Meet Our Members
SOUTHERN PARTNERS FUND
Democratic Philanthropy in Action
Southern Partners Fund’s two-tiered form of governance ensures each voice is heard. Members are chosen for their regional expertise and sound judgement, management skills, and leadership potential. Members elect SPF’s Board of Directors, who must in turn be SPF members.
Membership
At least 80% of SPF’s membership must be derived from leaders of currently or previously funded grassroots organizations and represent diverse issues and experience. Serving in five-year terms, SPF’s membership is constantly evolving thanks to the board and membership’s commitment to nominating potential candidates whose work and values align with those of the foundation. They meet at least twice a year and serve on committees, including grantmaking policy and grants decisions, finance and investments, and are actively involved in the organization.
Membership is an integral piece of SPF’s democratic philanthropy. The membership serves as a leadership pool from which SPF’s board is elected, and ensures that operating, grantmaking and program decisions reflect the perspective of rural southern grassroots organizations.

2023 Membership

VIVIAN ANDERSON
South Carolina

Brett Bursey
South Carolina

Andre Cheek Castleberry
Georgia

Nadeska concha
Florida

Shaq COSSE
Louisiana

Marcos crisanto
Florida

Ashley mckay dandridge
Mississippi

Carolyn Ford
Florida

dianna freelon-foster
Mississippi

omari fox
South Carolina

marilyn hunter
Florida

april jarocki
Tennessee

Leroy johnson
Mississippi

rose johnson
Georgia

kattie vinson-kendrick
Georgia

John Littles
Georgia

Erin dale mcclellan
North Carolina

Tirso moreno
Florida

Bryan Perlmutter
North Carolina

Marshall pierite
Louisiana

laverne robinson
Georgia

margarita romo
Florida

darla saunders
Florida

kameisha Smith
Mississippi

Corry stevenson
South Carolina

erendira vasquez
Arkansas

Karen watson
Georgia

Gardenia White
South Carolina

LA'MESHIA "L.A." WHITTINGTON-KAMINSKI
North Carolina

Karen woodall
Florida

john zippert
Alabama