UNITY HOUSING Board President
Opal Frye-Clark is a dynamic professional committed to social justice and activism, with a multifaceted background spanning education, healthcare, and research. Opal's research focuses on social determinants and health disparities within Central Appalachia, particularly among individuals experiencing homelessness in rural areas.
Opal has over 12 years of experience in teaching, program development, and education across various university campuses nationwide. Additionally, Opal’s 8 years of clinical nursing experience underscore her dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for marginalized communities. Opal's passion for addressing homelessness led her to co-found Unity Housing.
Through Unity Housing, Opal aims to eliminate homelessness in Johnson City by fostering creative and innovative partnerships with existing service providers. Currently pursuing a doctorate in Public Health with a concentration in Health Systems Management and Policy, Opal is set to graduate in the Fall of 2024. Opal currently serves as Johnson City’s Homeless Policy Consultant and is the lead consultant on the city-wide strategic plan to reduce homelessness.
Licensed Affiliate Broker & General Contractor True North Real Estate Advisors
Marc Brun is a seasoned project manager with a combined 24 plus years performance of project management and owner representation in the development and construction industries. While working in the healthcare, commercial, sports/recreational and residential sectors Marc has enjoyed the unique challenges presented in small tenant up-fits as well as the complexities of full-scale multimillion-dollar hospital campus development projects.
Marc’s real estate and development experience started with residential property purchases and speculative construction projects and continues currently as active investor. From that point, his experience grew into site selection, master planning, design and construction for various projects in the NC Piedmont region. The leadership exposure gained in these scopes allows him to protect and advocate for his clients as they plan and navigate both real estate and construction processes. Marc is a licensed Affiliate Broker and General Contractor in Tennessee as well as being a member of the Northeast Tennessee Association of Realtors. In addition, he is a licensed Real Estate Broker and General Contractor in the State of North Carolina.
Community Impact Coordinator, United Way of East Tennessee Highlands
Abraham McIntyre is a dedicated community leader with over 20 years of experience in connecting local and international needs with innovative solutions. His diverse skill set spans nonprofit management, community engagement, and disaster response and recovery, all driven by a profound desire to uplift those in need. From critical home repair projects in Appalachia to disaster response efforts in the Caribbean, Abraham's work has touched countless lives worldwide.
Passionate about serving his unhoused neighbors, Abraham champions initiatives with Unity Housing, embodying compassion and empathy in his advocacy. Now serving as the Community Engagement Coordinator at the United Way of East Tennessee Highlands in Johnson City, TN, Abraham continues his mission of creating positive change. With boundless enthusiasm and tireless dedication, he looks forward to leveraging his talents to drive meaningful impact both locally and beyond.
ETSU Clinical Director of Federally Qualified Health Centers & Family Nurse Practitioner
Amanda S. Moorhouse is an accomplished Family Nurse Practitioner with over 14 years of experience in the field, coupled with 24 years as a Registered Nurse. Known for her excellent communication, leadership, and mentoring skills, she is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare and fostering patient-centered care.
Amanda holds active licenses as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse in the state of Tennessee, along with certifications in Emergency Medicine and the ability to prescribe medication. In her current role as Clinical Director at East Tennessee State University's College of Nursing Federally Qualified Health Centers, Amanda oversees all clinical operations across multiple locations, ensuring the delivery of exceptional patient care. She actively collaborates with interprofessional teams and spearheads initiatives to support students, faculty, and staff.
With a Master of Science in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from King University, Amanda's academic achievements underpin her clinical expertise. Her extensive experience ranges from providing healthcare in university settings to serving indigent and low-income populations. Amanda's dedication to her profession and community exemplifies her commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for all.
Owner of Lugnut 4x4 LLC, Homeland Realty, NAC Realty
Shawn Miller, the founder and CEO of Lugnut 4x4, has accrued a decade-long tenure in operational business. With an extensive entrepreneurial background, Shawn has consistently showcased remarkable leadership and management acumen throughout his professional journey. His entrepreneurial pursuits began after a shift from his initial pursuit of a medical education, where he successfully established and managed three local retail establishments. Following the divestment of these ventures, Shawn expanded his entrepreneurial horizons into the domain of e-commerce, spearheading the establishment of a flourishing online enterprise.
