Introducing esp Champion Boards in Your Community
The esp Site Champion Board is a team of civic and community leaders dedicated to supporting esp’s mission and vision in the cities we serve. Each board collaborates closely with esp’s leadership and staff to create inclusive communities where individuals of all abilities thrive. Our champions embody esp’s core values and are passionate advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Through their efforts, Champion Boards:
Raise awareness of esp’s participants and their families.
Fundraise to help site staff reach critical goals.
Advocate for esp’s mission and programs.
Volunteer their time and recruit others to provide hands-on support.
Encourage and uplift esp staff through consistent support.
Athens Champion Board
Athens, Georgia: The birthplace of esp, Athens champions foster a vibrant, inclusive community by connecting local resources and spreading the message of joy in this thriving college town.
- Brad Akins
- Ellen Beasley
- Will Beasley
- Kari Beth Chitwood
- Ceci Churchwell
- Ronald Copes
- Eric Fletcher
- Robin Hoover
- David Kernall
- Tammy Lindsay
- Jean Mullis
- Christy Norton
- Jason Norton
- Allison Nealy
- Billy Porter
- Lorie Petersen
- Jake Sapp
- Caroline Thomas
- Jimmy Willis
Rome Champion Board
Rome, Georgia: As our excited second esp location, Rome champions rally the community to create opportunities and support for esp participants and their families.
- Andrea Bell
- Brent Bell
- Lauren Brewster
- Mark Brewster
- Jessica Carney
- Kyle Carney
- Amy Dempsey
- Gaines Dempsey
- Andy Edwards
- Katie Edwards
- Emily Holcombe
- Paul Holcombe
- Garrett Jones
- Lauren Jones
- Brooks Mathis
- Heather McClain
- Matt McClain
- Hannah Nabors
- Michele Rikard
- Matt Robbins
- Mary Sawhill
- Matt Sawhill
- Gwen Sirmans
- Matt Sirmans
- Beth Smith
- Hollye Smith
- Jimmy Smith
- Amos Tuck
- Kate Walton
- Christa Welborn
- Anne Paige Wilson
Atlanta Champion Board
Atlanta, Georgia: With a diverse network of leaders, the Atlanta board amplifies esp’s reach in the metro area, ensuring more families experience the transformative power of inclusion.
- Allison Bacon
- Ian Clemens
- Jenni Clemens
- Ashley Edmonds
- Ryan Edmonds
- Debbie Garcia
- Randy Grayson
- Tameeka Kirkland
- Colleen McElroy
- Brian McElroy
- Audrey Merkel
- Hugh Merkel
- Myra Searles
Savannah Champion Board
Savannah, Georgia: Our Savannah champions bring coastal charm and a tight-knit spirit to their advocacy, enriching esp’s presence in this historic city.
- Kathleen Benton
- Tonya Brantley
- Becky Brown
- Laci Culbreth
- Kearney Fender
- Allie Finnegan
- Caroline Gillespie
- Jenny Mayo
- Liz Poston
- Wade Poston
- Anna Salter
- Matt Wilmot
