About the Henrico Pierce Foundation
Who We Are
The Henrico Pierce Foundation is a community-centered nonprofit dedicated to advancing environmental justice in marginalized neighborhoods and expanding accessibility and equity for individuals with disabilities. We were created by people who have lived the realities we serve. Our team includes caregivers, engineers, chaplains, advocates, and frontline workers who understand how complex systems shape a person’s health, safety, and quality of life.
We believe that every community deserves clear information, safe environments, and systems that honor human dignity. Our work sits at the intersection of environmental education, disability advocacy, and community empowerment. We translate complicated environmental, civic, and infrastructure topics into accessible knowledge so that residents, families, caregivers, and frontline workers can make informed decisions and advocate for themselves.
The foundation is built on compassion, clarity, and a commitment to showing up for people who are too often overlooked. We partner with local organizations, care professionals, and community members to strengthen resilience, expand access, and ensure that no one is left navigating environmental or disability-related challenges alone.
At our core, we are guided by a simple belief: every person deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive.
Our Mission
The Henrico Pierce Foundation’s mission is to advance environmental justice and disability equity by turning complex systems into clear, usable knowledge, and by standing alongside the communities most impacted. We educate residents, families, and frontline workers about environmental, medical, and social service systems; advocate for policies and practices that center marginalized communities and people with disabilities; and facilitate collaboration among local governments, care providers, and neighbors so that solutions are community-informed, just, and sustainable across Hampton Roads and Western North Carolina.
Meet the Founders
Our leaders aim to bring together caregivers, engineers, advocates, and community leaders who share a commitment to environmental justice, disability equity, and the dignity of every person.
Jessica Evans
Executive Director & ChairJessica is a civil and environmental engineer, combat veteran, and community advocate who leads the Henrico Pierce Foundation Board of Directors as Executive Director & Chair.
Based in Portsmouth, Virginia, she brings technical expertise, lived experience of disability, and a deep commitment to accessible education and community care.
Harley Causey
Deputy Director & Vice ChairHarley is a disability services professional and lay chaplain with more than a decade of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
She is a Western North Carolina native that now calls Portsmouth, Virginia home. In this capacity, she helps shape programs, community education, and day‑to‑day operations for the foundation.
Cameryn Buzbee
Director of Finance & TreasurerCameryn is a Texas native who now calls Burke County, North Carolina home, bringing nearly a decade of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
He supports the foundation’s long‑term sustainability through sound financial stewardship, practical planning, and a focus on using resources to directly uplift families, caregivers, and frontline workers.
Katie Truitt
Director of Governance & SecretaryKatie is a Western North Carolina native with over a decade of experience providing direct care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Her focus is on abuse recognition and reporting, guardianship education, and strengthening working conditions and support for frontline disability workers across North Carolina and Virginia.