FASTENnetwork.org is directed by Dr. Amy L. Sherman (Click here for full bio.) Sherman is a Senior Fellow at the Sagamore Institute for Policy Research.

Amy Sherman is also director of Center on Faith in Communities (http://www.centeronfic.org, CFIC) and the author of four books, numerous “how-to” ministry manuals, and scores of published articles. She is a frequent speaker at conferences gathering Christian community ministry practitioners and at public policy events related to faith-based initiatives. She has served as an advisor to the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, provided expert testimony at Congressional hearings, and briefs local, state, and federal public officials on policies regarding faith-based social services.

Amy Sherman is the founder and former executive director of Charlottesville Abundant Life Ministries, a holistic, Christian community development ministry serving an urban community of approximately 370 lower-income families.

Currently, Sherman also volunteers as a Senior Fellow for the International Justice Mission and is an active member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, VA. Sherman received her undergraduate degree from Messiah College in 1987 and her Ph.D. in foreign affairs/economic development from the University of Virginia in 1994.

Rebecca Saunders serves CFIC full-time as Projects Associate.  She graduated from the University of Virginia in 2006 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Religious Studies.  At CFIC, Rebecca conducts research, oversees administrative tasks, plans and evaluates projects/initiatives.

Rose Merritt serves as a part time research assistant at CFIC. She is the point person for the Ele:Vate program and assists with research on other CFIC projects. She graduated from the College of William and Mary in 2007 and participated in the Trinity Fellows Program before joining the CFIC staff.

FASTEN: Sharing Knowledge, Strengthening Connections, Improving Outcomes