About

Reico Hopewell, Founder, Executive Director & Board Chairman 

Reico Hopewell, a proud native of Knoxville, TN, served as the Founder and Executive Director of the Mend House Sober Living Community for a decade. Committed to mending lives, The Mend House focused on providing affordable housing, education, employment opportunities, accountability, mentoring, and spiritual guidance.

Under Mr. Hopewell's leadership, The Mend House has successfully reduced recidivism and relapse rates among its residents, positively impacting the health and economics of the Knoxville community.

Mr. Hopewell is the founder and owner of Hopewell A&D Counseling LLC, his private practice specializing in evaluating, assessing, diagnosing, and treating substance use disorders. Through this practice, he offers counseling for individuals, groups, families, and those affected by substance use disorders, collaborating with entities such as DCS, DHS, DOT, the FAA, and the judicial system.

​With 16 years of clinical experience and a wealth of certifications, Mr. Hopewell's passion for helping others has garnered him numerous awards and recognitions

Mr. Hopewell is the Founder and Executive Director of The Hope Well Foundation, a charitable organization offering financial support services to individuals impacted by substance use, abuse, misuse, and disorders.

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Walter Simpson, Vice Chair 

Walter Simpson has been a dedicated Program Director for the past eight years, showcasing unwavering commitment and expertise in his role. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a keen understanding of program management. Walter's responsibilities encompass a broad spectrum, including strategic planning, overseeing program development, and ensuring the successful implementation of various initiatives. His adept organizational skills have played a pivotal role in optimizing program efficiency and effectiveness. Additionally, Walter has been instrumental in fostering strong collaboration among team members and stakeholders, creating a positive and productive work environment. His wealth of experience and proficiency in managing complex programs has significantly contributed to the success and growth of the initiatives under his purview. Walter Simpson stands as a testament to excellence in program leadership, consistently exceeding expectations and making a lasting impact on the organizations he serves.

​​Walter Simpson excels in demonstrating exceptional leadership through strategic planning, meticulous attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, innovative problem-solving, organizational proficiency, effective communication, and results-driven decision-making.

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Sandi Mazzeo, Secretary

Sandi is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of expertise in marketing, media, strategic planning, and business development among both public and private sectors, overseeing operational execution from start to finish. Her experience spans small businesses, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies across the education, healthcare, hospitality, sports, lifestyle, and media industries. Most recently, she has served as CEO and Partner of 301 Digital Media, a global full-service digital consultancy and media agency, as chief data miner, visionary, optimization strategist, and messaging expert, all while maximizing return on investment at every step. A woman of action, Sandi thrives on organizational excellence, problem-solving, and empowering others through mentorship and growth.

Bringing a diverse and well-rounded perspective to the HopeWell Foundation board, Sandi blends her business acumen with hands-on experience in social services and street outreach positions. She has served as a Criminal Justice Case Manager, certified A-CRA/CRA Intervention Specialist, and Climate Counselor with the Helen Ross McNabb Center. In these roles, she has provided mental health care, substance use treatment, housing and social service linkage, and advocacy for unhoused and underrepresented adjudicated youth and adults in Knoxville and Blount counties.

Beyond her professional work, Sandi is deeply committed to community service. She has passionately been an executive advisor or volunteer for numerous social service organizations, including the Substance Abuse Prevention Action Team, Haven House, Redirections & Intervention Program, House of Miracles, Habitat for Humanity, and the Boys & Girls Club. Additionally, she was a Founding Board Member of the Ruby Tuesday Team Response Fund.

A graduate of Gannon University and a proud Knoxville resident, Sandi is driven by a deep-rooted passion to spread hope, foster transformational change, and amplify the voices of the underserved. She believes in the power of strategic action, collaboration, and mentorship to uplift individuals and transform communities, and is committed to leveraging her expertise to further the foundation’s mission and impact.

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Blake Venable, Treasurer

Blake is the owner and proprietor of Blake's Bookkeeping and Business Branding. A graduate of Southern New Hampshire University (Summa Cum Laude) with a BS in Accounting, he has been practicing accounting, management, and consulting for over 10 years! Blake's vision for our business is to allow small business owners a chance to enlist a team of professionals, at a reasonable price, to take over the rudimentary tasks that consume so much time and energy from their lives. In his spare time, he enjoys meditation, his dog, yoga, going to the gym, and spending time with friends and family.

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Kimberly Glenn, Board Member

a hard-working and accomplished professional with a deep dedication to her community and family. Since 2018, she has served as the Communications Director for the Knox County Sheriff’s Office—a role she was appointed to by Sheriff Tom Spangler following her instrumental involvement in his successful campaign for Knox County Sheriff. Alongside her husband, Jerry Glenn, Kimberly played a key role in managing the campaign, leading it to a resounding victory. Their success was a reflection of their strategic communication, strong organizational skills, and the tireless efforts of a devoted volunteer team.

