Staff & Board

R. Dean Woods President

Dean Woods was introduced as the new President of Foothills Community Foundation in January 2017. Previously he served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Special Assistant to the President at Anderson University. A native of Easley, SC, he holds degrees from Anderson University, Furman University and Southern Seminary. He serves on the boards of the Anderson Area YMCA, the Rocky River Conservancy and the Anderson Federal Credit Union. He is active in numerous civic organizations including Rotary, The United Way and the Boy Scouts, among others. He is a member of Young Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Mary R. Pickens Donor Services Director

Mary recently joined the Foothills Community Foundation in January of 2024. She focuses on relationships with fund holders, communication with donors and advisors, as well as services to community partners and Foundation initiatives. Before joining the Foundation, she spent twenty years living and working in the Midwest. Mary is a graduate of Duke University and is thrilled to be back in her hometown helping to provide for the long-term benefit of the residents of the area.

Vickie Yelton Acccouting Coordinator

Vickie is the part-time accounting coordinator at the Foundation.  She brings to us a strong background in accounting and business with broad experience in both the health care and energy sectors.  Vickie, who hails from east Tennessee is spearheading the Foundation’s software transition.  She and her husband Randall have lived in Anderson since 2003.

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

  • Chairman
    Theresa G. Knoepp, MD
  • Vice Chairman
    Dennis M. Burt
  • Treasurer
    Sue M. Tuten
  • Secretary
    Ann D. Herbert
  • Immediate Past Chairman
    Jeff Roberts
  • Chairman Emeritus
    William Law Watkins*
  • Directors Emeriti
    Irvin L. Cauthen*
    Cordes Gaillard Seabrook, Jr.*

* Deceased

Board Members

  • James T. Boseman
  • Gabrielle Cannick, DMD, PhD
  • Brian L. Cauthen
  • Anthony Guiseppi-Elie, Sc.D
  • William Kenley
  • John A. Miller, Jr.
  • Jane W. Mudd
  • Robert M. Rainey
    President Emeritus
  • Edward A. Spitz
  • D. Gray Suggs
  • Evans Whitaker, Ph.D.
  • Maril Yeske