Hover and click on the photos to learn more about our Board members.
Hover and click on the photos to learn more about our Staff. Additional staffing support provided by leadership of Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia
With over 35 years of experience in hospital management and employer-based primary care operations, Tom Revels is a seasoned leader in health risk management for self-funded employer health plans. As an independent consultant, he specializes in innovative solutions that improve health outcomes and control costs.
Tom is the co-founder of two onsite clinic and health analytics companies and has been a driving force behind employer-focused health initiatives for more than 20 years. His expertise includes primary care delivery, chronic disease management, occupational and behavioral health, HIPAA compliance, electronic data sharing, program analytics and incentive-based wellness programming.
Tom’s extensive background in strategic planning and program development supports Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners’ mission to expand attainable housing, education, and job opportunities.
A committed community leader, Tom serves as Parish Council president at Faith Lutheran Church and sits on the board of the Whitetop Community Club. He is also a former elected county supervisor in Grayson County, Virginia.
Tom holds a doctorate in health policy from the Medical University of South Carolina, a master’s in health administration from Duke University, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He and his spouse live in Whitetop, Virginia, and are proud parents of four children and grandparents to six.
With over 35 years of experience in hospital management and employer-based primary care operations, Tom Revels is a seasoned leader in health risk management for self-funded employer health plans. As an independent consultant, he specializes in innovative solutions that improve health outcomes and control costs.
Tom is the co-founder of two onsite clinic and health analytics companies and has been a driving force behind employer-focused health initiatives for more than 20 years. His expertise includes primary care delivery, chronic disease management, occupational and behavioral health, HIPAA compliance, electronic data sharing, program analytics and incentive-based wellness programming.
Tom’s extensive background in strategic planning and program development supports Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners’ mission to expand attainable housing, education, and job opportunities.
A committed community leader, Tom serves as Parish Council president at Faith Lutheran Church and sits on the board of the Whitetop Community Club. He is also a former elected county supervisor in Grayson County, Virginia.
Tom holds a doctorate in health policy from the Medical University of South Carolina, a master’s in health administration from Duke University, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He and his spouse live in Whitetop, Virginia, and are proud parents of four children and grandparents to six.
Richard “Dick” Gail brings nearly four decades of leadership experience in the energy sector and an extensive record of civic engagement to his role on the Board of Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners (AHHP). He spent his entire 39-year career with American Electric Power (AEP), serving in management roles at four major electric generating plants across Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia. He held plant manager positions at both the Clinch River Plant in Russell County, Virginia and the Philip Sporn Plant in Mason County, West Virginia.
During his tenure at AEP, Dick played a key role in two major corporate mergers—first with Columbus and Southern Ohio Electric, and later with Texas Utilities. As a member of the Generation Development Committee during the Texas merger, he helped unify power generation assets across 11 states.
Since retiring from AEP in 2011, Dick has remained deeply active in every community he’s called home. He has served on numerous educational, economic and civic boards including the Coshocton City School Board, the Coshocton County Joint Vocational School Board, the Mason County Development Authority and the Abingdon Senior Center Board. He also served nine years on the Johnston Memorial Hospital Board and has supported education as a member of the Advisory Committee for Russell County Schools and the Emory & Henry College Board of Visitors.
Dick is currently a member of the Virginia Employer Support for Guards and Reserves Southwest Committee, where he serves as an ombudsman, and he holds long-standing Masonic memberships in both Virginia and Ohio, where he has served in several leadership capacities.
Originally from Athens County, Ohio, Dick studied business administration at Ohio University. He and his wife, Marty, live in Abingdon and enjoy time with their son, Brian and two granddaughters, Jordan and Kamryn.
Richard “Dick” Gail brings nearly four decades of leadership experience in the energy sector and an extensive record of civic engagement to his role on the Board of Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners (AHHP). He spent his entire 39-year career with American Electric Power (AEP), serving in management roles at four major electric generating plants across Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia. He held plant manager positions at both the Clinch River Plant in Russell County, Virginia and the Philip Sporn Plant in Mason County, West Virginia.
