2016 HALO Board of Directors Eddie Welsh, President, COO at Capital Materials Eddie Welsh served as a Peace Corps volunteer from 2003 – 2005 in the Republic of Panama. From this experience, grew his passion for serving the less fortunate. Upon his return to the United States, Eddie attended the University of Missouri – Kansas City working toward a Masters in Public Administration and Non-Profit Management. After serving in Peace Corps, Eddie also worked with Children International serving as a liaison between donors and program directors for almost 5 years. His primary objectives were to grow awareness, build teams and create structures within the existing organization that lent them to sustainable growth. Currently, Eddie serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Capital Materials. The company has more than 300 employees and operates limestone quarries, asphalt plants, bridge and highway construction projects predominately in the state of Missouri. Carol Angerer, Treasurer, Partner and CPA at Abbott and Angerer CPAs Carol has been involved with the accounting for HALO for the last 10 years. She is deeply committed to HALO’s success and mission of “helping youth in the greatest need.” Carol is the owner and managing member of Abbott & Angerer CPA’s, LLC, a Jefferson City accounting firm with a 50+ year history. Carol is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants. She has also obtained the CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant) designation from the AICPA. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with dual majors in Accounting and Financial Services from Columbia College. Carol is dedicated to helping clients achieve business success with her diverse tax, financial, and business consulting proficiency, while encouraging sound tax and financial practices. She provides expertise in comprehensive accounting services, including individual, corporate, partnership, and nonprofit income tax returns, financial statement compilations, and payroll taxes and processing.

Carol resides in Jefferson City, Mo. with her husband, Craig, and their two children, Luke and Jacob. She is also the Finance Chairperson of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Honey Creek, where she and her family are members. Carol is an avid reader and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and friends. Leena Phadke Fry, Secretary, Attorney at U.S. Federal Government Leena has been an attorney since 2007 and has practiced in both the government and private sector. She was first introduced to HALO by her husband, Josh. They began dating shortly after he returned from a life-changing trip to Kenya to shoot HALO's first mission video. After hearing about HALO's great work and people, Leena began volunteering on the Ambassador Board as the organization's copy editor. Soon thereafter, she joined the Board of Directors as Secretary. Leena is passionate about education and believes that true learning can only happen when a child's basic needs are met. She believes wholeheartedly in the mission of HALO and strives to provide quality guidance to the organization on policymaking issues. David Baker, Founder & Managing Partner at Legacy Investment Partners In October of 2004, David founded Legacy Investment Partners, LLC and brought together a team of advisors to develop a comprehensive, multigenerational approach to wealth planning. He started his career as a Registered Representative for George K. Baum & Company. In 2000, he accepted the position of Senior Vice-President Investment Officer for First Union Securities. Following a merger with Wachovia, David was retained as Senior Vice-President for Wachovia Securities. He has represented individuals and families with a comprehensive and collaborative approach that includes a review of the client's investment, estate, insurance and philanthropic goals. This unique CFO approach has made David a prominent figure in the investment management industry. Mr. and Mrs. Baker met in college and were married in 1999 and now have two sons. David enjoys volunteering to coach his sons’ sports teams as well as promoting his passion for the "Pay It Forward" model. As a true fiduciary and trusted advisor, he is known throughout our community as a resource for both academic and charitable foundations across the country. Community Involvement includes Garth Brooks Foundation -Teammates for Kids, HALO Foundation, Kansas City Community Food Kitchen & Culinary Cornerstones, Higher Impact, Scholarship for Mothers, YMCA, and Women’s Employment Network.

Tara Darbyshire, Founding Board Member at Archer Foundation Tara is a Founding Board Member of the Archer Foundation and passionately supports organizations that foster services for children in need and aid for women in crisis. Understanding the power of supporting women as contributors to the global economy, Tara has served as a mentor for women in technology through organizations such as the Executive Women’s Forum (EWF) and the Carnegie Mellon University INI Graduate Program. Prior to the Archer Foundation, Tara served as Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Business Development and Sales for Archer Technologies, a leading risk and compliance software company. Additional leadership positions include Vice President of Sales and Marketing for eSecurityOnline, and National Director of Sales for the Information Security practice of Ernst & Young. Tara’s latest endeavor is to understand the impacts of environment and nutrition on health, wellness and recovery from disease. She is currently pursuing her certificate in holistic nutrition and instructing small, private groups in creating healthy, organic meals adapted from traditional recipes. Vanessa Connell, CPA and Community Activist Vanessa has been a resident of Kansas City, Mo. for 19 years and has held many volunteer positions for organizations across the City. In addition to HALO, she currently serves as the treasurer for the board of Just Like You Films, which is nonprofit production company creating one-of-a-kind films that facilitate the physical and emotional healing of unique children by creating an environment of acceptance worldwide. Vanessa grew up in Atlanta, Ga. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Arizona. Upon moving to Kansas City, Vanessa worked for KPMG Peat Marwick in their audit department, focusing her work on not-for-profit and healthcare clients. When Vanessa is not volunteering her time, she loves being with her husband Jimmy Connell and their four children and two dogs.