Lisa Pierce – Executive Director and Founder
As the founder of Alabama Rural Ministry, Lisa has always been excited about the potential we have for ministry in our state. For the past 22 years, ARM has been working with some incredible families who make each day worthwhile. Lisa graduated from Auburn University, attended seminary at Asbury Theological Seminary with an MA in Leadership, has a Master’s from The University of West Alabama where ARM began. Recently, Lisa graduated from the US Army War College and has a Masters in Strategic Military Studies. Lisa loves working with people in rural communities and getting to know them and their amazing stories. Although originally from Daytona Beach, Florida, Lisa considers Alabama home. She’s been working with the National Guard since 1990 and currently holds the rank of Colonel. Lisa is ordained as a deacon in the United Methodist Church. Overall, Lisa enjoys serving others in the Spirit of our Lord and Savior!
Andrew Baird – Administrative Director
Andrew joined the ARM family as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Tornado Recovery Team after the March 2019 tornadoes and now serves as the Administrative Director. In this role, he oversees various aspects of the ministry including event coordination, communications, volunteer recruitment, financial records, and other administrative functions. Andrew is a professional historian with degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Auburn University. He teaches history as an adjunct professor at Columbus State University and adds his knowledge of U.S. History to ARM’s focus on social justice. Andrew also serves as the scoutmaster of a boy scout troop in Auburn and enjoys camping, hiking, and exploring historical sites. He and his wife, Rebecca, have been married for 28 years and have two adult children.
Allison Porter – Director of Housing Operations
Allison is from Charlotte, North Carolina and graduated in 2018 from Auburn University with a degree in Environmental Design with a Business minor. Previously, Allison served with ARM as a member of the 2018 and 2019 summer ministry teams. She has also served as a part of our Tornado Recovery Team as a Disaster Case Manager and is excited to work with ARM to extend love in the world of home repair!