Our Team

Meet our leadership team.

Ken Horne brings over 35 years of experience in managing private postsecondary colleges. With a background in law, Ken transitioned from practicing attorney to founder and president of several colleges, where he discovered his passion for empowering students to achieve their goals.

In 2006, Ken founded CARS with a mission to help college leaders enhance student services, boost enrollment, and improve retention. His visionary leadership has made CARS a trusted partner for institutions nationwide. Ken also serves as President and CEO of PEAC, a company specializing in student loan default prevention.

Ken’s commitment to innovation and student success continues to drive the growth and impact of CARS.

As Senior Vice President of CARS, Andrew plays a pivotal role in steering the organization’s success. He manages day-to-day operations, strengthens client relationships, and works closely with the IT team to shape strategic initiatives and set priorities. Andrew also leads internal sales efforts, responding to inquiries, delivering product demonstrations, and connecting with prospective clients through conference calls.

Since starting at CARS in 2007, Andrew has advanced through a variety of leadership roles, gaining valuable insights into every level of the company. His hands-on experience and commitment to excellence have positioned him as a key leader in driving operational efficiency and client satisfaction.

A lifelong learner, Andrew has been named to the University of Alabama President’s List (Fall 2023 and Spring 2024) and has earned Summa Cum Laude honors at CACC. When he’s not excelling in his professional and academic pursuits, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, reading, and playing the guitar.

Tami has been an integral part of CARS since its founding in 2006, serving as Chief Operating Officer and bringing over 20 years of operational leadership experience to the organization. A proud graduate of the University of Montevallo with a degree in Mass Communications, Tami began her career in the Human Capital Management industry, where she supported start-up ventures in operations and strategy. Her transition to higher education allowed her to focus on aligning human resources with business objectives, improving client satisfaction, and fostering employee engagement.

Before the launch of CARS, Tami worked with the Post-Secondary Education Assistance Corporation, where she developed her expertise in higher education operations. At CARS, she is dedicated to optimizing client relations and developing innovative strategies to help colleges improve student enrollment and success.

In her downtime, Tami enjoys spending time with her husband and her cherished fur babies. An active volunteer and advocate, she dedicates her time to animal rescue and nonprofit initiatives. She also loves tennis, attending sporting events, and supporting her community in meaningful ways.

Wendy Thompson joined CARS in 2009 and brings over three decades of experience in Human Resources, Accounting, and Business Administration. She holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Leadership and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, blending her academic credentials with extensive professional experience to lead with both precision and compassion.

As Vice President of Human Resources and Finance, Wendy is responsible for managing personnel, coordinating employee benefits, overseeing payroll, and leading the accounting department. Her strategic approach ensures that CARS operates smoothly and that employees are supported, making her an essential part of the team.

An active member of SHRM, the National Association for Professional Women, and the Red Hat Society, Wendy is deeply committed to professional and personal growth. In her free time, she enjoys rehabbing furniture and devotes her time to animal rescue efforts, where she advocates passionately for animals in need.

Zach joined CARS in 2018 as a Software Developer and quickly established himself as a vital part of the team. Now serving as the IT Systems and Software Lead, he oversees all telephony operations, including telephony platforms, IVR systems, and customer reporting.

With deep expertise in software development, Zach specializes in CRM integrations, proprietary scripting, and workflow automation. His technical skills extend to server, network, and database management, ensuring seamless infrastructure support for CARS’ operations. Zach’s innovative approach and dedication to excellence make him a key driver of technological advancement within the organization.

Leah’s journey with CARS began in 2006, when she joined as a TSR while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems at the University of Montevallo. Her dedication and technical expertise quickly propelled her to the role of Helpdesk Administrator. In 2012, Leah left to explore new opportunities, gaining valuable experience before rejoining CARS in 2023 as a Business Analyst.

In addition to her work at CARS, Leah is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She serves as the Technical Director of SHOW Baldwin, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the special needs community in her area. Her passion for technology and community impact drives her both professionally and personally.

Since joining CARS in 2009 as a TSR, Devin has continuously risen through the ranks, gaining a wealth of experience along the way. Her career progression includes roles as Financial Aid Advisor, Agent Supervisor, Contact Center Manager, and now Senior Operations Manager. This diverse experience has given Devin a well-rounded perspective on all aspects of the organization, equipping her with a deep understanding of both the challenges and successes at every level.

Devin earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social and Behavioral Science and a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus on Finance from University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her educational background, combined with her extensive experience, allows her to lead with a strategic vision while staying grounded in the day-to-day operations that drive success at CARS.

Devoted to both professional and personal growth, Devin brings a dynamic, hands-on approach to her leadership, always striving for continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Brittney joined CARS in 2024, bringing her expertise in marketing and operations to the roles of Marketing Coordinator and Operations Assistant. She plays a key role in managing Placement Verification services, maintaining marketing assets, and fostering strong customer relationships. With a professional background in B2B sales and marketing since 2017, Brittney brings a strategic approach to her work, ensuring that CARS consistently delivers the quality and reliability clients have come to trust. She believes that client referrals are the highest compliment and works to uphold the company’s reputation for quality and reliability.

Outside of work, Brittney cherishes time with her family, delves into captivating books, and channels her creativity through drawing and painting.

Angie began her journey with CARS in 2006 as a part-time Student Information Specialist while attending the University of Montevallo. After just a few months, her hard work and dedication earned her a promotion to Quality Assurance Supervisor in the Lead Qualification Department. By 2007, she had risen to the role of Call Center Director, where she played a key part in managing operations and overseeing the team.

