Christian Appalachian Project board members have roots in Pikeville

Submitted by ckdcaudill on Thu, 09/15/2016

NEWS RELEASE - September 16, 2016 

PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Christian Appalachian Project announced that Katheryn “Kaye” Baird and Shanna Huff Elliott will fulfill another one-year commitment on CAP’s Board of Directors. Elliott will continue to serve as vice-chair of the board.

Baird, who grew up in Prestonsburg, came to Pikeville after earning an English degree from Union College. She earned a degree in early childhood education from Pikeville College.

"CAP’s Board is filled with servant-leaders, each of whom have a heart for people in need in Appalachia,” said Guy Adams, president/CEO of CAP. “Kaye is very committed to our mission and we are privileged to have her experience as we continue the work of sharing Christ’s love through service in Appalachia.”

Her involvement in the community includes serving on the local school board, chairing the Education Committee for the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and volunteering with the Girl Scouts for over 50 years. Baird and her husband, Bill Baird III, have three children and nine grandchildren.

“The vision for CAP has been around for a long time,” Baird said. “I am honored to be able to serve on the board because CAP takes care of the things that need to be done like caring for widows and orphans. With so many people out of work in Eastern Kentucky, CAP is able to help so many with food and housing. It gives everyone a special feeling to be able to build hope and transform lives in the Appalachian region.”

CAP has worked to serve the communities in Eastern Kentucky for more than 50 years with a variety of programs such as early childhood development centers and counseling services. Each member of CAP’s board brings a commitment to see CAP transform even more lives.

 “Shanna brings to our board leadership values that are grounded by compassion,” Adams added. “As vice-chair, she will continue to help shape our future as CAP continues to impact the people in need in Appalachia. It is a privilege to have her on the board.”

Elliott, who raised her family in Pikeville, has seen first-hand the challenges of life in Appalachia. Therefore, she commits her time and resources to impacting the lives of families in Eastern Kentucky. 

“I really have a heart for people in Appalachia because I’ve grown up there and seen the level of poverty,” said Elliott, who was born and raised in Corbin, but moved to Pikeville after graduating from college. “CAP has really earned the trust of the people and that says a lot about the long-term commitment to make a difference in the region.”

Elliott received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown College. She and her husband, John “Duvy” Elliott, raised their two children in Pikeville, where she served on the Pikeville Concert Association and the Jenny Wiley Theater Board of Directors. She and her husband are in the process of transitioning to Lexington to be near their two children and grandchildren.

“I remember where I came from and where my family roots are,” Elliott added. “My parents raised us to be aware of the needs of others. CAP reminds me of Maya Angelou’s quote to ‘Be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud.’ I’m honored to serve.” 

During the 2016-2017 term on CAP’s board, Elliott will also chair the Program Committee, which is responsible for oversight of CAP’s human services programs. Baird also serves on the Program Committee.

For more information on Christian Appalachian Project and their mission to help people in need in Appalachia, visit www.christianapp.org.

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