Our Staff
ABOUT
Our Staff
President and Operations
Finance and Administration
Acts of Service: Volunteerism
Development: Giving and Donor Services
Program: Grants, Scholarships, and Community Initiatives
Brittany Short
Coalition Director, Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition
brittany@inspiringgood.org
Kimberly Boynton
Coalition Director, Building Strong Brains
kimberly@inspiringgood.org
Melinda Freeze
Administrative Coordinator for Program Initiatives
melinda@inspiringgood.org
Holly Landis
Operations Coordinator, Building Strong Brains (Elkhart County)
holly@inspiringgood.org
Center For Nonprofit Excellence: Nonprofit Coaching, The Learning Center
Kevin Deary
Director of Professional & Organizational Development
kevin@inspiringgood.org
Marketing, Communications & Events
Pete McCown
Dr. Pete McCown is president of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. Since taking on that role in 2011, more than $400 million in gifts have been given to the Community Foundation. As president, he serves as chief investment officer and helps coordinate the work of both the growing staff and the dozens of volunteers who serve as board and committee members. As it has grown to be one of the top 100 community foundations in the United States, McCown has guided the organization and helped shape its culture, strategies, and policies.
Prior to taking on that role in 2011, McCown served as a professor of business and vice president for advancement at Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana. Pete and his wife, Wendy, have been married for more than 30 years, are the parents of five adult children, and have two grandchildren.
Tressa Huddleston
Tressa Huddleston is the executive assistant/office manager for the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. She helps coordinate calendars and activities in the office, particularly for President Pete McCown. She has been married to her husband, Michael, for 35 years, and they have three adult daughters. Tressa has a degree in business administration from Ivy Tech Community College and worked as a paraprofessional for students with disabilities in Elkhart Community Schools prior to coming to the Community Foundation. She’s a karaoke professional and has taken first place in both the Bristol Public Library Crockpot Cook-Off and apple peeling contest at Bristol Homecoming. Tressa loves working at the foundation and seeing the improvement in people’s lives through the generosity of people in Elkhart County.
Lauren King
Lauren King is the front desk receptionist, or what she likes to call “first impression specialist”, at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. In her role, she makes sure the staff is caffeinated and helps everyone feel welcome, both employees and visitors, upon entering the office. Lauren graduated in 2012 from Goshen College with a bachelor’s degree in English and is currently working on her master’s degree in business administration from Indiana University. Before coming to the Community Foundation, Lauren was an adminstrator at Tax Solutions in Goshen, Indiana, and did business development for Moonami. In her free time, she enjoys reading/listening to audiobooks, curating playlists, being overly competitive in Boggle and Scrabble, and going boating and swimming with her family.
Cole Patuzzi
Cole Patuzzi is the Chief Financial Officer for the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. In his role, he serves on the team responsible for tracking the foundation’s financial activity and also as a member of the senior leadership team. He joined the Community Foundation in 2013 after working as an accountant in the Elkhart office of Kruggel, Lawton and Company LLC from 2009 to 2013. He graduated summa cum laude from Bethel University in Mishawaka, Indiana, with bachelor’s degrees in both mathematics and accounting. In May 2019, he received his master’s in business administration from Purdue University. Cole attends Brenneman Memorial Missionary Church in Goshen and is a past-president of the Goshen Rotary Club. He is also a board member of Elkhart Health Fitness & Aquatics. He was honored in the Michiana Forty Under 40 Class of 2018 for the South Bend-Elkhart Region. In his spare time, he enjoys running, playing tennis, and spending time with family and friends.
Jennifer Defrees
Jennifer Defrees bio here.
Michelle Davis
Michelle Davis bio here.
