Dr. J. Celeste Kee (known as Celeste) is the incoming Executive Director of Warrick Dunn Charities. Before joining WDC, she served as Executive Director of Draw Change and the New Orleans Arts Education Alliance, two youth development organizations based in Georgia and Louisiana. Celeste has extensive experience in grant writing, fundraising, program development, and nonprofit management. In addition to her executive leadership experience, Celeste has also worked as a research consultant in the philanthropic and education sectors and as a teacher and professional development coach. She has a Ph.D. in Education with a focus on the arts, and she has developed local, state & national research and policy to ensure children have the enrichment opportunities they need to thrive. Throughout her career, her main passion has been helping community-based organizations that serve children and families. As a former teacher, she believes that healthy, successful children are the foundation of healthy, successful communities, and she is honored to serve more families throughout the country with Warrick Dunn Charities. Her personal hobbies include exploring the city’s beautiful outdoor spaces with her family, yoga, meditation, reading, and the arts.

Dr. J. Celeste Kee (known as Celeste) is the incoming Executive Director of Warrick Dunn Charities. Before joining WDC, she served as Executive Director of Draw Change and the New Orleans Arts Education Alliance, two youth development organizations based in Georgia and Louisiana. Celeste has extensive experience in grant writing, fundraising, program development, and nonprofit management. In addition to her executive leadership experience, Celeste has also worked as a research consultant in the philanthropic and education sectors and as a teacher and professional development coach. She has a Ph.D. in Education with a focus on the arts, and she has developed local, state & national research and policy to ensure children have the enrichment opportunities they need to thrive. Throughout her career, her main passion has been helping community-based organizations that serve children and families. As a former teacher, she believes that healthy, successful children are the foundation of healthy, successful communities, and she is honored to serve more families throughout the country with Warrick Dunn Charities. Her personal hobbies include exploring the city’s beautiful outdoor spaces with her family, yoga, meditation, reading, and the arts.

Ashley is a seasoned financial professional with over 15 years of experience spanning the corporate and non-profit sectors. A proud Georgia native, she holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Georgia State University. Beginning in banking operations, Ashley swiftly transitioned into roles such as Credit Coach, Senior Housing Counselor, and Training and Development Specialist. In these capacities, she has impacted countless lives by educating over 4,000 individuals—both youth and adults—on crucial financial matters. Her expertise encompasses debt management, wealth building, and homeownership, where she meticulously crafts action plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

With an extensive range of certifications, including Instructional Design & eLearning, HUD-Approved Housing Counselor, Financial Coaching, and expertise in Financial Education delivery, Ashley demonstrates a relentless pursuit of professional development and mastery in her field. Driven by a profound sense of purpose and passion for financial literacy and affordable housing, Ashley is dedicated to nurturing an environment conducive to generational wealth. Her specialization in financial education underscores her ability to facilitate the success and growth of others, leveraging strong interpersonal skills and a well-honed sense of humor to foster connections and build rapport across diverse backgrounds, cultures, and demographic groups.