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Our Staff

To reach a KNN team member, the preferred contact method is email because we can best respond to your inquires with the inclusion of hyperlinks and attachments. General inquiries should email us, so we can best direct you to the appropriate resource or section of the website.

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 life-long Kentuckian, Danielle is a native of Bardstown, grew up in Pineville and now resides in Lexington with her husband and two children. Email Danielle.

 

Laura Whitaker | Associate Director

Laura Whitaker is the associate director of Kentucky Nonprofit Network, leading KNN's educational programming, regional outreach, and special 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. 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. Email Laura.

 

Lee Ellen Martin | Director of Membership & Insurance Services

Lee Ellen Martin is Director of Membership and Engagement for Kentucky Nonprofit Network. She has previously worked at Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, Explorium of Lexington, Bluegrass Care Navigators, and United Way of the Bluegrass. Her background is in development, and she served as Executive Director of the Explorium of Lexington for 10 years. She is also a nonprofit management and development consultant with clients all over Kentucky and several other states. When not working, Lee Ellen also plays the harp, likes to cook, travel, and play word games! She is married and has two children. Email Lee Ellen.

 

Laela Kashan | Director of Regional Advocacy & Engagment (Louisville)

Laela Kashan (she/her) is the Louisville-based Director of Regional Advocacy and Engagement for Kentucky Nonprofit Network - 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 expertise in public policy advocacy, coalition-building, and project management. She is a native of Louisville, KY and holds a bachelors 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. Email Laela.