Ed Keegan

Founder & Treasurer

Retired US Air Force; Associate Director, Cybersecurity Engineering at Raytheon Technologies

Ed Keegan is a Founder, Treasurer, and Board Member. Ed is, and always will be, Ashton’s Dad.

Ed earned his B.S. Degree in Computer Science, an MBA, and an MS degree in National Resource Strategies, which focused on developing public/private sector partnerships and policies to solve the Nation’s most complex issues. He served 25 years in the US Air Force, retiring as a Colonel. Since then, he has worked for several Global IT companies as a Subject Matter Expert in Cybersecurity, IT/Computer Networking, Space Operations, and Command and Control Systems. He is an active member of the Rotary Club of Athens, and serves on the Athens Technical College Computer Information Systems and Emerging Technologies Advisory Committees.

Ed Keegan

Founder & Treasurer

Retired US Air Force; Associate Director, Cybersecurity Engineering at Raytheon Technologies

Ed Keegan is a Founder, Treasurer, and Board Member. Ed is, and always will be, Ashton’s Dad.

Kim Keegan

Founder & Community Outreach

Chairwoman of the Board

Kim Keegan is the Founder, CEO and past-President of the Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation, as well as the Chairwoman of the Board. Kim spent 15 years as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor along with 25 years as a Personal Trainer. Nevertheless, her favorite “job” was being Ashton’s mom. Kim was very active in board positions related to the military while Ed served in the Air Force for 25 years. Along with the busy schedule of the Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation, Kim is on the Women in Business committee for the Athens Chamber of Commerce, a volunteer and founding member at the Friends of Oconee County animal shelter and previously served on the board. Kim is also very active with the Rotary Club and is now President of the North Oconee Rotary Club.

Kim is, and always will be, Ashton’s Mom. She and Ashton did everything together, from starting an animal Foster program for the county animal shelter, to providing time and resources to educational charities, to starting and running a cake baking business. Ashton’s passion for helping those in need was infectious, and Ashton’s passion is now Kim’s passion.

Kim Keegan

Founder & Community Outreach

Chairwoman of the Board

Michaela Buttler

Fundraising Chair

Consultant, Korn Ferry, Atlanta, GA

After meeting Kim through the Leadership Oconee program, she was touched by Ashton’s story and the Keegan’s investment in the next generation of women striving to better themselves through education. Michaela has always had a passion for college students and understands the impact that education can have on an individual and their ability to achieve their full potential. Michaela’s background includes studying in Boston, Shanghai, and London for her Masters in International Business with a concentration in Project Management from Hult International Business School and a Bachelors in Business Administration with a minor in Organizational Leadership from the University of North Georgia. Her career includes time spent with the John Maxwell Company, Chick-fil-A, and in higher education working in Orientation and Transfer Programs at the University of North Georgia where she served as a committee member for the UNG annual scholarship gala and the local Relay for Life team. She has extensive experience in event planning, donor relations, and community advancement. She currently serves as a consultant for Korn Ferry to help employers with talent acquisition and organizational strategy to support employees leaving their company or exploring new opportunities within the same organization. Michaela is currently working towards her ICF accreditation to be a certified leadership and career coach. She and her husband, Brandon, are active members in their local church and they live in Five Points with their two cats Dory & Nimmo.

Michaela Buttler

Fundraising Chair

Consultant, Korn Ferry, Atlanta, GA

Linda Maples

Secretary

Realtor
Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty, Athens, GA

Linda Maples is a licensed REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty. She is known for her endless energy to get things done to find creative solutions to help her clients with their home buying and selling goals. When not working, Linda is busy staying involved in volunteer and community organizations around Athens and Oconee. She is an active member of the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce, where she recently received recognition for Volunteer of the Year. Linda has served on many boards with business associations as well as ones in the non-profit sector. She is a world traveler, a collector, and a fashionista. Some of her favorite local recommendations are the Classic Center for events, UGA games, and Chops & Hops for a bite to eat. Linda’s wealth of knowledge and her tremendous energy to help others is an asset to the Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation. As a board member, she has brought many fresh ideas and is always rolling up her sleeve to help.

Linda Maples

Secretary

Realtor
Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty, Athens, GA

CarolAnn

Marketing Chair

Personal Trainer, Club Pilates & Athens Health and Fitness

She is a health/fitness professional known as the trainer’s trainer. CarolAnn, has become one of the country’s leading fitness educators, authors, and national presenters. Combining a Master’s degree in Exercise Science/Health Promotion with several fitness certifications/memberships, she has been actively involved in the fitness industry for over 3 decades. As one of the leading experts, she has served on several health advisory boards, performed as a wellness fitness coordinator, owned her own private studio, and operated several gyms. She is the creator and star of The Steel Physique Fitness on Demand series as well as the creator and founder of Chiseled Faith, a faith-based health and fitness program, offering exercise and nutrition programming for individuals through churches, community centers, and online. She has been selected as the 2019-2021 Fitness Superstar by the National Fitness Hall of Fame. Locally, she enjoys personal training clients, teaching pilates, and serving as the HOA president for her community. She now serves on the AHK board applying her passion for women’s education and business opportunities. CarolAnn currently lives in Bishop, GA with her hysterically funny husband, intelligent and beautiful daughter, and her furry babies…golden retriever, Behr and great pyrenes, Appollo.

