandle Community Partnership Officer in 2021, overseeing NLNE programs and facilitating collaborative relationships between its partners. Kimberly is a lifelong Amarillo resident with a passion for the power of education, constantly seeking to use her time and talents to advance equitable education practices and increase equitable access to quality education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from West Texas A&M University.
KIMBERLY ANDERSON
Panhandle Community Partnership Officer & Strategic Initiatives Assistant
Prior to joining the AAF, she was the Program Manager of a colorectal cancer education and screening program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Amarillo. She has served on the advisory board for the American Cancer Society, is a board member for Texas Panhandle Charities, and has worked with healthcare policy change groups at state and national levels.
Michelle grew up in Boise Idaho, but has called Amarillo and the Panhandle home since she was 11. She is currently attending Western Governors University seeking a BA in Business Administration Management. She and her husband have three amazing sons and are avid scuba divers. During her free time, she enjoys being in nature, whether in the mountains camping and fishing, or on a beach and under the ocean. She has a passion for community improvement and engagement through educational opportunities and strongly believes in equality and reducing barriers faced by those seeking access to resources.
MICHELLE ARMBRUSTER
Grant Administrator
Roxann Ball has over 20 years of nonprofit management, accounting, and fundraising experience and has been a resident of Amarillo for the last 14 years. Roxann served as Business Manager at Marian High School, a nonprofit girl’s academy in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and in the accounting department of Upper Hudson Primary Care Consortium, providing data for the organization’s grant writer. She joined the Amarillo Area Foundation in 2007 and currently serves as Program Officer for the Nonprofit Service Center where she directs the Center’s consulting, education, and peer group activities. Roxann is committed to using her skills and the resources of the Amarillo Area Foundation in exceptional service to the nonprofit community of the Texas Panhandle. Roxann is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree.
ROXANN BALL
NSC Program Officer
Sarah is a Grants Program Officer overseeing the external grant programs administered through Amarillo Area Foundation (AAF) including grants from the CNS Pantex Community Investment Fund, Pattern Panhandle Wind Civic and Education Funds, Women’s Philanthropy Fund, and the Louise Bowers Slentz Foundation Fund. Prior to this role, Sarah assisted with the AAF grants program as an Administrative Assistant for both the internal and external grant programs.
Sarah joined the Amarillo Area Foundation in September 2016. Prior to joining AAF, Sarah was busy full-time raising three wonderful children, serving within her church, the Junior League of Amarillo (JLA), and within various other civic and educational volunteer roles. Sarah has worked as a Communications Coordinator at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas, as an accounting assistant for grants in the Controller’s Office at Rice University and assisted seven Computer Engineering Professors with grant submissions in the Electrical Engineering Department of Princeton University. Sarah also has grant writing experience through her JLA placement.
Sarah was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and attended the University of Texas at Austin where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Learning and Development for Elementary and Special Education. Sarah and her family moved to Amarillo in 2010 and has thoroughly enjoyed living and serving in the Texas Panhandle.
BETH GUNN
Grants Program Officer
Jada started working for Amarillo Area Foundation in 2021 as the Scholarship Program Assistant, working closely with the Scholarship Program Officer to help give students an opportunity to gain an education without financial barriers. She wants to be able to make a difference in children’s lives through her work. She received her Associates Degree in Criminal Justice at Amarillo College and is currently a student at West Texas A&M University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration.
She grew up in Clinton, Oklahoma, moving to Amarillo in the 6th grade. She attended Palo Duro High School but eventually moved and graduated in Oklahoma from Clinton High School. She moved back to Amarillo and married her high school sweetheart, and they have one son. While working on her associates degree, she had the opportunity to work for Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch in the Donor Services Department where she was able to gain experience with children and how organizations regulate. She is proud to be a part of Amarillo Area Foundation’s mission and success in the community and looks forward to helping students prosper.
JADA CARR SIMS
Scholarship Program Assistant
Broc started working at the Foundation in July of 2015 as the No Limits No Excuses Program Officer. He was promoted to Director of Marketing in July of 2018. He oversees the blog, podcast, and marketing for AAF. His goal is to tell the incredible story of the Amarillo Area Foundation.
Broc grew up in Canyon and has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from West Texas A&M University. Prior to joining the staff at AAF, Broc was the Director of Marketing, Communications, and Advocacy at the High Plains Food Bank and United Way of Amarillo and Canyon. Broc believes that a community cannot thrive until all parts of the community have the access and ability to thrive! He has two amazing daughters that keep him on his toes!
BROC CARTER
Director of Marketing & The Panhandle Gives Campaign
JACY FAULKNER
Grant Writer
Angela is a native of New Jersey moving to Amarillo 19 years ago after residing in several locations including Japan for over six years. Angela has four adult children of which she considers them her greatest gift. Angela is known for her laughter and smile and has a unique ability to genuinely connect with others.
