Meet the team!
Gary Moore
Gary serves as the Board Chair for The Fort. His role is to help facilitate strategic partnerships that will generate the needed fundraising to build and sustain The Fort. He worked in the pest control industry as an owner of Bug Authority, Inc before selling it in late 2024. He brings over 39 years of experience in business and relationships to The Fort Team.
“I've been involved in the organization since its' inception, and I know and feel God's favor in this project. It's critically important that men and women rise up to make a difference in our cities. What better initiative than standing for the defenseless?”
Eric Arps
Eric is a long-time technology and telecommunications business leader serving on the board of The Fort since its inception. He is currently leading the building committee with a commitment to bringing this vision of hope to reality. He is a devoted father of three, including an adopted daughter.
“Since very early in our relationship, my wife Patricia and I realized that what breaks both our hearts, is children at risk. Since then, we have focused our energies and funds toward opportunities to make a real difference in these children's lives. We have seen firsthand, the difference a few dedicated people, with support from the community, can make.”
Mark Pugh
Mark began his career in logistics and supply chain working for Kimberly-Clark and later worked for other Fortune 100 companies while moving into technology and consulting services. Before moving into the pastorate, he led a couple of technology and marketing firms as their Chief Operating Officer. He is now a part of the executive board of The Fort and the lead of the Operating committee.
“All children need a family to grow up with. They need parents who will care for them giving them hope and a steadfast love… I’m excited about The Fort’s plan as I believe it will allow us to give more and more families who foster the wrap around care they need as well as removing any financial obstacles they may have.”
Michael Smith
Cara Bowen
Cara serves as The Fort’s Executive Director. She brings over 24 years of experience in the child welfare field to the team. With a Master’s in social work and experience as a kinship care provider, Cara is committed to making an impact within the foster care system.
“Having served in the government sector of child welfare for the last 24 years, I’ve seen firsthand the emotional toll of separating siblings during an already traumatic time. The Fort’s mission to build the first sibling foster home in North Georgia allows us to help create a safe & loving environment where siblings can stay together, even in the midst of family separation.”
Michael initially worked in ministry, developing campus strategies through Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. He then worked in the construction IT space in multiple sales and marketing roles. After several years of working with a number of tech startups, his passion to help others sift through financial noise and live generously led him to focus on individual and small business financial planning, retirement and generosity planning.
“Fostering captured my heart as I began to run into more and more folks that were adopted or fostered, hearing their stories and seeing the impact and need in this area. The Fort model will allow huge impact in our community and state as we create a safe and caring place to create community for these children.”
Jon Adams
Jon is currently serving as Pastor Emeritus at The Vine Community Church after serving as their Lead Pastor for over 20 years. He has a passion to develop and lead healthy, Christ-centered leaders who will lead others. Jon is a key part of our community partnership efforts within Forsyth County and beyond.
Paige Rajala Benson
With a background in strategic planning, financial development and change communications, Paige is thrilled to be a part of The Fort's mission. While she is largely focused on retirement and financial planning, she is also committed to helping nonprofits strategize and grow.
“Can you imagine the long-term impact of every foster child experiencing a secure foundation at home? Generational impact would be made, giving the opportunity for kids to dream big and live out their life with confidence. We have a scalable solution - join us as we build it!”