Chris Patafio serves as the CEO and Chairman of the Board for the Alex Patafio Foundation, bringing decades of executive leadership experience and a deeply personal commitment to continuing Alex's mission of advancing social justice and supporting underserved communities. Chris worked nearly four decades at HP (Hewlett-Packard), retiring in 2025 as the VP and Global Head of Indirect Procurement. His tenure with the company began in August 1985, and he previously held the position of SVP of Finance and VP of Business Development. Chris earned his Bachelor's degree in Finance and Economics from Penn State University (1981-1985) and brings extensive expertise in financial analysis, accounting, finance, sales, and business development. Chris resides in Roswell, Georgia with his wife, Michele, and brings both professional expertise and unwavering personal dedication to his role as both CEO and Chairman of the Board.

Michaela Patafio Abdou is an alumna of the University of Georgia Honors College. Michaela works in Strategy and Operations for Meta. She is passionate about service, storytelling, mentorship, and mental health programs, especially for young women. Michaela currently resides in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, Zachary, and spends her time writing, reading, cooking, traveling, and connecting with her community. Her most important title is ‘Little Sister’ to the incomparable Alex Patafio. As a founding board member, Michaela is honored to have the opportunity to tell her big sister’s story, to create meaningful change for the causes that were important to Alex, and to support legislative and cultural reform that protects individuals from the dangers of alcohol.

Chuck Hipp attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY from 1975-76 and received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Shepherd College in 1980. A 38-year veteran of the automotive industry, Chuck spent his first six years in the retail automotive sector in Hagerstown, MD. He joined General Motors in 1986 as a District Sales Manager with the Chevrolet Motor Division and from 1999-2001 Chuck served as Oldsmobile’s Northeast Regional Divisional Marketing Manager in Purchase, NY. He then joined GMAC in 2001 as Director of Marketing for Northeast Operations and later became Director of Sales and Marketing for GMAC’s East Region. In 2006 Chuck returned to General Motors and served in a variety of Sales and Marketing positions within the Southeast Region to include; Chevrolet and Cadillac Marketing Manager, Regional Manager Connected Customer and OnStar Regional Manager. Chuck retired from General Motors in 2018 and began his successful Seventh Chapter Arts LLC in 2019 where he continues to produce paintings and drawings for clients throughout the US and abroad. He currently resides in Alpharetta, GA with his wife Janet and spends time with his three adult children and five grandchildren.

Zachary Abdou is originally from Raleigh, NC. Zach currently serves in the Hockey Operations department for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the NHL. After attending UNC Chapel Hill's Kenan-Flagler Undergraduate Business School, Zach started his career in investment banking before transitioning into professional sports management with the Carolina Hurricanes. He currently resides in Columbus, Ohio with his wife, Michaela, and enjoys cooking, traveling, and connecting with his community through sports and events. Brother-in-law of Alex Patafio, Zach is honored to take his seat on the board of APF, bringing with him a high level of operational excellence and a passion for service, justice, and family.

Michele Patafio serves as Chief Advocacy Officer and board member of the Alex Patafio Foundation, an organization dedicated to continuing the legacy of her daughter, Alexandra "Alex" Patafio. Michele's role as Chief Advocacy Officer reflects her deep commitment to carrying forward Alex's relentless advocacy for justice and support for those in need. Alex was known for her tireless work in public interest law, criminal defense, and advocacy for women, minorities, the LBGTQIA+ community, and other underserved groups. Michele's leadership in the foundation embodies Alex's motto of "Do It Scared" - the courage to take action despite fear or uncertainty. Her dedication to preserving and advancing Alex's legacy of compassionate service makes Michele an invaluable board member whose personal investment in the foundation's mission drives its continued success and impact.

Katie Belew is a seasoned real estate professional and an active member of the North Fulton business community, bringing over 30 years of experience in banking, mortgage lending, and residential real estate. Her prior nonprofit involvement largely centered around her sons’ schools, Our Lady of the Assumption and Marist School, where she notably participated in the Habitat for Humanity Marist Women’s Build Project. Katie knew Alex personally, since middle school, and is inspired by the deep commitment and passion Alex displayed as she worked to help others in pursuit of her law degree. With her strong business background and deep community ties, Katie is dedicated to expanding the foundation’s impact by building meaningful relationships in support of its mission.

Courtney Anderson, J.D., LL.M., is the Dean of Georgia State University College of Law, as well as a Professor of Law at the university. Prior to her appointment as Dean, Courtney was asked to take on the role of Interim Dean for the Law School, where her demonstrated leadership, infectious enthusiasm and overall knowledge of the law and administrative capabilities supported her permanent appointment to the role of Dean. Prior to her appointment as Interim Dean, she was the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs from March 2023 – June 30, 2024. She teaches Law and Social Welfare, Real Estate Transactions and Property. Her legal experience has been focused in the area of transactional law and community and economic development. Anderson’s research is focused on preserving affordable housing and eradicating preventable socioeconomic determinants that exacerbate health issues. Anderson received an LL.M. with distinction from Georgetown University Law Center in 2012. She graduated from Harvard Law School in 2006, and summa cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh in 2003.