BOARD

Beth Andrews​,
Treasurer

Accounting Manager
​Norvell Properties

keith Conley​, DIRECTOR

Financial Coach & Resource Coordinator
​Burke County United Way

Lance cooke​, DIRECTOR

Foreman, Burke Drywall
​(Morganton)

Kenya Hemphill, secretary

Accounting Technician, Blue Ridge Community Action
​(Morganton)

Saudia Johnson, DIRECTOR

Case Manager, Blue Ridge Community Action
​(Morganton)

​Jacob Lancaster, Chair

Pastor, St. Matthews UMC
​(Morganton)

​Madelyn Russ, Executive Director

Open Hearts Place
​(Union Mills)

emeritus members 

• Ryan Cary, Director Emeritus
• Ann Moncrief, Director Emeritus
• Tom Russ, Director Emeritus
• Mary Wright, Director Emeritus and Program Committee Chair

STAFF

​Madelyn Russ, co-founder & executive Director

Madelyn has served as the executive director of Open Hearts Place since its inception. A Burke County resident for the last 46 years, Madelyn has a deep understanding of both the needs of community members and the local resources that exist to meet them. She has led Open Hearts Place to successfully develop six houses for program participants, launch the OHP program, and plan the Hildebran Switch Project. Madelyn attends and serves on the Leadership Council of St. Matthews United Methodist Church and leads Open Hearts Bakery in addition to serving on the Blue Ridge Community Action board.

Christy Dunbar,
program 
​DIRECTOR 

Christy joined Open Hearts Place in June 2024 and oversees the day-to-day operations of the OHP program. She manages the intake and vetting process of participants and families as well as ongoing case management services. Christy brings five years of experience in program management and operations. Previously, she served as Program Manager at Sipe’s Orchard Home, a residential care home for children and youth who have experienced abuse, neglect, or challenging circumstances. Christy holds a Master’s of Business Administration from Western Governors University and has training in trauma, resiliency, and motivational interviewing.

Jennifer Fletcher​,
development & communications director

Jennifer began with Open Hearts Place on a contract basis in 2025 and joined the organization as a part-time employee in March 2026. She brings more than three decades of experience in communications, fundraising and public relations. Most recently, Jennifer supported nonprofit and philanthropic organizations through her business, Signature Assistance,  providing the core functions of workflow and project management, business writing and meeting planning. Prior to founding Signature Assistance, Jennifer held positions in fundraising, major gifts and public relations.

Olivia Krodel​,
Graphic Design & Content Creation (Contractor)

Olivia began with Open Hearts in April 2026. She graduated from High Point University in 2020 with a bachelors in graphic design and since has worked for USA Today Co. designing for non-for-profits, real estate agents, grocery stores, and anything in-between. She also volunteers with another non-for-profit that works to partner kids with mentors.  (Pittsburgh, PA)

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