Stefani Murray, Executive Director, holds an associate degree in business technology and a Regents Bachelor of Arts from West Virginia University – Parkersburg. She stepped into the Executive Director position in August of 2020. Along with her duties as Executive Director, she assists with the development and facilitation of the foundation’s programming events. Through her work with The iBELIEVE Foundation, Stefani has found a passion in providing the young people from Appalachia with a platform to grow as leaders, find their voice, recognize their potential, and obtain their goals. Stefani has spent the majority of her life living in Jackson County, West Virginia, where she graduated from Ravenswood High School. She currently resides in Ravenswood, WV with her husband and two children.

Connie grew up in the Dayton, Ohio area with her two siblings and multiple family pets. A 1981 graduate of Northmont High School in Clayton, she credits her involvement in choir and show choir for providing her fondest memories from those years. Her love of music led her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education from Campbellsville College in Campbellsville, Kentucky.

Returning to her home state, Connie accepted a teaching position in northeast Ohio, where she enjoyed 20 years as a vocal/general music teacher for Black River Local Schools. While serving as Student Council Advisor at the middle school, she discovered the Ohio Association of Student Councils, and her passion for student leadership development was born. She served as OASC’s Middle Level Coordinator from 1992-2017, and continues as the organization’s Executive Director.

Connie returned to the Dayton area in 2009 to attend the University of Dayton in pursuit of a masters degree in college student personnel. She joined the iBELIEVE Foundation on May 1, 2013 as its first full-time employee.

Originally from Florida, Max attended The Ohio State University after high school. There he found a passion for photography and videography while pursuing a degree in Communications Analysis & Practice. During his time at Ohio State, he began volunteering with iBELIEVE by taking photos at both Summer Workshops and events during the school year. After graduating from Ohio State (B.A. ‘18), Max began working full-time for iBELIEVE in January 2019. 

DaVonti’ Haynes, our Special Initiatives Coordinator, holds a bachelor’s degree in public affairs with a specialization in education policy, a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a specialization in children and youth services, a master of science and Ph.D. in agricultural communication, education, and leadership, all from The Ohio State University. DaVonti’s research interests include collegiate access for urban and Appalachian populations, successful transition mechanisms, retention, and programming for students from high school to college. DaVonti' is committed to the success of students from urban and Appalachian communities and has dedicated his time to enhancing the student experience. In addition to working with iBELIEVE, DaVonti’ also serves as an Assistant Professor at Temple University.

Amista Lipot - The Voinovich School, Ohio University

Board Chair

Cameron Little - Talisman Capital Partners

Board Vice Chair

Beau Euton - First Harvest Consulting

Board Member

Jason Wan - Cardinal Health

Board Member

Amanda Kubinsky - Bob Evans Farms

Board Member