During his tenure at AEP, Dick played a key role in two major corporate mergers—first with Columbus and Southern Ohio Electric, and later with Texas Utilities. As a member of the Generation Development Committee during the Texas merger, he helped unify power generation assets across 11 states.
Since retiring from AEP in 2011, Dick has remained deeply active in every community he’s called home. He has served on numerous educational, economic and civic boards including the Coshocton City School Board, the Coshocton County Joint Vocational School Board, the Mason County Development Authority and the Abingdon Senior Center Board. He also served nine years on the Johnston Memorial Hospital Board and has supported education as a member of the Advisory Committee for Russell County Schools and the Emory & Henry College Board of Visitors.
Dick is currently a member of the Virginia Employer Support for Guards and Reserves Southwest Committee, where he serves as an ombudsman, and he holds long-standing Masonic memberships in both Virginia and Ohio, where he has served in several leadership capacities.
Originally from Athens County, Ohio, Dick studied business administration at Ohio University. He and his wife, Marty, live in Abingdon and enjoy time with their son, Brian and two granddaughters, Jordan and Kamryn.
Karl Kindig brings decades of legal and executive experience to the Board of Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners (AHHP), with a professional background that spans business law, corporate leadership and nonprofit service. A semi-retired attorney, Karl launched a solo law practice in 2021, focusing on business transactions. Earlier in his career, he held several legal and managerial roles at Pittston Coal Company in Lebanon, Virginia, ultimately serving as General Counsel and President.
Karl holds an undergraduate degree in economics from Juniata College, a law degree from New York University and completed the Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School.
He has served on numerous nonprofit boards across education, environmental stewardship and healthcare. He is currently a trustee of the Virginia Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and a Trustee Emeritus of Juniata College. He also previously served on the board of trustees at Johnston Memorial Hospital.
Karl is committed to helping transform financial resources into meaningful, lasting improvements for the people of Southwest Virginia. His focus is on creating sustainable, community-centered impact through sound governance and strategic investment.
He lives in Abingdon with his wife. They have one daughter. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking and bird hunting.
Karl Kindig brings decades of legal and executive experience to the Board of Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners (AHHP), with a professional background that spans business law, corporate leadership and nonprofit service. A semi-retired attorney, Karl launched a solo law practice in 2021, focusing on business transactions. Earlier in his career, he held several legal and managerial roles at Pittston Coal Company in Lebanon, Virginia, ultimately serving as General Counsel and President.
Karl holds an undergraduate degree in economics from Juniata College, a law degree from New York University and completed the Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School.
He has served on numerous nonprofit boards across education, environmental stewardship and healthcare. He is currently a trustee of the Virginia Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and a Trustee Emeritus of Juniata College. He also previously served on the board of trustees at Johnston Memorial Hospital.
Karl is committed to helping transform financial resources into meaningful, lasting improvements for the people of Southwest Virginia. His focus is on creating sustainable, community-centered impact through sound governance and strategic investment.
He lives in Abingdon with his wife. They have one daughter. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking and bird hunting.
More than 30 years working as a senior healthcare executive has helped Sean McMurray better understand the issues impacting the health of the people who live in our region. He served as the CEO of Johnston Memorial Hospital for nearly 14 years (2003-2016). Sean also had management responsibility for and served as a director on the boards of both Russell County Hospital and Smyth County Community Hospital. This service provided valuable insights about the unique challenges affecting the health and wellbeing of the residents of the communities in the Wellspring Foundation service area.
Sean earned his master’s degree in health administration from Brigham Young University. He also achieved certification as a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, the highest professional credential for healthcare leaders. His volunteer work included service on the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association Board (three terms), representing the interests of Southwest Virginia at the state level. His board service extended to organizations such as the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Barter Theatre and the United Way of Southwest Virginia, where he served as chairman of the board.
Sean and his wife, Kristin, spent three years in full-time, voluntary missionary service for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The McMurrays share a love for outdoor activities and travel, complemented by a deep appreciation for the region’s natural beauty. The McMurrays enjoy being the parents of eight children and grandparents of 20 grandchildren.
