IMPACT Learning Center is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors who provide leadership, oversight, and support for our mission. Representing a variety of backgrounds and areas of expertise, our Board works alongside staff and community partners to help ensure that IMPACT continues to grow, respond to local needs, and create meaningful opportunities throughout Jackson County.
board of directors
Chad gorham, chair
Jared Dovers, vice chair
Gene Hess
Bubba sellers
Brittany Lambert
Bo Bradford
advisory board
dr. brad bradford, founder
dr. david campbell
jason davidson
jennifer williams
debbie barclay
kelli bergman
cindy butler
sarah grace carson
rebecca coan
jonathon colvin
julianna harper
amber harrington
reid henshaw
corky hood
allen keller
nathan lee
drew mcnutt
jeptha moody
gail moore
jon alan pope
candra roberts
linda smith
karen suggs
The IMPACT Learning Center team is committed to creating opportunities, building connections, and supporting the people and communities we serve. Our staff brings together experience in education, workforce development, community engagement, and program leadership to help move IMPACT’s mission forward every day.
Amanda Sparks serves as Executive Director of IMPACT Learning Center, where she leads efforts to expand educational opportunity, workforce development, digital skills, career readiness, leadership programming, and community-based initiatives throughout Jackson County. She stepped into the role in December 2025, bringing deep local roots and years of experience in leadership, marketing, partnership development, and community engagement.
A graduate of Pisgah High School and Northeast Alabama Community College, Amanda previously served as CEO and Marketing Director for Rainbow Cinemas, LLC. During her years with Hollywood 10 Cinema in Scottsboro, she became affectionately known as “the movie lady,” while using her platform to champion local businesses, support community initiatives, and build meaningful partnerships.
Amanda also served as Vice Chair for the City of Scottsboro on the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce from 2021 through 2025. At IMPACT, she leads with the belief that education can change the direction of a person’s life and strengthen an entire community, with a particular passion for building partnerships that create meaningful, sustainable opportunities for Jackson County residents.
Amanda Sparks,
Executive Director
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Matthew Strickland is a creative, dependable, and versatile professional with experience in customer service, administration, technology, graphic design, and digital communication. His diverse background includes work in internet sales, systems administration, office support, healthcare administration, maintenance, and customer service, giving him a broad skill set and a practical, adaptable approach to problem-solving.
At IMPACT Learning Center, Matthew uses his strengths in communication, technology, design, and community outreach to help connect individuals with educational opportunities and valuable local resources. He also serves as an instructor for many of IMPACT’s classes, helping participants build practical skills in technology, digital tools, and everyday applications in a supportive and approachable learning environment.
Matthew is committed to making learning feel accessible, helping others build confidence, and supporting programs that create meaningful, lasting benefits for the community.