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About Us

Investing  in  Community

Core Values

The Amarillo Area Foundation is the only nonprofit community foundation serving the more than 400,000 people in the Texas Panhandle. As a leader in philanthropic, nonprofit, and community issues, the Foundation is a catalyzing force that addresses the community’s most critical challenges by providing significant, shared and lasting results.

Integrity

We work to provide efficient service in an honest, accountable and transparent manner.

Respect

We strive for equity, inclusiveness and opportunity in all we do, and we work to be responsive and compassionate.

Collaboration

We believe in teamwork and open communication.

Innovation

We look for creative ways to meet community needs, and we do so with urgency and a spirit of entrepreneurship.

Our  Mission

To improve quality of life for Texas Panhandle residents.

FROM THE CEO

As we work to emerge from the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear the effects of this crisis are not just a memory. In 2021, we made great strides in working to transition from crisis management to addressing the specific needs of our community moving forward.

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NATIONAL STANDARDS SEAL

The Foundation has met the most rigorous national standards in philanthropy for operational quality, donor service and accountability in the community foundation sector.

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HISTORY

The Foundation’s history began in 1957 with a dream to address the healthcare needs facing the Texas Panhandle. As a result, the Amarillo medical center was established.

Our History

Our History

The Amarillo Area Foundation’s history began in 1957 with a dream and a challenge to address the healthcare needs facing the Texas Panhandle.
Timeline

Staff Members

Clay Stribling

Clay Stribling joined the Amarillo Area Foundation as President & CEO in May 2011. Prior to joining the Foundation, he had a successful career as a health care attorney. First with Jenkens & Gilchrist of Dallas and then with Brown & Fortunato of Amarillo, Clay provided health care regulatory counsel to hospitals, pharmacies, and durable medical equipment providers and was a nationally recognized speaker and author on Medicare billing and compliance matters. He is a 1988 graduate of West Texas State University and graduated with honors from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University in 1999.
As President & CEO of the Amarillo Area Foundation, Clay directs the organization in fulfilling the Foundation’s mission to improve quality of life for Texas Panhandle residents. Clay is originally from the Texas Panhandle and after just short of a decade in Dallas, found himself called to return. He moved back to the area in 2002 with his son, Spencer.

CLAY STRIBLING

President & CEO
CONTACT

Keralee Clay

Keralee grew up in Amarillo and is a proud Amarillo High Sandie. She received a BA in Vocal Performance from Arizona State University and lived in NYC for 10 years where she pursued a performing career. During this time, she also maintained a “day job” with her consulting company, Red Clay Consulting, assisting small firms with HR, training, and IT. After the birth of her son, she and her family returned home to Amarillo and she worked as the Director of Ticketing for the Civic Center/Globe-News Center. She joined the Foundation in 2016 as the Director of Operations, became the VP of Operations in 2019, and Senior Vice President in 2021. She oversees HR, IT, Operations, Communications, Marketing, and Strategic Initiatives. In addition, she has an enhanced role supporting promotion of the foundation's mission through community outreach. She and her husband have two amazing kids and she can occasionally be seen on stage with her cabaret act. Keralee goes to work every day excited to collaborate with the dedicated and creative AAF staff, working to improve quality of life for her Texas Panhandle neighbors.

KERALEE CLAY

Senior Vice President
CONTACT

Lara Escobar

LARA ESCOBAR

Vice President of Community Investment
CONTACT

David Hurtt

David Hurtt joined the Foundation as the Director of Accounting in 2015. He was promoted to Vice President of Finance in 2019. He has lived in the Panhandle since 1998 and calls Amarillo home. David has over twenty-five years of experience in accounting, internal auditing, and operations management. Prior to joining the Foundation, he held positions as a Controller, Director of Internal Audits, and Director of Administration. David graduated magna cum laude from Texas Tech University and holds a degree in Accounting. He is a Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Fraud Examiner.

