Be Brave for Isla’s Board of Directors
Hannah Smith, Co-Founder, Executive Director
Hannah is a highly motivated and driven self-starter with eight years of experience in healthcare, quality improvement, and patient care. She obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Nursing from The University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB). During her time as a Shift Leader and Assistant Nurse Manager in Trauma Surgery, she received UAB Health System’s Clinical Excellence Award. She now serves as Executive Director and Fundraising Committee Chair of Be Brave for Isla while also working as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC) in Emergency General Surgery at UAB Hospital. Hannah founded Be Brave for Isla (BBFI) with her husband, Jake, after their daughter, Isla, died at seven months old from a life-limiting genetic disorder. As a “loss mom” herself, she brings a unique perspective and passion to bereavement and comfort care.
Jake Smith, Co-Founder, President, Treasurer
Jake founded Be Brave for Isla with his wife, Hannah, after the death of their daughter, Isla Marie Smith. He serves as Board President and on the BBFI Finance Committee. He is a Senior Mechanical Engineer with Nunnelly and Associates, Inc. in Birmingham, AL, and received his Professional Engineer licensure in 2018. Jake has ten years of experience in project management and team leadership within the engineering and construction fields. Using his background in engineering and problem-solving skills, he is dedicated to serving those in the pregnancy and infant loss community.
Jen Manning, Secretary
Jen is the Missioner for Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries for the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. She is a seasoned and proactive professional with almost two decades of experience working within the fields of ministry and nonprofits. She brings a unique hybrid skill set that touches program development, marketing, project management, community engagement, and volunteer recruitment. Jen is known as a driven, influential entrepreneur and collaborator who understands the value of growing a brand rooted in community support and engagement. She is fully committed to using these skills to serve Be Brave for Isla and its mission.
Chip Kalousek
Chip is a Senior Investment Strategist and Client Advisor at Savant Wealth Management with eight years of experience in finance and nonprofit boards. Previously Chip was Chair of the Junior Achievement Junior Board, where he spearheaded initiatives that raised over $20,000 in scholarships, demonstrating a strong capability in fundraising and board development. At March of Dimes, he played a pivotal role in campaigns to increase awareness about premature birth. Currently serving as the Finance Chair at One Roof, he actively guides the organization through significant transitions, including a change of location and navigating through a financial deficit.
Anna Manning
Anna is the Signature Event and Volunteer Manager for Huntsville Hospital Foundation, responsible for all Foundation fundraising event logistics and management of more than 1,000 HHF volunteers. She is also the SPEAK (Suicide Prevention Empowerment Awareness Knowledge) Coordinator, working with local schools and throughout North Alabama to raise awareness of the increased incidence of suicide, and to educate about mental illness.