Staff
Jason Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer
Passionate world traveler, committed partner, a proud papa, loves equality, freedom and inclusion, doesn’t love being still for too long, seeks good food, fine wine and cold beer, always believes in underdogs, IS an underdog, bilingual nurse turned executive number cruncher, lives life BIG and in ALL CAPS.
Becca Armstrong, Executive Director
Longtime non-profit administrator, mom to many and believes we are better together. Passionate about people, loves cake and coffee for breakfast, running and yoga enthusiast. Loves the big city but loves being sent to all kinds of places to serve all kinds of people more.
Robert Botello, Nuevo Camino Program Director
Father of three spunky girls. Incredible chef. Inspired by people who work to see the world get better. Works for it as well. Has a weakness for Oreos and milk. Loves friendship and community. Hates Tupperware without lids. And injustice and the poor treatment of people considered “less”.
Carlos Tejada Presa, Field Coordinator, Peru
Cusco native with a passion for fútbol, ceviche and justice. Family man. A friend to everyone he meets. Found his purpose in helping others discover peace. Amateur chef and salsa dancer. Believes every child deserves a chance to succeed. Dedicates his life to making that happen.
Alison Sheldon, Service Learning Co-Director
Hard worker who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Arabic and Spanish speaker. Believes everyone can make a difference. Has committed her life to it. Courageous. Is happiest when she sees others, especially small people, HAPPY. Explorer at heart. Lover of all things international.
Emily Mumford, Service Learning Co-Director
Young professional working on a college campus and discovering more of what inspires her all the time. Heart to be with people in their hard times. Embraces awkwardness in herself and others, loves community and family, believes good things are ahead.
Sam Lee, Communications Director
Organizer extraordinaire. The gal everyone wants on their team (We got her!). A kind-hearted, positive attitude even though life hasn’t always been kind to her. An old soul. Energetic. Passionate about seeing Something New provide community to others as it did for her.
Gwen Brown, Community Relations Director
Retired linebacker and sports announcer, motivational speaker, youth mentor, advocates for love and acceptance with her life, mother of one very bouncy baby boy, believes anything is possible, lives simply so others can simply live, inspired by Ghandi, sees potential in every person.
Ronald Smith, Training Coordinator
Professional basketball player, fell on hard times, got back up, loves to see others succeed, pastor, preacher, Selma, AL native, friend, dynamic public speaker, loves equality and will fight for it, incredible dance moves.
Board
Dan Vaughn
Managing Partner, Innovative People Solutions
“I started volunteering with Something New several years ago because I loved the work they were doing – with kids, students, families and those who just needed a fresh start. I have stayed involved as a volunteer, and now as a board member, because of the impact they make. It’s rare to see an organization that brings about real, needed, powerful change.”
Barak Gibson
Owner, Hammertime Home Services
“Love has a way of challenging you and ultimately pushing you to be all you were created to be. Something New’s approach to building community is simple: love overcomes fear. It is amazing to see someone grab on to one small principle that can change their life forever. This is truly building community. It is much bigger than ourselves.”
Jill Johnson
Vice President, The Corundum Group
“Something New is a family for me – a big one! I love working with and supporting energetic people who desire to make other people’s lives better. That sounds idealistic and it is! But I KNOW it’s possible because being part of this non-profit family has made MY life better!”
Fontella Pappas
Principal Broker, Pinewood Realty Group
“I love Something New. There’s an expression I heard years ago that really resonates with me: “Hurt people, hurt people.” I was a hurt person, but I’m not anymore. Volunteers of this organization showed me genuine love and now I’m the one giving huge bear hugs. This organization has been a fueling station for me to receive so I can give.”
Scott Hadwiger
Vice President, NoaBrands
“Something New helps change your perspective, shows you the truth about you and gives you a vision for something better. My wife and I and our children, ages 10 and 15 all volunteer with Something New. It is a family commitment.”
Mark Isherwood
Business Owner
“Something New is a great organization that helps a lot of people. It has taken me places and introduced me to people I never in a million years would have seen or met otherwise. And when you see a kid smile who really has no reason to smile because he has school supplies or you see a volunteer smile because they start to find their purpose, well, that’s cool and I like being around that.”
Laura Makaroff
Family physician and interim Senior Vice President, Prevention and Early Detection, American Cancer Society
“I have always wanted to help people and that’s what we do at Something New – meet people where they are and offer a helping hand. I love being able to lead medical teams to Peru to support the people they are working with there and their local work gives my children a place to give back too.”
John Gainey
Staff Attorney, Atlanta Legal Aid
“For as long as I’ve worked with Something New, I’ve seen the organization find creative and inspired ways to help people be the best versions of themselves. They’re unafraid and unlimited in their search for ways to bring the best out of people and their communities. Their voice of service and unity is one that has encouraged me personally, and it’s a voice that our country and world community desperately need to hear. “
