Our Staff
Molly Talbot-Metz
President & CEO
864.398.4276
mmetz@maryblackfoundation.org
Why do you enjoy working at Mary Black Foundation? – I am grateful to work with so many people (our team members, trustees, grantee partners, organizational leaders, and residents) who care about the community and do everything they can to see it thrive. My personal and professional values are perfectly aligned, making it a joy to come to work every day!
What do you love about living in Spartanburg? – I love Spartanburg’s size – it is big enough to have all the amenities that I want and need, but small enough that I feel connected and engaged.
Molly Talbot-Metz is the President/CEO for the Mary Black Foundation, a health legacy foundation working to improve health and wellness in Spartanburg County, SC. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2001, as its first program officer, Molly worked on local and statewide efforts to reduce teen pregnancy. Molly has a Master of Public Health Degree from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education from the State University of New York at Cortland. Molly and her husband are natives of Syracuse, New York and have lived in Spartanburg since 1999. They have two children.
Molly Talbot-Metz is the President/CEO for the Mary Black Foundation, a health legacy foundation working to improve health and wellness in Spartanburg County, SC. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2001, as its first program officer, Molly worked on local and statewide efforts to reduce teen pregnancy. Molly has a Master of Public Health Degree from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education from the State University of New York at Cortland. Molly and her husband are natives of Syracuse, New York and have lived in Spartanburg since 1999. They have two children.
Fun Facts:
My husband and I are originally from Syracuse, NY and we visit often because we have a lot of family still there. The middle school dance was our first date! I love cats and, while I don’t currently have my own, I take care of several neighborhood cats.
Mary Kathryn Snead
Chief Financial Officer
864.398.4272
mksnead@maryblackfoundation.org
Why do you enjoy working at Mary Black Foundation? – I love our mission and the impact we make in Spartanburg. It’s fulfilling to work for an organization that makes the community I love a better place for all.
What do you love about living in Spartanburg? – I love Spartanburg’s sense of community. It’s inspiring to see so many people and organizations doing so much every day to make Spartanburg the best place to live, work, and play.
Molly Talbot-Metz is the President/CEO for the Mary Black Foundation, a health legacy foundation working to improve health and wellness in Spartanburg County, SC. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2001, as its first program officer, Molly worked on local and statewide efforts to reduce teen pregnancy. Molly has a Master of Public Health Degree from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education from the State University of New York at Cortland. Molly and her husband are natives of Syracuse, New York and have lived in Spartanburg since 1999. They have two children.
Mary Kathryn Snead joined the Foundation in November 2022. In her role as Chief Financial Officer, she is responsible for directing financial, accounting, and investment activities. Prior to joining the Foundation, Mary Kathryn was the Vice President of Finance & Mission Support for OneSpartanburg, Inc.
Mary Kathryn is actively involved in the community and has recently served on the board of directors for PAL: Play. Advocate. Live Well., Hope Center for Children, and Converse University’s Board of Visitors. She has completed the United Way of the Piedmont’s Non-Profit Fellows Program, Leadership Spartanburg, and Institute for Organization Management. Originally from Tryon, NC, Mary Kathryn and her husband are proud to call Spartanburg home.
Fun Facts:
I have the sweetest chocolate lab named Duke, I played soccer in college, and I love the beach.
Rochelle Williams
VP of Strategy and Programs
864.398.4275
rwilliams@maryblackfoundation.org
Why do you enjoy working at Mary Black Foundation? – Worthy mission. Wonderful co-workers.
What do you love about living in Spartanburg? – Living close to my husband’s family.
Molly Talbot-Metz is the President/CEO for the Mary Black Foundation, a health legacy foundation working to improve health and wellness in Spartanburg County, SC. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2001, as its first program officer, Molly worked on local and statewide efforts to reduce teen pregnancy. Molly has a Master of Public Health Degree from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education from the State University of New York at Cortland. Molly and her husband are natives of Syracuse, New York and have lived in Spartanburg since 1999. They have two children.
