MEET THE TEAM
Maghan Barber - Executive Director
Maghan Barber is the Founder and Executive Director of The Libella Foundation, where she leads the organization’s mission to build stronger, safer, and more resilient communities across South Florida. With a passion for disaster preparedness and recovery, Maghan established Libella to ensure that no individual or family has to face hardship alone.
She brings a strong background in grants management, community development, and nonprofit strategy through her leadership of GAFS Co., where she has helped municipalities, nonprofits, and organizations secure critical funding for resilience and recovery initiatives. Her expertise in navigating federal, state, and private funding streams provides Libella with a solid foundation for growth and sustainability.
At Libella, Maghan oversees program development, strategic partnerships, and fundraising, guiding initiatives such as sustainable emergency kit distribution, home safety and wellness programs for seniors, and the creation of community gathering hubs for post-disaster recovery.
Maghan is deeply committed to serving South Florida, from Palm Beach to the Keys, with a vision to expand Libella’s reach nationwide in the years ahead. She believes preparedness is power and that resilience is built through compassion, collaboration, and community.
Laura Shields - Administrative Coordinator
Laura brings a unique blend of nonprofit, business, and environmental expertise to her role with the Libella Foundation. She earned her M.S. in Environmental Policy and Management (Fish & Wildlife Management concentration) from American Public University in December 2024, and holds a B.S. in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources and a minor in Accounting from NC State University.
Her diverse professional background includes nonprofit coordination, grant administration, membership services, program development, and small business management. She has worked with organizations ranging from the City of Gastonia’s HUD housing programs to Chimney Rock State Park, where she developed and delivered educational programs. She also owned and managed Wind River Services, Inc., where she oversaw accounting, contracts, and project management for a $900k annual operation.
Laura is certified in nonprofit operations, social media marketing, environmental education, and wilderness first aid, and has contributed her leadership to fundraising, community outreach, and volunteer coordination. At Libella, she supports the Foundation’s grant management, administration, and financial coordination — helping ensure our mission is carried out with accountability and excellence.
