Meet our Board

 Kayla Hughes is a community organizer, mutual aid advocate, and operations professional whose leadership is grounded in radical empathy and direct action. As President of Hard Knox Mutual Aid, she helps build sustainable systems of care rooted in solidarity. With over a decade of grassroots experience, Kayla has led initiatives like PIF Columbus, coordinated resources, and built coalitions that uplift marginalized voices. She is  a photographer as well as a Operations Manager at a local wildlife preserve, where her work weaves together a love of nature, sustainability, and community resilience. 

 Austin Farrell is dedicated to strengthening community resilience through mutual support,  resource-sharing, and grassroots action. Based in central Ohio, Austin  brings both lived experience in recovery and a passion for service to  his role. In addition to HKMA, he facilitates SMART Recovery and  Recovering from Religion support groups, creating safe spaces for growth  and connection. Outside of community work, Austin is a cybersecurity  professional and proud father of three. 

 David Gilmore is the Interim Treasurer of Hard Knox Mutual Aid, bringing precision, leadership, and heart to the role. A U.S. Air Force veteran and aerospace engineer, he now applies his skills in problem solving and systems thinking to grassroots community care. Known for his calm presence and thoughtful guidance, David also has a contagious passion for fatherhood, mentoring other dads with warmth, wisdom, and humor believing that strong families and strong communities go hand in hand.