05/25/2026
It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Board Chair, Emily Poole
Emily didn’t just live in this community. She poured her heart and career into making it a better place for everyone.
Emily believed fiercely in the potential of young people, always advocating for spaces where they could be heard and supported. Her legacy of service touched every corner of Fayette County through her work in economic development and her leadership with Bloom, Fayette Senior Services, and the Fayette Chamber of Commerce.
Executive Director Keysha Greene remembers Emily as more than a colleague.
“Emily was a friend,” Greene said. “Someone whose kindness and honesty I’ll always carry with me. We even bonded over our love for our fur babies. Her commitment to AVPRIDE was real, always focused on the youth, families, and staff we serve.”
Board Vice Chair, Anthony Woods, remembers Emily as "a light to everyone she met - full of energy and never a stranger. When I first met her, she immediately made me feel seen. That was just Emily - always pouring into and uplifting others."
Board member Andrea Foster shares a similar sentiment. “Emily had a way of making every conversation feel meaningful. “I’ll always remember how easy it was for us to talk about life, animals, and just being there for each other,” Foster said. “She led with compassion in everything she did. When she talked about AVPRIDE, you could really feel how much it meant to her. She cared deeply about making sure the organization showed up in the right way and provided real opportunities, access, and support for students and their families.”
Our thoughts are with her family and all who loved her.
Rest in peace, Emily.
