Meet the Team...

---

Dena Cushman 
Executive Director 

Dena studied Business Administration and Economics at the University of Wisconsin and received her B.S. degree from Concord University. Prior to joining Beckley Area Foundation she was employed at the YMCA of Southern West Virginia for 10 years. During her tenure there she served as Business Service Director and Financial Officer before becoming the Associate Executive Director. Dena currently serves on the board of  Philanthropy WV and the University of Charleston ADN Advisory Committee. She is an active member of Quota Club of Beckley. She is a member of United Methodist Temple where she has served on a numerous committees.

---

Rebecca Williams, CPA
​Chief Financial Officer

​Rebecca graduated magna cum laude from Marshall University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting. She then went on to obtain her M.S. in accounting as a graduate with distinction from Liberty University in 2011. Rebecca became a Certified Public Accountant in 2016 and is a member of AICPA and WV Society of CPAs. Prior to joining Beckley Area Foundation, she worked in public accounting for six years.  Rebecca is a  lifelong WV resident, her hometown is Danese, WV and now resides in Daniels, WV with her husband and two children. Her free time is devoted to spending quality time with her family, being involved at church and reading a good book!

---

Sam Babcock
Communications  &  Grant Program Coordinator

Sam graduated from Marshall University in 2015 with a B.S. in Advertising and is certified in numerous analytics/advertising programs. Sam joined Beckley Area Foundation in January 2020. Prior to joining BAF, he managed analytics, digital advertising campaigns, email/social channels and reporting at Digital Relativity for 4 years. He currently lives in Fayetteville, WV with his wife Savanna and their dog Zero. You can find Sam outside at a local park,  disc golfing, playing soccer or mountain biking.

---

Melanie Stewart
Scholarship Coordinator

Melanie is a 1997 graduate of The College of West Virginia with a B.S.  in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.  She then graduated in 2008 with a M.S. in Strategic Leadership from Mountain State University. Melanie has spent most of her professional career teaching in Higher Education at The College of West Virginia, Mountain State University, University of Charleston, and Bluefield State College.  As an Assistant Professor she has taught numerous students in the medical field of Sonography. Her passion is for students to succeed in their educational endeavors.   Melanie is a member at Faith Community Church  and serves on several ministries within the church.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, and getting a good run in when possible. 

---

Brandon Bennett
SLYP Coordinator

Brandon graduated in 2005 from Concord University with a B.S. degree in secondary social studies education.  In 2012, he received a M.A. in social studies education from Concord University.  Currently, he is a teacher at Shady Spring High School where he serves as the social studies department chair and member of the leadership team. Brandon is also one of the coordinators for Next Step, a program designed to assist high school seniors with post-secondary plans.  He is an active member of Faith Community Church.  Brandon spends most of his free time with his wife and five children.

---

Congratulations on Retirement!

Sharon Lilly 
Program Director & SLYP Program Coordinator

Sharon is a graduate of Concord University receiving a B.S. in Secondary Education and received a M.A. Communication Studies from West Virginia University. Prior to joining Beckley Area Foundation she was employed at Raleigh General Hospital fulfilling roles in the education, human resources and quality assurance departments. Sharon serves on the Black Diamond Girl Scouts board of directors and served as a member of the United Way of Southern West Virginia’s newly formed women’s leadership committee and is a reader for their Mabscott Elementary program. She is a member of Daniels Missionary Baptist Church where she has worked with a number of children’s programs.