Our Staff

Meet Our Director

Susan Rhodes became Director of The Ayers Foundation Scholars Program in 2012. She served as the College Access Counselor at Perry County High School from 2009-2015. As Director of The Ayers Foundation Scholars Program, Susan oversees operations serving 18 high schools across Tennessee and Missouri, serving over 10,000 high school and post secondary students. As director, Susan also oversees the awarding of The Ayers Foundation Scholarship. Susan’s main focus is to increase college access and success for rural, low-income, first generation college students across Tennessee and Missouri. Susan graduated from the University of North Alabama in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and earned her Masters of Science with a concentration in Guidance and Counseling from the University of West Alabama in 2009.

Email: susan.rhodes@theayersfoundation.org

Meet Our Director of Post-Secondary Success

Michael "Mike" Meadows is the Director of Post-Secondary Success and the Ayers TN Promise Coordinator. Mike has been working with the Ayers Foundation since 2011. He was first hired with the Ayers as the College Access Challenge Grant Coordinator then moved into the counselor position at Lexington High School until 2014.

Mike received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2008 and his Masters of Arts in Community Counseling in 2011, both from the University of North Alabama.

Email: michael.meadows@theayersfoundation.org

Meet Our Director of Accounting

Lisa DiPasquale joined The Ayers Foundation in 2021 as the Director of Accounting after working with the Foundation as a consultant for three years. Lisa is a certified public accountant and has over 30 years of experience in public accounting and the private sector. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants. As Director of Accounting she oversees all accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting and applicable compliance. Lisa obtained her Bachelors of Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University and attended Lipscomb University to further her accounting education.

Email: lisa.dipasquale@theayersfoundation.org

Meet Our Director of Operations

Lorisa Williams joined The Ayers Foundation in 2021 as the Director of Operations to assist with the expansion and growth. Lorisa has over 30 years experience in healthcare operations that includes organization learning and leadership development, and executive level hospital operations.

Lorisa received her Bachelor's degree in Nursing from East Tennessee State University in 1986 and her Masters Degree in Professional Studies-Strategic Leadership from East Tennessee State University in 2015. She is certified in Nursing Staff Development and Nursing Executive- Advanced through the ANCC. In 2019, Lorisa received the March of Dimes Georgia Nurse Leader of the Year award.

Email: lorisa.williams@theayersfoundation.org

Meet Our IT Coordinator

Matt joined The Ayers Foundation in September of 2018 after leaving his previous role as IT Instructor for TCAT Lebanon. Matt serves as the IT Coordinator for the foundation. A 2005 Hickman County High graduate, Matt graduated from TCAT Dickson obtaining a technical certificate in A+, Networking, and Security. Matt furthered his education at Nashville State with an Associates Degree in Computer Information Technology.

Email: matt.gordon@theayersfoundation.org

Meet Our Executive Assistant

Jacob Tucker joined The Ayers Foundation in December of 2019 after leaving his previous role as a college football coach. Jacob serves as the Executive Assistant at the foundation's Headquarters. A 2012 Perry County High graduate and Ayers Scholar, Jacob graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Biology with a minor in Exercise Science. Jacob furthered his education at Lipscomb University in Leadership and Public Service.

Email: jacob.tucker@theayersfoundation.org

Meet Our Data Manager

Taylor Dill joined the Ayers Foundation in April of 2021. Joining the Ayers Foundation as Data Manager at the Foundation’s Headquarters, Taylor spent the prior five years in Operations Management with Modine Manufacturing. A 2012 Perry County High graduate and Ayers Scholar, Taylor graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.

Email: taylor.dill@theayersfoundation.org