Meet the Cru at UNC Staff Team!

Riley Davis

Riley is an alumni of UNC, class of 2015. He co-leads the movement alongside Kelly, and he loves his role of working with the staff team and students. In his free time, he likes to go for walks with his wife Natalie and their dog Scooby, write, and play and watch sports (specifically football and basketball). He loves all things UNC and is excited to meet you! 

Kelly Haywood

Kelly is the co-leader of Cru with Riley. She and her husband, Mark, love all things UNC and are proud patrons of their local Chick-fil-A. They met through Cru at UNC and fun fact, their first date was at a Papa John’s in East Asia. Kelly and Mark have 2 kids, Lucy and Booker.

Erin Smith

Erin went to Carolina and has been on staff at UNC for 20 years. She is married to Josh and has two kids- Harrison (11) and Allie (6). She enjoys eating Armadillo Grill, watching Carolina sports, and spending time at the beach. Erin’s heart was captured by Jesus during her undergrad years and believes these four years are highly influential in a person’s life.

Emily and Zach Griffin

Zach and Emily Griffin have been on staff with Cru since they graduated from UNC in 2010. Much of that time has been spent overseas in East Asia, but they are enjoying being back in Chapel Hill for now! Zach is a mountain-loving runner and drummer. Emily loves to read and cook food from all over the world. They have two sons, Isaiah and one on the way! 

Bekah Pounds

Bekah graduated from UNC in 2020 with a degree in psychology. Nine times out of ten you’ll find her with a good book in her hand or trying to figure out what recipe she’s going to try next. She loves getting to know people and is a sucker for a long conversation over coffee (don’t let the invitation fool you though, she’s probably drinking tea). 

JT Ford

JT Ford is on Staff with Cru at UNC. JT originally is from Texas, and first served with Cru as an international intern in Peru and Puerto Rico but now works full-time in Chapel Hill. JT is recently married to Erin Naziri. JT and Erin’s favorite activities are staying active, going to the beach, and hanging out with friends.

Kimberly Rodgers

Kim is a beach lover with deep roots in the suburbs of Charleston, SC. She graduated from the University of South Carolina and Cru was the tool God used to show her that faith exceeded the bounds of southern and family traditions. God also showed Kim what makes her heart sing- connecting with others on their spiritual journeys. My husband, Eric, and I married later in life. They live in Durham with their 3 crazy and crazy adorable kids: John, Della, and Hal. She enjoys coffee shops, all things Anthropologie, laughing, being outdoors, audiobooks, and hosting people in her home.