Nichole Fannin - Executive Director

As executive director at Tanner Health Foundation, Nichole Fannin provides strategic leadership to develop, direct and execute the mission-driven work of the Foundation and its Board of Trustees. She works on behalf of Tanner Health to secure philanthropic investment for the advancement of exceptional health care within the communities Tanner serves. Nichole has spent more than a decade working to promote philanthropy and showcase the empowerment that comes from giving – for both donors and recipients.

Nichole holds a bachelor’s in political science and a master’s in public administration from the University of West Georgia. Nichole and her husband, Cole, and their three children, are residents of Carrollton, Georgia, and are members of First Baptist Church of Carrollton. Nichole has been actively involved in many organizations and groups, including the Rotary Club of Carrollton, Leadership Carroll, and the University of West Georgia Alumni Association Board of Directors, to name a few.

In 2022, Nichole was recognized as a 40 Under 40 Rising Star for the west Georgia region. In 2021, she received the Emerging Leader Award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, District III. She was recognized in the inaugural class of UWG’s Thriving Under Thirty award recipients and named the 2006 Chattooga County Businesswoman of the Year by the Women’s Organization of Cloudland, Georgia.

“As a non-profit healthcare system, Tanner serves a critical role in our community, providing high-quality care locally and easing the burden of access for our families, friends, and neighbors. As a member of the Tanner Health Foundation team, I have the honor to help inspire support and promote the impact that philanthropy has on providing life-giving and life-enhancing healthcare within the west Georgia and east Alabama region.” 

Janet Bradley Whitt - Finance and Operations Specialist  

For 20 years, Janet Bradley Whitt has served the community through strategic positions at Tanner Health Foundation. As finance and operations specialist, she manages the general accounting functions and donor database for the Foundation. Her duties include monitoring endowments, processing month-end close, preparation and distribution of reports, and maintaining the integrity of donor information. 

Janet has earned certificates in Philanthropy Operations, Elements of Major Gifts, Planned Giving and Hospice Development from the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy Madison Institute and bCRE certification from Blackbaud University. Janet attended the University of West Georgia and is a current member of the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy.

“A personal goal of mine is to help others. As a member of the Tanner Health Foundation team, I am able to use my talents to support philanthropic efforts for Tanner to help ensure that quality healthcare is available for all in our community.”

Ketty Cusick - Director of Development

Serving as director of development, Ketty Cusick focuses on enhancing the visibility of the Tanner Health Foundation and securing philanthropic investments to advance exceptional healthcare in the communities Tanner serves. Ketty brings more than 16 years of experience in higher education and has spent nearly a decade working in philanthropy, most recently serving as the senior director of development for the University of West Georgia Foundation.

Ketty has been recognized as a "40 Under 40 Rising Star" by the newspapers of west Georgia and is actively involved in the community. She serves on the Finance Commission and chairs the Endowment Commission at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church.

She holds a bachelor of arts in German language and literature from the University of West Georgia and a master's in higher education administration from Georgia Southern University. She resides in Carrollton, Georgia, with her husband, Corey, and their two sons, and they are proud members of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church. 

“Serving Tanner Health Foundation is so meaningful to me as a member of our community. I am grateful to have the opportunity to help create the best healthcare system possible for west Georgia and east Alabama, and to work as part of the Tanner team providing the best quality health care for all.”

Abbigale Clifford - Grants and Operations Coordinator

Abby Clifford serves as the grants and operations coordinator, a new role at Tanner Health Foundation. She provides administrative support for grants awarded to Tanner. This includes supporting fund allocation, grant compliance/reporting, and working closely with the respective grant-awarded areas within Tanner. She also supports the charity, cancer patient, and mammogram assistance programs. 

Abby earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. Her background is in public health, and she is passionate about healthy lifestyle science. 

Abby and her husband, Grayson, live in Carrollton, Georgia, and are members of Midway Church. 

“At Tanner Health Foundation, I’m able to contribute toward community improvement in health and quality of life, in a place where I call home. I’m proud to be a part of such a unique town where healthcare is thriving.”

Mitch Rogers - Manager of Donor and Community Engagement

As manager of donor and community engagement for Tanner Health Foundation, Mitch Rogers works to strengthen relationships with donors and partners while raising awareness of Tanner Health Foundation’s mission. He coordinates stewardship, fundraising and community engagement events across Tanner and supports donor cultivation, physician-initiated events and fundraising efforts for Tanner Health Foundation’s gift officer team.

Before joining Tanner, Mitch served as interim president and CEO and vice president of community partnerships for the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master of business administration from Jacksonville State University and is accredited as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy by The American College of Financial Services.

Mitch is a past president of the Rotary Club of Calhoun County, Alabama, and a former assistant governor for Rotary District 6860. A graduate of Leadership Randolph County, he serves on the board of directors for the Piedmont Education Trust, a nonprofit organization that supports students and teachers in Piedmont, Alabama.

Mitch and his family live in Carrollton and are members of First Baptist Church of Carrollton.

“At Tanner Health Foundation, my ‘why’ is simple — it’s the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. I’m inspired by our mission to support and care for the community, and I’m honored to be part of a team that truly values kindness, compassion and the well-being of others.”

Cali Steed - Communications and Annual Gifts Specialist

Cali Steed serves as communications and annual gifts specialist for Tanner Health Foundation, where she combines creativity, strategic communication and a passion for community service to advance Tanner Health Foundation’s mission.

In her role, Cali fosters outreach and raises awareness about the vital role of philanthropy in sustaining healthcare services throughout west Georgia and east Alabama. She focuses on increasing community visibility, engaging donors and supporting annual giving programs. Through her work, she is dedicated to building a culture of philanthropy and showcasing the impact of donations on access to care in the region.

Before joining Tanner, Cali served as communications coordinator for Carrollton City Schools for six years, leading initiatives in public relations, marketing and community engagement. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations from Jacksonville State University.

Active in civic life, Cali serves on the Carrollton Center for the Arts Commission and volunteers with Advocates for Remarkable Citizens.

She lives in Carrollton and is proud to continue serving the community where she grew up.

“At Tanner Health Foundation, I find it meaningful to help grow philanthropy that directly impacts patient care. Whether through raising funds, engaging donors or sharing the impact of their generosity, I’m motivated by the difference this work makes for families who count on Tanner for lifesaving care.”