CarolAnn

Marketing Chair

Personal Trainer, Club Pilates & Athens Health and Fitness

Ryan Reynolds

Member at Large (Sept. 2025)

Law Office of Ryan J. Reynolds, LLC – Owner/Attorney

Ryan J. Reynolds joined the Athens community in 2018 after marrying his wife and relocating from his hometown of Fort Myers, Florida. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Public Relations from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2008, where he also served as the Luminaria Chair for the university’s Relay for Life chapter for three years.

Ryan went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2013, concentrating his studies in estate planning. His early career included experience with a tax resolution firm and a private general law practice before joining Wells Fargo Private Bank. There, he served as a Trust Associate and later as an Assistant Vice President and Tangible Personal Property Specialist. In these roles, he managed day-to-day trust administration and worked closely with clients to safeguard, appraise, and distribute valuable assets in accordance with wills and trusts.

Since 2020, Ryan has been dedicated to serving the residents of Northeast Georgia by helping individuals and families plan for the future and ensure their wishes are fulfilled. He is admitted to practice law in the State of Georgia and is a member of both the Fiduciary and Sports & Entertainment Law Sections of the Georgia Bar.

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and their dog, Dani. The Reynolds family are avid sports fans and love cooking, traveling, attending concerts and comedy shows, and cheering on their favorite teams together throughout the year.

Ryan Reynolds

Member at Large (Sept. 2025)

Law Office of Ryan J. Reynolds, LLC – Owner/Attorney

Steven M. Hines, MD

Member at Large (Jan. 2024)

Owner, Five Points Psychiatry

Dr. Steven Hines is a board certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice in Athens, GA, since 2006. Dr. Hines treats all aspects of adult psychiatry, but specializes in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. Dr. Hines is originally from Marietta, Georgia and graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in religion from Furman University. He completed a Masters of Theological Studies, magna cum laude from Emory University in 1997. He then attended the Medical College of Georgia and upon graduation was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.

He completed a psychiatry residency in Adult Psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina and served as chief resident at the Veterans Administration hospital during the last year of his program.

Dr. Hines practices in Athens and enjoys helping patients from the college age population, as well as other adults with a variety of needs. His wife is a native Athenian who teaches at the University of Georgia. He loves working out, traveling, and spending time with his three children.

Steven M. Hines, MD

Member at Large (Jan. 2024)

Five Points Psychiatry

Sherry J. Anderson, SHRM-CP (she/her)

Volunteer Coordinator (April. 2024)

Executive Office Coordinator, PAN Foundation

Sherry Anderson is a professional with a passion for working in mission-driven organizations. She has dedicated eight years of her career to serving in the
non-profit industry and currently serves as the Executive Office Coordinator at the PAN Foundation. Sherry has held various leadership roles in administration, human resources, development, programming, and community engagement. She is a certified professional from the Society of Human Resources and has graduated from Lead Athens in the class of 2023. Sherry earned her degree from the University of Georgia and also works on game days to help football families get into games. In her free time, she volunteers with Meal on Wheels and her community, enjoys antiquing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Sherry J. Anderson, SHRM-CP (she/her)

Volunteer Coordinator (April. 2024)

Executive Office Coordinator, PAN Foundation

Zainab Musa Lawan

Member at Large (2022)

Zainab Lawan is a first-year MBA student at the University of Georgia Terry College of Business. She is very passionate about education as a tool to empower women and the girl child. She has experience with sponsoring and mentoring underprivileged girls in Nigeria as well as cofounder of a women’s network in Nigeria’s predominantly male dominated energy industry. She is excited to be a part of the Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation to support the women of our community through education and job trainings.

Zainab Musa Lawan

Member at Large (2022)

Aniyah Coaxum

Member at Large (Nov. 2023)

Aniyah Coaxum is a first-year MSW student at the University of Georgia College of Social Work. This Bulldog hails from Jacksonville, Fl.

“The Ashton Hope Keegan inspires me to make an impact on women who come from similar backgrounds and communities as me. When I decided to make Athens my home, I made the conscious effort to make a positive impact.”

Aniyah Coaxum

Member at Large (Nov. 2023)

Aniyah Coaxum is a first-year MSW student at the University of Georgia College of Social Work. This Bulldog hails from Jacksonville, Fl.

