2026 Annual Members Meeting

I am a former resident of New Jersey who moved to Tellico Village in March 2024. 

Prior to 2017, I was head of the High Net Worth and Small Business markets in the U.S. for AXA Financial (AXA/Equitable in the U.S.), one of the largest financial services institutions in the world. Between 2017 and moving to Tellico Village, I consulted to small businesses and their boards of directors to assist and guide the building of their marketing, merchandising, and customer service platforms. (I continue to do so on a very limited basis.)

I moved to Tellico Village soon after the death of my wife of 45 years; and have become engaged with the community through volunteering – T-BART, Kiwanis, my church. 

My wife and I had cats and dogs our entire lives and have been long-time advocates and financial supporters for animal welfare - local shelters and humane organizations, in particular. I was happy to “discover” MCFA. 

In October 2025, I joined MCFA and have been volunteering 6 to 9 hours each week cleaning cat kennels. However, I believe I can do more and want to do more to help further the work of MCFA (in addition to my continued financial support and labor in the kennel). Therefore, I am now offering to contribute my business skills as well as my “donor perspective” to MCFA.

Thank you for your time and consideration of my candidacy.

I have been a resident of Tellico Village since March 2018. Before moving here, I served as the CEO of a large orthopedic practice in Northern Illinois. I hold a master’s degree in health service administration and have over 30 years of experience in healthcare management.

Since relocating to Tennessee, I have been actively involved in the community. I have volunteered at Tellico Village Broadcasting, served on the Tugaloo Park Committee, and contributed to video work at my church. Currently, I am the membership volunteer for MCFA and am the current Vice President. 

Although I am a former dog parent and currently do not have a pet, I often take care of a good friend's yellow lab when she needs additional support. I have fostered two dogs this past year. I am a dog Iover and hope to have one of my own once I am not traveling so much.

I am a widower with two adult children, four grandchildren, and one grand dog.

Sandra Kinney holds a master’s degree in Public Administration and has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, working in technical and community colleges as well as research universities. Her professional background includes analytical services, research, grant writing, and grant reporting.

Before moving to Tennessee, Sandra was deeply involved in community and nonprofit service, including work with the Georgia Transplant Foundation, serving as President of the Alpharetta Arboretum and Community Gardens, Hospice Atlanta, and the Natural Resources Commission for the City of Alpharetta.

She currently serves as Director of Main Street Athens, where she focuses on event planning, grant writing, fundraising, and supporting downtown businesses. Sandra lives on a 26-acre farm with her family and a menagerie that includes three dogs, four cats, 20 chickens, and 16 geese. All of her dogs have been adopted from shelters or rescue organizations, including two senior “death row” dogs who were rescued just before euthanasia and went on to live long, happy lives as beloved family members.

My wife and I moved to Sweetwater in April 2021. I spent 40 years in the hospitality industry. This included sales and senior management positions with hotels, convention and visitor bureaus and performing arts centers across the country. I was blessed to have lived in 15 states where I was able to enjoy local cultures and activities. During this time, I served on several membership based organizations board of directors. The primary objectives were to raise awareness, grow membership, plan social events and program content. 

My wife Traci and I have been married for 35 years and have 2 sons Kory 32 and Konnor 28. 

Another passion I have is children. I am a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) working with Monroe County children. Our mission is to help provide guidance, open communication and social involvement to help provide a better life. 

Lastly, we had a Pomeranian named Aurora for 13 years. She was a member of the family and her passing was devastating. We now have a Golden Doodle, Bruno, 3 years old who is the love of our life and best friend. 

Hello, I am a mom to 3 beautiful children, a LaLa to 2 beautiful grandbabies, Family Nurse Practitioner, and an animal advocate!  I am currently serving on the Board of Directors and served as the Board’s Secretary from 2023 to 2025. I have been Volunteering at the shelter for 5 years. I work in Monroe County and became interested in helping the displaced animals after seeing the need while working in the area.

Animal welfare is my passion. I have fostered 99 canines and 30 felines. During my time volunteering at the shelter I have worked adoption events, mentored new Volunteers, worked with the marketing of the shelter, take the canine photos for social media and the website, run the social media pages, foster canines, send pets to two newspapers weekly, and adoption counseling. I love each and every one these jobs and the best reward is to see an animal leave with their new family. One of my proudest moments as a MCFA member was an adoption event where 13 animals were adopted, and being a part of the New Center activities on opening day, that included walking the longest resident canine to a beautiful new space!

I would appreciate your vote to continue serving MCFA and will continue to work endless hours to improve the lives of our most unfortunate pets in Monroe County. Thank you for letting me serve the past three years on the MCFA Board of Directors.