Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Conferences and Lectures
Awards
Affiliations
Achievements
Publications
Timeline
Generic

STACHELLE BUSSEY

Louisville,KY

Summary

Faith based social justice practitioner with proven track record of success leading and growing organizations and churches. Adept at implementing strategic business plans, driving growth and improving operations, while cultivating leadership. Skilled in identifying opportunities, managing stakeholder relations, intentionally involving community members, and implementing strategies focused on sustainability. Collaborative and dedicated to building and leading the next generation of religious leaders.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Adjunct Professor

Hanover College
10.2024 - Current
  • Designed and taught Practical Activism, a new interdisciplinary course combining theology with social justice frameworks and community engagement.
  • Taught Theology of Human Suffering, exploring theological responses to trauma, injustice, and the lived experiences of marginalized communities.
  • Served as Activist-in-Residence, connecting classroom learning with real-world advocacy and mentoring students in faith-rooted public engagement.
  • Advised students on academic, vocational, and justice-oriented leadership pathways.

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Executive Director

The Hope Buss
01.2020 - Current
  • Set community-centered organizational goals and objectives that are scalable and sustainable utilizing needs assessments.
  • Oversee five key initiatives (HopeHEALS, HopeFULL, HopeFIRST, Hope this Helps, and Hope Reimagined) and programming related to same.
  • Build relationships with donors, government leaders, and other community stakeholders in the Louisville Metro area to secure funding and support for organization.
  • Oversee grant applications and capital campaigns.
  • Serve as primary liaison between the organization and Louisville Metro Government related to reporting requirements and funding.
  • Foster work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and development from within.
  • Integrate local churches with the work and mission of the Hope Buss through volunteering, community events, and outreach services.
  • Promote mission of organization via successful community outreach and multi-media marketing strategies.
  • Realize year-over-year growth in operating budget by more than 300%.
  • Exercise appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability.
  • Manage 700+ volunteer hours per month.
  • Receive resident referrals from 25 community organizations, of which 120 were converted to residents at the Hope Village.
  • Create and manage an advisory council for the Hope Village consisting of staff, residents and community members.
  • Provide onsite services such as harm reduction, legal aid, mental health, medical care, and more.

Independent Consultant Project Manager

Self
01.2018 - Current
  • Conduct thorough reviews of operations, including root cause analyses and assessments, for primarily churches and nonprofit organizations.
  • Compile research data and give presentations highlighting finds and recommended optimizations.
  • Review internal systems and organize training plans to address areas in need of improvement.
  • Devise and deploy improvement strategies resulting in a culture shift.
  • Integrate technology and business operations to identify targeted solutions to issues.
Church Consultant | 2018 – Present
  • Worked with churches in five U.S. states to implement strategies for increasing community effectiveness, including leadership development, outreach design, and mission expansion.
  • Secured government funding for three churches in Louisville to develop affordable housing, an outdoor entertainment complex, and a mental health counseling space.
  • Helped over 10 churches successfully create and apply for 501(c)(3) status, enabling access to grants, funding, and expanded community programming.
  • Connected congregations with community resources and local partnerships to strengthen impact, sustainability, and visibility.
  • Facilitated strategic planning sessions for faith-based communities, guiding vision clarity, goal setting, and organizational restructuring.
  • Consulted for interfaith centers, including as a featured contributor for Faith in Action Summits.
  • Served on the Reparations Committee of a predominantly white church, advising on justice, reconciliation, and practical implementation.

Community Violence Intervention Project Director

Interfaith Paths To Peace
01.2023 - 04.2025
  • Provide rapid response to neighborhoods following gun violence incidents by working to assess and identify root causes.
  • Participate in community meetings to talk with members of public about violence and intervention methods.
  • Supervise multiple teams by prioritizing needs and delegating assignments.
  • Network with various stakeholders to build relationships with law enforcement, faith communities, schools and government leaders and community members.
  • Conduct screenings and assessments to identify needs and risk factors for individuals and communities.
  • Monitor trends and data to identify hotspots and develop strategic plan to intervene.
  • Increase community engagement and trust.
  • Managed cross-functional teams to ensure seamless coordination throughout all stages of the projects.
  • Developed project control roadmap to guide various projects.

