Board of Directors

Pete Ramsey, Board Chairman

A volunteer since 2012, Pete joined the board in early 2013; he became our board's Vice Chair later that year. Pete has worked for the Kentucky Lottery since 1989, where he is now Vice President of Sales. Pete’s passion and dedication to our cause is a source of inspiration, and a driving force behind our ever-expanding impact. In October 2020, Pete was elected by the board of directors to serve as our 2nd Board Chair, following the passing of our founder, Jerry Stith.

Ken Dozer, Vice chairman

Ken was one of the first sponsors of Opal’s dream foundation, moved to action by a compassion for the elderly which he shares with his wife; he has since distinguished himself as an incredible asset to our organization. Ken joined Opal’s team in 2013, taking on the role of Treasurer, before being elected as our current Vice Chairman. Ken is passionate about charitable work, and is active with several nonprofits, serving as Chairman for Hardin County of Habitat for Humanity.

Janet Stith, Treasurer

Janet, like her husband & Opal’s Founder, Jerry Stith, is driven to serve, and has taken up our mission as her own. She helped establish Opal’s in 2011, and has worked behind the scenes to grow the foundation ever since. Janet officially joined the board of directors in 2012 and was appointed Secretary, taking on the role of Fundraising Chair the following year. Janet served 6 years as Secretary, and is now Gala Committee Chair and a Member of our Executive Committee.

Danny L. Boehnlein

Danny is Senior Vice President of Gant Hill & Associates (a commercial and residential real estate brokerage in Louisville KY). He has been married for 25 years to his lovely wife Tonya and is the proud father of 4 beautiful children. When he’s not busy serving his real estate clients or engaging in community service, Danny enjoys spending time with his family, camping, and vacationing at Disney World.

Paula Mangus

Paula is an active member of the community in Shepherdsville, KY.  After a long & productive career in social work, she was elected to the Shepherdsville, KY City Council. Paula enjoys riding Harleys with her husband, traveling, attending car shows, walking and being outdoors.  Paula and her husband David have been involved with Opal’s for many years and share six adult children and one grandchild.

Andy Arnold

Andy is the founder of Centerline Wealth Advisors in Louisville. He earned an M.B.A. with distinction from the University of Louisville, where he served as President of the University of Louisville’s College of Business Alumni Board and was awarded the University’s Distinguished Alumni Service Award. Andy is a lifetime resident of Louisville, where he and his wife, Michelle are basking in the glow of becoming recent empty nesters as they launch their three Eagle Scout sons into the world!

Debbie Thrasher

Debbie has served as Activities Director at Landmark of Iroquois Park (formerly Georgetown Manor) for a total of 18 years, while periodically taking on additional duties such as Admissions and Social Services. She has established a reputation as a knowledgeable and experienced leader and mentor, and is a member of the Kentucky Association of Health Care, where she has twice been named Activity Director of the Year. She was also named Activity Director of the Year by the Nonprofit Association of Activities Directors and is Nationally Certified by the NCCAP. Debbie is an alumnus of the University of Louisville, and a US Army Veteran. She has been married to her husband Mark for 29 years, and they enjoy spending time with their 3 children and 4 grandchildren.

April Davidson

April is well known in the community as the hard-working director of the Magnolia Trails Memory Care unit at Riverbend Assisted Living in Jeffersonville, IN. She has 25 years of experience as activities director, and her focus on dementia care has been both a calling and a passion. As a Certified Dementia Practitioner, she has dedicated herself to crafting meaningful experiences that brighten the lives of those in her care. With creativity as her compass, she navigates each day with the goal of fostering joy and connection. Beyond the professional realm, her 32 yr. marriage and family-centered values infuse every aspect of her work, providing a foundation of empathy and understanding.

Chief Operating Officer

Paul Thompson

Paul brings an entrepreneurial approach and broad business experience to Opal’s, enabling our organization’s rapid and continued growth. Paul previously served on Opal’s Board of Directors - as Chair of Governance & Oversight, focused on the implementation of nonprofit best practices - and later as Board Secretary & Executive Committee Member. Paul was instrumental in earning BBB Accreditation and our GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency. Because nonprofits succeed on the basis of their reputation, Paul’s continued focus as COO is to ensure that the highest ethical standards are met and best practices are followed organization-wide. He is responsible for day-to-day operations, grant procurement, community relations, and IT/graphic design.

Advisory Board Members

Vanessa Pierani | Rep. Jason Nemes, Esq. | Vicki Dortch | Bob brown | DianA Shults | Robin Byrd