Staff
Lisa Chester, Director of Operations, is responsible for developing business solutions and setting objectives and procedures to achieve organizational, program and financial goals for Warrick Dunn Charities (WDC). She cultivates strategic alliances, board and consumer engagement, staff development and integrated marketing.
Prior to WDC, Chester devoted near eight years to Turner Broadcasting, Inc. where she developed and executed local and national strategies for the Atlanta Braves, Turner Entertainment Network and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). During her tenure, Chester was tapped to spearhead multimillion dollar outdoor ad campaigns for Turner brands annually. She supported and executed planning for programming, influencer campaigns, branding events and e-commerce sales.
Chester began her professional career with McCann WorldGroup servicing accounts in the automotive, QSR, home improvement, and consumer goods and products categories. Chester's background includes management and public relations work serving the arts, music industry, professional sports and non-profits.
She enjoys volunteerism and has served various organizations including; "Citizens for Kasim Reed," Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Girls Inc, United Negro College Fund and Atlanta Center for Self-Sufficiency.
Lucy Ann Gossett is the Executive Administrative Assistant of Warrick Dunn Charities Ms. Gossett began her role at the Charities on December 1, 2011 and is responsible for assisting with administrative details and deadlines that pertain to Foundation events, programs and communications.
A native of Tennessee, Gossett graduated from Austin Peay State University with a bachelors of science in mass communications and a minor in psychology. She brings over 10 years of experience in the administrative industry. Previously, Gossett was the coaches assistant for former Head Coach Tony Dungy of the Indianapolis Colts where she worked with a variety of projects and daily contact between administration and football personnel. Some of her experience also includes human resources for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where she assisted in community relations and performed many game day public relations duties. Gossett also has experience in community relations for the Tampa Bay “Devil” Rays and was director of project management for Public Affairs, an event marketing firm in Orlando, Fla.
Ms. Gossett currently resides in Atlanta, Ga.
Amanda Hamman, Communications Coordinator, is responsible for the Charities’ communications efforts, media and public relations, advocacy and the recruitment and management of student interns and volunteers.
Ms. Hamman received her Bachelor of Art & Sciences degree in Public Relations at the University of South Florida. While enrolled, she spent two years as an intern with the Charities. Her duties included, assisting with grant proposal writing, prospecting research and coordinating events. She implemented the inaugural WDC Single Parent Awareness Month campaign in March 2010 and also secured $15,000 in in-kind merchandise through the silent auction & raffle at the 6th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic.
Prior to joining WDC, Ms. Hamman worked for Bay Area Indoor Soccer, Darden and Doubletree Hotels.
Outside of the Charities, Ms. Hamman served as the Treasurer of the Walter E. Griscti Public Relations Student Society of America, Media Assistant for Tampa Bay Fashion Week and volunteered with the 2010 Historic Hyde Park Neighborhood Association's Home Tour.
Ms. Hamman was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and grew up in Satellite Beach, Florida. She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.
Cassandra E. Pell-Dow, Program Coordinator, is responsible for coordinating the Homes for the Holidays (HFTH) flagship program. This involves planning, executing and evaluating the HFTH flagship program. In addition, she is responsible for promoting the program to the general public and existing or potential partners.
Cassandra received her bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University where she studied Sport Management and Marketing. She earned her master’s degree from Georgia State University in Sports Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Studies.
Prior to gaining employment with Warrick Dunn Charities (WDC) Cassandra worked for Georgia State University. While with Georgia State she held marketing and programming positions with both the Department of Athletics and the Office of Civic Engagement.
Her additional work experience includes the Atlanta Braves’ promotional staff, as well as internships with the Kennesaw State University Department of Athletics, Sports Radio 790 the Zone and Atlanta Spirit, LLC.
While in college Cassandra was a member of her campus activities board where she served as Lectures Coordinator and was a member of the PR committee. She also served as Secretary and Head of Press & Publicity for her school’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In addition, Cassandra was a member of her university’s dance team and is still actively involved in Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority.
Her volunteer experience includes Dress for Success, the Joseph F. Lyttle World Basketball Challenge, Corporate Code’s Fashion and Philanthropy Week of Events, the Chick-fil-A world games and the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Sweet 16 Men’s Tournament.
Cassandra served as a year-long intern with WDC before she became Program Coordinator. Her duties as an intern included drafting press releases, developing a crisis communication plan, creating a recipient survey to evaluate the HFTH program and contributing to the growth and expansion of the HFTH program.
Currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia, Cassandra is excited and eager to continue her growth and learning experience at WDC.
Leonard "Gabe" Briscoe is the Program Coordinator at Betty's Hope. He is responsible for serving as a support and co-facilitator in all Betty's Hope direct services, community engagement and programming.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Mr. Briscoe earned his Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services and Disability Studies from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, subsequently obtaining Masters in Business Administration from University of Phoenix. Mr. Briscoe has previously served as a site manager for the Big Buddy program, as a substitute teacher for the East Baton Rouge school system, and as assistant coordinator for the Tyrus Thomas, Inc. C.A.T.C.H Program.
After suffering the loss of his father in 2006, Mr. Briscoe realized that it took his "accepting death as a part of life" for him to begin his healing. He understands how this impacted his life and wants to help ensure that the youth impacted by Betty's Hope do not struggle the way he did. By being a voice of reason to uplift young people through their rough times, he plans to share his own experiences to help them understand that they don't have to go through the rough times alone, and that if he can overcome it, they will too.
Mr. Briscoe currently resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Timothy Smith is the Betty's Hope Mobile Unit Driver. He is responsible for maintaining the mobile unit, as well as driving it to various community sites throughout Baton Rouge. Mr. Smith has years of experience as an inventory manager and vehicle driver with All Star Hyundai and Volvo and Duplessis Cadillac, as well as Federally Armored Express and Schneider National Trucking Company.
Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Mr. Smith resides in Baton Rouge with his wife.