DAVID HURTT

Vice President of Finance
CONTACT

Melanie Smoot

Melanie began her career in non-profit fundraising and development 20 years ago in Amarillo and continued her career raising funds for various non-profit organizations in Houston and Frisco, Texas. She is a CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive). She grew up in the Texas Panhandle and graduated from West Texas A&M University with Bachelor of Music and Master of Business Administration degrees. It was a joy for her to return to her roots in 2021 to serve the people of the Texas Panhandle.
Melanie grew up in the Texas Panhandle and graduated from West Texas A&M University with her Bachelor of Music and Master of Business Administration degrees. It's been a joy for her to return to her roots and serve the people of the Texas Panhandle.

MELANIE SMOOT, CFRE

Vice President of Development
CONTACT

Kimberly Anderson

Kimberly joined the Foundation in 2020 as the No Limits No Excuses Program Assistant and became the Panhandle Community Partnership Officer in 2021, overseeing NLNE programs and facilitating collaborative relationships between its partners. Kimberly is a lifelong Amarillo resident with a passion for the power of education, constantly seeking to use her time and talents to advance equitable education practices and increase equitable access to quality education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from West Texas A&M University.

KIMBERLY ANDERSON

Panhandle Community Partnership Officer &
Strategic Initiatives Assistant

CONTACT

Michelle Armbruster

Prior to joining the AAF, she was the Program Manager of a colorectal cancer education and screening program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Amarillo. She has served on the advisory board for the American Cancer Society, is a board member for Texas Panhandle Charities, and has worked with healthcare policy change groups at state and national levels.

Michelle grew up in Boise Idaho, but has called Amarillo and the Panhandle home since she was 11. She is currently attending Western Governors University seeking a BA in Business Administration Management. She and her husband have three amazing sons and are avid scuba divers. During her free time, she enjoys being in nature, whether in the mountains camping and fishing, or on a beach and under the ocean. She has a passion for community improvement and engagement through educational opportunities and strongly believes in equality and reducing barriers faced by those seeking access to resources.

MICHELLE ARMBRUSTER

Grants Administrator
CONTACT

roxann new

Roxann Ball

Roxann Ball has over 20 years of nonprofit management, accounting, and fundraising experience and has been a resident of Amarillo for the last 14 years. Roxann served as Business Manager at Marian High School, a nonprofit girl’s academy in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and in the accounting department of Upper Hudson Primary Care Consortium, providing data for the organization’s grant writer. She joined the Amarillo Area Foundation in 2007 and currently serves as Program Officer for the Nonprofit Service Center where she directs the Center’s consulting, education, and peer group activities. Roxann is committed to using her skills and the resources of the Amarillo Area Foundation in exceptional service to the nonprofit community of the Texas Panhandle. Roxann is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree.

ROXANN BALL

NSC Program Officer
CONTACT

Jada Carr

Jada started working for Amarillo Area Foundation in 2021 as the Scholarship Program Assistant, working closely with the Scholarship Program Officer to help give students an opportunity to gain an education without financial barriers. She wants to be able to make a difference in children’s lives through her work. She received her Associates Degree in Criminal Justice at Amarillo College and is currently a student at West Texas A&M University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration.

She grew up in Clinton, Oklahoma, moving to Amarillo in the 6th grade. She attended Palo Duro High School but eventually moved and graduated in Oklahoma from Clinton High School. She moved back to Amarillo and married her high school sweetheart, and they have one son. While working on her associates degree, she had the opportunity to work for Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch in the Donor Services Department where she was able to gain experience with children and how organizations regulate. She is proud to be a part of Amarillo Area Foundation’s mission and success in the community and looks forward to helping students prosper.

JADA CARR SIMS

Scholarship Program Officer
CONTACT

Broc Carter

Broc started working at the Foundation in July of 2015 as the No Limits No Excuses Program Officer. He was promoted to Director of Marketing in July of 2018 and added Director of The Panhandle Gives Campaign in 2021. He oversees the blog, podcast, and marketing for AAF. His goal is to tell the incredible story of the Amarillo Area Foundation.

Broc grew up in Canyon and has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from West Texas A&M University. Prior to joining the staff at AAF, Broc was the Director of Marketing, Communications, and Advocacy at the High Plains Food Bank and United Way of Amarillo and Canyon. Broc believes that a community cannot thrive until all parts of the community have the access and ability to thrive! He has two amazing daughters that keep him on his toes!

