Who We Are

Helping Newcomers Plant Roots and Thrive

With over 35 years of combined experience, the leadership team brings expertise in refugee resettlement, global health promotion, and nonprofit management.

Collectively, the team has overseen multi-million-dollar health programs and have been contracted as experts by global organizations such as UNICEF, Save the Children, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

This deep experience includes leadership in areas like mental health, trauma-informed care, and healthcare access for populations affected by forced migration.

RISE Carolina’s programs are designed with an emphasis on cultural competence and are based on evidence-based practices, ensuring they meet the unique needs of the refugee and migrant communities.

Meet the Board

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President

Rebekah Kinsella

Rebekah Kinsella is passionate about creating community-based solutions for vulnerable neighbors. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, she has worked with and volunteered alongside refugees during multiple administrations. Holding a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, she specializes in advocacy and policy in affordable housing, medical case management, grant writing, and donor and volunteer management. Rebekah excels at building and growing programs wherever she goes.

Vice-President

Kurt Knight

Kurt Knight is Chief Operating Officer of Amwell, a pioneer in virtual delivery of healthcare. In his role, he oversees Amwell’s operational, clinical and administrative functions. Previously, Kurt was a project leader for Boston Consulting Group, guiding strategic and operational initiatives for healthcare enterprises. Earlier in his career, he worked on various global public health initiatives with organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Save the Children and UNICEF. Kurt is on the board of The Clinic by Cleveland Clinic. He earned an M.B.A. from Harvard University and an M.P.H. from Columbia University. He has a B.A. in Economics from Brigham Young University.

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Treasurer

Michael McClellan

Mike McClellan is an accomplished and results oriented executive management level professional with 30 years of experience in cross functional accounting/finance, asset management, and business leadership. He has a proven track record of minimizing financial risk and maximizing financial performance through process improvement and establishment of financial metrics and controls. He has served as Chief Financial Officer at Tolt Solutions, Ivanti, and the North American CFO for Exclusive Networks, spending the first 18 years of his career at Ingram Micro in various Finance and Accounting role. sHe holds degree in Finance from the University of Utah and an MBA from Pepperdine University. He and his wife are the proud parents of 5 girls. In their spare time, they enjoy serving together throughout the community. Mike also has a passion for woodworking and baseball.