Our Team

Dr. Kathleen N. Spears is a graduate of Texas Woman's University where she earned a Master of Healthcare Administration as well as a PhD in Community Health. Prior to joining Waste Not Want Not in September 2024 as its executive director, Dr. Spears worked in healthcare sales and marketing at Humana and Walmart Health. Before her career in corporate healthcare, Spears served as President & CEO of 2 different nonprofit organizations in Indianapolis where she increased fundraising, mission impact, and brand recognition and was named to the Indianapolis Business Journal's 40 Under 40 and named as Best & Brightest in Nonprofit Leadership. Spears has also served as an executive consultant with many nonprofits across the globe.

Kelly Gentry earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from University of Wisconsin and a Master of Social Work from the University of the Virgin Islands - St. Thomas. Prior to joining Waste Not Want Not as its Director, Mission Delivery, Kelly led a storied career in nonprofit administration spanning program development, fundraising, and strategic planning. Much of Kelly's career in nonprofit leadership has been serving survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse. She has also worked in ending homelessness and youth empowerment.

Kelly is a graduate of Leadership Kaui in Kaui Hawaii and has been recognized for her contributions to the nonprofit sector with numerous awards and accolades.

Linda McKenzie joined Waste Not Want Not August 1, 2016 as Volunteer Director and continues to coordinate over 130 rescues weekly through the services of 200+ volunteers. Prior to joining Waste Not Want Not, Linda spent 40 years in Land and Marine Transportation companies, retiring from Crowley Maritime Corporation in 2014. In her role as an accounting services professional, she dispersed $750M annually and managed a staff of over 20 in the US and El Salvador.

Linda is a graduate of Knoxville College and Edward Waters University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Organizational Management and holds a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University.

Alise Dillow is a loaned employee from LM Henderson, an accounting firm located in Indianapolis, IN. Alise has nearly two decades of experience in bookkeeping and accounting with certifications in Quickbooks, Peachtree, and SAGE. Alise has worked with dozens of medium and large organizations including several non-profits. She works closely with nonprofits to implement financial controls, structure, and streamline accounting and bookkeeping processes to ensure the nonprofit is achieving its best financial health.