Our Staff & Board
Eva Pierce
Executive Director
Eva Pierce, Executive Director
Eva Pierce is a native of Bluefield, West Virginia. She moved to Knoxville in 1991, after attending college in Houston, Texas and receiving her degree in Behavioral Science from Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City. In 2011, she completed the Nonprofit Management Certificate program at the University of Tennessee. In May, 2015, she graduated from the Consortium for Social Enterprise Effectiveness at the Haslam College of Business at UT.
Her professional background includes working with the elderly, with persistently mentally-ill adults, and homeless families. Before becoming Executive Director of Hand UP For Women in 2002, she developed and implemented training curriculum for the Department of Children’s Services at the University of Tennessee’s Office of Social Work Research and Public Service.
In 2006, Eva was named one of Knoxville’s “Street Saints” by the Knoxville Leadership Foundation for “walking with the broken, downtrodden, marginalized, and lonely people of Knoxville so that they can see God’s purpose for them and find hope again.” She has also been nominated for the YWCA’s Tribute to Women. Eva is one of only four nationally-certified Christian Women’s Job Corps trainers in the state of Tennessee, and also served two terms on the Tennessee State CWJC/CMJC Advisory Board, representing the East Tennessee region.
Eva credits her mother with instilling in her the values of faith, pursuing your fullest potential, and believing that you are a strong woman of God. She says that her work with Hand UP For Women is the culmination of every personal struggle and professional opportunity she has ever had.
In her rare spare time, Eva enjoys entertaining friends with her husband, Les, and stepson, Lance, as well as relaxing at home with her dog, Gertie. She is a huge Tennessee Volunteer football fan, but also follows her native West Virginia Mountaineers. She attends Black Oak Heights Baptist Church.
Karen Mills
Program Coordinator
Karen Mills, Program Coordinator
When asked about her career history, Karen said, “I worked for 8 years as a Divisional Secretary in the buying offices of Miller’s Department Store. For 4 years, I worked for a company call Belli-grams that delivered well-wishes via belly dancer!” After being a stay-at-home mom for 4 years, Karen went to work for a local veterinary clinic, where she remained for 22 years. If you run into her out in public, she may not know YOUR name, but she’ll know your pet’s.
After leaving the clinic, Karen was offered the position of Program Assistant at Hand UP For Women. She says that “I am home now. The ladies, even with the challenges they face daily, are an inspiration to me. It’s wonderful to see God working in them. They hold each other up and have formed a sisterhood like no other.” She has since become certified as a Program Coordinator.
Karen enjoys singing very much in the Chancel Choir at church. She also loves being at home relaxing with her family and pets, as well as going out on the town with friends.
Carrie McCulley
Bookkeeper
Carrie McCulley, Bookkeeper
At the core of Carrie’s life is her deep commitment to family. She finds immense joy in her role as a devoted wife, supporting her husband, John, and fostering a loving and nurturing home for her five cherished children. Her family’s well-being is her top priority, and her tireless dedication and love have created a foundation of strength, unity, and happiness that is truly remarkable.
But Carrie’s heart doesn’t stop at her family’s doorstep. She extends her boundless compassion to the community as a nursery volunteer at Northstar Church. In this role, she provides a warm and welcoming environment for the youngest members of the congregation. Her gentle spirit and nurturing care offer parents peace of mind and create a loving sanctuary where children feel valued and safe.
Professionally, Carrie is a respected accounting professional who serves as our bookkeeper. In this crucial role, her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment play a vital part in empowering women on their journey toward economic independence and self-sufficiency. Her work reflects her personal values of compassion and service, making a significant impact on the lives of those she serves.
Carrie McCulley’s life is a tapestry woven with threads of family, compassion, and service. Her dedication to her loved ones, her community, and her profession is an inspiration to all who know her. She reminds us that a life lived with love, kindness, and a commitment to making the world a better place can create a lasting legacy of positivity and hope. Carrie’s story is one of family, compassion, and service—a story that continues to inspire and uplift those around her.
Janae Hayes
House Manager
Karen Mills, Site Coordinator
Karen Mills is a Knoxville girl through and through, even moving back into her childhood home after she married her husband, Tom in 1983. Son Eric joined them in 1985. She graduated from Fulton High School and attended Walters State Community College.
When asked about her career history, Karen said, “I worked for 8 years as a Divisional Secretary in the buying offices of Miller’s Department Store. For 4 years, I worked for a company call Belli-grams that delivered well-wishes via belly dancer!” After being a stay-at-home mom for 4 years, Karen went to work for a local veterinary clinic, where she remained for 22 years. If you run into her out in public, she may not know YOUR name, but she’ll know your pet’s.
After leaving the clinic, Karen was offered the position of Program Assistant at Hand UP For Women. She says that “I am home now. The ladies, even with the challenges they face daily, are inspirational to me. It’s wonderful to see God working in them. They hold each other up and have formed a sisterhood like no other.” She has since become certified as a Site Coordinator, and on her days off from Hand UP, she works part-time as a Ministry Assistant at her home church of 40 years, Oakwood Baptist.
Karen enjoys singing very much in the Chancel Choir at church. She also loves being at home relaxing with her family and pets, as well as going out on the town with friends.
Amanda Roberts
Administrative Office Assistant
Karen Mills, Site Coordinator
Karen Mills is a Knoxville girl through and through, even moving back into her childhood home after she married her husband, Tom in 1983. Son Eric joined them in 1985. She graduated from Fulton High School and attended Walters State Community College.
When asked about her career history, Karen said, “I worked for 8 years as a Divisional Secretary in the buying offices of Miller’s Department Store. For 4 years, I worked for a company call Belli-grams that delivered well-wishes via belly dancer!” After being a stay-at-home mom for 4 years, Karen went to work for a local veterinary clinic, where she remained for 22 years. If you run into her out in public, she may not know YOUR name, but she’ll know your pet’s.
After leaving the clinic, Karen was offered the position of Program Assistant at Hand UP For Women. She says that “I am home now. The ladies, even with the challenges they face daily, are inspirational to me. It’s wonderful to see God working in them. They hold each other up and have formed a sisterhood like no other.” She has since become certified as a Site Coordinator, and on her days off from Hand UP, she works part-time as a Ministry Assistant at her home church of 40 years, Oakwood Baptist.
Karen enjoys singing very much in the Chancel Choir at church. She also loves being at home relaxing with her family and pets, as well as going out on the town with friends.
Board of Directors
Dottie Sampsel, President
Christina Duncan, Secretary
Steve McNish, Treasurer
Stacy Annear
Bob Bell
Angela Faulkner
B.K. Hardin
Tim Holder
Christina Lindberg
Sylvia Phelps
Mike Sexton
Betty Lou Simpson
Todd Stinnett
Jennifer Wilson
Dean Wright
Advisory Council
Bill Cahill
Gary Duncan
Kat Van Dusen
Robin Wilhoit