Staff

Executive Director

Circles Ashland’s mission is grounded in fostering reciprocal relationships that empower community members to achieve their goals and make measurable progress in their lives. Danny’s leadership role is a key part of advancing this mission as Circles Ashland continues to transform lives through intentional community connections.

Danny brings over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, community development, and operational management to his role. Prior to joining Circles Ashland, Danny held leadership positions at C2Adopt and Soar365, two Richmond-area nonprofits. As Director of Development and Marketing at C2Adopt, he was instrumental in creating long-term strategic plans, growing donor relations, and securing funding through foundation grants. His expertise in communications, event management, and fundraising directly contributed to the organization’s ability to support its mission.

At Soar365, Danny served as both Director and Program Manager, overseeing teams of professionals, volunteers, and program assistants while implementing best practices for program development. He worked closely with community stakeholders to ensure quality, sustainability, and regulatory compliance for multiple program sites. His leadership helped expand services and opportunities for underserved individuals and families, a strength he continues to bring to Circles Ashland.

In addition to his professional achievements, Danny has lived in the Richmond, VA area for over 20 years. He is married to Katie Kenyon, also an Executive Director in the Richmond nonprofit sector. Together, they have four children and are actively involved in the community. You can often find Danny and Katie volunteering for various causes, catching a Flying Squirrels game or exploring Richmond’s vibrant food scene, as they are both passionate foodies.

Danny’s combination of strategic vision, hands-on leadership, and deep ties to the community make him a vital part of Circles Ashland’s mission to build lasting change for families in need.

Email Danny

Circle Leaders Coach

Debbie Williams has over 20-plus years of experience guiding and supporting individuals in personal and professional development. Debbie serves as the Leader Coach of Circles Ashland, providing guidance and support to Leaders in goal setting, goal achievement, identifying benchmarks, facilitating successful outcomes, meeting with match Circles, and facilitating conflict resolutions.

Debbie holds a certificate in Substance Abuse Education and an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Human Services from Reynolds Community College. She has recently completed coursework for a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Degree in Public and Social Services and Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Debbie believes that negative images and beliefs about us create obstacles that weaken self-confidence and self-esteem. When we reconstruct the way we think, our self-perception changes and we begin to see ourselves in a more positive light. Debbie is passionate about providing support and the tools that will empower individuals to transform themselves so that they can live the life that they desire and deserve.

Email Debbie

Administrative Support Coordinator

Ashley Allen has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and more than ten years of experience leading in the nonprofit space, most recently at Rise Richmond (formerly Church Hill Activities & Tutoring). There, she carried weight in a variety of administrative lanes, including human resources, finance, operations, and marketing, developing a skill set that spans the gamut of nonprofit administration. In prior roles, she also served as a long-term mentor and group leader for middle and high school students, as well as a volunteer manager. No matter what the role, there's a common thread of streamlining processes in efforts to best serve the teams she's a part of. 

The newest addition to our Staff, Ashley began at Circles in the fall of 2024. Her role is to provide administrative and program support in a variety of means and to assist both internal and external channels of engagement. 

Ashley enjoys thrifting, writing, playing a good board game, and crafting (when she has the time, anyway). But more than anything, she enjoys being with her husband and two little ones.

Email Ashley