Meet the Team
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Audrieanna Burgin, Ph. D.
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Audrieanna Burgin was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. Her favorite album is Paul by PJ Morton, and her favorite movie is Kung Fu Panda. She has a hidden talent for spelling—she was the citywide spelling bee champion in fifth grade. The best part about working at 904WARD for Audrieanna is creating sustainable pathways that unify our community and create real change. She believes racial justice is crucial because it addresses the root causes of inequality and helps us all thrive, and she advocates for everyone’s right to belong.
Jerail Fennell, MSM
Director of Marketing and Communications
Jerail was born in Daytona Beach, FL, and moved to Palm Coast at the age of seven. His favorite movie is "Hitch," and he enjoys relaxing with his family on Saturdays. A hidden talent of his is performing stand-up comedy across the country. Jerail loves 904WARD for allowing him to be his true self while working with an incredible group of people united by a common mission. He believes racial justice is essential because society cannot reach its fullest potential until everyone has an equitable playing field.
Lorin Thies, MPA
Director of Fund Development
Lorin is a native of Neptune Beach, FL. On Saturdays, you can find her enjoying a cup of coffee while watching nature from her back porch. She has a quirky hidden talent: becoming invisible to automatic faucets. Lorin treasures the 904WARD team, from board members to volunteers, for their deep understanding and dedication to their mission. She believes in racial justice because, as Dr. King said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
ReGina Newkirk Rucci, MS
Director of Equity
ReGina was born in Fort Collins, CO, but spent most of her childhood in Nashville, TN. Her favorite movie is "Coming to America," and her favorite books include "Poverty and Profit in the American City," "Random Family: Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx," and "Hyperbole and a Half." She has a hidden talent for finding perfect gifts, ensuring they are uniquely meaningful. ReGina values 904WARD for allowing her to bring her full self to work and address critical issues. She believes racial justice is crucial for everyone to reach their full potential.
Rhianna Scyster, MPP
Community Equity and Policy Manager
Rhianna was born and raised in St. Petersburg, FL. Her favorite movie is "Norbit," she enjoys spending Saturdays reading in her office. She has a hidden talent for great penmanship and a well-curated pen collection. Rhianna loves the people at 904WARD, both within and outside the organization, and admires the small team's incredible work and community network. She believes racial justice is essential because those who have been oppressed and marginalized deserve liberation and the chance to live without systemic barriers to opportunity.
Whitney Touchton, MBA
Operations & Volunteer Manager
As a military child, Whitney spent her childhood living in many different places. Her favorite book is "The Sum of Us," and she enjoys going to the beach on Saturdays. Whitney is motivated by people brave enough to challenge the status quo, bringing healing and agency to themselves and the world. She values 904WARD for being inclusive, welcoming, and truthful while honoring everyone's humanity. Whitney believes racial justice is essential for creating a world everyone wants to be a part of, even if they don't know it yet.