More than 30 years working as a senior healthcare executive has helped Sean McMurray better understand the issues impacting the health of the people who live in our region. He served as the CEO of Johnston Memorial Hospital for nearly 14 years (2003-2016). Sean also had management responsibility for and served as a director on the boards of both Russell County Hospital and Smyth County Community Hospital. This service provided valuable insights about the unique challenges affecting the health and wellbeing of the residents of the communities in the Wellspring Foundation service area.
Sean earned his master’s degree in health administration from Brigham Young University. He also achieved certification as a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, the highest professional credential for healthcare leaders. His volunteer work included service on the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association Board (three terms), representing the interests of Southwest Virginia at the state level. His board service extended to organizations such as the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Barter Theatre and the United Way of Southwest Virginia, where he served as chairman of the board.
Sean and his wife, Kristin, spent three years in full-time, voluntary missionary service for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The McMurrays share a love for outdoor activities and travel, complemented by a deep appreciation for the region’s natural beauty. The McMurrays enjoy being the parents of eight children and grandparents of 20 grandchildren.
Courtney, a native of Southwest Virginia, has deep roots in the region. In 2004, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Communication from The University of Virginia’s College at Wise and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from King University in 2006.
Prior to being named Executive Director, Courtney served as Director of Engagement for the Wellspring Foundation. In this capacity, she played a central role in strengthening relationships with key partners throughout the Foundation’s four-county service region while promoting open communication, collaboration, and alignment among diverse stakeholders. She also oversaw the full grant life cycle and provided education, guidance, and support to grantees.
Before coming to Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia, Courtney spent 18 years in various professional roles at UVA Wise serving as a catalyst for problem solving and positive change. Her most recent position was Director of Community & Business Development within the Office of Administration, Government Relations & Strategic Initiatives. In this role, she led diverse teams focused on fostering community growth, promoting entrepreneurship, facilitating professional development, and encouraging collaborative coworking. Courtney excelled at building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders throughout the region. Through her adept networking abilities, Courtney fostered meaningful strategic partnerships that lead to the creation of customized training solutions and other initiatives designed to address the unique needs of multiple entities.
Passionate about Southwest Virginia, Courtney is committed to enhancing the overall quality of life in the area. She resides in Abingdon, Virginia, alongside her husband, Chad, and their children: Conner and Bree. Additionally, their household includes three adored dogs named Remi, Knoxlee and Denali.
Courtney, a native of Southwest Virginia, has deep roots in the region. In 2004, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Communication from The University of Virginia’s College at Wise and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from King University in 2006.
Prior to being named Executive Director, Courtney served as Director of Engagement for the Wellspring Foundation. In this capacity, she played a central role in strengthening relationships with key partners throughout the Foundation’s four-county service region while promoting open communication, collaboration, and alignment among diverse stakeholders. She also oversaw the full grant life cycle and provided education, guidance, and support to grantees.
Before coming to Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia, Courtney spent 18 years in various professional roles at UVA Wise serving as a catalyst for problem solving and positive change. Her most recent position was Director of Community & Business Development within the Office of Administration, Government Relations & Strategic Initiatives. In this role, she led diverse teams focused on fostering community growth, promoting entrepreneurship, facilitating professional development, and encouraging collaborative coworking. Courtney excelled at building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders throughout the region. Through her adept networking abilities, Courtney fostered meaningful strategic partnerships that lead to the creation of customized training solutions and other initiatives designed to address the unique needs of multiple entities.
Passionate about Southwest Virginia, Courtney is committed to enhancing the overall quality of life in the area. She resides in Abingdon, Virginia, alongside her husband, Chad, and their children: Conner and Bree. Additionally, their household includes three adored dogs named Remi, Knoxlee and Denali.
A seasoned economic development and business professional, Ernie McFaddin brings more than twenty years of experience helping communities grow and thrive to his role as Project Manager at Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners (AHHP). Throughout his career, he has focused on strengthening local economies by supporting existing businesses, recruiting new industries and guiding projects from initial planning through funding and completion. His work is grounded in the belief that strong infrastructure, enhanced amenities and strategic partnerships create lasting opportunities for residents and employers alike.