BROC CARTER

Director of Marketing &
The Panhandle Gives Campaign
CONTACT

Angela Foster

Angela is a native of New Jersey moving to Amarillo 19 years ago after residing in several locations including Japan for over six years. Angela has four adult children of which she considers them her greatest gift. Angela is known for her laughter and smile and has a unique ability to genuinely connect with others.

Angela’s strong faith in God has helped her navigate through many rough waters, keeping her grounded and determined to demonstrate the love of God to others.

She brings experience from several executive and corporate backgrounds which allows her to lead and serve simultaneously. Her training spans from medical, administrative and her most recent endeavor as a family life coach. All of which she considers satisfying her “people person” strength.

As the Donor Services Administrator she will put into practice her passion of connecting and building relationship with the community by operating in the core values of the Foundation, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Innovation. Angela states “The core values of the Foundation resonate with me deeply. And I believe in my role as the Donor Services Administrator I will be able to help fulfill the mission of the Foundation, while bringing new insight and direction to my role in the community”.

ANGELA FOSTER

Donor Services Administrator
CONTACT

Kevin Friemel

Kevin joined the Foundation in November of 2023 as a Development Officer and will focus on fostering new and existing donor relationships for the Foundation. Kevin joined the non-profit sector in 2020 as a Major Gift Officer for the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, where his work supported access to health care and health care education for the Texas Panhandle.

Kevin is excited to be a part of the Foundation’s efforts to improve the lives of Texas Panhandle residents. His personal vision is to foster innovation by connecting resource holders with the hard-working organizations across the Texas Panhandle region.

A native of Umbarger, TX, Kevin attended West Texas A&M University where he earned a degree in Theatre Performance. After college, Kevin spent 5 years in the DFW area before returning to the Texas Panhandle in 2013. He and his wife, Heather, live in Canyon, TX with their two sons, Carson and Finn.

KEVIN FRIEMEL

Development Officer
CONTACT

Stephanie Goins

Stephanie Goins began her journey with the nonprofit sector in 2009 when she joined the United Way of Amarillo & Canyon as the Campaign Coordinator. In 2014, she became the Director of Development for the Downtown Women’s Center where she was responsible for overseeing team associates responsible for the pick-up and delivery of donated items, supervised fundraising staff, trained over 100 volunteers, assisted with the board development, marketing, and was the lead staff for the annual fundraising campaign – The DWC Spring Luncheon; which is paramount for the sustainability of the organization’s ability to meet its financial funding requirements. Stephanie is often recognized for her outstanding abilities to build solid donor relationships and she appreciates the giving spirit of the Texas Panhandle communities. She also prides herself in knowing through helping others, “it is the price she pays for the space she occupies in the community.” Stephanie and her husband, William, raised their three children in Amarillo and have resided in the community for over 28 years.

STEPHANIE GOINS

Annual Giving Officer
CONTACT

Sarah Griffin

Sarah is a Grants Program Officer overseeing the external grant programs administered through Amarillo Area Foundation (AAF) including grants from the CNS Pantex Community Investment Fund, Pattern Panhandle Wind Civic and Education Funds, Women’s Philanthropy Fund, and the Louise Bowers Slentz Foundation Fund. Prior to this role, Sarah assisted with the AAF grants program as an Administrative Assistant for both the internal and external grant programs.

Sarah joined the Amarillo Area Foundation in September 2016. Prior to joining AAF, Sarah was busy full-time raising three wonderful children, serving within her church, the Junior League of Amarillo (JLA), and within various other civic and educational volunteer roles. Sarah has worked as a Communications Coordinator at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas, as an accounting assistant for grants in the Controller’s Office at Rice University and assisted seven Computer Engineering Professors with grant submissions in the Electrical Engineering Department of Princeton University. Sarah also has grant writing experience through her JLA placement.

Sarah was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and attended the University of Texas at Austin where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Learning and Development for Elementary and Special Education. Sarah and her family moved to Amarillo in 2010 and has thoroughly enjoyed living and serving in the Texas Panhandle.

