Our Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers who work in local business and community networks. They play an integral role in the fiduciary oversight of the agency as well as serving as stewards of our 10,000+ donors and volunteers.
Board Officers
Kay's Bio
Kay King is the current Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Kay is the wife of Steve Kiracofe and the mother of Abby. Kay and her family reside in Staunton, and Kay works with the medical malpractice defense team at TimberlakeSmith.
WHAT HAS GIVEN YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VALLEY MISSION? One of the most joyful aspects of serving on the Board of Directors is knowing firsthand how many individuals, churches, civic organizations, and businesses support the Valley Mission through monetary and in-kind contributions, time, and talents. I am thankful for our “village” of supporters and the love that they share with the folks that we serve.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION? Our residents are not asked to leave Valley Mission during the day. Our basement provides a day room, computer lab, children’s play area, and afterschool program. It is the hub of many of the activities and services that we provide to our residents. When you see folks outside enjoying our grounds, they are doing so by choice.
Karen's Bio
Karen Tupitza joined the Board of Directors in 2022. She lives in Nelson County with her husband Jon and dog, Maisie. She is the former Vice President and Wealth Management Officer for First Trust & Wealth Management, a division of First Bank & Trust. She has been a Certified Financial Planner® for over 25 years specializing in estate and retirement planning, along with philanthropic gifting.
WHAT HAS GIVEN YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VALLEY MISSION? Firsthand knowledge of how many supporters the Valley Mission has and the various ways they give – through monetary contributions, donations of goods and services, along with volunteer time brings me the greatest joy. What an amazing community we live in!
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION? Every dollar is carefully accounted for, and every resident is cared for by an amazing coordination effort to ensure success. The Valley Mission goes much further than providing meals and a bed. By coordinating all services such as mental and physical health, employment opportunities and so many more, there is a higher likelihood of ending an individual or family’s homelessness status for good.
Phil's Bio
Phil Thompson joined the Valley Mission Board in 2021. Phil has been the Director of Operations for Virginia Regional Transit since 2017 and is a lifelong resident of Nelson County Va.
WHAT HAS GIVEN YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VALLEY MISSION?
Although having served a very short time as a board member, I have been impressed at the scope of services offered to our residents, especially those for families with youngsters who have access to the VM after school program.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION?
I wish the Shenandoah Valley knew and understood fully the positive impact the Valley Mission has been, and continues to be, for families in crisis. I would wish them to know the important role the Valley Mission serves as a safety net and springboard toward a new beginning.
Sergeant Shifflett's Bio
Bio coming soon!
Megan's Bio
Megan’s full bio is coming soon! Megan is the Executive Director of Blue Ridge Court Services and has been on the Valley Mission Board of Directors off and on for the last twelve years. Megan currently serves as Personnel Chair and has previously served as Vice Chair for several years.
Noelle's Bio
Noelle joined the Valley Mission Board in 2023. She and her husband moved to Staunton in 2015, and they have three small children. Noelle is a litigation attorney at TimberlakeSmith whose practice focuses on defending health care providers.
WHAT HAS GIVEN YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VALLEY MISSION?
I enjoy seeing all the different types of people and organizations that come together to support the Valley Mission and its goals.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION?
I wish people knew about the breadth of services that the Valley Mission provides its residents. From a safe place to sleep and a warm meal to mental health services, after school programming, and assistance with housing, the Valley Mission takes a holistic approach to helping those who need its services.
Board Members
Donna's Bio
Donna’s full bio is coming soon! Donna previously served on the Valley Mission Board of Directors for six years and recently returned in January 2026. Donna is retired from Blue Ridge Community College where she served as a professor in the English department. Donna now serves on the Board of Directors for the BRCC Foundation.
Lynn's Bio
Lynn’s full bio is coming soon! Lynn joined the Valley Mission Board of Directors in January 2026. Lynn is currently semi-retired, but she previously worked as Economist with the FDIC where she facilitated research regarding FDIC-related topics (lending, bank failure) and provided analytical support to FDIC’s resolution function.
Marc's Bio
Marc’s full bio is coming soon! Marc joined the Valley Mission Board in January of 2026. Marc is a seasoned internal audit, enterprise risk, and anti-fraud executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience strengthening governance, accountability, and compliance frameworks for multi-entity and internationally funded organizations. Recognized as a trusted advisor to Boards, Audit Committees, and senior executives, with a proven record of building enterprise risk management programs and internal audit functions that align with global standards and institutional missions.
Mary's Bio
Mary’s full bio is coming soon! Mary has previously served on the Valley Mission Board for six years and has recently returned in January 2026. Mary has a passion for working with those who are unhoused and experiencing food insecurity. Mary McDermott is a retired telecommunications attorney based in Waynesboro, VA. She has a strong connection to the Staunton area, having moved there with her family 20 years ago.
Beverly's Bio
Beverly’s full bio is coming soon! Beverly has served on the Valley Mission Board since 2021 and has lived in Staunton for fifteen years. Beverly is a Realtor with Nest Realty Shenandoah Valley.
Lisa's Bio
Lisa’s full bio is coming soon! Lisa is the Assistant Principal of Ware Elementary School in Staunton. Lisa joined the Valley Mission Board of Directors in January of 2026 and looks forward to becoming an integral part of the work that lifts up those experiencing hardships in Staunton and the surrounding area.
Cindy's Bio
Cindy joined the Board in 2023 and has lived in our area her entire life. Cindy is currently working for the Middle River Regional Jail as Forensic Discharge Planner.
WHAT HAS GIVEN YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VALLEY MISSION?
My greatest joy since I have been on the Board has been serving with such good people and helping others in our community.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION?
I wish that people knew how hard the staff work to make folks happy and comfortable in a very stressful situation.
Graham's Bio
Graham Butler joined the Valley Mission Board in 2023. Graham has been a trial attorney covering 22 counties and 10 cities in the western part of the Commonwealth for 15 years. Graham grew up in Memphis and the Mid-South/Delta.
WHAT HAS GIVEN YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VALLEY MISSION?
I love working with the Board and the Finance Committee. I can see the tangible things that we do every day for our local families in need. I have the greatest joy seeing people leave the Valley Mission on their way to recovering their life both financially and mentally.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION?
I wish the Shenandoah Valley knew and understood fully the positive impact the Valley Mission has been, and continues to be, for families in crisis. I would wish them to know the important role the Valley Mission serves as a safety net and springboard toward a new beginning.
REVEREND Craft's Bio
John Craft joined the Board in 2024, and has lived most of his life in Staunton with his wife Vickie, and their daughter, Laura. John has worked for over 30 years in law enforcement, and is also the Pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Staunton.
WHAT HAS GIVEN YOU THE GREATEST JOY AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF VALLEY MISSION?
Being invited to membership on this Board ignites in me the joy of service and outreach. My Christian beliefs inform me that faith is most fully realized when in action. I feel called to offer myself in service to others, and to call this community to join together in providing a seat at the table to all those we are blessed to call neighbors.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION?
The Mission offers a place where those in life’s transitions can feel safe and cared for as they discover possibly new ways to begin again. The Mission offers people of all backgrounds a support system as they process where they are, and begin to envision where they want to be. Along that journey, the staff, volunteers, and those that support the Mission’s goals all offer a glimpse of what real community looks like, and provide resources to make the vision become reality.