In 2021, Angie decided to shift her focus and stepped away from operations to take on her current role in HR & Finance. In this position, she continues to bring her wealth of experience to the table, with a particular passion for training and supporting new employees as they begin their careers at CARS.

Outside of work, Angie loves traveling with her husband and son and keeps her creativity flowing through various craft projects.

Katie joined CARS in 2024, bringing with her 15 years of experience in recruiting, HR, economic development, leadership, and government relations. She has a strong background in developing apprenticeship and internship programs, as well as diversity initiatives aimed at upskilling talent for technical roles. Katie’s expertise in building programs that drive workforce development is a key asset to CARS’ client relations team.

A graduate of the University of Montevallo, Katie earned a Bachelor’s in History in 2011 and a Master’s in Education in 2013. When she’s not supporting clients, Katie enjoys traveling the world, exploring the vibrant Birmingham, AL area, spending time with her golden retrievers, and indulging in her love for Mexican cuisine.

Earnest began his career at CARS in 2017, bringing with him a strong foundation in accounting after earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Miles College. In his role as Quality Assurance Supervisor, Earnest is responsible for training and mentoring the department’s agents, ensuring they meet the company’s high standards of service. He also works closely with both the Operations and Client Services teams to drive improvements in efficiency and quality, ultimately enhancing the overall client experience.

With his analytical mindset and dedication to operational excellence, Earnest is committed to maintaining the highest levels of quality across all areas of CARS.

Gilda began her journey at CARS as a bilingual SIS agent before transitioning to Financial Aid, then ultimately stepping into her current role as Quality Assurance Supervisor. With over nine years of experience in customer service and three years in management, Gilda brings exceptional expertise and leadership to her team, ensuring the highest standards in every interaction.

Outside of work, Gilda is passionate about giving back to her community. She volunteers with a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Latina women, combining her skills and compassion to make a meaningful impact. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and cherishing moments with her family, friends, and beloved fur babies. Gilda’s dedication to excellence and her love for connection make her an invaluable part of the CARS team.

With 35 years of experience in Customer Service Management, Joyce joined CARS in 2008, bringing a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the team. She began in the Student Contact Center, then moved up to roles as a Financial Aid Representative and Financial Aid Supervisor before transitioning to her current position as Quality Assurance Supervisor.

In her current role, Joyce collaborates with the Client Services team to ensure each member meets the high standards of service that define CARS. Her focus on individual development and her dedication to quality have made her an integral part of the team, helping drive the exceptional service CARS is known for.

Tyee Eason is a dedicated education professional with extensive experience in student support and team management. With a strong expertise in student information systems, she is skilled at handling intricate inquiries while ensuring precise data entry and seamless operations.

Having served as a Placement Verification Specialist, Tyee played a key role in confirming graduate employment and fostering strong partnerships with employers. As a Financial Aid Counselor, she guided students through the FAFSA process and supported financial aid disbursements, providing clear and reliable assistance at every stage.

Now, as a Floor Agent Supervisor, Tyee leads her team with a focus on maintaining high performance, ensuring quality service, and driving continuous improvement. Her leadership empowers her team to deliver top-notch support, making a significant impact on student success.

Nora began her career at CARS in 2017 as a bilingual SIS agent, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication. She soon advanced to a bilingual Financial Aid Agent, and by 2018, her leadership abilities earned her a promotion to Floor Supervisor. Nora’s bilingual proficiency and strong work ethic ensure that she effectively leads her team in providing outstanding service to both English- and Spanish-speaking students.

A proud mother of four, Nora enjoys spending quality time with her children whenever possible. Outside of work, she is passionate about reading and sports, with a particular fondness for basketball and tennis. Nora was awarded a tennis scholarship and played for Central Alabama Community College, where she also earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Office Administration.

Her leadership, combined with her commitment to family and personal growth, makes Nora an invaluable asset to the CARS team.

Chris joined CARS in 2023 as a bilingual LQ Agent and quickly advanced through roles as an Financial Aid Agent and now Agent Supervisor, showcasing his leadership skills and dedication. With extensive experience in tourism, travel, and B2B communications—particularly with cruise lines—Chris brings a wealth of administrative and customer-focused expertise to the team.

His certifications in Tourism Management, Sustainable Tourism Practices, and Sabre Hospitality Systems reflect his commitment to professional excellence. Chris’s background as an interpreter, tour guide, and team player makes him an exceptional leader, well-suited to empathetically mentoring agents and guiding students.

Chris is deeply committed to helping students navigate their educational journeys, offering guidance and support to ensure they feel confident and encouraged, even during challenging times. In his personal life, after getting married in 2023, Chris enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, nurturing his collection of houseplants, and exploring new destinations. He has embraced every opportunity to connect with new cultures and people, blending his passion for travel with his dedication to personal growth and discovery.

Kiesha joined CARS in 2019 as a Lead Qualification Agent and quickly demonstrated her leadership potential, advancing to Financial Aid Agent and then to her current role as Floor Agent Supervisor. With a deep passion for helping students navigate the critical early stages of their higher education journey, Kiesha excels at guiding them through the admissions and financial aid processes, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed.

Kiesha holds a certification in medical billing and coding from Kaplan University, further showcasing her commitment to professional growth and expertise. Outside of work, she enjoys relaxing with a good book and immersing herself in video games.