Jonathan Evans, M.D.
BOARD PRESIDENT
Jonathan has not “retired,” but has moved on to new pursuits after an almost 35-year career as a pediatric gastroenterologist. His passion has always been nutrition beginning at the source, to the plate and beyond. He continues to pursue his interest in food insecurity and childhood obesity. He had been coming to Floyd for the past 12 years and relocated to Floyd with his wife of 42 years in January 2020. He enjoys cooking for friends, doing the local markets and discovering his new home and all it has to offer.
Ken Presser
VICE PRESIDENT
Ken is a retired Network Engineer. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of North Carolina Woodworkers. He has served various positions on that board, including Secretary, Treasurer and President. He is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Floyd United Methodist Church and serves on the building and grounds committee. His main hobby is woodworking and enjoys creating things like vases and furniture.
Diane Allison
TREASURER
Diane spent most of her career working in healthcare administration, principally Administrator of Gastroenterology Consultants and Endoscopy Center of Southwest Virginia, and previously 16 years in Administration at Carilion Health System. Her hobbies include volunteering in the community, gardening, sewing, animal welfare, and cooking. She is currently a member of the Virginia MGMA where she served as a Board Member for 8 years.
Helen McClain
SECRETARY
Helen believes we are all here on earth to help each other thrive. She has substantial non-profit work experience, including working as the executive director of The Northern Ohio Academy of Pharmacy and years of work with Habitat for Humanity, Cleveland Free Clinic, Hospice House of Williamsburg, Girl Scouts and other organizations. She has a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
David Weeks
MEMBER
A 1968 Floyd County High School graduate, David Weeks and his wife, Kelly, have retired to the family farm in Topeco community. David spent over 40 years in Texas as a prosecutor finishing as the Walker County Criminal District Attorney.
Tom Schaefer
MEMBER
Tom spent most of his life in New Jersey where he worked 38 years for a manufacturer of synthetic lubricants, serving his last 16 years as Vice President of Sales & Marketing and R&D. He and his late wife Katy discovered Floyd on a road trip in 2005 and fell in love with the people, spirit, and beauty of this community. After taking an early retirement in 2007 they escaped New Jersey and settled in beautiful Floyd in 2012. In retirement Tom served as Chairman of the Advisory Board for The Petroleum Quality Institute of America, and presently volunteers for Plenty! and serves on the Board. His passions include organic vegetable gardening, photography, art, and cooking. He resides in Floyd with his wife Debbie and two cats.
Amanda Morgan
Member
Amanda Morgan was an educator in Floyd County for 14 years before leaving the profession to dedicate more time to family and community. She has served on numerous committees and boards, including Young Life, CPMT in Floyd County and as an adoption support liaison via DePaul Community Resources. She currently works part time and volunteers with numerous non profit organizations. When she is not cooking, baking, or gardening, you may find her hiking and spending time outside with family and friends.
Nancy Manley
MEMBER
After retiring from the Federal government, Nancy moved to Floyd County in 2016. She is interested in learning more about her new community and volunteering with Plenty! and other organizations. Started on Board March 2024.
Esther Varisco
MEMBER
After graduating with an Earth Sciences degree from the University of California, San Diego, Esther has spent most of the last decade in the financial sector and decided to move to and work in Floyd. Esther volunteers with other local non profits and enjoys baking, cooking, running a guinea pig sanctuary, and meeting new people. On the side, Esther fills her time as a part time administrative assistant and creates barn quilts to channel her creative ideas.
Chesley Sigmon Mercado, Ed.D., MT-BC
MEMBER
Chesley moved to Floyd County to be near family in 2022. She isn’t a stranger to Floyd County having visited frequently for many years, attended Radford University, and was music therapist at Catawba Hospital. She retired as department chair and professor of music therapy at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, GA. She enjoys being with her rescue dog Bella and rescue cat Freedom, teaching part-time, being involved in the community, and especially sharing life with her family.