Concurrently, Shawn has actively immersed himself in real estate investment, culminating in the acquisition and management of a diversified portfolio comprising over 100 properties. Possessing a discerning eye for property acquisition, renovation, and management, Shawn has honed his expertise in identifying lucrative opportunities and orchestrating strategic property enhancements. Situated on Valley Drive in Jonesborough, a stone's throw away from Greenwood Drive, Shawn remains deeply rooted in the local community, dedicated to contributing to its socio-economic development through his entrepreneurial endeavors.
ETSU Department of Counseling and Human Services
Debbie is a 40-year resident of Johnson City and is finishing a 39-year career at ETSU as a tenured faculty member and administrator. In these roles she teaches personal leadership development, strategic planning, and nonprofit management. She has written and managed multiple federal and local grants that started service-learning programs in nine colleges and universities in East Tennessee.
Debbie has authored two textbooks on leadership development and has taught leadership seminars for Pal’s Business Excellence Institute. Debbie has served on the boards of several nonprofits and currently chairs the Johnson City Committee on Housing and Community Development.
Director of Membership & Business Development of the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce
Gabe Gounaris is an accomplished professional currently serving as the Director of Membership and Business Development at The Johnson City Chamber of Commerce. With a strong background in digital marketing, branding, and business development, Gabe has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision in his role. Prior to his tenure at the Chamber, Gabe gained valuable business experience in the restaurant industry, where he spent over two years managing Johnny Brusco’s New York Style Pizza.
Gabe holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from East Tennessee State University (ETSU), showcasing his diverse interests and dedication to lifelong learning. He remains committed to expanding his knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development opportunities, ensuring he stays at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.
In his current role, Gabe leverages his expertise to drive membership growth, foster strategic partnerships, and support the business community in Johnson City. With a proven track record of success and a passion for excellence, Gabe is a valuable asset to the Chamber and the broader business community.
Licensed Clinical Social WorkER at the Johnson City Downtown Day Center
Meredith McCook Prosak, LCSW, is a highly skilled professional dedicated to social work and community development. Holding a Master's in Social Work (MSW) and a Bachelor's in Social Work (BSW) from East Tennessee State University (ETSU), she has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and continuous learning throughout her career. Meredith's extensive experience spans various social work roles, including her current position as Lead LCSW at ETSU's Johnson City Downtown Day Center.
In her role, Meredith oversees clinical operations, provides individual counseling for clients experiencing homelessness, and facilitates interprofessional meetings. Her expertise also extends to outpatient therapy, case management, and program coordination, as evidenced by her previous positions at Camelot and the Mountain Home VA Spinal Cord Injury Clinic. Meredith's dedication to supporting vulnerable populations is further exemplified through her involvement with organizations like Unity Housing and the Johnson City Veteran STAND DOWN Committee.
With certifications in Suicide Prevention, Motivational Interviewing, and EMDR, among others, Meredith possesses a diverse skill set to address complex social and mental health issues effectively. Her commitment to professional development and community service underscores her passion for making a positive impact in Northeast Tennessee.
Grants Manager at the Johnson City Housing Authority
Bridget Jennings, a lifelong resident of Northeast Tennessee, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as Grants Manager at the Johnson City Housing Authority. With a B.S. in History and Art History from East Tennessee State University, Bridget's professional journey spans over 25 years in the education field.
Beginning her career in a preschool setting, Bridget discovered her passion for teaching and working with children of all ages. She transitioned to Hands On! Regional Museum in downtown Johnson City, where she held various roles, including Education Manager and Education & Exhibits Manager, overseeing grant writing and fundraising initiatives.
Following a successful tenure at the museum, Bridget embarked on a consulting venture, providing program development, exhibit design, and fundraising services to non-profit organizations nationwide. Additionally, she owned and directed a tutoring company franchise, further demonstrating her commitment to education and community service. In March 2020, Bridget joined the Langston Centre staff, administering a grant from the TN Dept. of Education, where she had the opportunity to educate future generations in STEAM disciplines while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Now, as Grants Manager at the Johnson City Housing Authority, Bridget is eager to leverage her expertise to address housing needs in the community. With a heart for helping others and a dedication to making a difference, she looks forward to collaborating with her colleagues to provide housing choices to Johnson City residents in need. Bridget is thrilled to be part of a team that shares her values and vision for a better future.
