OUR TEAM
Our 100+ dedicated team members, located across 10 different time zones, are ready to respond through every crisis.
DOUGLAS STOCKHAM
President
Doug co-founded the Emergency Assistance Foundation, Inc. by conducting a comprehensive audit of more than 100 organizations (both corporations and universities), that have implemented employee relief programs.
From his exhaustive research, EAF created a set of best practices of employee-hardship and disaster-relief funds and published an online article entitled "Emergency Assistance Funds (EAFs) for Employee Hardship and Disaster Relief: Legal, Tax and Design Considerations," which describes the 16 critical decisions required when establishing a program. Numerous blogs and white papers have also been published all about the Disaster and Employee Relief Fund Industry.
In 2019 Doug envisioned and founded the Employee Relief Fund Education Group (ERFEG). ERFEG is an educational coalition and community of professionals that is aligned with the common goal of perfecting employee relief funds and programs through the exchange of ideas, resources, knowledge and best practices across a variety of industries.
Doug serves as a permanent grant making donor advisor to the Stockham Foundation, created by Stockham Valves, an international valve manufacturer founded in 1903. This foundation, which grants a substantial portion of funds for employee hardship is now a $2 million donor advised fund with the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.
In 2004, Doug was instrumental in establishing the Charitable Real Estate Fund (CREF) as a support organization of the CFGB, a 501(c)(3). He served as the CREF board chairman for one term and was on the board from its founding until 2008. He is a member of the Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF), a private non-profit organization headquartered in Atlanta, GA, which comprises approximately 450 business, professional and academic leaders from around the world.
Doug earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN and a Master of Business Administration degree in finance from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
BRYAN CLONTZ
Founder, Secretary & Advisor to the President
Prior to his founding Emergency Assistance Foundation, Inc., Bryan created Charitable Solutions, LLC, specializing in non-cash asset receipt and liquidation, gift annuity reinsurance brokerage, gift annuity risk management audits, emergency assistance funds and life insurance appraisals/audits.
Currently, he serves as a partner to Ekstrom, Alley & Clontz – a community foundation consulting firm in New Haven, CT. Bryan is the founder of the Dechomai Foundation, Inc. and the Dechomai Asset Trust - two national donor advised funds focusing on non-cash assets generally and S-corp. transactions respectively.
Previously, he served as the director of planned giving for the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, national director of planned giving for Boys & Girls Clubs of America and vice president of advancement at The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. He received a bachelor’s of science degree in business administration from the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC; a master’s degree in risk management and insurance from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA; a master’s degree in financial services and Ph.D. in financial and retirement planning from The American College in Bryn Mawr, PA.
From 2000 to 2005, he served as a graduate adjunct professor for both personal financial planning and life insurance in the Department of Risk Management and Insurance at Georgia State University. He serves on the Editorial Board of the Planned Giving Design Center (2000-present), the advisory board for the American College’s Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation (2001-present), the American Council on Gift Annuities’ Rate Recommendation and Research Committee (2003-2010) and the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning (formerly NCPG) Board (2007-2009). Most recently, Bryan served as the Leon L. Levy Fellow in Philanthropy at the American College of Financial Services.
He has delivered more than 2,000 presentations on charitable gift planning; been published in an international insurance textbook; and written more than two dozen articles for financial services and planned giving journals, including a planned giving manual entitled Just Add Water, which has sold more than 2,500 copies. Bryan chaired the inaugural statewide "Leave a Legacy Georgia!" campaign. He is the co-inventor of a proprietary CGA risk management process, LIRMAS - Life Income Risk Management Analytic Suite, based on an actuarial study he co-authored for the Society of Actuaries on CGA Mortality.
CINDY JARBOE
Chief Financial Officer
CHRISTY LELAIT
Vice President of Grant Management & Applicant Experience
Christy started assisting the organization in 2015 to oversee the grant department. She brings to EAF a background in non-profit management and fundraising, working with smaller local nonprofits and national organizations. She has been a member of the National Association of Fundraising Professionals and has extensive experience in one-on-one donor development and event planning. Prior to joining EAF, Christy focused her talents on political organizing and campaign management.
Helping EAF has given Christy the opportunity to combine her organizational skills with a deep commitment to helping those in need facing hardships and disasters.
LORI ROGERS
Vice President of Corporate Operations
Lori is passionate for helping others and humbled to be working with the team at the Emergency Assistance Foundation to make a difference for your company and employees. With a tireless work ethic, Lori began working at the age of 9 years old, creating public service radio shows, and has never stopped serving her community. During the last few years of her career, she has worked alongside many C-level executives and coordinated donor relations activities for a national non-profit organization. With a diverse background in communications, event coordinating, radio, affiliate marketing, PR, franchising, and more, she approaches all conversations in a positive, organized approach. Lori graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Special Education.
MICHELLE NAGGAR REICHBACH
Director of Partner Relations
Michelle Naggar Reichenbach is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) professional with over 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry, leading initiatives in philanthropy, social governance, disaster response, charitable partnerships and employee engagement. Michelle has a passion for employee relief funds, having served as the President of the Starwood Associate Relief Fund, Inc. and later the Marriott TakeCare Relief Fund, Inc. (TCRF). She is currently a Director of the TCRF.
