Board of directors
Bethany Lackey
Bethany is the Executive Director of Roanoke Refugee Partnership. She helped make RRP a reality in early 2017, and is involved in the many facets of the organization. A native to Appalachia, she has had a passion for social justice since childhood. Bethany is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech. She thrives on building community and connecting people.
Bill Ellis
Bill, born and raised in Roanoke, lives in Floyd County with his family and two children. He’s been a commercial insurance adjuster for 25 years. In 2016 he began teaching education and job-training classes for newly arrived refugees in the Roanoke Valley and, moved by the work, has taught over 150 newcomers the basics of life in the U.S. He focuses on small practical steps that help people thrive and has been involved with RRP since its start, always ready to help. Bill serves as RRP’s Volunteer Coordinator.
Michael McKeown
Michael has 35 years’ experience in domestic and international business and financial management. A retired Fortune 500 executive, he’s worked on agricultural development in Africa, Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe and volunteered long-term with the Peace Corps, USO, and Red Cross. Skilled in small-business development, project and financial management, leadership, contracts, and human resources. Michael serves as RRP’s treasurer.
Lakshmi Patel
Lakshmi joined RRP in its early stages, as a family mentor. She now serves as Secretary and helps manage daily operations. She is a dietitian working with pediatric patients, where she often works with refugee and immigrant clients. Born and raised in Africa, her upbringing inspired her commitment to refugees. In her free time she enjoys travel, global cuisine, and time with her husband and two children.
Anne Krogenas
Anne worked 40 years as an Interventional Radiology Technologist. After retirement she sought out RRP so she could continue making a difference in people’s lives while also pursuing her interests in the arts and travel. Anne has been involved in RRP starting as an English tutor and family mentor, expanding into leadership, launching RRP’s Citizenship Assistance Program and coordinated the Dental Wellness Program. Anne is a firm believer in the “Teach a man to fish concept.”
Andrew Steele
Andrew has been working and volunteering with nonprofits since 2013. Before moving to Roanoke he worked in community and economic development in Chattanooga, TN. working with underserved communities living in poverty to escape it. He has worked as a paralegal in Roanoke since 2020.