Corps Office of The Salvation Army of Johnson City, TN
Captain Crystal Carringer serves as the Corps Officer (Executive Director) of The Salvation Army in Johnson City, TN. With a background in Practical Ministries, emphasizing Social Services and Organizational Leadership in Nonprofits, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Crystal is an ordained minister with over 12 years of experience in social services across various regions of the southern United States, including both rural and urban areas.
Crystal's personal journey, which included experiencing homelessness as a teenager, deeply informs her commitment to serving others. It was through the compassionate support of a local Salvation Army Officer that she received a fresh start and transformational support for over four years. Inspired by this experience, Crystal has dedicated her life to paying it forward, striving to provide others with the same level of care and support she once received. Her leadership at The Salvation Army reflects her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of those in need.
Director of Social Work at The Salvation Army of Johnson City, TN
Bobbi Love is a dedicated professional and lifelong resident of the Tri-Cities area of Tennessee. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from East Tennessee State University, she brings extensive expertise to her role as the Social Services Director at The Salvation Army of Johnson City, TN. Since assuming her position in March of 2020, Bobbi has leveraged her five years of experience in the field of social work to address pressing community needs.
Bobbi's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Tri-Cities residents is evident in her focus areas, which include homelessness, poverty alleviation, homeless prevention, and food insecurity. Bobbi's dedication to social services and her deep ties to the Tri-Cities underscore her determination to effect positive change in the lives of those she serves. Her leadership at The Salvation Army exemplifies her unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact within her community.
Business Manager of The Salvation Army of Johnson City, TN
As a seasoned professional in the non-profit sector, Aaron Scott brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as Business Manager at The Salvation Army in Johnson City. With a Bachelor's degree in History from Milligan University and a Master's degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from East Tennessee State University (ETSU), Scott has honed his skills in organizational leadership and development. Originally from Cleveland, OH, he embarked on a journey of academic and vocational exploration, eventually finding his calling in the realm of faith-based non-profit work.
Over the years, Scott has held various roles, including teaching middle school history and Bible studies in diverse educational settings across different states. However, it was during his tenure in Chicago that he discovered his passion for non-profit administration while working with a faith-based affordable housing ministry. Since then, his career has been focused on administrative and fundraising endeavors, including roles at Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan University and ETSU, where he also obtained his MPA degree and a certificate in fundraising management.
In his current role at The Salvation Army, Scott oversees the operation of one of the two emergency shelters in Johnson City, spearheading initiatives that have provided thousands of nights of shelter and meals to those in need. His dedication to serving the community extends beyond shelter operations, as he is actively involved in homeless prevention programs, street outreach efforts, and initiatives aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty. With a strong commitment to his faith and a passion for humanitarian work, Scott continues to make a profound impact on the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness in the Johnson City area. Along with his wife, Grete, Aaron is the father of three kids and is an active member of Hopwood Memorial Christian Church. He enjoys participating in the collaborative projects led by Unity Housing to help address unmet needs in the community alongside like minded, passionate colleagues.
Chief Administrative Officer, SOFHA Management Services, Inc.
Dan Bragg is the Chief Administrative Officer of SOFHA Management Services, Inc. and State of Franklin Healthcare Associates, PLLC (collectively SOFHA), an employee-owned and physician-led multi-specialty group with over 1,300 team members, including over 250 providers. SOFHA has more than 30 clinical locations in Northeast TN and Southwest VA and provides care to more than 150,000 unique patients. As CAO for SOFHA, Dan is responsible for Revenue Cycle, Business Development, Project Management, Government Relations, Safety and Security. In addition, he is the executive lead for the SOFHA Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) which was effective January 1, 2024
Dan is a life-long resident of Johnson City and has worked in healthcare administration most of his career. He joined SOFHA in 2015 as Chief Financial Officer and served in that role for 5 years. After serving as Chief Operating Officer from 2020-2022, he assumed his current role as CAO in 2023. Before joining SOFHA, he spent 7 years as the Practice Administrator for East Tennessee Brain & Spine Center. Prior to that he spent 5 years as the Director of Finance for ETSU Physicians and 4 years in various roles with local health systems. Dan graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1994. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 2005 and was recognized as a Certified Medical Practice Executive by the American College of Medical Practice Executives in 2013.