Since 2017, Ernie has served as the Executive Director of the Russell County Industrial Development Authority where he worked closely with business leaders, funding agencies and community stakeholders to bring impactful projects to fruition. His collaborative approach has led to multiple successful initiatives that support job creation, capital investment and long-term sustainability. He is experienced in proposal development, grant coordination and managing capital improvement projects at the local, national and international levels.
In addition to his economic development work, Ernie is the President of McFaddin & Associates, an insurance agency he founded in 1999 and is licensed to conduct business in six states. He also oversees McFaddin Properties, a growing portfolio of residential and commercial real estate. Through these roles, he has demonstrated a commitment to responsible growth, strong client relationships and community-centered leadership. His diverse background in business management, real estate development and nonprofit collaboration positions him as a dedicated advocate for thoughtful, strategic community advancement.
Ernie has an active role in several community organizations in Russell County. He is the Chairman of the Russell County Planning Commission, Vice Chairman of the Lebanon Lifesaving Crew, member of the Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board, member of the Town of Lebanon Small Business Development Board and the Manager of Helping Hands Ministries.
Ernie lives in Lebanon with his family and remains actively engaged in civic organizations and regional initiatives that advance the wellbeing of his community. He enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren.
A seasoned economic development and business professional, Ernie McFaddin brings more than twenty years of experience helping communities grow and thrive to his role as Project Manager at Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners (AHHP). Throughout his career, he has focused on strengthening local economies by supporting existing businesses, recruiting new industries and guiding projects from initial planning through funding and completion. His work is grounded in the belief that strong infrastructure, enhanced amenities and strategic partnerships create lasting opportunities for residents and employers alike.
Since 2017, Ernie has served as the Executive Director of the Russell County Industrial Development Authority where he worked closely with business leaders, funding agencies and community stakeholders to bring impactful projects to fruition. His collaborative approach has led to multiple successful initiatives that support job creation, capital investment and long-term sustainability. He is experienced in proposal development, grant coordination and managing capital improvement projects at the local, national and international levels.
In addition to his economic development work, Ernie is the President of McFaddin & Associates, an insurance agency he founded in 1999 and is licensed to conduct business in six states. He also oversees McFaddin Properties, a growing portfolio of residential and commercial real estate. Through these roles, he has demonstrated a commitment to responsible growth, strong client relationships and community-centered leadership. His diverse background in business management, real estate development and nonprofit collaboration positions him as a dedicated advocate for thoughtful, strategic community advancement.
Ernie has an active role in several community organizations in Russell County. He is the Chairman of the Russell County Planning Commission, Vice Chairman of the Lebanon Lifesaving Crew, member of the Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board, member of the Town of Lebanon Small Business Development Board and the Manager of Helping Hands Ministries.
Ernie lives in Lebanon with his family and remains actively engaged in civic organizations and regional initiatives that advance the wellbeing of his community. He enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Maria Mitchell brings more than a decade of experience in community engagement, health equity, and housing systems to her role as Home & Land Services Coordinator with Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners (AHHP). She supports efforts to expand access to safe, affordable, and sustainable housing across Southwest Virginia through a collaborative, relationship-based approach.
Before joining AHHP, Maria served as Migrant Health Network Coordinator with Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems, where she built partnerships to strengthen bi-lingual care coordination and medical access for agricultural workers throughout the region. She previously worked with Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health where she developed and delivered trauma-informed, equity-centered training programs reaching staff and community partners. Additionally, she served the Virginia Department of Health, as a Health Educator supporting the Department of Population Health with the Mount Rogers Health District in providing community training programs, health fairs, and positive youth development.
Earlier in her career, Maria worked in mortgage operations, compliance, and corporate trust with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., gaining a strong understanding of the lending and homeownership process from multiple perspectives. This experience continues to guide her work helping families navigate complex systems with clarity and compassion.
Maria holds a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Spanish from East Tennessee State University. A resident of Rural Retreat, she is passionate about creating housing solutions that reflect the values and lived experiences of Appalachian communities and contribute to long-term
regional vitality.
