From the Heart: Green Chair Conversations

As we wrap up  National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month,  we’re proud to reflect on the strides we’ve made to strengthen workplace wellness through the leadership of Russell Dye, Director of Employee Experience , and our partnership with Shayla Herndon Edmunds of OMG Wellness, an organization that offers natural wellness products, massage, spiritual coaching, and wellness programming. Building a Culture of Care When Russell first stepped into his role in October of 2023, his mission was clear: to listen to employees and build a work environment that meets their real needs—both personal and professional. Through surveys, one-on-one conversations, and open dialogue, he discovered that supporting mental health wasn’t just an employee benefit; it was a necessity. “People need to know they matter as a whole person,” Russell shared. “When employees feel cared for beyond their job title, they show up more authentically and engage more fully.” That philosophy led to s...

Saving money doesn’t have to feel like walking through a haunted house. For many of us, the thought of putting money aside can feel overwhelming, intimidating, or even downright scary, especially when living paycheck to paycheck. But what if saving could feel less like a trick and more like a treat? To help us unpack this idea, our Chief Development Officer, Brittany Wissick sat down with Latisha Brown , Community Lending Specialist with Atlantic Union Bank, who has been in the banking world for over 25 years. Latisha spends her days teaching financial education in the community, helping individuals face their financial fears head-on. Together, we talked about why saving feels so frightening and how to make it a habit that’s empowering instead of intimidating. Meet Latisha Brown Latisha Brown is a Community Lending Specialist with Atlantic Union Bank , bringing over 25 years of experience in the banking industry . Military spouse and mom, Latisha began her career in traditional bra...

 At Financial Pathways of the Piedmont, Board Leadership transitions are more than a change in titles—they are opportunities to reflect, celebrate, and look forward. As Andy Harding prepares to wrap up his term as Board Chair and Treva Oliphant prepares to step into the role this January, we sat down with both leaders to hear their stories, lessons, and hopes for the future. Andy Harding: A Season of Service Andy Harding, who has chaired the Board since 2023, first became involved with Financial Pathways after board members introduced him to the mission. His personal connection deepened when a senior family member nearly fell victim to fraud but was saved by the intervention of a credit counselor. During his time as Chair, Andy is most proud of helping launch and grow the Financial Health First Responder Awards Luncheon , now entering its fifth year. “It started as a creative idea, but quickly became a way to recognize those on the front lines—counselors, bankers, and commun...

Welcome to From the Heart: Green Chair Conversations , the new financial wellness blog from Financial Pathways of the Piedmont (FPP) . We’re so glad you’re here! This blog is all about helping you on your financial journey. We’ll share practical tips, highlight community voices, and talk about the everyday challenges (and victories!) that come with managing money. Whether you’re looking to pay down debt, buy your first home, or just feel more confident about your finances, you’ll find resources and encouragement here. Who We Are Financial Pathways of the Piedmont is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to one simple but powerful mission: helping people achieve financial well-being. We’ve been serving the community since 1972, when local leaders saw a growing need for financial support and education. Decades later, challenges like inflation, income disparities, and limited access to resources are still with us, but so is our commitment to making sure families thrive. We’re pr...