Angela’s strong faith in God has helped her navigate through many rough waters, keeping her grounded and determined to demonstrate the love of God to others.
She brings experience from several executive and corporate backgrounds which allows her to lead and serve simultaneously. Her training spans from medical, administrative and her most recent endeavor as a family life coach. All of which she considers satisfying her “people person” strength.
As the Donor Services Administrator she will put into practice her passion of connecting and building relationship with the community by operating in the core values of the Foundation, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Innovation. Angela states “The core values of the Foundation resonate with me deeply. And I believe in my role as the Donor Services Administrator I will be able to help fulfill the mission of the Foundation, while bringing new insight and direction to my role in the community”.
ANGELA FOSTER
Donor Services Coordinator
Angela is a native of New Jersey moving to Amarillo 19 years ago after residing in several locations including Japan for over six years. Angela has four adult children of which she considers them her greatest gift. Angela is known for her laughter and smile and has a unique ability to genuinely connect with others.
Angela’s strong faith in God has helped her navigate through many rough waters, keeping her grounded and determined to demonstrate the love of God to others.
She brings experience from several executive and corporate backgrounds which allows her to lead and serve simultaneously. Her training spans from medical, administrative and her most recent endeavor as a family life coach. All of which she considers satisfying her “people person” strength.
As the Donor Services Administrator she will put into practice her passion of connecting and building relationship with the community by operating in the core values of the Foundation, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Innovation. Angela states “The core values of the Foundation resonate with me deeply. And I believe in my role as the Donor Services Administrator I will be able to help fulfill the mission of the Foundation, while bringing new insight and direction to my role in the community”.
AYSHA HARRIS
Scholarship Program Assistant
Stephanie Goins began her journey with the nonprofit sector in 2009 when she joined the United Way of Amarillo & Canyon as the Campaign Coordinator. In 2014, she became the Director of Development for the Downtown Women’s Center where she was responsible for overseeing team associates responsible for the pick-up and delivery of donated items, supervised fundraising staff, trained over 100 volunteers, assisted with the board development, marketing, and was the lead staff for the annual fundraising campaign – The DWC Spring Luncheon; which is paramount for the sustainability of the organization’s ability to meet its financial funding requirements. Stephanie is often recognized for her outstanding abilities to build solid donor relationships and she appreciates the giving spirit of the Texas Panhandle communities. She also prides herself in knowing through helping others, “it is the price she pays for the space she occupies in the community.” Stephanie and her husband, William, raised their three children in Amarillo and have resided in the community for over 28 years.
STEPHANIE GOINS
Annual Giving Officer
Sarah is a Grants Program Officer overseeing the external grant programs administered through Amarillo Area Foundation (AAF) including grants from the CNS Pantex Community Investment Fund, Pattern Panhandle Wind Civic and Education Funds, Women’s Philanthropy Fund, and the Louise Bowers Slentz Foundation Fund. Prior to this role, Sarah assisted with the AAF grants program as an Administrative Assistant for both the internal and external grant programs.
Sarah joined the Amarillo Area Foundation in September 2016. Prior to joining AAF, Sarah was busy full-time raising three wonderful children, serving within her church, the Junior League of Amarillo (JLA), and within various other civic and educational volunteer roles. Sarah has worked as a Communications Coordinator at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas, as an accounting assistant for grants in the Controller’s Office at Rice University and assisted seven Computer Engineering Professors with grant submissions in the Electrical Engineering Department of Princeton University. Sarah also has grant writing experience through her JLA placement.
Sarah was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and attended the University of Texas at Austin where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Learning and Development for Elementary and Special Education. Sarah and her family moved to Amarillo in 2010 and has thoroughly enjoyed living and serving in the Texas Panhandle.
SARAH GRIFFIN
Directo of Grants & Community Investment
In addition to performing the duties of Executive Assistant to the Foundation’s President and CEO, Angie also acts as liaison to the 37 members of the Foundation’s three Boards of Directors and their sub-committees.
Prior to joining the Foundation in 2016, Angie was the Executive Assistant to the CFO of Hastings Entertainment, Inc. until its untimely closure that same year. Angie also previously held positions in the Mortgage and Home Equity Lending Departments of Amarillo National Bank prior to becoming the assistant to the Executive Vice President of Operations at AIG Annuity.
After growing up on the East Coast, Angie moved to the Texas Panhandle in the late 1980s. She completed her secondary education at Tascosa High School prior to attending Amarillo College.
ANGIE KNIGHT
Executive Services Manager
Evans Joined Amarillo Area Foundation in 2021, after working as an intern, for a CPA Firm in Amarillo. As a Staff Accountant, Evans oversee the foundation’s payables, depreciation, account reconciliations, and various fund accounting tasks.
Evans graduated from West Texas A&M University in 2017 with a Bachelors in Finance & Accounting, and a Masters in Professional Accounting in 2020.
