Woodrow “Woody” Keown, Jr.
President & Chief Operating Officer
wkeown@nurfc.org
Keown joined the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in November 2019 building on a career as an entrepreneur, business investor, philanthropist, corporate executive and community leader. He has been a leader in the Greater Cincinnati community, serving as part of the Jordan Crossing, Bond Hill & Roselawn Revitalization Fund, Allen Temple AME Church and Montgomery Community Church. Additionally, Keown is a mentor through Winton Hills Academy and former board member of the Dan Beard Council of Boy Scouts of America. He is also a former Procter & Gamble executive.
Angenita Brown, PhD
Chief of Staff
abrown@nurfc.org
Dr. Brown brings more than two decades of experience in leadership, coaching, talent development and community engagement. Prior to joining the Freedom Center, she held leadership positions in recruiting and community engagement, including Chief of Staff at Union Institute & University; Vice President of Lakota Outreach Diversity & Inclusion at Lakota School District, one of the state’s largest school districts; and Regional Vice President for Educational Engagement at Waterford. As a former nurse, Dr. Brown’s passion is in caring for others, which she has done as an organizational change leader, community connector and mentor. She holds an Executive Professional Life Coaching Certificate and, in July 2024, earned her PhD in Educational Leadership and Administration.
Richard Buller
Director of Facilities
rbuller@nurfc.org
Richard Buller began his journey at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in 2003 as the museum's Chief Building Engineer. He assisted with construction and commissioning equipment for the facility. Previously, Buller served as the Assistant General Manager at The Cincinnatian Hotel, where he capped a 20+ year career in the hospitality industry.
Robert Copeland
Vice President of Philanthropy
rcopeland@nurfc.org
Copeland joins the Freedom Center with a 30-year career in fundraising. He most recently spent six years as Chief Advancement Officer with Equitas Health, where he was also interim president and CEO during an 18-month period. In his fundraising career in higher education and health care, Copeland led and exceeded multi-million-dollar campaigns. He has held fundraising leadership positions at Wilberforce University and Wright State University’s Boonshoft School of Medicine, leading the fundraising campaign to establish its Remen Institute for the Study of Health & Illness.
Pamela Dock
Executive Administrative Assistant to the President
pdock@nurfc.org
Pamela joined the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in August 2006 working in the Executive office on a part-time basis supporting Mr. John Pepper. Pam has worked in several departments during her time with the organization, including supporting the CFO in the Finance Department and working as an Education Coordinator in the Education Department, liaising with school groups and the docent volunteer group. Prior to joining the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Pam spent 29 ½ years with the Procter & Gamble Company. Pam also serves as Lead Pastor with her husband at the Harac Parech Ministries in the Bond Hill Community and is the founder of the Total Woman’s Mentoring Ministry.
Cody Hefner
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
chefner@nurfc.org
Cody joined the National Railroad Freedom Center in 2019, and also works for Cincinnati Museum Center, which he joined in 2011. In his 11 years in the marketing department of the two organizations he has been involved in the development and implementation of marketing and communications plans for over 30 major exhibitions and several events, including Unlocking the Gates of Auschwitz: 70 Years Later (2015), Motel X (2019), Designing Justice (2021), Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration (2022), Solidarity Now! The 1968 Poor People's Campaign (2023) and The Negro Motorist Green Book (2024) as well as supporting the 2014 and 2021 International Freedom Conductor Awards and annual King Legacy Celebrations.
In Cody’s efforts to support the mission of the Freedom Center by driving revenue and elevating brand integrity, he garners consistent media coverage for the organization and has made it a much sought-after voice on historic and contemporary issues. Cody has a BA in history and American Studies and MA in history from Miami University.
Andrea Howard
Director of Event Services & Retail Operations
ahoward@cincymuseum.org
Andrea Howard has spent her career supporting museums and their initiatives. She has been a member of the staff at Cincinnati Museum Center since 1999, beginning in the Education department and then moving to the Events department. Andrea was excited to begin working with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center as part of the merger with Cincinnati Museum Center in 2012. As a member and leader in the Events department and Retail Operations team at both amazing venues, she has been able to work with political leaders, sports heroes, entrepreneurs, awards celebrations and an amazing array of clients from around the globe.
