Meet the team!
Brian Muffley President
Brian has been leading the Fort from its inception, and is actively working to build and refine our overall strategy and partner network required for short term and long term success. He is also a seasoned IT leader working worldwide to lead digital transformation and strategy across numerous industries and verticals. View his LinkedIn here.
“Fostering is important to me because I believe it is our biblical call to stand for the defenseless as well as our responsibility to give back. I have been successful in my career, and as I look at the future, I want to give back more and more. I believe our purpose should always start around loving one another, regardless the differences and circumstances that may be evident.”
Tammy Elliott Vice President
Tammy serves as Vice President and Enablement Committee Chair for The Fort and has been actively serving the Forsyth County foster community for over 4 years. She has over 20 years of IT Account Management experience and owns and manages rental properties.
“Our model is in line with God’s perfect design. We believe that this can and will be replicated to surrounding counties, state, US and beyond. My hope and prayer is there will be a day when every child has a loving, stable home and parents that point them to Christ.”
Gary Moore
Gary serves on the Enablement Committee for The Fort. His role is to help facilitate strategic partnerships that will generate the needed fundraising to build and sustain The Fort. He works in the pest control industry as an owner of Bug Authority, Inc with over 39 years of experience in business and relationships.
“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. View his LinkedIn here.
“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
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.”
Grace Segars
Grace graduated from Berry College in 2023 with her bachelor’s in business marketing. She was hired as an associate to mentor and raise up Christian student leaders in Rome, GA through the WinShape College Program. She works to communicate the vision of The Fort in her role as Marketing Director.
“The thoughts of children without families to care for them, children without bedrooms to rest in, children without backyards to play in all bring deep grief to me. The Fort invited me to the courageous opportunity to hope and to help! Foster children belong to our community, and we are honored to be the helpers that bring them hope.”
Paige Rajala
With a background in strategic planning, financial development and change communications, Paige is thrilled to be a part of The Fort's incredible mission. While she is currently a Wealth Advisor and Director of Business Development for BYRT Financial Advisors, she is committed to helping nonprofits 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!”