Leadership Team

Co-Founder & Chairperson

Diane is the Co-founder of Circle of Friends, and the Executive Board Chairperson. Diane graduated Kennesaw State University (KSU) with a Doctorate in Nursing Science in 2017. Dr. Keen is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at KSU where she coordinates Community Health Nursing and teaches Professionalism and Ethics. Dr. Keen’s research interests include well-being in young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), older adults, intergenerational relationships and community health. In addition to her responsibilities at KSU, Dr. Keen is devoted to the mission of Circle of Friends, to enhance the lives of young adults with IDD in the community through intergenerational activities focused on socialization, supportive employment, and supportive affordable living in Cherokee County and beyond. During her nursing career Diane worked as an RN in both the hospital and community settings, and most recently as a case manager in home health care where Diane’s focus was helping people age in place.

Diane is the mother of a son with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum who is an active member of Circle of Friends. Diane loves spending time with people, she treasures time with her family and friends and enjoys outdoor adventures.

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Glenn is Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Circle of Friends. Glenn is the owner of Keen & Company, a financial services company in Alpharetta and is CFP certified. Glenn has helped hundreds of owner-managed businesses to prosper and help them to financially manage the challenges of growth. His unique and proven approach to tackling even the most complex financial situations any business can face has helped him to create and develop his accounting firm into one of the most forward-thinking firms in the country. Glenn employs the skills he uses with his clients to drive Circle of Friends and the leadership team.

Glenn graduated Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with a degree in accounting. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Diane, adult children, family and the Circle of Friends. Glenn’s hobbies include home renovation, hiking, kayaking, boating, and other outdoor adventures.

Communications & Program Director

Administration & Volunteerism Director

Special Events Coordinator

Activities Coordinator

Circuit Café Manager

Merchandise Director

Flourish Café Manager

Treasurer

Robert began his career as a CPA with Ernst & Young before joining Aaron’s, Inc. as Vice President and Corporate Controller. He spent 31 years at Aaron’s, helping lead the company’s growth from under 200 stores in 1990 to over 2,000 locations and $4 billion in annual revenue, retiring in 2021.

He has served on the Board of the Cherokee Boys and Girls Club since 2014 and was formerly part of the Cherokee Young Life Committee. A graduate of Florida State University with a degree in accounting and finance, Robert enjoys spending time with his wife, adult children, and three grandchildren. His hobbies include mountain biking, hiking, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities.

Community Service Coordinator & Young Adult Representative

David serves on the Board of Directors as a neurodiverse young adult, ensuring that his peers are well represented. He offers valuable feedback to other neurodiverse adults and shares their perspectives with fellow board members, serving as a liaison.

He is passionate about Circle of Friends and looks forward to living and working alongside his friends in the future. David earned a diploma in Automobile Collision Repair from Georgia Northwestern Technical College and hopes to return to school to pursue a diploma in welding. An Eagle Scout with a strong work ethic, David was born with cerebral palsy and is deeply committed to the future of Circle of Friends.

Board Member

John Damiano is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in retail executive management, having held key roles including EVP of C&R Clothiers, President and CEO of Barbeques Galore, COO of Busybody Fitness, and COO of K&G Superstores, a division of Men’s Wearhouse. In 2002, he transitioned into real estate in Atlanta, where he was named RE/MAX® Rookie of the Year and earned recognition through memberships in the Million Dollar Club, 100% Club, and Executive Club.

John is actively engaged in the business community through organizations such as the Atlanta Executive Forum, Business Network International, and the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. He has also served on the boards of the World Trade Center Atlanta, Friends of North Springs High School, the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber, and the South African Chamber, and was a member of Referral Express, a business-to-business networking group.

Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with family, reading, playing golf and tennis, and following sports. He is committed to building meaningful relationships and giving back to the community by sharing his time and expertise.

Board Member

Heather Hackett-Hayes is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and the Owner and CEO of Spectrum Behavioral Associates in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also the founder of the Clarnita Cares Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting caregivers of individuals with disabilities. With over 30 years of experience, she has provided Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy across home, clinic, school, group home, and hospital settings.

Her work includes training staff and caregivers in the U.S., India, and Canada to implement evidence-based interventions. Heather has served on the Autism Speaks Gala Committee, the Board of Directors for Erin’s Hope for Friends, and is a founding board member of MDE School, a private school in Atlanta for children who are differently abled. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Behavioral Health at Arizona State University, with a focus on improving staff training and patient outcomes in the field of behavior analysis.