Worship Director

One Church Louisville
09.2016 - 12.2021
  • Cultivate a culture of prayer within the worship team, fostering spiritual growth among members.
  • Collaborate with pastors to develop sermon series themes, resulting in cohesive and impactful messages.
  • Coordinate special events and seasonal programs to engage the congregation and reach the community.
  • Create an inclusive environment by incorporating various cultural expressions in worship experiences.
  • Evaluate worship service effectiveness regularly, making adjustments as needed to better serve the congregation''s needs.
  • Oversee equipment maintenance and inventory management, minimizing downtime due to technical issues or missing items.
  • Continually pursue professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and best practices in worship leadership.

Chaplain Resident

Norton Healthcare
08.2019 - 01.2020
  • Provide spiritual care through visitation, counseling and prayer.
  • Develop and clarify pastoral identity.
  • Recognize strengths and develop skills in ministry, crisis ministry and grief counseling.

Minister of Music

Cane Run Baptist Church
01.2011 - 10.2015
  • Select repertoire that reflected diverse cultural backgrounds within the congregation, promoting inclusivity through song selection process.
  • Establish partnerships with local schools and organizations to expand opportunities for joint performances and collaborations.
  • Organize special musical events such as concerts, fundraising galas, and holiday programs to showcase the talents of the music ministry team.
  • Introduce contemporary worship styles alongside traditional hymns, creating an engaging atmosphere that appealed to a broader range of congregants.
  • Streamline communication processes between musicians, clergy staff, volunteers which improved overall coordination during event planning stages.
  • Mentor and coach volunteer musicians, improving their skills and fostering a sense of community within the music team.

Social Services Worker II

Cabinet For Health And Family Services
01.2012 - 08.2014
  • Counsel individuals and families regarding mental health, substance abuse, physical abuse, and rehabilitation issues.
  • Deliver comprehensive therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults to support child welfare and prevention services.
  • Secure housing, medical care, and employment for clients by collaborating with various community agencies.
  • Assist clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
  • Conduct home visits to assess clients' home environment and provide support.
  • Monitor clients' progress to adjust treatment plans accordingly.
  • Advocate for clients within the system and work to build evidence and support for transformation within.

Education

Ph.D. - Education And Social Change

Bellarmine University
05.2026

Master Of Divinity - Divinity

Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
05.2020

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

Kentucky State University
2009

Skills

  • Leadership and Organizational Development
  • Curriculum Creation
  • Lecturing
  • Strategic Partnership
  • Mission and Vision
  • Innovative and Visionary
  • Budgeting and Financial Management
  • Strategic Planning
  • Change and Growth Management
  • Managing Community and Business Stakeholders
  • Teacher Mentoring
  • Instructional Leadership

Conferences and Lectures

  • Recurring Guest Lecturer and Consultant, Social Justice Leadership Program, Hanover College (2024)
  • "On Hope"- Keenan Lecture, Spalding University (2023)
  • Lecture, MLK Week of Social Responsibility, Bellarmine University (2023)
  • "On Hope"- Keynote Speaker, Elmer Lucille Allen Conference on African American Studies, Spalding University (2022)
  • "Christ, Church, Community: The Urban Church & Community Development"- Louisville Seminary Caldwell Lecture (2022)
  • "Pundits, Pontificators, & Perpsective: Philanthropy & Social Impact Investing In Low-access, Low-income Communities"- Derby Diversity Week (2021)
  • "Church as Sanctuary"- Emmanuel College of Victoria University at University of Toronto (2020)
  • Implicit Bias Didactic, Norton Healthcare (2020)