Rochelle Williams joined the Mary Black Foundation as Vice President of Strategy and Programs in January 2023. Prior to joining the foundation, Rochelle served as the Executive Director of the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts & Humanities Foundation.
She has more than 20 years of experience working in the social sector as a policy analyst, management consultant, and nonprofit executive director.
Rochelle was born in Panama City, Panama, and grew up on U.S. military bases in Panama, Italy, Texas, and North Carolina. She moved to South Carolina in 2009 when she married her husband, a Spartanburg native. They have one daughter.
Fun Facts:
When I’m not working, I enjoy watching movies with my family, listening to live music, gardening, reading, and paddle boarding..
Amy Page
Grants Manager
864.398.4274
apage@maryblackfoundation.org
Why do you enjoy working at Mary Black Foundation? – Our team is the best! We know how to balance working really hard and getting what needs to be done while filling the atmosphere with fun and laughter.
What do you love about living in Spartanburg? – Spartanburg is such a small, friendly community that most everyone knows everyone!
Molly Talbot-Metz is the President/CEO for the Mary Black Foundation, a health legacy foundation working to improve health and wellness in Spartanburg County, SC. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2001, as its first program officer, Molly worked on local and statewide efforts to reduce teen pregnancy. Molly has a Master of Public Health Degree from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education from the State University of New York at Cortland. Molly and her husband are natives of Syracuse, New York and have lived in Spartanburg since 1999. They have two children.
Amy Page joined the Foundation in 2000. As the Grants Manager, she is responsible for maintaining grant-related software, interacting with grantees and potential applicants, and assisting the Program Team with the evaluation of grantee performance and progress. She is a graduate of Leadership Spartanburg.
Amy and her husband, Austin, are natives of Spartanburg and they have two children.
Fun Facts:
I have 2 dogs – Lila, a lab-pit mix, who because of her curly tail we call Pig, and Roo, a lab Great Pyrenees mix. When we rescued him, Roo’s actual name was Roscoe, but we didn’t feel that fit him. His tail is so big and bouncy it reminded us of a kangaroo, hence his name. Lila is almost 10 and Roo is 3.
Natalia Valenzuela Swanson
Program Director
Healthy Eating | Active Living
864.398.4278
nswanson@maryblackfoundation.org
Why do you enjoy working at Mary Black Foundation? – The people – we have an incredible team of caring, passionate, smart individuals. I also love working at MBF because it has allowed me to connect with so many others in our communities to advance transformational work. I love the beauty that is created through the gifts that we all bring.
What do you love about living in Spartanburg? – I love that, with all of the growth that is taking place in our community, there are ways for individuals to get plugged in and shape some of the growth. I also love that we are close to mountains.
Molly Talbot-Metz is the President/CEO for the Mary Black Foundation, a health legacy foundation working to improve health and wellness in Spartanburg County, SC. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2001, as its first program officer, Molly worked on local and statewide efforts to reduce teen pregnancy. Molly has a Master of Public Health Degree from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education from the State University of New York at Cortland. Molly and her husband are natives of Syracuse, New York and have lived in Spartanburg since 1999. They have two children.
Natalia Valenzuela Swanson joined the Mary Black Foundation in March 2015, where she serves as Program Director for Healthy Eating | Active Living. Prior to joining the Foundation, Natalia worked at the Upstate Workforce Investment Board as the Associate Director. Natalia has a Master of City and Regional Planning Degree from Clemson University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Columbia College, double majoring in Political Science and French. Natalia proudly serves on the Steering Group of the Spartanburg Hispanic Alliance – Alianza Hispana network. She was born in Ecuador and her family moved to Kenya when she was a child. She and her husband from South Dakota now call Spartanburg home.
Fun Facts:
I was born in Quito, Ecuador, which is located in the Andes Mountains. Hence, why I love heading to mountains for the day!
