ABOUT
CARING WITH A PURPOSE
The Empty Stocking Fund (ESF) brings joy to the lives of disadvantaged children by providing toys and gifts during the holiday season and other core essential supplies throughout the year to support positive social and emotional development and academic success.
Through relationships with wholesale distributors and in-kind donations from trusted corporations, the Empty Stocking Fund acquires brand new items in sufficient quantities to offer a variety of age- and gender-appropriate holiday gift choices and core school supplies.
During the holiday season, we invite parents and guardians of children (birth to 18 years old) that qualify for benefits through the state of Georgia to shop for gifts for their children.
As students prepare to go back to school each year, we provide school supplies to those who need them most. Additionally, ESF’s Free Teacher Store equips teachers from local Title 1 schools (schools with 80% or more of their students receiving free or reduced meals) with school and classroom supplies.
With a small staff, the Empty Stocking Fund relies on generous support from our corporate partners, individual donors, and volunteers to serve thousands of children and families annually. We invite you to join us as we continue to bring joy to disadvantaged children.
GIVING SINCE 1927
STAFF
Along with the generous support of our donors and volunteers, The Empty Stocking Fund functions smoothly thanks to the hard, unfailing work of our team members who are passionate about helping children in our community.
Edwin “Coach” Cook
Joshua Jackson
WAREHOUSE & INVENTORY MANAGER
Josh joined The Empty Stocking Fund team in the spring of 2021.
Brenda James
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Brenda retired in 2001 from BellSouth with 32 years of service. She worked in various jobs during her tenure with BellSouth, including administrative and accounting positions. She has given back to the community through 25+ years of volunteer service with BellSouth and 10 years with Gwinnett Medical Hospital. Brenda joined The Empty Stocking Fund in 2005 as a seasonal employee and is an integral part of the ESF team. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren!!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Empty Stocking Fund is governed by an independent board of directors comprised of community and business leaders representing Atlanta’s most prominent and highly respected organizations.
Directors serve as the guardians and stewards of the organization, ensuring our mission is carried out as articulated in our Articles of Incorporation and that all financial activities are legal and proper according to federal and state requirements. They set the course for the organization from year to year by establishing broadly stated goals and objectives, supporting the organization’s fundraising activities, and enhancing our public image.
Officers
Kristine Jordan, Chairman
Executive Director – Jabian Consulting
Brian Nealon, Vice-Chairman
Director, IT Audit & Compliance – Genuine Parts Company
Joseph Manusakis, Treasurer
Partner – KPMG, LLP
Beth Little, Secretary
Director – PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Directors
Karin Bursa
Founder & CEO – NIRAKIO
Casey Choate
Sr. Director, Merchandising Execution – The Home Depot
Jennifer Cowart
Senior Labor & Employment Counsel – Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
Nate Cunningham
Owner/Consultant – Cunningham Consulting Services, LLC
Gerard Dash
Principal – JM Search
Susan Guimbellot
Director, Revenue Management Product Delivery – IHG Hotels & Resorts
Rawlings Joerres
Vice President, Asset and Wealth Management – Goldman Sachs
Sandeep Kharidhi, Vice Chairman
Chief Product Officer – Risk Management Association
Jaime McMurtrie
Director, Development and Community Relations – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sara Miller
Partner – Kilpatrick Townsend
Christina Moylan
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, Events & Philanthropy – Newell Brands
C. J. Stewart
Co-Founder – L. E. A. D. Center for Youth
Bill Vogel
President and CEO – Montag & Caldwell
Faith Walker
Residential Customer Service Manager – Georgia Power/Southern Company
ADVISORY BOARD
The Empty Stocking Fund is counseled by an advisory board comprised of community and business leaders representing Atlanta’s most prominent and highly respected organizations.
Darryl Lesure
Manager, Supply Chain – Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Dennis Lockhart
Monica Kaufman Pearson
Kevin Riley
Editor-in-Chief – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rachel Sprecher
Executive Director, Office of Partnerships and Development – Atlanta Public Schools
Will Williams
National Managing Partner, Tax – KPMG, LLP