CEF Executive Director
Executive Director Full-Time
Donna Carrington, She/Her
Donna leads both the Carrboro and Durham geographies, working with staff, Advocates, Members, and the Board of Directors. She stewards organizational vision and growth for all of CEF. Donna supports both offices in developing partnerships to secure housing justice and financial security for all Members. Donna’s passions are music, Jeopardy, Mahjong, and cooking shows.
Development & Finance Team
Steven Horton, He/Him
Finance & Operations Manager
Steven was recruited to help out with bookkeeping after a short stint as an Advocate. What he loves most about CEF is the belief that is the foundation of the Member-Advocate relationship: that everyone is creative, resourceful, and whole. Steven has a background in sustainable agriculture and food access. He is passionate about growing the personal and financial freedom of people who are presently or have historically been denied that freedom. In his spare time he enjoys travel, surf fishing, cooking and eating, political and legal podcasts/discussions, and playing video games. He currently lives in Chatham County with his wife, Robin and kids, Ada and Graham
Gabrielle Prince, She/Her
Communications & External Events Coordinator
Gabrielle joined CEF to bring her expertise in communications and external events, leveraging her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree to support and amplify the transformative work of the organization. What Gabrielle loves most about CEF is its approach, which combines person-centered support with financial services that pursue equity to reduce the racial wealth gap.
Gabrielle is passionate about storytelling and creating experiences where everyone feels safe and supported. In her spare time, she enjoys creative pursuits such as graphic design, painting, and reading self-help books.
Program Management
Jessica Cannady, She/Her
Member Services & Programs Manager Full-Time
Jessica is the Member Services and Programs Manager (MSPM) at CEF. In her role she supports program staff, guides program strategy, and manages reporting for Member Services and Advocate Programs for the Durham and Chapel Hill offices. Prior to joining CEF, Jessica was a coordinator and advocate with Compass Center, and began her career as a community research analyst at Forsyth Futures. Jessica is passionate about community, qualitative research and storytelling, mental health advocacy, access to quality and affordable housing, and racial justice. She believes in working collaboratively with the community to build thriving communities. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys cooking, dancing, hiking, reading, and yoga.
Durham County Team
Wren Morgan, She/They
Office & Community Organizer Full-Time
Wren is the Office & Community Organizer (OCO) for the Durham office. Wren was drawn to CEF because of their commitment to fostering deeper relationships with members centered around the understanding that people are creative, resourceful, and whole. Outside of this role, Wren is passionate about reproductive education and does birth work as a hospital doula. Wren also loves thrifting, nature walks, birds, poetry, and baking.
Shuhud, She/Her/Hers
Member Services Coordinator Full-Time
Shuhud is the Member Services Coordinator (MSC) at the Durham CEF office. Her journey with CEF began in her position as an Advocate at the Chapel Hill office which has not only given her ample experience in the work she does now but also a first-hand look at what engaging and building community with Members looks like. In her spare time, Shuhud enjoys binge watching TV, spending time with friends and her partner, and is involved in community organizing in the Chapel Hill and Durham communities.
Hibiscus Zhang he/him
Member Resource Specialist Full-Time
Hibiscus Zhang is the Member Resource Specialist (MRS) at the Durham CEF office. In his role, he focuses on developing, expanding, and strengthening targeted resource networks to meet Members’ diverse needs, particularly around housing, financial stability, and employment. As a local to the Triangle area, Hibiscus’ background in community organizing, program management, and research heavily informs his approach to work. Outside of CEF, he enjoys spending time with his friends, reading, writing poetry, making linocut prints, going on hikes, and attending live music shows.
Orange County Team
Yvette Mathews, She/Her
Office and Community Organizer Full-Time
Yvette is the captain of the ship in the Chapel Hill office, leading the front of the house including reception, welcoming, and administration. Yvette also leads community advocacy efforts in Chapel Hill and is the creator and director of the CEF Advocacy Choir! Yvette is the first face many Members and Advocates see when they enter the office, and effectively ensures that everyone who walks through the door is cared for and leaves happy (and keeps CEF’s Office Agreements!).
Tiz G.
Member Resource Specialist Full-Time
Tiz is a community organizer and the Chapel Hill location’s Member Resource Specialist. Their lived-experience surviving homelessness and trafficking informs the work they do today.
Lelah Cox
Member Services Coordinator Full-Time
Lelah is the Member Services Coordinator for the Orange County office. She stewards all services provided to Members of the OC office, learns Member needs, and guides Member situations. She also ensures CEF’s services are in the best condition to serve Members. Lelah has a background in housing access and advocacy that informs her approach as MSC. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, reading, and volunteering.