Maria Mitchell brings more than a decade of experience in community engagement, health equity, and housing systems to her role as Home & Land Coordinator with Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners (AHHP). She supports efforts to expand access to safe, affordable, and sustainable housing across Southwest Virginia through a collaborative, relationship-based approach.
Before joining AHHP, Maria served as Migrant Health Network Coordinator with Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems, where she built partnerships to strengthen bi-lingual care coordination and medical access for agricultural workers throughout the region. She previously worked with Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health where she developed and delivered trauma-informed, equity-centered training programs reaching staff and community partners. Additionally, she served the Virginia Department of Health, as a Health Educator supporting the Department of Population Health with the Mount Rogers Health District in providing community training programs, health fairs, and positive youth development.
Earlier in her career, Maria worked in mortgage operations, compliance, and corporate trust with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., gaining a strong understanding of the lending and homeownership process from multiple perspectives. This experience continues to guide her work helping families navigate complex systems with clarity and compassion.
Maria holds a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Spanish from East Tennessee State University. A resident of Rural Retreat, she is passionate about creating housing solutions that reflect the values and lived experiences of Appalachian communities and contribute to long-term
regional vitality.
With more than 25 years of executive leadership experience in higher education, Dr. Vickie Ratliff brings extensive knowledge in strategic planning and workforce development as an independent consultant, collaborating with Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners (AHHP) on its workforce and education initiatives.
Prior to partnering with AHHP, Dr. Ratliff most recently served as Interim President of Southwest Virginia Community College where she provided strategic oversight across a range of key areas, including academic affairs, student services, institutional research, information technology and workforce development. She has a storied career in rural higher education working in various roles at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise as well as all four community colleges in Southwest Virginia. Also, Dr. Ratliff is a skilled grant writer and manager, having secured more than $30 million in funding across various institutions.
As a dedicated advocate for community engagement and regional collaboration, Dr. Ratliff has a proven track record of building strong partnerships and strengthening community ties throughout Southwest Virginia. Through her commitment to the region, she has positioned herself as a trusted partner to local industries and economic development leaders, aligning educational programs with regional workforce needs. She is excited for the opportunity to connect housing, workforce development, and education in a way that creates lasting change for our region.
Following completion of her associate’s degree from Mountain Empire Community College, Dr. Ratliff pursued her bachelor’s degree from Tusculum University, her master’s degree in Business Education from Morehead State University followed by her Doctor of Education from Liberty University. Lifelong residents of the region, Vickie and her husband, Donnie, live in Big Stone Gap where they enjoy fishing and spending time with family, especially their nine grandchildren.
With more than 25 years of executive leadership experience in higher education, Dr. Vickie Ratliff brings extensive knowledge in strategic planning and workforce development to the role of Workforce & Education Consultant with Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners (AHHP).
Prior to joining AHHP, Dr. Ratliff most recently served as Interim President of Southwest Virginia Community College where she provided strategic oversight across a range of key areas, including academic affairs, student services, institutional research, information technology and workforce development. She has a storied career in rural higher education working in various roles at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise as well as all four community colleges in Southwest Virginia. Also, Dr. Ratliff is a skilled grant writer and manager, having secured more than $30 million in funding across various institutions.
As a dedicated advocate for community engagement and regional collaboration, Dr. Ratliff has a proven track record of building strong partnerships and strengthening community ties throughout Southwest Virginia. Through her commitment to the region, she has positioned herself as a trusted partner to local industries and economic development leaders, aligning educational programs with regional workforce needs. She is excited for the opportunity to connect housing, workforce development, and education in a way that creates lasting change for our region.
Following completion of her associate’s degree from Mountain Empire Community College, Dr. Ratliff pursued her bachelor’s degree from Tusculum University, her master’s degree in Business Education from Morehead State University followed by her Doctor of Education fromLiberty University. Lifelong residents of the region, Vickie and her husband, Donnie, live in Big Stone Gap where they enjoy fishing and spending time with family, especially their nine grandchildren.