Haley Wicker
Program Director
Early Childhood Development
864.398.4269
hwicker@maryblackfoundation.org
Why do you enjoy working at Mary Black Foundation? – I enjoy working at Mary Black Foundation because it connects me to so many wonderful people and organizations in our community. Working here has reshaped my thoughts on community and what is needed for health and wellbeing.
What do you love about living in Spartanburg? – Spartanburg is a place of connection. I love the fact that when my family goes places in town that we will easily run into at least 5 people we know.
Molly Talbot-Metz is the President/CEO for the Mary Black Foundation, a health legacy foundation working to improve health and wellness in Spartanburg County, SC. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2001, as its first program officer, Molly worked on local and statewide efforts to reduce teen pregnancy. Molly has a Master of Public Health Degree from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education from the State University of New York at Cortland. Molly and her husband are natives of Syracuse, New York and have lived in Spartanburg since 1999. They have two children.
Haley Wicker joined the Foundation in September 2015 as Project Assistant on the adolescent health initiative, Connect. In 2018, she transitioned to the role of Manager of Communications and Organizational Learning. In 2022 she transitioned to the Program Director for Early Childhood Development.
Haley, a native of Tampa, Florida, earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Health and her Master of Public Health Degree from the University of South Florida. Haley has been a proud resident of Spartanburg since 2016. She enjoys being involved in community initiatives, activities, and events with her husband and son.
Fun Facts:
My hometown is Land O’ Lakes, FL– but no, not like the butter!
In addition to my son, I am the mom to two fur children, a cat named Bonnie and a dog named Sadie. Bonnie was actually a present from my Secret Santa during my junior year of college.
Cassidy Reynolds
Communications & Events Manager
864.398.4277
creynolds@maryblackfoundation.org
Why do you enjoy working at Mary Black Foundation? – Working with amazing people and partners who are all community-minded.
What do you love about living in Spartanburg? – Being close to my sister and brother-in-law and living in a place that is so family-friendly and focused. (Plus all of the delicious food!)
Molly Talbot-Metz is the President/CEO for the Mary Black Foundation, a health legacy foundation working to improve health and wellness in Spartanburg County, SC. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2001, as its first program officer, Molly worked on local and statewide efforts to reduce teen pregnancy. Molly has a Master of Public Health Degree from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education from the State University of New York at Cortland. Molly and her husband are natives of Syracuse, New York and have lived in Spartanburg since 1999. They have two children.
Cassidy Reynolds started at the Mary Black Foundation in January of 2023 as the Communications and Events Manager. As a formally trained musician and certified music teacher, Cassidy was previously the Assistant Director of a percussion studio in Greenville, SC. Cassidy is a native of South Carolina and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Presbyterian College.
Cassidy lives in Spartanburg with her husband and their son.
Fun Facts:
My favorite movies are The Color Purple, Eat, Pray, Love, Steel Magnolias , and The Blind Side.
Ureka Wright
Administrative Assistant
864.398.4271
uwright@maryblackfoundation.org
Why do you enjoy working at Mary Black Foundation? – I enjoy working at the Mary Black Foundation because we work well together as a team impacting the Spartanburg community.
What do you love about living in Spartanburg? – I absolutely love Spartanburg! The emphasis on family and education here is incredible, and the town’s small-town charm combined with its productivity and conveniences make it feel like a big city. It’s truly a wonderful place to be.
Molly Talbot-Metz is the President/CEO for the Mary Black Foundation, a health legacy foundation working to improve health and wellness in Spartanburg County, SC. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2001, as its first program officer, Molly worked on local and statewide efforts to reduce teen pregnancy. Molly has a Master of Public Health Degree from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education from the State University of New York at Cortland. Molly and her husband are natives of Syracuse, New York and have lived in Spartanburg since 1999. They have two children.
