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August 7, 2025

Meet Allison Dunkerton

Allison Dunkerton, Hopewell’s new finance manager holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Akron.

Before she came to Hopewell in March of this year, Allison helped run her family’s small businesses for seven years. Previously she was an auditor at a large CPA firm. “I hate math,” Allison joked, “but I like the problem solving of accounting and finance.”

“At Hopewell, I have a lot of interaction with prospective and current families. I make sure that they understand all of the financial aspects of having a loved one here,” she said. “I walk them through their financial obligations and our billing system. If they request, I set up a Bank of Hopewell account for the resident so they can independently get cash for trips and personal expenses,” she explained.

Allison also works closely with the Board of Directors, prepares monthly financial statements, and keeps abreast of current capital projects and expenses, investments, the budget, and the endowment. She staffs the finance, investment, and development committees.

Meeting with residents is part of Allison’s portfolio. She elaborated, “When a resident is ready to transition to a more independent living situation, I meet with them to help prepare a budget and discuss money management skills. I'm also accessible to residents for questions about money or paying bills.”

Finding Fulfillment

“I was very much drawn to Hopewell because I was looking for a place to settle down long-term in terms of a career and I wanted to land at an impactful, meaningful place to work – a place with a mission. Finding that type of organization is not an everyday occurrence in the financial world. Hopewell stuck out to me when I was doing a job search,” she said.

“The other day, my husband said to me, ‘Do you realize how much happier you are since you started this job?’ He’s right. A lot of it is the people who make the difference. I was ‘the boss’ at my last job and it was very isolating. I love the sense of community at Hopewell. I enjoy having lunch with residents and staff and I like to walk the grounds,” Allison shared.

Allison and her family have chickens and acreage where she enjoys riding electric dirt bikes with her sons. “I try not to annoy my neighbors too much (even though one of them is my mom)” she smiled. “A farm was never my aspiration, but it turns out I like it. The fact I can see cows from my office was whole-heartedly a part of my decision to work here! In fact, I am trying to convince my mother to share a cow.” Another strong interest is traveling. A recent visit to Yosemite National Park with the family was a highlight of their year and they are planning a hiking trip in the Badlands of South Dakota.”

She continued, “I feel fulfilled by life right now. I feel like I have it all in a weird way,” she continued. Except for that cow. Gotta get that cow!