In her role at the Sheriff’s Office, Kimberly has been pivotal in shaping the department’s public relations and outreach strategies. She has established impactful partnerships with local non-profits and businesses, launching programs that offer meaningful support to those in need. Additionally, she was instrumental in creating an employee and officer assistance fund to support agency staff facing personal hardships.

Kimberly also brings over twenty-one years of experience as a real estate broker, where she successfully negotiated deals, mentored agents, and built lasting client relationships. Her passion for helping others succeed in the competitive real estate industry has earned her a reputation for excellence and leadership.

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Kimberly is devoted to her family. She is married to Jerry Glenn, a lifelong public servant who transitioned from a firefighter/paramedic to an arson investigator. Together, they have three children—Nic, Chad, and Tiffaney—and are proud grandparents to five beloved grandchildren, affectionately known to Kimberly as her “grands.” Being their Mamaw is one of the greatest joys of her life.

Kimberly is also the founder of Blaze’s Bridge, an animal rescue organization driven by her lifelong passion for animal welfare. Her commitment to rescuing and rehoming animals is a reflection of her compassionate and giving nature.

Moreover, she has been a dedicated advocate for those affected by lupus. For ten years, she served on the Board of Directors and as Executive Director for the Lupus Foundation of America, where she played a vital role in supporting research and providing resources to individuals living with the disease.

Through her diverse career, philanthropic efforts, and unwavering dedication to the people and causes she cares about, Kimberly Glenn continues to be an inspiring figure committed to making a positive and lasting impact on her community.

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Josh Jordan, Board Member

With over 20 years of success in strategic planning for property development, Josh Jordan has established a proven track record as a seasoned real estate investor. Specializing in purchasing distressed properties, Josh has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead and guide cross-functional relationships for both public and private entities. As a senior- level leader, Josh Jordan excels in assessing needs, implementing strategic goals, building national relationships, and securing increased stakeholder investments.

Currently serving as the CEO of Montauk Solutions LLC since 2013 Josh, has played a pivotal role in transforming the company's operations and expanding its reach. Through strategic budget administration, stakeholder investment retention, and effective marketing and media relations, Josh has successfully implemented new projects and improved existing initiatives to enhance the property buying experience and client retention.

Under his leadership, Montauk Solutions LLC has achieved remarkable milestones. Notably, within the last year, Josh acquired over new revenue for the company and successfully saved the organization's annually budget. Through proactive measures and strategic foresight, he introduced a new marketing model in response to COVID-19, ensuring the organization's sustainability during challenging times. An aggressive expansion plan was executed, adding 13 properties to the portfolio, and implementing tactical action plans that doubled revenue and surpassed industry standards in Connecticut & Tennessee.

In the realm of investor relations, Josh understands all aspects of the investor experience. This includes conducting annual portfolio reviews, organizing quarterly calls, and hosting Annual General Meetings. By working closely with banking investment, finance/operations, and legal/compliance teams, Josh ensures seamless communication and transparent processes.

Josh’s extensive expertise spans strategic planning and development, public speaking, events management, fundraising, and community outreach. Through a results- driven approach and commitment to excellence, Josh has consistently delivered outstanding outcomes, reinforcing his position as a trusted leader in real estate investment.

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Denise Maples, Board Member

First Lady | Ministry Leader | Career Coach | Market Stylist

Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Denise Maples has devoted her life to faith, family, and empowering others. With over 26 years of ministry experience, Denise has faithfully served youth, families, singles, and married couples, offering spiritual guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support. As the First Lady of True Believers Life Changing Church, located at 3342 Midway Street, she serves alongside her husband, Pastor Anthony L. Maples Sr., the church’s Senior Pastor. Together, they are committed to transforming lives through faith and service.

In addition to her ministry work, Denise has built an impressive 30+ year career in the retail industry. She currently serves as a Market Stylist for Talbots Inc., where she blends her expertise in fashion with her heart for helping people feel confident and empowered. Her commitment to servant leadership is evident through her ongoing efforts to host Job and Career Success Seminars and provide image consulting services to individuals seeking personal and professional development.

Denise is widely recognized for her ability to identify and nurture the gifts and talents of others, helping them grow and thrive not only in their workplaces but also in their broader life journeys. Her dynamic presence, compassionate leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit continue to make a lasting impact in her community and beyond.

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Kevin Daggett,

Originally from the Seattle, Washington area, Kevin has proudly called East Tennessee home since 2000. He and his wife, Anne, reside in beautiful Townsend, TN, where they enjoy spending time together and caring for their property. They are the proud parents of one son.

Kevin brings a wealth of life and professional experience to his role, having worked in a wide range of industries—from the demanding world of commercial crab fishing in the Bering Sea to the fast-paced environment of medical equipment sales. Most recently, he has taken on a leadership role at a local treatment center, where his commitment to service and recovery continues to make a meaningful impact.

His dedication to community service is longstanding. Kevin has served on various committees and was a member of the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of King County, Washington. Though a transplant to the region, Kevin considers East Tennessee his true home and is passionate about contributing to the well-being and growth of his community.

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Benton Caster, Board Member

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Curtis Davis, Board Member

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