Advancing a future filled with possibility for all Appalachians.

We are a community-rooted Appalachian collective that identifies exceptional local models, tells their stories, and translates them into practical, replicable tools.

We then partner with communities to adopt and adapt these ideas, strengthening education, economic opportunity, cultural vitality, and civic life across the region.

Meet the Team

  • Rob Collins, Ed.D.

    FOUNDER

  • Dixon Cline

    PARTNER

  • Ford Edwards

    PARTNER

  • Samantha Nygaard

    PARTNER

  • Christian Turner

    PARTNER

Our Work

Our team of ambitious, connected, and rooted Appalachian leaders lead with genuine curiosity, rigorous methodology, and ingenuity to spark meaningful action across Appalachian communities.

We connect with leaders across Appalachia to highlight impactful programs, policies, and practices that are creating a bright future for our region. As a team, we support leaders in replicating and adapting highlighted programs in their own communities and organizations.

We research four core domains:

Education

AFI advances learning experiences that are rooted in place, purpose, and possibility; ensuring young people gain the skills, confidence, and agency to shape their own futures. We lift up innovative, community-connected models that move beyond test scores to honor creativity, critical thinking, and real-world impact.

Economic Development

AFI supports pathways to meaningful, sustainable work by uplifting efforts that strengthen local talent, entrepreneurship, and regionally grounded industries. We focus on economic strategies that allow Appalachian communities to thrive without extraction, displacement, or leaving home behind.

Cultural Wealth

AFI celebrates Appalachia’s ever-evolving stories, traditions, arts, and lived knowledge as assets rather than artifacts. By investing in cultural expression and preservation, we help communities reclaim narrative power and pass pride, identity, and belonging to current and future generations.

Civic Engagement & Renewal

AFI cultivates civic leadership that is ethical, informed, and rooted in community care. We support efforts that rebuild trust in democratic processes, elevate and incorporate youth voice, and equip people to participate meaningfully in shaping the decisions that affect their lives.

Let's Keep in Touch

Interested in implementing an innovative program, policy, or practice in your Appalachian community? Fill out the form below and a member of our team will reach out to you to discuss next steps.