Katie Goforth, Director of Community Development, Retires

Katie worked for almost three years helping VISTA volunteers build capacity with local partners, and she was instrumental in the continued success of that program. Although VISTA phased out in November 2023, its legacy continues with the South Cumberland Plateau AmeriCorps program. In making this programmatic transition, Katie recognized that local partners needed more help with direct service and that AmeriCorps was a way to meet that need. This responsiveness is indicative of Katie’s collaborative spirit and her close working relationships with community partners. She said of her work in the community: “It was a joy to participate with everyone who works so hard for the shared goal of improving life for all on the Plateau.” She is pleased with SCP AmeriCorps and its future trajectory under the leadership of Ashley Cheaves. 

In August 2021, Katie became the Community Development Director, a position shared between the OCE and the South Cumberland Community Fund (SCCF). In this role, she oversaw three separate rounds of SCCF grants to Plateau organizations each year. She worked closely with SCCF grants committee members to emphasize an asset-based approach to development and innovative grant programs. Katie also oversaw the Philanthropy Internship Program, a year-long course that taught students about philanthropy and then enabled them to give away a total of $30,000 to local organizations. Katie said she loved working with the students who were passionate and serious and who provided creative suggestions to SCCF to make grants more impactful. Katie also launched a “Communities of Practice” program with some community partners to provide them with mutual support and ideas for organizational processes. 

Katie may be best known for the many hours she spent overseeing the South Cumberland Community Meal program, which distributes summer meals to school-age children on the Plateau at community partner host sites. In 2024, the program provided over 71,000 meals during June and July. Planning for the program starts in January and involves writing and overseeing grants from USDA and No-Kid Hungry, recruiting distribution sites, collaborating with McClurg Dining Hall about meal packaging and storage, and publicizing the program. Katie worked closely with the AmeriCorps program, whose service members distribute the meals throughout the Plateau. When discussing the program, Katie was quick to say that “it was not a one-person show, but a team effort.” The program has been crucial for building relationships between the University and the community. 

The OCE and more broadly, the University of the South, is grateful for Katie’s tireless energy, her optimism, and her can-do attitude.She’s brought crucial and unique insights on how to engage community partners on a variety of issues, from teaching and research to service and grant-giving. OCE director Amy Patterson said, “Katie has contributed immensely to the OCE for the last six years.It’s hard to imagine the Office without her. She urges us to always put relationships with the community first as we develop and implement programming. I have learned so much from her.” 

Thank you, Katie, for all you have done for OCE and the South Cumberland Plateau community! We will miss you!