Our board members bring experience from business, ministry, education, and the foster care community itself.
Dr. Nelva Lee
CEO / Chair
Dr. Nelva Lee, CEO/Chair of Grand Oak Communities Foundation, brings more than 30 years of leadership across healthcare, business, education, ministry, and community service, with a career grounded in governance, accountability, and responsible stewardship. Her experience includes executive healthcare administration, entrepreneurship and technology innovation, higher education as an adjunct professor, and public service as a former appointee to the Georgia Department of Community Health Board. A woman of faith with a heart for service, Dr. Lee's commitment to foster care is also deeply personal—shaped by her own childhood experiences in multiple homes and schools and strengthened through her journey as an adoptive mother. As leader of Grand Oak Communities Foundation, Dr. Lee is committed to strengthening foster and adoptive families and creating opportunities for young people transitioning from care, while ensuring every gift is stewarded with integrity, accountability, and measurable impact.
Donnie Lee Jr.
CFO / Treasurer
Donnie Lee Jr., CFO/Treasurer of Grand Oak Communities Foundation, brings experience in business leadership, technology, civil engineering, digital marketing, and organizational strategy. He previously served as CIO of MiTio from 2015–2023, contributing to the organization's strategic planning and execution, and holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, with additional STEM and technology education through programs at Carnegie Mellon and Georgia Tech. Grounded in faith, service, and a commitment to the foster care community, Donnie brings a strong focus on governance, financial accountability, and responsible stewardship to the Foundation. His vision is to help Grand Oak Communities Foundation grow sustainably while ensuring every gift is managed with integrity, transparency, and a clear focus on improving the lives of foster children and families.
Donnie Lee Sr.
Secretary
Donnie Lee Sr., Secretary of Grand Oak Communities Foundation, brings decades of experience in leadership, governance, accountability, training, and organizational management. He served 20 years in the United States Air Force and later retired as a Federal Government Contracting Specialist, where he worked with both small and large businesses while helping ensure compliance and responsible management of government resources. Grounded in faith, family, education, and service, Donnie brings a disciplined approach to the Foundation's governance and its commitment to the foster care community. His vision is to help Grand Oak Communities Foundation serve children and families with excellence while ensuring every gift entrusted to the Foundation is stewarded responsibly, transparently, and with integrity.
Kristin Dahme
Member
Kristin Dahme, Board Member of Grand Oak Communities Foundation, is a devoted wife, mother of three, educator, entrepreneur, and community-minded leader with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Her background in education has shaped her passion for serving others, building meaningful relationships, and creating environments where children and families can grow and thrive. While dedicating much of her life to raising her children, Kristin has also pursued entrepreneurial opportunities and remained committed to serving her community. Guided by her faith and a strong belief in family, service, and compassion, she is honored to bring her experience and perspective to the Foundation and its mission of creating brighter futures for children and families.
Olympia Meredith
Member
Olympia Meredith brings the compassion, discipline, and accountability of her nursing career to her service with Grand Oak Communities Foundation. Her experience in healthcare, education, ministry, and community service has strengthened her commitment to responsible governance, ethical leadership, and caring for individuals and families during vulnerable seasons of life. Guided by her faith and a heart for the foster care community, Olympia is passionate about helping children and families receive the support, stability, and opportunities they need to thrive. Her vision for Grand Oak Communities Foundation is one of compassionate service and lasting impact, ensuring every gift entrusted to the Foundation is stewarded with integrity, transparency, accountability, and a clear commitment to its mission.
Katina Franklin
Member
Katina Franklin brings a strong foundation in social work, community service, education, and ministry to her leadership with Grand Oak Communities Foundation. Her experience serving individuals and families has developed a deep understanding of advocacy, accountability, ethical decision-making, and the importance of connecting vulnerable populations with meaningful resources and support. Guided by her faith and commitment to the foster care community, Katina is passionate about strengthening children and families and helping young people build stable, hopeful futures. Her vision for Grand Oak Communities Foundation is rooted in compassionate service, sound governance, and measurable impact, ensuring that every gift entrusted to the Foundation is stewarded with integrity, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to its mission.
Lydia Benk
Member
Lydia Benk brings a heart for faith, family, service, and accountability to her leadership with Grand Oak Communities Foundation. Through her experience as Prayer Team Lead, a Pastor’s Assistant, and a devoted mother, Lydia has developed strong skills in spiritual leadership, organization, communication, education, and supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. Her commitment to prayer and ministry shapes her passion for serving the foster care community and ensuring children and families are surrounded by compassion, encouragement, and meaningful support. Lydia’s vision for Grand Oak Communities Foundation is rooted in faith-centered service, responsible governance, and lasting impact, ensuring that every gift entrusted to the Foundation is stewarded with integrity, transparency, accountability, and prayerful purpose.
Cheryl Cooper
Member
Cheryl Cooper brings extensive leadership experience as a Director of Rehabilitation, with a career grounded in compassionate service, education, accountability, and the responsible management of people and resources. Her healthcare leadership has strengthened her commitment to effective governance, measurable outcomes, and ensuring that those entrusted to her care receive the highest level of support. Guided by her faith and dedication to ministry and community service, Cheryl shares Grand Oak Communities Foundation’s commitment to strengthening foster children and families. She brings a thoughtful, service-centered perspective to the Foundation’s leadership, with a vision of ensuring that every gift is stewarded with integrity, transparency, and accountability to create meaningful and lasting impact.
Nikki Haney
Development Director
Nikki Haney brings more than 30 years of experience in customer account management within the trucking industry, currently specializing in Aerospace. She also has over 25 years of experience volunteering and serving her community. As Development Director for Grand Oaks Foundation, Nikki is passionate about supporting foster children, foster families, and the community. She believes in giving back and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Outside of work and volunteering, Nikki enjoys the outdoors and spending time on the water, especially kayaking. She is married, a proud mother of two daughters, and grandmother of two grandchildren.
