The Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne (CFGFW) has elected three new members to its board of directors, installed officers for the 2024-2025 fiscal year and recognized a departing board member.
“Saying thank you and farewell to a departing board member is never easy. This is especially true of retiring board member Cindy Goodman. Her contributions to the Community Foundation these past six years not only as a board member but as an engaged participant on our investment and grant committees have left a lasting impact on our organization,” said president and CEO Brad Little. “At the same time, we are thrilled to welcome three new board members who have already been active on various committees. Their passion for our community and commitment to our mission will bring tremendous value to our work in the future.”
The new board members are:
● Zachary Benedict – President, MKM architecture + design
● Hallie Custer – Vice President of Human Resources, Parkview Health
● Daniel H. Swartz – Executive Director, Start Fort Wayne
The 2024–2025 officers of the board are:
● Chair Ron Menze – Retired Partner/Architect, MKM architecture + design
● Vice Chair Sherry Early – Principal with Early Consulting
● Secretary Christine Boles – Director of Human Resources, Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana, Inc.
● Treasurer Rob Slusser – Senior Vice President, Farmers & Merchants State Bank
● At-Large Damian Gosheff – Attorney and Founder, Gosheff Estate & Trust Law, LLC
● At-Large Susan Wesner – Chief Financial Officer, Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
● At-Large Stephanie Carper – Tax Partner, FORVIS
Returning members of the board include:
● Stephanie Crandall – Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, City of Fort Wayne
● Jason Knothe – Chief Financial Officer, Micropulse
● Edmond C. O’Neal III – President, Northeast Indiana Works
● Nikki Quintana – Executive Director, City of Fort Wayne Metropolitan Human Relations Commission
● Paul Sauerteig – Attorney at Law, Snow & Sauerteig LLP
● Gary Shearer – President and CEO, Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana, Inc.
● Shelley D. Walker – Project Leader, BF Goodrich
● Denita Washington – Executive Director, Girlz Rock, and Adams Township Trustee
“Our foundation continues to make a significant impact thanks to the dedication of our board and team. By helping people make their charitable giving more impactful, connecting resources to nonprofits through grantmaking and education, and providing leadership to address community needs, we’ve been able to achieve incredible milestones. As of December 31, 2023, we held approximately $221 million in charitable assets and awarded over $10.6 million in grants and scholarships. Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant community,” Little said.
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About the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne:
The Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne does three things: help people make their charitable giving more impactful, connect resources to nonprofits through grantmaking and education, and provide leadership to address community needs. The organization connects people and resources daily to build a more vibrant community. Since its formation in 1922, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $194 million in charitable grants.