SARAH GRIFFIN

Director of Grants & Community Investment
CONTACT

Beth Gunn

Beth originally joined the Amarillo Area Foundation in 2008, working with the Community Youth Development program in the “79107” Program, first as a Youth Coordinator at Palo Duro High School and then as the CYD Program Assistant. This grant was focused on providing prevention and early intervention services to at-risk youth in the 79107 zip code, where Beth grew up. While at Palo Duro High School, she worked closely with the Foundation and Amarillo ISD staff members in the ACE office. It was during this time that Beth developed a passion for education as a means to improve quality of life.
Beth rejoined the Foundation in January of 2018 as the Scholarship Program Assistant and became the Scholarship Program Officer in 2020. She enjoys being a small part of removing financial barriers which could hinder deserving students from pursuing higher education. Beth has lived in Amarillo her entire life and comes to work every day excited to be part of the mission of the Amarillo Area Foundation. In addition to her work at the Foundation, Beth is pursuing a degree in Education from West Texas A&M University.

BETH GUNN

Grants Program Officer
CONTACT

Aysha Harris

Aysha joined the Foundation in 2023 as the Scholarship Program Assistant. Aysha is an Amarillo native and has developed a passion for education through her own experiences as a first-generation college student, and as a former paraprofessional in the College & Career Department for Amarillo ISD.

Aysha graduated from West TX A&M University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science and has since completed a Masters program through Walden University as of 2019. She is excited to be a member of the AAF team, and is proud to be a part of an organization that strives to give students an opportunity to go to college despite financial challenges.

AYSHA HARRIS

Scholarships Program Assistant
CONTACT

Aubry Johnson

Aubry Johnson started out as a Marketing Intern for the Amarillo Area Foundation in June of 2023 and became the Facilities Manager in January of 2024, where she will ensure smooth operations and safety of the office and conference center facilities as well as a blend of her marketing experience. Aubry is a proud Amarillo native and an active student at West Texas A&M University, currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in marketing.

She is a proud alumnus of Tascosa High School, where she not only excelled academically but also played basketball her entire high school years, earning a basketball scholarship to Frank Phillips College. There, she obtained her associate degree in Business. Aubry loves to make others happy, smile and laugh. Also, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, working out and traveling around the world. She is more than grateful and honored to be apart of the Amarillo Area Foundation team and is devoted to building new relationships with amazing individuals as well as doing everything she can to help improve the quality of life for Texas Panhandle residents.

AUBRY JOHNSON

Facilities Manager
CONTACT

Angie Knight

In addition to performing the duties of Executive Assistant to the Foundation’s President and CEO, Angie also acts as liaison to the 37 members of the Foundation’s three Boards of Directors and their sub-committees.

Prior to joining the Foundation in 2016, Angie was the Executive Assistant to the CFO of Hastings Entertainment, Inc. until its untimely closure that same year. Angie also previously held positions in the Mortgage and Home Equity Lending Departments of Amarillo National Bank prior to becoming the assistant to the Executive Vice President of Operations at AIG Annuity.

After growing up on the East Coast, Angie moved to the Texas Panhandle in the late 1980s. She completed her secondary education at Tascosa High School prior to attending Amarillo College.

ANGIE KNIGHT

Executive Services Manager
CONTACT

Evans Langat

Evans Joined Amarillo Area Foundation in 2021, after working as an intern, for a CPA Firm in Amarillo. As a Staff Accountant, Evans oversee the foundation’s payables, depreciation, account reconciliations, and various fund accounting tasks.

Evans graduated from West Texas A&M University in 2017 with a Bachelors in Finance & Accounting, and a Masters in Professional Accounting in 2020.

Evans lived in Amarillo for four year, and one year in Dallas before returning to Amarillo in 2018. He and his wife have been blessed with one son.