MICHAEL SWENSON
Director of Productivity
Michael Joined EAF in 2019 and brought with him a diverse set of experiences in Consulting and Technology. Most recently, Michael spent 7 years at Microsoft leading process improvement, data and product implementation programs. He has a passion for process improvement and is always looking for ways to ensure EAF will continue to be a leader in both cost effectiveness and quality. Michael has a degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington and an MBA from the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University.
CATHY CANADA
Director of Finance
Cathy is an executive financial manager who has devised strategic plans and implemented financial directives for publicly traded corporations, private enterprises, family offices, resort owners, high-net-worth individuals and non-profit organizations. She has extensive experience as a financial executive for Jack Nicklaus and The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Resort and Residences. She recently served as the CFO of Hibiscus Children’s Center, Inc. and the Finance Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin counties. Cathy’s specialty is deciphering & deconstructing complex numbers in a fashion everyone can understand.
LYDIA CADY
Director of Marketing Communications
Lydia is a strategic and creative marketing professional with nearly a decade of experience. A graduate of Cornell University, Lydia's background spans a variety of industries, including non-profit organizations, travel & hospitality, education technology, app development, and commercial furniture & design. Capitalizing on her entrepreneurial spirit, Lydia has held a number of roles that required the development of an organization's marketing department and initiatives from the ground up. A strong collaborator, Lydia is thrilled to apply her skills and experience to furthering the important efforts of the Emergency Assistance Foundation.
GREG TROCOLA-BARONE
Product Marketing Director
Greg is an innovative creative professional, bringing a dynamic blend of graphic design and marketing expertise to the Emergency Assistance Foundation. His decade of experience spans various industries, including media, publishing, real estate, consumer goods, interior design, politics and tech. Having previously held roles such as Art Director, Greg thrives on building and elevating brands, reinforcing strategic campaigns across traditional, digital, and social channels with exceptional visual integrity. Greg holds an MBA in Marketing Management from Pace University.
CARA BAITY
Relief Fund Senior Advisor
Cara brings to EAF a wealth of experience and a true passion for helping others. Prior to assisting EAF, Cara spent over twenty years supporting non-profit and mission driven organizations by leading client relations, marketing and communication, fund development and community outreach efforts. Cara graduated from Wesleyan College with a BA in Communications and a minor in Business Administration.
EMILY BARIN
Relief Fund Senior Advisor
Emily started assisting the EAF team in late 2018. She developed a strong sense of devotion for the nonprofit sector after graduating with a degree in Public Policy and Advocacy from College of Charleston. She is excited to share her experience and deep appreciation for how EAF seeks to improve the quality of life for Fund Partners; one grant at a time.
JENNIFER LIMON
Relief Fund Senior Advisor
Jennifer brings over 15 years of expertise in Human Resources Management for small and large organizations. Most recently, Jennifer was in charge of driving Cultural and Engagement initiatives for a large global organization, which included implementing and growing an employee relief fund program. During her years of experience, Jennifer partnered with other organizational leaders, key stakeholders, and cultural committees to drive efforts. Jennifer is extremely passionate about EAF’s mission and is excited about helping EAF’s Fund Partners drive success in implementing, sustaining, and growing their fund.
RYAN BOOGAERTS
Relief Fund Senior Advisor
Ryan brings over 12 years of project management and implementation experience from a range of industries. Most recently, Ryan has implemented scheduling and marketing services related to the medical industry. Ryan has worked closely with many groups and organizations to find efficient, viable solutions for their immediate and long term needs. He brings a seasoned level of experience to the team that will benefit the future of EAF.
HENRY JOE
Relief Fund Senior Advisor
Henry brings a combination of corporate experience, public policy expertise, and nonprofit management to EAF. He comes to EAF on the heels of several years as an analyst at a major insurance carrier, preceded by work in state government. Henry holds a Bachelor of Science with Honors from the University of Alabama and completed postgraduate studies at Stanford University and the University of Alabama. He serves on several nonprofit boards of directors, and most recently as the President of the Rotaract Club of Birmingham, Henry led 325 young leaders and helped manage the largest Rotaract Foundation in the world. His favorite aspect of being a member of the EAF team is the ability to solve complex problems with some of the world's most renowned companies to provide direct assistance to their employees in need. Henry resides in resides in Birmingham, Alabama with his dog, Harper.
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KATESA TIDWELL
Applicant Experience Manager
With over thirteen years' experience within the contact center industry, Katesa has had the opportunity to successfully lead multiple groups across numerous business processes. With a strong working knowledge of the contact center industry, including call and resource management, call quality, process and technology, Katesa bring a high level of planning, analysis, and commitment to maximize productivity and achieve financial and contractual targets.
MARIE FRAGER
Grant Team Manager
Marie resides in Tampa Bay, Florida and is elated to be part of the EAF team. She graduated from NOVA Southeastern University with an MBA and a background in data management and customer support. Marie is passionate about EAF's mission and excited to contribute to the continued success of EAF. In her free time, she enjoys spending every moment with her husband and two wonderful children.
ILYA PLUZHNIKOV
Onboarding and Change Management Manager
A seasoned professional with over 17 years of experience in the software, telecom and IT industries. Ilya has vast experience in a wide range of technologies, systems and products, knowledgeable in various research, development, and implementation methodologies, standards and practices. Ilya is very passionate about processes, new technologies, and applications. He has a strong background in software development, business systems analysis, quality assurance, project and product management, and has worked with large international enterprises and small startups around the globe. He wants to make the world better and to deliver products and services that matter. Ilya has a Master's degree of Computer Science and a Master's degree of Business Administration.
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