Executive Director

Rachel Eva Merfalen works at the intersection of workforce development, employee ownership, and job quality. She has led regional business engagement strategy within a major workforce system and advised state and national partners on aligning workforce and economic strategies.

As Executive Director of the Tennessee Center for Employee Ownership, she leads efforts to expand ownership transitions and strengthen businesses across the state. She is also a Job Quality Fellow with the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program.

Development Manager

Sara Johnson-Steffey is a fundraising strategist with more than 25 years of experience helping nonprofits and mission-driven organizations secure and grow their funding. As founder of June Strategies, she has led philanthropic strategy, foundation engagement, and grant development for a wide range of initiatives.

At TNCEO, she leads development strategy and partnerships to support the expansion of employee ownership across Tennessee.

Grants & Compliance Specialist

Amy Wolf is a grants and compliance professional with experience in federally funded programs, community engagement, and program management. Since 2018, she has supported organizations in managing grants, strengthening compliance, and improving operational systems.

At TNCEO, she oversees grant administration and compliance to ensure programs are well-managed and positioned for long-term impact.