Meet the KNN Team
Our staff and board are passionate about providing Kentucky’s nonprofit community with the resources, expertise, and guidance they need to help Kentucky thrive!
Staff
Danielle Clore
CEO
About Danielle Clore, CEO
Danielle Tharp Clore is the executive director/CEO of Kentucky Nonprofit Network. Prior to founding KNN in 2002, Danielle held leadership positions at the Commonwealth Fund for KET, Eastern Kentucky University, Special Olympics Kentucky and Christian Care Communities. She was selected in 2017 by Women Leading Kentucky as a recipient of the Martha Layne Collins Leadership Award, and was a 2015 finalist for the Excellence in Advocacy Award by the Professional Women in Advocacy Conference, Washington DC. She was recognized by the Lane Report as a Top Woman in Business in 2019 and by the Kentucky Gazette as a 2020 Notable Woman in Kentucky Politics and Government. Danielle is a 2012 graduate of Leadership Kentucky, holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Transylvania University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kentucky Martin School of Public Administration. Danielle’s current community service work includes public policy committee member, National Council of Nonprofits and advisory board member of First Nonprofits. A lifelong Kentuckian, Danielle is a native of Bardstown, grew up in Pineville and now resides in Lexington with her husband and two children.
Ashleigh Dunsmoor
Director of Regional Advocacy & Engagement (Lexington and Eastern KY)
About Ashleigh Dunsmoor, Director of Regional Advocacy & Engagement (Lexington & Eastern KY)
Ashleigh Dunsmoor is a native of Winchester, a proud Lexingtonian, and holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Kentucky. She brings nearly a decade of experience in public affairs, community organizing, and public policy to KNN. Prior to joining the KNN team, Ashleigh served as Legislative Aide to a member of the Lexington Fayette Urban County Council and held prior positions in external and public Affairs with Fayette Alliance in Lexington and with nonprofits in Florida and upstate New York. When she’s not working to strengthen Kentucky’s nonprofit sector, you can find her reading, at a local coffee shop, or spending time with her wife and three rescue dogs.
Laela Kashan
Director of Regional Advocacy & Engagement (Louisville and Western KY)
About Laela Kashan, Director of Regional Advocacy & Engagement (Louisville & Western KY)
Laela Kashan (she/her) is KNN’s Louisville-based Director of Regional Advocacy and Engagement, facilitating KNN’s Louisville Nonprofit Coalition and advancing KNN’s local advocacy strategies in Western Kentucky communities. Prior to joining KNN, Laela dedicated her career to ending gender-based violence with nonprofit organizations on the local, state, national, and international levels. She brings to KNN expertise in public policy advocacy, coalition-building, and project management. A native of Louisville, Laela holds a bachelor’s in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville and a juris doctorate from Northern Kentucky University’s Chase College of Law. Laela is mission-driven and strives to lead with integrity and compassion. Outside of work, she enjoys cuddles with her rescue dog, salsa dancing, exploring new places, and spending time with loved ones.
Tabitha Key
Executive Assistant
About Tabitha Key, Executive Assistant
Tabitha Key is KNN’s Executive Assistant, known for her organizational expertise and attention to detail. Having held positions in business and higher education, she is able to tailor her skills to meet the needs of various clients. When she’s not busy managing schedules and coordinating projects, you can find her spending quality time with her husband and three children. Her dedication to both her professional and personal life is reflected in her ability to balance responsibilities with grace and efficiency.
Lee Ellen Martin
Director of Membership & Insurance Services
About Lee Ellen, Director of Membership & Insurance Services
Lee Ellen Martin is KNN’s Director of Membership and Insurance Services. She previously worked at Kentucky Shakespeare Festival; Bluegrass Care Navigators; United Way of the Bluegrass; and the Explorium of Lexington (now the Lexington Children’s Museum), where she served as the executive director for 10 years. With a background in development, she is also a nonprofit management and development consultant with clients throughout Kentucky and several other states. When not working, Lee Ellen plays the harp and likes to cook, travel, and play word games! She is married and has two children.
Ryan Salzman
Director of Regional Advocacy & Engagement (Northern KY)
About Ryan Salzman, Director of Regional Advocacy & Engagement (Northern KY)
Ryan Salzman is KNN’s Northern Kentucky-based Director of Regional Advocacy and Engagement, supporting and engaging KNN members across the region to strengthen advocacy, collaboration, and community impact. Ryan brings extensive experience in public policy, education, research, government, and regional collaboration to KNN’s growing coalition-building efforts. A longtime Northern Kentucky resident, he holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of North Texas and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas Christian University. He spent 11 years as a professor of political science at Northern Kentucky University, where his teaching and research focused on democracy and civic engagement. During his tenure, he also led NKU’s internship program in Frankfort and became a trusted political analyst for Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati media. Most recently, Ryan served for more than two years at OneNKY Alliance, where he worked on public policy advocacy, public health initiatives, research, and collaboration with regional partners on key Northern Kentucky issues. His deep local roots also include a decade of public service on the Bellevue City Council from 2015 to 2024. Ryan lives in Bellevue with his wife and two daughters.
Laura Whitaker
Associate Director
About Laura Whitaker, Associate Director
Laura Whitaker is KNN’s associate director, leading our educational programs, events, and strategic initiatives. She is a native of Lexington and holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and sociology from Centre College in Danville and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kentucky Martin School of Public Administration. Prior to joining the KNN team, Laura was the program director at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning. She previously served two terms as an AmeriCorps VISTA member, and she completed the High Impact Leadership Project in 2018. Laura currently serves on the board of the Orphan Society of Lexington and on the associate board of Baby Health. When she’s not working to strengthen Kentucky’s nonprofit sector, you can find her on her yoga mat, getting lost in a book, or adventuring outdoors with her husband.