Ashley Jordan
Ashley Jordan is the Director of Acts of Service at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. In this role, she inspires generosity through the gift of time by connecting businesses, social clubs, and community partners to nonprofits’ volunteer needs. Ashley graduated with an associate’s degree in applied science from Glen Oaks Community College and also graduated from the Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts and Sciences as a medical massage therapist. Prior to her work at the Community Foundation, Ashley spent two and a half years as a philanthropic relations coordinator at Lippert, five years as a massage therapist business owner, and two years as an on-call firefighter and first responder for the city of Sturgis, Michigan. Ashley has also volunteered for Here Kitty Kitty Rescue, Loveway, and the Special Olympics. In 2018, she received the Senior Advocacy Award from the Council on Aging. Ashley has a partner, Ryan, and their child, Kyra. Ashley spends her free time kayaking, camping, fishing, reading, and of course, volunteering.
Carrie Berghoff
Carrie Berghoff is the chief development officer for the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. She assists donors with their philanthropic giving, and oversees fund management. Carrie has been with the Community Foundation since 2016, starting off as the donor engagement specialist before being promoted to Chief Development Officer.
She was born and raised in Elkhart and graduated from Indiana University in 2008 after studying event management, business, and entrepreneurship. Before joining the foundation, she worked for Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels’ campaign and then in the office of the governor.
Carrie has loved being a member of 100 Women Who Care and also serves on the city of Elkhart’s Lerner Governing Board. Carrie is married to Drake Berghoff and they have three little girls and two dogs. They reside in Elkhart. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, yoga, baking, and being with her kids.
Kim Miller
Kim Miller is the director of donor services at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, which she says is her dream job. In this role, Kim supports the work on the development team by ensuring donors receive the service they need to support their philanthropy goals. Kim graduated from Hillsdale College with a bachelor’s degree in finance. Before joining the Community Foundation, Kim was a market manager for Indiana/Michigan retail branches at Chase Bank for 17 years, human resources director at Child And Parent Services for seven years, and human resources manager for two years at Korhorn Financial Group. Kim is married to Kevin Miller and they have two adult children, Jake and Carmen. In her spare time, Kim enjoys golfing with Kevin, riding the Pumpkinvine, traveling, and spending time with her extended family. She also loves to cook, and has been a part of a women’s gourmet group for over 10 years.
Danielle Burtch
Danielle Burtch bio here.
Kimberly Glick
Kimberly Glick’s bio here.
Alex Strati
Alex Strati joined the Community Foundation of Elkhart County in January of 2025. As the Director of Professional Advisors, he supports financial and legal professionals who assist individuals with estate planning, helping to facilitate charitable giving through the foundation. Previously, he held various leadership positions with The Old National Bank. Alex served in a multitude of leadership roles including Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County, Vice Chair of the Finance Committee of Beacon Health System, and a member of the Youth Development grant committee, which is part of the Elkhart Community Foundation. Alex earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance from Manchester University in 1987. He has achieved his CRC credit designation through the Risk Management Association, the Omega Commercial Lending designation, and graduated from the IBA School of banking. He is also a past graduate of the Elkhart Chamber Leadership Academy. Alex has three grown children and 4 grandchildren. Alex’s wife Michelle, passed away in November of 2022 after a 11-month battle with cancer. They were married for 34 years.
Guy Fisher
Guy Fisher is the Chief Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. Guy graduated from Bethel College with a bachelor’s degree in communications, and received a master’s in nonprofit administration from the University of Notre Dame. Guy worked with Bethel College on their enrollment team for over fifteen years before serving as the Vice President of Community Engagement at Goodwill Industries of Michiana for eight years. In 2022 and 2023 he worked with the Center of Workforce Innovation in business development, before taking on his role at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. Guy is a member of the Concord Rotary Club and serves on the finance committee at Wakarusa Missionary Church. Guy enjoys playing guitar, outdoor activities, following international soccer, and quality family time.
Vonnie Trumble
Vonnie Trumble is a program officer focused on kids and families for the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. In that role, she reviews grant applications in support of the Kids and Families Committee. She started at the Community Foundation in the fall of 2018 as an associate program officer for the development team and developed programming for The Learning Center. Vonnie has a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics from Hope College, and is currently pursuing a master’s in nonprofit administration at the University of Notre Dame. She has been regional director for Women in Community Service Inc., state coordinator for Dynamic Educational Systems, a substitute teacher at several schools, and served on a number of nonprofit boards. Vonnie is also proud to be a part of 100 Women Who Care. She and her husband, Scott, have three adult children. She enjoys spending time with them, as well as reading, running, and traveling.