Ureka Wright joined the Foundation in January 2017 as Administrative Assistant. Ureka comes to us after working in the same capacity at Sherman College of Chiropractic in Academic Affairs where she was a member of the Pride Committee and participated in various campus events.
Ureka earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting Information Systems from DeVry University in Atlanta, Georgia and an Associates Degree in Financial Management from Columbus State Community College in Ohio. She gained experience and a love for working in the non-profit industry by participating in community outreach with her church and volunteering at schools in the Atlanta area. She is a native of Columbus, Ohio, but lived in Atlanta, Georgia for twenty years, prior to moving to Spartanburg with her husband Kevin and three of their six children.
Fun Facts:
My favorite movies are The Color Purple, Eat, Pray, Love, Steel Magnolias , and The Blind Side.
Linda Smith
Office Manager
864.398.4270
lsmith@maryblackfoundation.org
Why do you enjoy working at Mary Black Foundation? – I enjoy working with the great staff. I like knowing the we are helping the community with grants in our focus areas. We have great trustees that really care about the Foundation and Spartanburg.
What do you love about living in Spartanburg? – Spartanburg is a nice home town. I love that it is growing with new businesses and restaurants. Not too big and not too small!
Molly Talbot-Metz is the President/CEO for the Mary Black Foundation, a health legacy foundation working to improve health and wellness in Spartanburg County, SC. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2001, as its first program officer, Molly worked on local and statewide efforts to reduce teen pregnancy. Molly has a Master of Public Health Degree from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education from the State University of New York at Cortland. Molly and her husband are natives of Syracuse, New York and have lived in Spartanburg since 1999. They have two children.
Linda Smith joined the Mary Black Foundation in May of 2015 as Executive Assistant to the President & CEO and Vice-President & CFO of Finance. Linda comes to the Foundation with over 20 years of Human Resources experience. She obtained her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from the HR Certification Institute and her SHRM Certified Professional certification (SHRM-CP) from the Society for Human Resource Management. Linda is also active in the local Spartanburg Human Resources Association.
Linda has a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. She is a native of Spartanburg and her husband is from Mount Airy, North Carolina. They have two amazing daughters and two awesome grandsons.
Fun Facts:
I have two cats, Charlotte and Virginia.
Denny Boll
Accounting Assistant
864.398.4268
dboll@maryblackfoundation.org
Why do you enjoy working at Mary Black Foundation? I enjoy working at Mary Black Foundation in the mission to provide opportunities to enhance the wellbeing and health of Spartanburg County residents. I appreciate the opportunity to work with the professional and dedicated staff here at MBF.
What do you love about living in Spartanburg? Spartanburg County is a vibrant, dynamic and growing county led by individuals focused on continuing to provide for the organized growth of the county.
Molly Talbot-Metz is the President/CEO for the Mary Black Foundation, a health legacy foundation working to improve health and wellness in Spartanburg County, SC. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2001, as its first program officer, Molly worked on local and statewide efforts to reduce teen pregnancy. Molly has a Master of Public Health Degree from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education from the State University of New York at Cortland. Molly and her husband are natives of Syracuse, New York and have lived in Spartanburg since 1999. They have two children.
Denny Boll joined the Mary Black Foundation in 2017 as an Accounting Assistant. Denny retired from the United Way of the Piedmont in 2017 following 9 years of service as COO and VP of Finance. He worked in leadership positions in the hospitality, insurance and legal fields during his 45-year career.
Denny is a native of Pennsylvania and received a B.S. in Accounting from Elizabethtown College. He and his wife, Carmen, have been residents of Greer for 12 years. Denny serves on the Board of the Salvation Army of Greenville, Pickens and Oconee Counties.
Fun Facts:
We have a new puppy, a Havanese named Max. He is always loving, lovable and ready to play.
I am from Pennsylvania and relocated to SE Florida when I was 30 years old. After living in Florida for 25 years, I moved to the Upstate and have been here for 17 years.