Official 501(c)(3) Non-Profit • Tax-Deductible Contributions • EIN 85-0567824
Volunteers collaborating on community outreach

Board of Directors

Our Governance & Leadership - Dedicated Stewards Committed to Transparency and Community Service

Four officers steward IRS compliance, fiscal transparency, records, and frontline programs for Lexington families.

Four Roles

People who answer for the work

Each board card lists main functions, concurrent duties, and a short English bio so donors and partners can see how responsibility is split.

Portrait representing Principal Officer Walter Hutto
Principal Officer / President

Walter Hutto

Main Functions Overall leadership, legal representation, document signing, and strategic direction.

Concurrent Role Senior partnership relations and overall supervision.

Oversees strategic mission execution, IRS 501(c)(3) public-charity compliance, fiscal transparency, and community outreach alliances across Lexington, SC, USA — including historical meal support for Lexington Police, Lexington County EMS, and hospital teams.

Portrait representing Treasurer Megan G. Sanders
Treasurer / Financial Officer

Megan G. Sanders, MBA

Main Functions Budget management, income and expenses, tax and financial reporting, and asset transparency.

Concurrent Role Financial compliance and Form 990 oversight.

Oversees budget allocations, fiscal transparency, Form 990 readiness, and ensures 88%+ of all donated funds go directly to active community outreach programs.

Portrait representing Secretary Jonathan L. Hayes
Secretary & Operations Lead

Jonathan L. Hayes

Main Functions Legal recordkeeping, meeting minutes, and technology/website infrastructure.

Concurrent Role Internal administration and legal governance.

Maintains corporate records, regulatory filings, conflict of interest disclosures, and oversees digital operations infrastructure to maintain organizational integrity.

Portrait representing Program Director Clara W. Vance
Program & Outreach Director

Clara W. Vance, Ed.D.

Main Functions Design and direct delivery of charity programs and community projects.

Concurrent Role Volunteer coordination and community relations (field operations & community relations).

Directs frontline program execution, beneficiary intake workflows, volunteer coordination, and strategic alliances with local community partners.

Governance Standards

Policies that protect families, donors, and staff volunteers

We publish these commitments so anyone writing to admin@hopescheros.org knows what to expect when something feels off.

Conflict of Interest

Board members disclose personal, financial, or family interests that could affect HOPE decisions. Interested officers recuse themselves from related votes. Jonathan L. Hayes maintains disclosure files with corporate records at the Lexington registered address.

Whistleblower Protections

Volunteers, partners, and community members may report suspected misuse of funds, harassment, or compliance failures without retaliation. Reports may go to Principal Officer Walter Hutto at admin@hopescheros.org or to the Treasurer for finance-related concerns.

Annual Independent Audit Commitments

As a Form 990-N filer with gross receipts generally ≤ $50,000, HOPE commits to proportionate oversight: Treasurer-led annual financial reviews, documented bank reconciliations, and readiness for independent review or audit when receipts, grantors, or state rules require it. Allocation targets remain 88% programs / 8% admin / 4% fundraising.

Need to reach the board about programs or gifts?

Weekday messages to admin@hopescheros.org are reviewed by Principal Officer Walter Hutto and routed to the right officer.

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