Kerry Baughman is the Executive Officer at NMCAA.
Kim Aultman is the Director of Operations at NMCAA.
Kimberly J. Aultman is an experienced leader in early childhood program operations, health and safety compliance, and multi‑site program management. With more than three decades of service in Head Start and Early Head Start programs across Michigan, she has developed deep expertise in facilities oversight, child health and safety standards, transportation management, and nutrition program administration.
From 2003 to 2015, Kimberly served as a Child Health and Safety Reviewer with DANYA International, where she evaluates Head Start and Early Head Start programs nationwide. In this role, she conducted comprehensive reviews using structured methodologies that include interviews, observations, inspections, and documentation analysis. Her work helped ensure that programs meet all applicable federal Performance Standards. Kimberly is also recognized for her strong analytical writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Kimberly has also held long‑standing leadership responsibilities at Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency, where she has served as Agency Operations Director since 1991. She oversees licensing and maintenance of thirty-four preschool facilities, transportation services across a 10‑county region, and health data management systems for enrolled children and families. Additionally, she manages budgeting for multiple program components, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations—including the Davis‑Bacon Act—and supervises both nutrition and operations staff. She is experienced in staff training, strategic planning, and maintaining collaborative relationships with community health and educational partners.
Her earlier work as Head Start Health Coordinator at FiveCAP, Inc. included budgeting, reporting, grant writing, and supervision of health education programs across four counties.
Kimberly holds a Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in Health Services and a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Public Health Education with a minor in Nutrition, both from Central Michigan University. She also maintains certifications in foodservice sanitation and transportation supervision. Her professional affiliations include Eta Sigma Gamma, the Michigan Association of Pupil Transportation, and the National Association of Pupil Transportation. She has served on statewide advisory committees and earned recognition such as the Wellness Networks Volunteer of the Year Award.
Dedicated, detail‑oriented, and mission‑driven, Kimberly has built a career focused on ensuring high‑quality, safe, and equitable services for children and families
Abria Morrow is the Human Resources Director at NMCAA.
Shannon Phelps serves as the Child & Family Development Director at Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency, where she provides strategic leadership for early childhood and family development services across a ten‑county region. With nearly two decades of experience in community action and Head Start programming, she leads large, multi‑funded programs and a multidisciplinary workforce, prioritizing staff support, professional growth, and continuous quality improvement while ensuring alignment with state and federal standards. Shannon brings deep expertise in program administration, grant oversight, and data‑informed decision‑making, and is highly engaged in building collaborative community partnerships that strengthen early care and learning systems. Her leadership reflects a strong commitment to advancing meaningful and sustainable outcomes for children, families, and communities.
Meredith Gafill oversees the Financials at NMCAA
Meredith started employment at NMCAA in March 2021 in the position of Controller. She has almost 12 years’ experience working in upper-level financial positions at non-profit organizations; and over 20 years’ working in business office-type settings. Meredith’s credentials include a Bachelor of Science Business, Major- Accounting-3.79 GPA; and a Master of Business Administration, Major- Accounting Concentration-3.85 GPA.
Tish Stave is an experienced community services and program management professional with over 15 years of dedicated service in nonprofit and community action environments. She currently serves as the Housing & Energy Efficiency Services Director at Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency, where she oversees daily operations, supervises staff, manages grants and contracts, and ensures the effective delivery of energy conservation and home repair services across multiple counties.
Tish began her career with NMCAA as an intern in 2009 and advanced through roles including AmeriCorps Member, Community Services Agent, and Financial Management Services Coordinator before stepping into program leadership. Her background includes extensive experience in volunteer coordination, client services, budget and credit counseling, grant writing, community outreach, and audit preparation.
She holds a B.S. in Sociology with a Journalism minor from Central Michigan University and has earned multiple distinctions, including the Michigan Community Action Agency Association Volunteer of the Year award and completion of several leadership and team development programs. Passionate about strengthening communities, Tish brings exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and leadership skills to every role she undertakes.