Awards

  • Louisville Central Community Center ("LCCC") Community Service Award (2023)
  • Louisville Defender Outstanding Professional Achievement and Community Service Award (2023)
  • Amped DreamMaker Award (2023)
  • Social Justice Award, Interdenominational Ministers Coalition (2023)
  • Caregiver of the Year Award, Coalition to Transform Advanced Care ("C-TAC") (2022)
  • TOPS Cares Award (2021)

Affiliations

  • Member, AMPED RTBI (Russell Technology Business Incubator) Cohort (2024)
  • Board Member, Louisville Orchestra (2022 - present)
  • Member, Reparations Task Force, Highland Baptist Church (2020- present)
  • Member, President's Roundtable, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (2020 - present)
  • Member, West Louisville Advisory Council, Goodwill Industries (2023- present)
  • Member, Civilian Review and Accountability Board (2021 - present)
  • Board Member, New Directions Housing Corporation (2022 - present)
  • Equity Advisor/Board Member, Festival of Faiths (2022 - present)
  • Co-Founder, Kentucky Derby Festival Block Party (2022- present)
  • Cohort Member, Public Theology and Racial Justice Collaborative Cohort, Vanderbilt University (2019- 2020)
  • Seminary Representative, 2019 Christian Unity Gathering, National Council of Churches
  • Alumni, Focus Louisville Class (2022)
  • Attendee, World Council of Churches, Hampton, Virginia (2022)
  • Participant, The Ecumenical Institute Bossey (Presbyterian Representative 2020)
  • Member, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., (2007- present)

Achievements

  • Led the organizational transition within the Hope Buss from solely a food justice organization, to one that provides programming around homelessness, drug addiction/recovery, emergency aid, and community-wide events.
  • Won a multi-million dollar ARP-funded RFP from Louisville Metro Government to pilot the first safe outdoor space, the Hope Village, which was renewed in 2023.
  • Secured donation from CVS worth $100,000 to transition Hope Village residents from tents to "pods" equipped with electricity.
  • Oversaw the implementation of CVS pods and coordinated resident transition.
  • Helped 39 houseless residents transition to permanent housing by end of first year.
  • Successfully grew annual nonprofit budget by over 300% in less than 5 years.
  • Spearheaded multiple "pop-up shelters" during the winter months for houseless individuals in collaboration with Louisville Metro Government, Goodwill Industries, local churches, and community leaders.

Publications

Bussey, Stachelle D. “Breath of Black Life” Ezekial 37:1-14. Essay. In Resipiscence 2020: A lenten devotional for dismantling white supremacy, edited by: Vahisha Hasan and Nichola Torbett. Resipiscence, 2020.


Bussey, Stachelle D. “Can We Just Have...Water?” Exodus 17:1-7. Essay. In Resipiscence 2020: A lenten devotional for dismantling white supremacy, edited by: Vahisha Hasan and Nichola Torbett. Resipiscence, 2020.


Bussey, Stachelle D. and McCormick, Michael B. “Chapter One: ‘Today Is Not My Day to Die’: Public Theology, Precarious Lives, and the Politics of the Streets.” Essay. In Moved by the Spirit: Religion and the Movement for Black Lives, edited by: Christophe Darro Ringer, Teresa L. Smallwood, and Emilie Maureen Townes. Lanham: Lexington Books, 2023.

Timeline

Adjunct Professor

Hanover College
10.2024 - Current

Community Violence Intervention Project Director

Interfaith Paths To Peace
01.2023 - 04.2025

Executive Director

The Hope Buss
01.2020 - Current

Chaplain Resident

Norton Healthcare
08.2019 - 01.2020

Independent Consultant Project Manager

Self
01.2018 - Current

Worship Director

One Church Louisville
09.2016 - 12.2021

Social Services Worker II

Cabinet For Health And Family Services
01.2012 - 08.2014

Minister of Music

Cane Run Baptist Church
01.2011 - 10.2015

Master Of Divinity - Divinity

Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

Kentucky State University

Ph.D. - Education And Social Change

Bellarmine University