Garrett McDonald- President
Garrett McDonald earned his Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Freed-Hardeman University in 2014, a Master of Science in Counseling from Milligan University in 2016, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Milligan University in 2024.
He has served as a school counselor for nearly a decade, primarily working with adolescents. Throughout his time in the school system, Garrett has worked with students in a variety of roles — including football and basketball coach, committee member, and event leader. In his counseling role, he meets with students one-on-one to support their academic, social, and emotional growth, while also connecting families to valuable community resources and services. Garrett leads All Pro Dad at his school, a program that encourages fathers and their children to spend intentional time together through monthly breakfast meetings and guided conversations.
Garrett has been married to his wife for 10 years, and together they are raising two energetic boys. His family, experience, and heart for serving young people continue to shape his work in both the school and community.
Ken Misterly- Vice President
Ken Misterly is a Professor of Hospitality & Tourism at East Tennessee State University and his career began in college as a valet, parking cars in Atlantic Beach, Florida. He quickly advanced to a managerial role at Valet Park International, overseeing multiple sites around Jacksonville. After college, Ken moved to Tennessee, where he held positions as Sales Director, General Manager, Area Manager, and ultimately Regional Vice President. His expertise spans hotels, conference centers, and corporate dining. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Management/Marketing from the University of North Florida in 1999, his MBA from Western Governors University in 2019 and is currently working on his Doctorate in Business/Tourism management from Liberty University.
Ken's clients have included: Walt Disney World, UPS, ADP Payroll, HCA Healthcare, CSX Railroad, The Federal Reserve Banks, and Delta Air Lines & Southwest Airlines
Ken's notable achievements include: Serving as the SME for sales & operations at Sodexo North America, Holding a national Board of Directors role for the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC), Chairing five (5) annual IACC Americas conferences and receiving the IACC Award of Excellence, Leading the Comeback from Covid plan for Sodexo, coordinating the reopening of over 1,000 sites in North America, Serving as a past President of Rotary, The Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association and the Tri-Cities Tennessee Hotel & Lodging Association
Ken and Nicole will celebrate 30-years of marriage in 2025 and have two (2) grown children, Maggie and Duncan.
Debbie Ingram- Treasurer
Debbie Ingram is retired from a career as Vice President and Trust Officer from Stellar One Bank. Prior
to that, Debbie served as Chapter Manager for the Montgomery County, VA American Red Cross. She
also served on the American Red Cross Regional Board in Roanoke, VA.
Debbie’s early career included social work for the Tennessee Department of Human Services, in a
general services unit in Memphis, TN.
Debbie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Lipscomb University in 1973. She also earned
her Certified Trust Financial Advisor from Cannon Financial Institute in 2004.
Debbie has taught Sunday School for 55 years, teaching Cradle Roll- third grade as well as Ladies Bible
Classes. Debbie coordinates a women’s bible study at the Johnson City Day Reporting Center of the
Tennessee Department of Corrections and teaches bible classes monthly at a local jail.
Debbie and her husband, Steve, have two grandchildren who were adopted through the Department of
Children’s Services foster care system. The experience of her daughter and family has intensified
Debbie’s desire to work for more and better options for children needing care.
Debbie and Steve celebrated 52 years of marriage last year and have 3 grown children and 7
grandchildren.
Rene Gilliam
Lori René Riggs Gilliam is a 1983 graduate, cum laude, college honors, of Freed Hardeman University. She also attended the University of Tennessee in Martin. She earned her J.D. in 1988 from the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, where she served as an editor on Law Review, earned the American Jurisprudence Award in Contracts, and was published twice. René has practiced law in Trenton, Johnson City, and Nashville, Tennessee, with experience in a variety of areas. She married Phil Gilliam in 1982, while they were still in college, and they have four grown children and several grandchildren. The Gilliams are longtime active members of Central Church of Christ. They have always committed to working with children of all ages, in a variety of circumstances and settings.