EVANS LANGAT

Senior Accountant
CONTACT

Janet Luman

Janet joined the Amarillo Area Foundation in 2006 as the Office Coordinator. Her responsibilities include greeting guests, fielding calls, filing, keeping track of room schedules, and working directly with the Vice President of Operations in coordinating office tasks and staff needs.
Janet has lived in the Texas Panhandle all her life. Amarillo is her home town although she has deep family roots in Armstrong County where her family has farmed for 4 generations.
Janet graduated from Amarillo High School and received an associate degree from Amarillo College. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for 25 years.

JANET LUMAN

Office Coordinator
CONTACT

Jodi Moore

Jodi graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Mass Communications and has over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector. She left the Texas Hill Country to move with her family to the Canyon area in July 2022 and has been overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of the local residents. “The people here have blessed my family tremendously, and I am excited to have the opportunity to help implement AAF programs and initiatives which effect positive change in the lives of the people of the Texas Panhandle.”

JODI MOORE

Accounting Clerk
CONTACT

Suzy Murray

Suzy joined the Amarillo Area Foundation in 2015 as Staff Accountant. As Staff Accountant, Suzy handles the Foundation's payables, receipts, depreciation, accruals, reconciliations and various fund accounting tasks.
Suzy is native to the Texas Panhandle, being reared in Dalhart. She attended Texas Christian University and Texas Tech University, graduating cum laude from Texas Tech in 1982. She taught accounting for several years at Dalhart High School, and after moving to west Texas, she found her niche in tax preparation and fund accounting. Suzy and her husband returned to the Panhandle in 2013 and have made Amarillo their permanent home.

SUZY MURRAY

Director of Accounting
CONTACT

Board  of  Directors

The Amarillo Area Foundation is the only community foundation serving Texas’ northernmost 26 counties.  Since its inception in 1957 and into the future, the Foundation provides grants and services to strengthen nonprofit organizations and the services they deliver. The Foundation is enriching the Panhandle communities we call home as a result of partnerships between area philanthropists and social entrepreneurs. The Foundation is governed by a Board of private citizens dedicated to their leadership role on philanthropic, nonprofit, and community issues.

AAf Board of Directors

Amarillo Area Foundation Board of Directors

  • Clay Stribling  |  President and CEO
  • David Hurtt  |  Assistant Secretary
  • David Prescott  |  Chair
  • Sharon White  |  Vice Chair
  • Mike Hughes  | Treasurer
  • Kristen Moudy  |  Secretary
  • Lewis Britt  |  Member at Large
  • Trent Sisemore  |  Member at Large
  • Trevor Caviness |  Member at Large
  • Michael Cruz  |  Member at Large
  • Pedro Limas  |  Immediate Past Chair

Board Directory

Lewis Britt | Amarillo
Helen Burton | Amarillo
Trevor Caviness | Amarillo
Sonja Clark | Amarillo
Nicki Crump | Amarillo
Michael Cruz | Amarillo
Lee Davila | Friona
Mary Emeny | Amarillo
Margaret Frederick | Amarillo
Cheri De Jong | Hartley
Andrew Hall | Amarillo
Mike Hughes | Amarillo

Jackie Kingston | Amarillo
Grace Kuo | Amarillo
Bowden Jones | Amarillo
Mark Keys | Childress
Pedro Limas | Amarillo
Charles Mestas | Amarillo
Kristen Moudy | Wheeler
David Prescott | Amarillo
David Salas | Amarillo
Trent Sisemore | Amarillo
William Ware | Amarillo
Sharon White | Amarillo
Cassi Warren | Canadian

Harrington Foundation Board of directors

The Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation Board of Directors

  • Clay Stribling  |  President and CEO
  • Vanessa Buzzard | Chair
  • David Prescott | Vice Chair
  • Cheri De Jong |  Secretary/Treasurer
  • Lori Henke
  • Mark Bivins
  • Dyke Rogers
  • Richard Ware II

HRMC Board of directors

The Harrington Regional Medical Campus Board of Directors

  • Clay Stribling  |  President and CEO
  • Dr. Steve Urban |  Chair
  • Julie Mitchell |  Secretary/Treasurer
  • Mary Bearden
  • Judy Day
  • Marvin Franz
  • Bill Harris
  • Lori Henke
  • Rod Schroder
  • Carolyn Witherspoon