07/08/2026
Here is an update from Kristy! While this is bittersweet, we are excited for Kristy’s new opportunity.
🏔️ Welcome to the Team, Dr. Kristy Bay! 🏔️
We're thrilled to announce that Rev. Dr. Kristy Bay is joining Together for Hope as our new Director of Programs and Partnerships for Appalachia, starting July 1, 2026!
Dr. Bay brings deep roots in the Appalachian region and extensive experience in higher education, nonprofit work, and community development. A former TFH Appalachia coalition member herself, she's passionate about asset-based community development and has co-directed an Appalachian Immersion Program designed to dismantle stereotypes about the region.
"The mountains are in my blood!" says Dr. Bay. "I'm thrilled to walk alongside the fabulous folks doing the hard work of combating poverty, breaking cycles and stigmas, and transforming communities."
Rev. Dr. Jason Coker adds: "Kristy's rootedness in the area perfectly accompanies her extensive education in a way that will exponentially strengthen TFH's transformative impact in Appalachia. She's ready to go on day one!"
You can read the full announcement here: https://conta.cc/4azNm53.
Welcome home, Dr. Bay! We can't wait to see what we'll accomplish together in Appalachia. 💙