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The Demopolis City Schools Foundation has announced a change in its leadership.

The current DCSF Executive Director, Amanda Barnes, has announced her resignation from the position as her family will be relocating. Filling the position beginning August 4 will be Ashley Coplin, former director of the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce.

During her time as the executive director, Barnes led the foundation to a longterm goal of $1 million in endowments and record highs in the amounts awarded to classrooms through teacher grants.

“After Amanda’s announcement that her family would be moving on to a new opportunity, I was extremely concerned about the big shoes to fill. Amanda has accomplished so much in her role as executive director.  Luckily, interest came from someone who was currently involved in DCSF and more than capable to do much more,” said DCSF Board President Peter Michael Reynolds.

Coplin will be only the fourth director of the DCSF since its inception. She has served as the DCSF treasurer for the past two years and most recently has served as a marketing specialist with Naheola Credit Union.

“I am excited to serve as the Demopolis City School Foundation’s new executive director,” Coplin said. “I look forward to working with our board in continuing the advancement of the foundation and will strive for excellence in providing support for the Demopolis City Schools.”

Reynolds said the Barnes family will be missed in Demopolis. Amanda Barnes’ husband, John David Barnes, has served as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church.

“We will all miss the Barnes family in our community,” Reynolds said. “Amanda has been a strong leader with the DCSF and a big part of the education community in Demopolis. Thanks again to Amanda for the many years she committed to the DCSF.”