Sherrie Snipes Williams

CEO

sherrie.snipes-williams@charlestonpromise.org

Sherrie joined Charleston Promise Neighborhood in 2012 as CEO, and now has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management with local, grassroots and national membership organizations. Sherrie grew up in similar circumstances to that of families in the Promise Neighborhood. “I think I had the same things most kids in The Neck have: hardworking, caring parents; a strong church community; two or three teachers who encouraged me; discipline; and a dream to do more and be more,” she notes. It is Sherrie’s mission to make sure the children in our neighborhood are prepared with the tools that they need to succeed in elementary school and beyond. Even outside of work, she doesn’t slow down. Sherrie remains active with her church and sorority, serves as a reading coach, loves the game of tennis, and enjoys all adventures with her daughter and hubby. On the rare occasion that she has any, Sherrie enjoys spending her free time reading thrillers and romance novels.

Kady Preston

Director of Programs

kady.preston@charlestonpromise.org

Kady Preston is thrilled to join the Charleston Promise Neighborhood (CPN) team. Her connection with CPN began in 2014 after graduating from the College of Charleston and starting her teaching career as a fifth-grade teacher at Sanders-Clyde Elementary. It was there that Kady witnessed firsthand the value CPN brings to schools, families, and the broader community. After her time at Sanders-Clyde, Kady continued teaching and working in education and administration for a decade. A steadfast advocate for education, she has consistently sought opportunities to prioritize the well-being of children and families. Her dedication includes serving on charter school boards, the Charleston County Constituent Board, and participating in programs such as StudentsFirst, New Leaders, and the National Academy of Advanced Teacher Education.

Now, with 10 years of experience in education, Kady is excited to return to CPN and apply her knowledge and expertise to make a meaningful impact on kids and families.

Tami Barlow

Director of Operations

tami.barlow@charlestonpromise.org

Tami attended a different school every year as she grew up the daughter of missionaries who frequently moved from community to community. Having been exposed to many places and cultures, Tami easily meets new people and includes them in the group. Tami graduated Summa Cum Laude from High Point University and prior to her work with Charleston Promise Neighborhood, she had a career as a medical practice administrator and chief operating officer in the healthcare industry. Tami has a natural inclination to help others and is always happy to pitch in and lend a hand. Outside of work, Tami has a love for animals; her favorite being her cat, Bella. In her free time, she enjoys watching Animal Planet shows such as “The Vet Life” and “Dr. Jeff: The Rocky Mountain Vet” (she highly recommends you watch them as well).

Katelyn Kutemeier

Grants Manager

katelyn.kutemeier@charlestonpromise.org

Katelyn brings a strong background in public health and education to her role as Grants Manager at Charleston Promise Neighborhood. With a passion for community-driven programs, she is excited to help expand CPN’s impact through strategic funding and thoughtful collaboration. Her expertise in grant writing, program development, and community engagement is rooted in a deep belief that funding is not just about dollars—it’s about relationships.

 

She is especially enthusiastic about working with CPN’s dedicated team and growing network of partners. From fostering connections with local organizations to exploring new funding opportunities, she is committed to helping the organization grow its reach and deepen its impact. She looks forward to being part of a mission that supports students, families, and the broader Charleston community.

KJ Kearney

Community Engagement Program Manager

kj.kearney@charlestonpromise.org

KJ is a native of North Charleston, SC, a product of Charleston County Schools and a proud graduate of South Carolina State University; Home of the Mighty Bulldogs and the Mighty 101. As the Community Engagement Program Manager, KJ works with the adult residents in the community to support them in organizing around the issues that matter to them. Bringing people together is KJ’s passion. In addition to his role with CPN, he has proven an ability to build community online via food. Through his James Beard award nominated initiative called “Black Food Fridays”, he encourages the community to purchase food and beverages from Black owned businesses every Friday. When not meeting with community members and partners, KJ can be found making loose leaf tea, giving Soul Food tours for Charleston Wine + Food, trying to read all of Octavia Butler’s books, and debating which shoes to purchase next!

Jameelah Lincoln

School Engagement Program
Manager

Jameelah.Lincoln@charlestonpromise.org

Jameelah Lincoln is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in administrative support, project management, and student engagement.  Having spent 15 years with Charleston County School District, Jameelah developed a deep expertise in educational operations and support, focusing on enhancing the learning environment for students and staff alike. Now serving as a Student Engagement Program Manager, Jameelah is passionate about fostering meaning connections between students and their educational community. Her role combines her years of experience in administrative and project management with her commitment to empowering students to succeed in both academically and personally.

Outside of her professional achievements, Jameelah enjoys indulging in her love for food, shopping, and travel, always seeking new experiences and adventures. Above all, she cherishes spending quality time with her family, creating lasting memories and building strong connections.