The Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne (CFGFW) has elected two new members to its board of directors, installed officers for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, and recognized three outgoing board members for their service.
“Saying thank you and farewell to a departing board member is never easy. This is especially true for this year’s retiring board members: Ron Menze, Dom Gosheff, and Edmond O’Neal III. Their contributions to the Community Foundation have left a lasting impact on our organization,” said President and CEO Brad Little.
Ron Menze has provided longstanding leadership to the Community Foundation. He served for many years as chair of the Grant Advisory Committee and participated in various grant review committees before joining the board. He also contributed his expertise to both the Board Governance and Executive Committees, most recently serving as the Foundation’s board chair. Dom Gosheff has played a key role on the Lifelong Learning Pillar Committee and the Executive Committee and represents the Foundation on the board of directors of the Allen County Fort Wayne Development Trust, Inc. Edmond O’Neal III has contributed his time and insight as a member of the Lifelong Learning Pillar Committee.
“We are excited to welcome Sarah and Kody to our board of directors,” said Little. “Both have demonstrated outstanding leadership and deep involvement in our community. Their diverse perspectives and strong commitment to serving others will help advance the mission of the Community Foundation.”
“Our foundation continues to make a significant impact thanks to the dedication of our board and team,” added Little. “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, 2024, we held approximately $247 million in charitable assets and awarded over $11 million in grants and scholarships. Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant community.”
New board members:
Sarah Schenkel – Partner, CPA, Katz, Sapper & Miller
Kody Tinnel – Vice President of Community Development, Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne
2025–2026 board officers:
Chair: Sherry Early – Principal, Early Consulting
Vice Chair: Susan Wesner – Chief Financial Officer, Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Secretary: Christine Boles – Director of Human Resources, Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana, Inc.
Treasurer: Rob Slusser – Senior Vice President – Market President, Farmers & Merchants State Bank
At-Large Members:
Stephanie Carper – Tax Partner, FORVIS Mazars US
Jason Knothe – Chief Financial Officer, Micropulse
Nikki Quintana – Executive Director, City of Fort Wayne Metropolitan Human Relations Commission
Returning board members:
Zachary Benedict – President, MKM architecture + design
Stephanie Crandall – Of Counsel, Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Hallie Custer – Vice President of Human Resources, Parkview Health
Paul Sauerteig – Attorney at Law, Snow & Sauerteig LLP
Gary Shearer – Retired President and CEO, Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana, Inc.
Daniel H. Swartz – Community Leader
Shelley Walker – Project Leader, BF Goodrich
Denita Washington – Executive Director, Girlz Rock and Adams Township Trustee