Evans lived in Amarillo for four year, and one year in Dallas before returning to Amarillo in 2018. He and his wife have been blessed with one son.
EVANS LANGAT
Senior Accountant
Janet joined the Amarillo Area Foundation in 2006 as the Office Coordinator. Her responsibilities include greeting guests, fielding calls, filing, keeping track of room schedules, and working directly with the Vice President of Operations in coordinating office tasks and staff needs.
Janet has lived in the Texas Panhandle all her life. Amarillo is her home town although she has deep family roots in Armstrong County where her family has farmed for 4 generations.
Janet graduated from Amarillo High School and received an associate degree from Amarillo College. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for 25 years.
Janet has lived in the Texas Panhandle all her life. Amarillo is her home town although she has deep family roots in Armstrong County where her family has farmed for 4 generations.
Janet graduated from Amarillo High School and received an associate degree from Amarillo College. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for 25 years.
JANET LUMAN
Office Coordinator
Jodi graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Mass Communications and has over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector. She left the Texas Hill Country to move with her family to the Canyon area in July 2022 and has been overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of the local residents. “The people here have blessed my family tremendously, and I am excited to have the opportunity to help implement AAF programs and initiatives which effect positive change in the lives of the people of the Texas Panhandle.”
JODI MOORE
Accounting Clerk
Suzy joined the Amarillo Area Foundation in 2015 as Staff Accountant. As Staff Accountant, Suzy handles the Foundation's payables, receipts, depreciation, accruals, reconciliations and various fund accounting tasks.
Suzy is native to the Texas Panhandle, being reared in Dalhart. She attended Texas Christian University and Texas Tech University, graduating cum laude from Texas Tech in 1982. She taught accounting for several years at Dalhart High School, and after moving to west Texas, she found her niche in tax preparation and fund accounting. Suzy and her husband returned to the Panhandle in 2013 and have made Amarillo their permanent home.
Suzy is native to the Texas Panhandle, being reared in Dalhart. She attended Texas Christian University and Texas Tech University, graduating cum laude from Texas Tech in 1982. She taught accounting for several years at Dalhart High School, and after moving to west Texas, she found her niche in tax preparation and fund accounting. Suzy and her husband returned to the Panhandle in 2013 and have made Amarillo their permanent home.
SUZY MURRAY
Director of Accounting
Board of Directors
The Amarillo Area Foundation is the only community foundation serving Texas’ northernmost 26 counties. Since its inception in 1957 and into the future, the Foundation provides grants and services to strengthen nonprofit organizations and the services they deliver. The Foundation is enriching the Panhandle communities we call home as a result of partnerships between area philanthropists and social entrepreneurs. The Foundation is governed by a Board of private citizens dedicated to their leadership role on philanthropic, nonprofit, and community issues.
AAf Board of Directors
Amarillo Area Foundation Board of Directors
- Clay Stribling | President and CEO
- David Hurtt | Assistant Secretary
- David Prescott | Chair
- Cheri De Jong | Vice Chair
- Mike Hughes | Treasurer
- Sharon White | Secretary
- Lewis Britt | Member at Large
- Trent Sisemore | Member at Large
- William Ware | Member at Large
- Suzanne Willis | Member at Large
- Vanessa Buzzard | Immediate Past Chair
Board Directory
Scott Biddy | Amarillo
Lewis Britt | Amarillo
Helen Burton | Amarillo
Bill Britain | Amarillo
Lewis Britt | Amarillo
Helen Burton | Amarillo
Vanessa Buzzard | Pampa
Trevor Caviness | Amarillo
Sonja Clark | Amarillo
Kathy Cornett | Amarillo
Nicki Crump | Amarillo
Michael Cruz | Amarillo
Cheri De Jong | Hartley
Lori Henke | Amarillo
Mike Hughes | Amarillo
Jackie Kingston | Amarillo
Bowden Jones | Amarillo
Mark Keys | Childress
Pedro Limas | Amarillo
Charles Mestas | Amarillo
Kristen Moudy | Wheeler
David Prescott | Amarillo
Stella Sauls | Borger
Trent Sisemore | Amarillo
William Ware | Amarillo
Sharon White | Amarillo
Suzanne Willis | Perryton
Harrington Foundation Board of directors
The Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation Board of Directors
- Clay Stribling | President and CEO
- Paul Clark | Chair
- Vanessa Buzzard | Vice Chair
- David Prescott | Secretary/Treasurer
- Lori Henke
- Mark Bivins
- Dyke Rogers
- Richard Ware II
HRMC Board of directors
The Harrington Regional Medical Campus Board of Directors
- Clay Stribling | President and CEO
- Dr. Steve Urban | Chair
- J.B. Lane | Vice Chair
- Julie Mitchell | Secretary/Treasurer
- Mary Bearden
- Judy Day
- Bill Harris
- Rod Schroder
- Carolyn Witherspoon
- Alfonso Zambrano
