Meet the Team

The people behind the movement.

Knoxville Movement Collective is a nonprofit built on community — and led by an Executive Leadership Team that also serves as our founding Board of Directors. From hosting free weekly programming to building partnerships and coordinating volunteers, our leaders guide both the day-to-day work and long-term vision that make movement more inclusive, social, and accessible for all.

Executive Leadership Team

  • Young woman with brown hair, blue eyes, and a white shirt, smiling outdoors near a river with green trees in the background.

    Ashley Johnston

    Founder & CEO

    Founded KMC to connect people through movement and community. Guides organizational vision, brand, and growth while overseeing events, partnerships, and fundraising to sustain impact.

    Meet Ashley
  • Smiling man with short dark hair, a trimmed beard, wearing a light button-up shirt outdoors with trees, grass, and a body of water in the background.

    Nate Chappell

    Chief Operating Officer

    Oversees KMC’s finances, operations, and logistics. Leads strategic planning and coordinates our charity partnership to ensure long-term sustainability and community benefit.

    Meet Nate
  • A young woman with wavy brown hair and blue eyes smiling outdoors in a grassy area with trees in the background.

    Maria Zolkowski

    Chief Experience Officer

    Leads head coaches and co-heads KMC Running, shaping member experience through programming and team leadership. Brings passion for wellness and inclusion to every event.

    Meet Maria
  • A man with curly hair and a mustache smiling outdoors with trees and grass in the background.

    Eric Ruckart

    Chief Technology Officer

    Co-heads KMC Running and manages systems that keep operations seamless. Combines technical expertise with a love for movement to help the nonprofit grow efficiently.

    Meet Eric

Coaches & Program Leaders

  • A woman in a white bikini kneels on a paddleboard in shallow water, holding a paddle, smiling at the camera with a cloudy sky and a pier in the background.

    Monique Bentley

    HEAD COACH, PADDLING & WATER

    Leads KMC’s water-based adventures with confidence and care, creating a welcoming space for all skill levels. Passionate about empowering people on the water, she makes every paddle feel fun, safe, and inclusive.

    Meet Monique
  • Smiling man with a beard wearing sunglasses and a black jacket standing outdoors near a river with mountains in the background under cloudy skies.

    Greg Stafford

    Head Coach, Cycling & Mountain Biking

    Brings experience, energy, and a love for cycling to KMC’s rides. Helps riders build confidence, discover new routes, and enjoy every mile while fostering community on two wheels.

    Meet Greg
  • A young woman smiling, holding a can of Miller Lite beer, wearing a medal from the Knoxville Marathon, giving a thumbs-up, seated in a large tent with other people and trees in the background.

    Janie Peacock

    Head Coach, KMC Trails & Hiking

    Combines leadership and a love for adventure to guide KMC’s trail community. Encourages others to push their limits, explore new paths, and experience the outdoors in bold and meaningful ways.

    Meet Janie
  • A woman with curly hair and hoop earrings smiling at the camera, sitting in a restaurant with large windows and other people dining in the background.

    Gaby Alumbaugh

    Community Trainer

    Brings movement expertise and a heart for people, creating supportive spaces where members can move safely, recover well, and feel confident in their bodies.

    Meet Gaby