Rudy fell in love with nonprofits as a teenager inspired by his mother’s impact at the local soup kitchen and elderly care program. This passion for charitable work stuck through college in leading multiple collegiate programs focused on community while receiving his BA in Communications at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Working side by side with patients for the last 18 years in the medical device field Rudy’s passion to change lives is second to none. After Rudy’s son was diagnosed with autism in 2009, he knew his path would change and he is now spending his days helping more people impacted with autism live a better life. When Rudy is not working you will find him being the pacing gymnastics Dad to his two girls, playing guitar, taking pictures of the kids and always with a coffee in hand.

More than 50 animals have had extended stays at the Thoms home thanks to Becky’s unconditional love for all living creatures. In the last seven years she has fostered more than 50 dogs, cats, bunnies, and a bird or lizard a time or two for the Carolina PAWS non profit organization here in Charlotte. Her unwavering love and ability to do what’s right for every soul is the quiet strength that keeps her family and the foundation going. Becky is a professional violinist for the Queen City Ensemble and when she isn’t taking care of the kids, the pets and brides for her violin trio she is teaching Crossfit gymnastics, reading or spending time at the lake with the family.

John Neuman has over 19 years of biotech device experience with the same international company. From customer service to sales and now leadership, he has had a wide-range of experience within the organization lending to a more whole-picture lens in his approach.

Jon Little has nearly 30 years’ experience leading project teams that build new and renovate old buildings throughout Charlotte with one the area’s largest Construction companies.

Dean Buttrey is a Senior Executive with over 25 years’ experience selling Professional Services and Software as well as delivering successful project and managing P&Ls for fortune 500 companies.

LauRen Merola Strager is a former NFL & NBA cheerleader turned radio host. Kicking off her career in Miami as a sports broadcaster, LauRen has over a decade of experience and currently hosts morning radio show, the Maney & LauRen Show. She is also the owner of F is For Fiesta and is a champion for the Autism community.

Dallas Strager is an executive in the medical device industry for over 17 years. With a strong foundation in sales, leadership and market development he has recently focused on M&A opportunities bringing new medical technologies to full commercialization here in the US and abroad.

Rarely spotted without a coffee in her hand, Stephanie much prefers coffee shop chats to board room meetings. As a Professional Speaker, Trainer and Consultant, she has dedicated expertise in sales, customer service, branding and social marketing. From being an award-winning fundraiser to being crowned 2014 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Woman of the Year and a working background with the American Diabetes Association and Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio, Stephanie brings nearly two decades of nonprofit sector expertise and passion to ASF. When she isn’t training, writing, fundraising or sipping caffeine, you’ll find Stephanie playing with her three girls, two doods and trying to cut off her husband’s “modern” mullet.

Hello, I’m Christy, a rare Charlotte native. I grew up volunteering for numerous nonprofit organizations in the area. After graduating from North Carolina State, I returned to my passion for helping and empowering others and began my career in nonprofits! I love spending time with my husband, our two young girls and our very energetic pup. In my free time I also enjoy outdoor activities, hiking, reading and any arts and crafts project.