Ray Caldwell
Ray Caldwell is a program officer at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, specializing in placemaking initiatives that enhance vibrant downtowns, parks, and trails. With 15 years of experience in education and leadership, he brings a strategic, collaborative approach to grantmaking. Ray has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bethel University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from American College of Education. He was a teacher and educational administrator for 15 years prior to joining the Community Foundation. Ray channels his passion for audio production into personal projects that inspire his creativity.
Jackie Rodriguez
Jackie Rodriguez bio here.
Anne Horst Hanby
Anne Horst Hanby is the grants and scholarships administrator at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. She supports local students seeking scholarships and helps manage more than $2.6 million in scholarships that the foundation awards annually. Anne has a bachelor’s degree from Goshen College and a master’s in social services administration from the University of Pittsburgh. She has been a school business manager at Bethany Christian Schools and a program coordinator and grants manager for several different nonprofits in Pittsburgh and Chicago. She is married to Rod, and they have two school-aged children. Anne enjoys singing with the Goshen Community Chorale, as well as volunteering at her church and her children’s school events. In her spare time, she enjoys walking on the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and dining at local restaurants in Goshen.
Andy Murray
Andy Murray serves as the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Community Foundation, where he supports the work of the Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition and Building Strong Brains. Andy has worked in significant roles at both Lippert Components and Coachmen Industries. In addition, he spent much of his free time involved in local nonprofits, including CAPS, Center for Hospice Care, and Lifeline Youth Ministries. He is still active in these organizations today. He graduated from Valparaiso University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Andy has been married to his wife, Emily, for over 25 years, and they have two adult children. He enjoys landscaping, cycling, and watching college football alongside his dogs. With a superpower of positivity, Andy feels called to serve others using his years of experience in business.
Brittany Short
Brittany Short is the director of the Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition, an initiative housed at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County that seeks to connect, expand, and activate the county’s trail network. Prior to joining the Community Foundation in April 2022, she was president of the board of directors for Friends of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail Inc. In that role, she led land negotiations and acquisitions, trail development activities, and maintained and expanded important relationships with municipal partners. Brittany serves on the board of directors for the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau. She holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Goshen College. She and her husband, Spencer started a bike shop in Middlebury together in 2011, which has since expanded to Elkhart. They have two children. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, and traveling.
Kimberly Boynton
Kimberly Boynton is the coalition director of Building Strong Brains, the early childhood initiative at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. In her role, she is responsible for convening stakeholders, providing leadership, and facilitating efforts in order to increase early childhood development and education in Elkhart County. Kimberly has a bachelor’s degree in audiological and speech sciences, a master’s degree in speech language pathology, and a doctoral degree in educational administration. She has been a practicing speech language pathologist, program director in public school systems and nonprofits, and assistant professor in the department of speech language pathology at Saint Mary’s College. In her free time, Kimberly enjoys traveling with her husband, Chris; hiking in the national parks; walking with her dogs; and reading.
Melinda Freeze
Melinda Freeze has been with the Community Foundation of Elkhart County since January of 2024 as the Administrative Coordinator for Program Initiatives. She helps to support Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition, which is focused on connecting and expanding trails and pathways in Elkhart County, and Building Strong Brains, which is creating a system of support to prepare children for kindergarten and ongoing success. Her role includes the coordination of finances, planning and orchestration of events, and communicating with constituents. Melinda worked previously in the business department and in administrative roles for Concord Community Schools. She has also been a training coordinator and program supervisor for Elkhart County CASA. Melinda has been married for more than 35 years and is a mother of three adult children.
Brian Replogle
Brian Replogle bio here.
