Opportunity Knocks Leadership

Joe Folan, Director of Opportunity Knocks
Prior to joining Opportunity Knocks, Joe developed extensive marketing and e-commerce experience and has been responsible for the direction, strategy and marketing of several nationwide B2B business segments, including direct mail, e-fulfillment programs and promotional products. Joe has also served as Marketing Director for another niche job board before joining Opportunity Knocks. Joe is a graduate from Goizueta Business School at Emory University with a concentration in marketing and communications. Joe is a sector switcher and enjoys the benefits and meaning of working in the nonprofit sector. Joe enjoys bowling and is an avid Florida Gators fan. Joe is married to Stephanie, who is a Special Education Teacher, and has two children, MJ and Hayden.


Lynne Norton, Marketing Manager
Lynne Norton serves as Marketing Manager for Opportunity Knocks. In her past life, Lynne worked two decades as a senior advertising sales director in technology publishing. An active volunteer for numerous nonprofit organizations, Lynne followed her heart and decided to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector. At Opportunity Knocks, Lynne not only leads marketing efforts but also organizes the staff’s community volunteer efforts with local and national organizations and is the American Humanics Nonprofit Workforce Coalition representative for Opportunity Knocks. In her off hours, Lynne enjoys tending to her families goats and chickens, gardening and being in the woods.


Michele Bañares, Client Services Manager
Michele has worked in the nonprofit sector for all of her professional career life. A graduate of Georgia State University, Michele majored in Political Science with a minor in Journalism. Prior to joining Opportunity Knocks, Michele worked at the Georgia Center for Nonprofits and Georgia Cancer Foundation. Michele served as board member to the Girl Scouts of Pine Valley and part of the volunteer fundraising council for the Atlanta Women’s Foundation. Michele enjoys scrapbooking, animation and cooking Filipino Food. Michele is married to Berwin, who is a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and has several godchildren.


Michelle “Chelle” Shell, Client Development Manager
Chelle has worked in the public relations and recruitment industry for over 14 years. A graduate of East Tennessee State University in Public Relations/Advertising, Chelle was Advertising Manager, PR and Event Director before becoming Sr. Recruiting Account Manager for a national recruitment firm and Recruiting and Online Sales Manager for a niche job board. Chelle also made the switch to the nonprofit sector. With her experience in recruitment and human resources, Chelle has authored several articles for The Social Exchangeon Opportunity Knocks and serves as Board Member to the Atlanta Nonprofit Professionals. Chelle is a true comedian at heart and enjoys making her friends, clients and godchildren laugh.