Our Team
The people behind the mission
From leadership to Navigators, every person on our team is committed to walking alongside families toward independence.
Empower Upper Cumberland is a program of the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA), the regional human services organization serving all 14 counties since 1973. Funded through a 4-year, $25 million Tennessee TANF Opportunity Act grant administered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services, our collaborative includes UCHRA, the Upper Cumberland Development District, Tennessee Tech University, and four additional regional partners.
Megan Spurgeon
Director, Empower Upper Cumberland
Megan Spurgeon leads Empower Upper Cumberland, overseeing the development of a comprehensive poverty alleviation system across 14 rural Tennessee counties. Under her leadership, the initiative manages a 4-year, $25 million state grant through Tennessee's TANF Opportunity Act.
Before taking on this role, Megan served as Assistant Director for Community Services at UCHRA, where she managed four key programs across the region. Her career in workforce development began at Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency, progressing through roles as Youth Career Specialist, Regional Manager, and Programs Administrator.
Megan holds a Master of Professional Studies and Bachelor of Science from Tennessee Technological University. She is a Nationally Certified ROMA (Results-Oriented Management and Accountability) Trainer, demonstrating her commitment to measurable outcomes in poverty alleviation work.
Our Team
The people behind the work
Vicki Smith
Assistant Director
Tephany Randolph
Navigator Manager
Casey Eschette
Navigator Manager
Macey Korth
Marketing & Outreach Coordinator
Jeff Dyer
Operations Development Manager
Paige Harris
Collaboration Specialist
Andrew Al-Halawani
Data Specialist
Evan Smith
Data Specialist
Community Engagement
Shaquawana Wester
Community Engagement Coordinator
Balinda Westmoreland
Community Engagement Coordinator
Lehra Trobaugh
Community Engagement Coordinator
Our Navigators
Your Navigator is your partner
Navigators are the heart of our model. They're not case managers checking boxes—they're trusted partners who walk alongside families for as long as it takes.
Build Trust Over Time
Navigators stay with families throughout their journey—18 months or longer. Real relationships, not rotating caseloads.
Navigate the Cliff
Expert help timing career moves, benefits transitions, and resource access so progress doesn't derail.
Know Your Community
Most Navigators grew up here. They know the back roads, the local employers, and what it takes to make it in rural Tennessee.
Meet our Navigators
Audri Bowman
Jodi Evans
Caitlyn Like
Debbie Mayberry
Cortlind McCutcheon
Kylie Medley
Kelli Norris
Shelia Parris
Regina Stowers
Jeannie Tinnon
Cammie West
Slaton Wheeler
Amy Wright
Joshua Yoder
Our Partners
We don't do this alone
Our work is possible because of deep partnerships with organizations who share our commitment to evidence-based change.
UCHRA
Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency
Our backbone organization, providing direct services across all 14 counties since 1974.
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Tennessee DHS
Tennessee Department of Human Services
Funds our TANF 2Gen model and partners on policy innovation for rural families.
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Tennessee Tech
Tennessee Technological University
Higher education partner supporting research, workforce development, and community engagement.
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Highlands Training Center
Highlands Training Center
Vocational training partner offering skills development in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades.
Workforce Connections
Workforce Connections
Regional workforce development board administering our Certified Employer program.
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The Poverty Solution
The Poverty Solution
National partner advancing evidence-based approaches to ending poverty through community-level action.
VisitJoin our team
We're always looking for dedicated people who want to make a real difference in rural Tennessee.
Get InvolvedPartner with us
Whether you're a funder, employer, or community organization—we'd love to explore how we can work together.
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