The Innovate Fund Board of Managers Welcomes New Members
Greenville, SC (May 16, 2025) – The Innovate Fund (TIF), a New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Community Development Entity (CDE) dedicated to transforming communities in Central Appalachia, today announced changes to its Board of Managers, including the departure of its long-standing chairman and the appointment of two new members.
TIF celebrates the contributions of David Barnett, who is stepping down as Chairman of the TIF Board of Managers after many years of dedicated service. Mr. Barnett has been instrumental in guiding TIF’s strategic direction related to NMTC deployment and asset management. Since the CDE’s inception, he has overseen the deployment of $328 million in NMTC allocation, providing invaluable underwriting guidance and ensuring adherence to sound risk management policies.
“David’s leadership has been pivotal in shaping The Innovate Fund’s success and impact,” said Emma Wyatt, TIF’s Operating Officer. “His deep understanding of community development finance and unwavering commitment to our mission have been invaluable. We are immensely grateful for his years of service and wish him the very best.”
Currently retired, Mr. Barnett serves on Park National Bank’s Carolina Division Board of Directors. Previously, he served as a Retail and Commercial Division Executive of Pinnacle Bank of South Carolina, where he managed a $976 million asset portfolio with a team of 180 professionals. Mr. Barnett’s extensive community involvement includes serving as President of the Greenville Local Development Corporation (GLDC), TIF’s majority owner, and board positions with the Greenville Public Facilities Corporation, Clemson’s College of Finance Advisory Board, and numerous other civic and church organizations. He is a graduate of Leadership Greenville and Leadership South Carolina, and holds degrees from Clemson University and The Louisiana State University Graduate School of Banking.
TIF is pleased to announce that Kylie Felker has joined its Board of Managers. As President of Foster Victor, Kylie leads the firm’s strategic direction and fosters innovative solutions for clients. She is responsible for resource allocation, relationship development, and the professional growth of the Foster Victor team. Kylie also serves as Chief Compliance Officer, shaping policies and procedures to meet the evolving regulatory requirements of the financial industry.
Kylie graduated from Furman University with a B.A. in Accounting in 2009 and has been a member of their Young Alumni Council. She earned the Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional Designation from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2017 and an Executive MBA from the University of North Carolina in 2022. Kylie also serves on the board of the Greenville Local Development Corporation.
Brian Moore has also been appointed to the TIF Board of Managers. Mr. Moore is the Leader of Cherry Bekaert’s Tax Services group. He is stepping into the role previously held on an interim basis by Michelle Thompson. Cherry Bekaert, a minority owner in TIF, is committed to supporting TIF’s vital work in generating significant community outcomes across Central Appalachia.
Mr. Moore is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), involved with the Wall Street Tax Association, Hedge Funds Care, and the Atlanta Area Council for Boy Scouts of America. He is licensed with the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA), the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA), and the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA). Moore holds a B.S. in Accountancy from the University of Alabama and an M.B.A. in Finance from Emory University.
The Innovate Fund is proud to welcome Kylie Felker and Brian Moore to its Board of Managers. Their diverse expertise and leadership will be invaluable as TIF continues its mission of transforming communities in Central Appalachia. The organization also expresses deep gratitude for the many years of dedicated service and leadership provided by David Barnett during his tenure as Chairman.
