Our Team
Impact Clay Staff
Connie Thomas
CEO
Connie, a native of Duval and Clay County, is a 1979 graduate of Orange Park High School. She earned a BA from Newberry College and a master’s in clinical social work from the University of Georgia, becoming a Board-certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 1994. Since 2011, Connie has run a private practice at Grace House Counseling Center and became the President and CEO of Impact Clay in 2022. In 2006, while living in Georgia, Connie led a successful effort to form a local Environmental Task Force in response to a toxic substance crisis caused by a wastewater treatment plant. She testified before the Georgia Senate Oversight Committee and was appointed to a federal panel by the CDC to help address nationwide toxic substance emergencies. After returning to Clay County in 2010, Connie and her husband, Tony Steve, became active members of their community. Connie was elected to the Orange Park Town Council in 2016 and served as Mayor from 2019 to 2020. In 2020, she launched the College Drive Initiative (CDI), which facilitates collaborative efforts among local organizations and the Clay County Government. In 2022, Connie took the helm at Impact Clay, leading initiatives that bring together the business, faith-based, non-profit, and government sectors. One key achievement under her leadership has been the Impact Clay Train, a mobile service providing vital care to underserved areas. Connie says she has never "worked" a day in her life since 1989, always focusing on leaving the world a little better than she found it.
Michelle Reaves
Director of
Operations
Michelle Reaves, Director of Operations at Impact Clay, brings expertise in project coordination, administrative operations, and grant writing. She holds a BS in Public Administration from Flagler College and has held leadership roles with the Jacksonville Lean Consortium and Clay Chamber of Commerce, excelling in strategic planning and member engagement. Previously, she helped secure critical funding and managed process improvement at the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. At Impact Clay, Michelle supports the CEO, oversees project execution, and ensures smooth day-to-day operations, including managing the Impact Clay Professional Center. A lifelong Clay County resident, Michelle enjoys singing, and spending time with her husband and two children.
Brooke Davies
Director of Community Development
Brooke Davies is the Director of Community Development at Impact Clay. She is dedicated to fostering a positive community environment through strategic planning, program development, and community engagement. Brooke actively builds relationships with residents, businesses, and local organizations to strengthen Clay County. A passionate community leader, Brooke has co-founded and served on the Steering Committee of 100+ Women Who Care About Clay County, raising over $180,000 for local nonprofits. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Challenge Enterprises, Community Leadership Council, and Executive Cabinet for the Community Partnership School program at Orange Park High School.
Volunteer Staff
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Dave McDaniels
Volunteer
Coordinator
Eva Dion
Administrative
Assistant
Gregg Kaufman
Citizen Engagement
Coach
Gregg Kaufman commenced his work with Impact Clay in August 2023 as the Citizen Engagement Coach. He works with people and organizations from all four Impact Clay sectors. After 30 years of serving four Lutheran congregations, including 17 years in Princeton Jct., NJ, Kaufman directed the Georgia College & State University Coverdell Institute and coordinated the university’s American Democracy Project (2004-2014). He taught in the Department of Government & Sociology. In 2014, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities American Democracy Project awarded Kaufman the inaugural Barbara Burch Faculty Leadership in Civic Engagement Award. Gregg Kaufman is the Impact Clay staff person with responsibility for public participation efforts. For more information, contact Gregg Kaufman at info@impactclay.org.
William Darnell
Logistics
Coordinator
Joelle Marquis
Secretary
Joelle Marquis is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for purpose-driven success. As President of Arsenal Capital Partners, she has redefined human capital leadership in private equity, integrating industry, scientific, and technical expertise to drive transformational growth. Holding a Master of Science from American International College and a Bachelor of Science from Western New England College, Joelle combines strategic insight with a deep commitment to building businesses and communities that create lasting impact. Beyond private equity, she is a mentor, speaker, investor, and multi-passionate business owner who challenges conventional leadership—empowering others to lead with authenticity, intention, and purpose to create meaningful, lasting legacies.
Mike Cella
Board Member
Commissioner Mike Cella was initially elected to the Clay County Board of County Commissioners in August of 2016 to represent District 1. He recently completed a second and final term of office in November of 2024. He is a former two-time BCC Chairman and served as the Vice Chair of the Commission in his last year on the commission. He also served as the Chairman of the Tourism Development Council for all 8 years of his service on the BCC, overseeing a large increase in the local tourism effort during his two terms. He has earned several certifications from the Florida Association of Counties including Certified Commissioner, Advanced Certified Commissioner and Advanced Certified Commissioner Level 2. He has also received the FAC Presidential Advocacy Award several times for his work with the state legislature on behalf of the 67 Florida counties. He successfully owned and operated Jumperz Fun Center in Orange Park, serving thousands of Clay County residents at the family fun center from 2009 to 2017. Before opening his business, Cella enjoyed a 30-year radio and TV broadcasting career, concluding as the Morning News Host and Assistant Program Director at WOKV Radio in Jacksonville. Since leaving the BCC, Cella has founded a community radio station, ClayRadio where he serves as the Vice-President/General Manager and hosts numerous programs on the station. Cella is active in his community, serving as a member of the Rotary Club of Northeast Florida, and the Clay County Chamber of Commerce. He is actively involved with the Clay County Republican Party, and Past President of the Republican Men's Club. He also serves on the College Drive Initiative. Cella lives in Fleming Island with his wife, Vicky, a retired registered nurse. Their daughter, Lauren, and her husband, Kris Walter, live in Arlington, Tennessee with sons, Lukas, Alex, Oliver, and Charlie. Son Brian, and daughter-in-law Jaime, reside in Connecticut with grandchildren, Sadie and Collin. Cella’s brother Ken, and parents Katherine and Lew Cella also live in Fleming Island.
Patrick Hayle
Treasurer
In 1997, Patrick joined the City Rescue Mission where he served in various capacities, eventually assuming the role of Executive Director and CEO in 2003. He left in 2010 and enjoyed a brief period of semi-retirement while doing consulting work with his wife. Having been a Clay County resident for 21 years and knowing the need for improvement in homeless conditions here, Patrick now serves as Executive Director and CEO at Mercy Support Services and is on the Impact Clay Board of Directors. His experience and leadership in the community have produced growth and a vision that has a major impact in Clay County.
Signature Programs
