As president of AIEF, Lynn A. Johnson drives the mission, fundraising, operations, and engagement with the board of directors and volunteers. Her focus for AIEF is to bring the nonprofit to a national initiative that empowers communities, nonprofit agencies, faith-based organizations, government, and businesses to combat the crisis of children aging out of the foster care system, adoption, poverty, and human trafficking. Her determination, passion, and strong belief in the dignity of all people are paired with her deep faith in Jesus Christ to bring value and dignity to all people no matter their challenges.

Exuding to her solid and compassionate leadership style, Lynn has held many positions in human services and, most recently, served as the assistant secretary for the Administration for Children and Families in the US Department of Health and Human Services in a Senate-confirmed appointment. She led an agency with a $60 billion budget and over sixty programs designed to improve the lives of the most vulnerable children, individuals, and families.

Under this appointment, she created the ALL IN for Foster Care and Adoption Challenge — a national call for partners in every state, including governors, agencies, courts, churches, community organizations, foster alumni, and the public, to commit to being ALL IN for finding “forever families” for the 122,000 children per year awaiting homes. These children are at imminent risk of ending up in other systems like juvenile justice, homelessness, or human trafficking. Lynn believes that these are “America’s children.” With a combined strategy of primary prevention on the front-end, when families need intervention and wrapping around those who step up to adopt youth waiting for homes, the 122,000 children would be rapidly reduced. Lynn knows we all have a role to play and is making connections for success for vulnerable families and children.

As the executive director of Jefferson County, Colorado, Department of Human Services, she provided dignity and respect for our most vulnerable community members to end poverty, eliminate abuse and neglect, and stop the trafficking of children. Lynn served as chief of staff for former Colorado Lieutenant Governor Jane E. Norton. She was also deputy director for policy and human services policy advisor for former Colorado Governor Bill Owens. With her expertise in child welfare, welfare reform, and criminal justice, she has been appointed to numerous committees and won multiple awards for excellence in human services transformations and customer service.

Lynn has been married for thirty-nine years. She has three adult children, two beautiful daughters-in-law, an amazing one-year-old granddaughter, and numerous chosen foster alumni young adult children.

Jaalah Neerhof is a Colorado native and graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she earned a degree in Human Services, Counseling, and Mental Health with an emphasis on high-risk youth. Since 2007, she has dedicated her career to child welfare, serving in both nonprofit and government sectors. Throughout her career, Jaalah has helped launch new nonprofits and innovative programs that support children, youth, and families, and she continues to serve as a nonprofit board member.

Jaalah is married to her loving husband, a skilled woodworker, and together they are raising three sons. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, camping, fly fishing, and caring for their property and animals with her family.

At the heart of everything Jaalah does is a deep desire to lift, encourage, and empower others. She is passionate about helping people recognize their inherent worth and value, believing that every individual deserves to know they are seen, valued, and capable of living a life filled with hope and purpose.

In 2021, I was invited to volunteer and help with the first retreat in Colorado. Since then, I have volunteered for ALL IN® in every aspect from retreat planning and set-up to social media coordinator, and administrative help. I am thrilled to be a part of the “new additions” team to launch ALL IN® into the future and help many more foster alumni. My husband and I have been married for 38 years, have two grown kids, a dog, a tortoise, and, thanks to ALL IN® many young adults who are very dear to me and add so much to my life.

Hey my name is Nakaya and I currently stay in Texas. I’m thrilled to be part of the “ALL
IN” team. I’m your social media manger. I’m here to bring you engaging and meaningful content. Stay tuned for all the upcoming content 🙂

Bernard Ball is a dedicated advocate with over a decade of experience in driving positive
change for foster youth and transitioned-aged youth at local, state, and federal levels. Residing in Ty Ty, Georgia, Bernard has a proven track record in CQI efforts, conception and implementation of policies and programs that enhance youth outcomes.

Bernard’s commitment to community service extends beyond his advocacy work. With lived experience, he is known for his dedication to transparency, accountability, and collaboration; he has been instrumental in accessing untapped funding streams to improve transition-aged foster/alumni outcomes.

As director of Fundraising, Bernard brings his extensive experience and passion for service to our organization. He is excited to leverage his skills to secure the resources necessary to support our mission and create lasting positive impacts.

Bernard and his wife, Tiffany, a middle school math teacher and advocate for children, enjoy traveling and spending time with their four children, Camden, Kennedy, Harper, and Harlon. They are both actively involved in their community and passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.