rise and respond foundation staff
Executive Staff
The Executive Staff of the Rise & Respond Foundation is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight of the organization, including direct supervision of the Scholarship Program. This committed team—comprised of the President, Vice President, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Executive Secretary—works collaboratively to ensure that all efforts remain aligned with the foundation’s Christ-centered mission to support wounded first responders and equip the next generation of Christian and law enforcement leaders.
In coordination with the Board of Directors, the Executive Staff oversees key functions such as organizational planning, financial stewardship, program development, and community outreach. Their leadership serves as the driving force behind the foundation’s commitment to honoring sacrificial service, uplifting lives, and fostering long-term, faith-based impact in communities across the nation.
Samuel ferrell
Ashlie FERRELL
President/Founder/Executive Director
Vice-President/Co-Founder/Asst. Executive Director
Sam Ferrell is the President and Founder of the Rise & Respond Foundation, a faith-driven nonprofit dedicated to honoring first responders and empowering future leaders through service and compassion. While Sam’s past includes personal challenges and experiences on the wrong side of the law, those chapters have fueled his deep commitment to redemption, integrity, and giving back to the community. Now a dedicated law student, he channels his journey into helping others and demonstrating that strength and grace can rise from adversity. Residing in Idaho with his beautiful wife Ashlie and their three children—Roxzanna, Tobin, and Tucker—as well as his oldest child, best friend, and trusted confidant Jeffrey Ferrell, Sam leads with humility, faith, and a steadfast devotion to building a lasting legacy of purpose, service, and hope.
Ashlie Ferrell is the Co-Founder and Vice President of the Rise & Respond Foundation, a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring first responders, supporting survivors, and empowering future leaders through service and compassion. About a year ago, Ashlie was approached by her husband, Sam Ferrell, who shared his heartfelt desire to create something meaningful — a foundation that would give back to the very community that helped him turn his life around. Sam was open about his past and the mistakes that once put him on the wrong side of the law, but his vision was clear: to build a legacy of redemption, gratitude, and purpose.
Ashlie saw not only her husband’s transformation but also the sincerity behind his mission — to show that true change is possible and that good can rise from adversity. She wholeheartedly joined him in that vision, believing that there is nothing more noble than giving back to those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others. Residing in Idaho with her husband and their three beautiful children — Roxzanna, Tobin, and Tucker — Ashlie leads with grace, strength, and compassion, serving as a steadfast partner in building a foundation rooted in faith, family, and the power of second chances.
Kaila koplin
Executive Secretary/Director
Kaila’s journey is rooted in faith, service, and a genuine passion for helping others. Grounded in Christian values, she has served as a peer action leader at Salt Lake Community College, volunteered in local outreach efforts, and taught English in China—each experience shaping her commitment to compassion, humility, and servant leadership. Whether mentoring students, organizing community projects, or bridging cultures through education, Kaila strives to reflect God’s love in all she does. She continues to live a life of purpose, using her gifts to uplift others and glorify God wherever He leads her.
Director
Emberly wadsworth
Director
Cera coleman
Jonathan Braack
Strategic and Business Advisor