Elizabeth Okoro

Member at Large (Nov. 2023)

Elizabeth Okoro is a first–year MBA student at the University of Georgia Terry College of Business who is passionate about supporting women’s education.

“I am inspired by Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation because of its commitment to helping women. After my undergraduate studies in Nigeria, I spent a year volunteering in a western Nigerian high school, mentoring girls who struggled academically. I am excited to join Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation to contribute in empowering women through education.”

Elizabeth Okoro

Member at Large (Nov. 2023)

Elizabeth Okoro is a first–year MBA student at the University of Georgia Terry College of Business who is passionate about supporting women’s education.

Home

About

Meet Ashton

Our Board

Donors

Financials

Contact

Events

The hope gala

Stiletto stampede

volunteer

blog

We’re passionate about one thing: Empowering Women

Our mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty for women through education and job training.

Meet The Team!

Our Board of Directors is comprised of community leaders with expertise in a wide range of areas, including counseling, advocacy, education, finance, grants, realty, health & wellness, and business management. The Board meets monthly. It is responsible for taking care of the strategic and financial health of the organization on an ongoing basis. Board terms are three years with a two (2) year minimum for continuity. Officers are elected annually as required. The UGA MBA students serve as, non-voting members through the four semesters of the MBA program (a 20-month term).

Virgina “Ginny” Hamilton

President

Grants Professional

UGA Auxiliary Services, Athens, GA

Virginia “Ginny” Hamilton is the President of the Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation and a Grants Professional with the University of Georgia’s Auxiliary Services. In addition to her work at UGA, she is the founder of Raven Legacy Grant Consulting, where she helps nonprofits secure funding and build sustainable programs. Ginny brings her passion for empowering others and her expertise in strategic grant development to further the Foundation’s mission of creating opportunities for women in need.

Ed Keegan

Founder & Treasurer

Associate Director, Raytheon Technologies
Retired US Air Force

Ed Keegan is a Founder, Treasurer, and Board Member. Ed is, and always will be, Ashton’s Dad.

Kim Keegan

Founder & Community Outreach / Interim Secretary

Chairwoman of the Board

Kim Keegan is the Founder, CEO, and past President of the Ashton Hope Keegan Foundation, where she now serves as Chairwoman of the Board. Inspired by her daughter’s giving spirit, Kim established the Foundation to honor Ashton’s legacy and continue her mission of empowering women to build brighter futures. Above all, Kim is — and always will be — Ashton’s mom.

Linda Groarke

Member at Large ( April 2025)

Piedmont Healthcare/Continuing Medical Education Program Administrator

Libba Beaucham

Member at Large (July 2025)

Advertising Sales Representative
Flagpole Magazine

Libba Beaucham has an eclectic background and skill set in nonprofit administration, youth history education, marketing, and music production. She is honored to be part of this mission as she is passionate about the power of education and giving back to the community.

Ryan Reynolds

Member at Large (Sept. 2025)

Law Office of Ryan J. Reynolds, LLC – Owner/Attorney

Steven M. Hines, MD

Member at Large (Jan. 2024)

Owner, Five Points Psychiatry

Dr. Steven Hines is a board certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice in Athens, GA, since 2006.

Sherry J. Anderson, SHRM-CP (she/her)

Volunteer Coordinator (April 2024)

Executive Office Coordinator
PAN Foundation

Sherry Anderson is a professional with a passion for working in mission-driven organizations.

UGA MBA Fellow Board Members

The UGA MBA students serve as, non-voting members through the four semesters of the MBA program (a 20-month term).

Michelle Howard

Member at Large (2025)

Michelle is pursuing her MBA at the university of Georgia and has a background in HR. She is passionate about supporting the organization’s mission to help break the cycle of poverty, recognizing the impact scholarships can have on people’s lives and how much of a significant difference any amount of help can do.

Emeritus Board Members

Martha “Tish” Rumsey

Retired Georgia Division of Family & Children Services

Terri Davis

Realtor & Associate Broker Keller Williams Realty – Greater Athens

Linda Maples

Realtor Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty, Athens, GA

Michaela Buttler

Consultant - Korn Ferry, Atlanta, GA

Do you have a passion to help support our mission?

Ashton was all about volunteerism, and that is the biggest need for the foundation. We will be hosting events to raise funds to support Ashton’s causes. Becoming a member of a nonprofit board as a board member or committee member can be a rewarding, high impact way that for-profit executives can do community service while learning new skills that can enhance their own careers.

VOLUNTEER

BOARD MEMBER APPLICATION

Come to a Board Meeting!

We hold our board meetings once a month at Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty, 2405 W. Broad St. #150, Athens, GA 30606, the first Monday of every month @ 5:30PM. Come out sometime to see what we are all about.