Karla Beasley
Karla Beasley joined the Community Foundation of Elkhart County as the Assistant Director of the Pumpkinvine Trails Coalition in November 2024. Her role includes promoting the use of the trails, reinforcing the work of the coalition, and building on the current frameworks for future trail systems. After graduating with a degree in English from Manchester University, she spent 20 years coordinating volunteers at Goshen Health and 3 years managing events at Wellfield Botanic Gardens. Karla has been married to her husband, Jared, for more than 25 years. They have three adult children. Karla loves being outdoors. She has run more than a dozen marathons, visited numerous national parks, and enjoys gardening on her property.
Brian Cook
Brian Cook is chief marketing and communications officer at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. In his role, Brian oversees brand positioning, marketing and communications strategies, and event management, ensuring that the Foundation effectively communicates and represents its mission and values to its constituents. Brian has a bachelor’s degree in visual communications, marketing and advertising from Ferris State University. He has worked at the University of Notre Dame, including as director of marketing for the Mendoza College of Business from 2017 to 2019. In addition to other roles at Mendoza, he has worked as a creative director and marketing manager in a range of business and advertising agency settings in northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. Brian is also part of the American Marketing Association – Michiana. He and his wife, Traci, a teacher at Concord West Side Elementary, have three adult children. In his free time, Brian enjoys listening to Arc Angels.
Marshall King
Marshall V. King is the director of communications at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. Marshall graduated from Eastern Mennonite University having studied English with a minor in journalism. Marshall was a reporter, editor and columnist with The Elkhart Truth for more than 20 years and has also worked as a freelance writer, photographer, and journalist since 2016. He has been a food writer for more than 20 years and is the author of “Disarmed: The Radical Life & Legacy of Michael ‘MJ’ Sharp,” published in 2022. He is an adjunct professor of communication at Goshen College. He is also president of the Historic Racemere Peninsula Neighborhood Association, past president of Goshen Noon Kiwanis Club, and member of Assembly Mennonite Church. Additionally, Marshall has been a celebrity chef, raising more than $150,000 for local nonprofits. He is married and resides in Goshen. In his spare time, Marshall enjoys cooking, baking, and playing disc golf.
Rebekah Houff
Bekah Houff is the Special Events Manager at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. In her role, she works with all departments at the Community Foundation to plan and implement their events. Bekah has a bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater College and a master of divinity from Bethany Theological Seminary. Before joining the foundation, Bekah was university pastor, director of church relations, and success advisor at Manchester University. She has also been coordinator of outreach programs at Bethany Theological Seminary, youth/young adult conference coordinator, and assistant work camp coordinator for the Church of the Brethren. She is an active member of the Goshen City Church of the Brethren. Bekah is married to Nic Kauffman. In her free time, she loves to support local businesses.
Alyssa Gilbert
Alyssa Gilbert serves as the Digital Marketing Manager for the Community Foundation. She oversees all of the social media accounts, manages the digital assets, and assists in event support. Previously, Alyssa held marketing roles at Wag’n Tails Mobile Conversions and Big City Optical. She is an active member of Gospel City Church and 100 Women Who Care Elkhart County. She graduated from Indiana University at South Bend in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in communication with a concentration in journalism and a minor in interpersonal communications. Alyssa married her husband, Micah, in June 2022. They have a dog and are expecting their first child in March of 2025. Alyssa enjoys baking, traveling, and hosting. She utilizes her superpower of planning trips to Disney as often as she can.
Vanessa Adcock
Vanessa Adcock bio here.
Kevin Deary
Kevin Deary is Director of Professional and Organizational Development for the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, overseeing training, coaching, and consulting of nonprofits in Elkhart County.
Kevin served the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County for 40 years, including 30 years as CEO of the organization in Elkhart County, Indiana, retiring from that role in January 2023. He began his career with Boys & Girls Clubs in 1983 in New Hampshire, before moving to Goshen, Indiana, in 1994 to become the CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Elkhart County. During his tenure, Kevin led significant growth, increasing the operating budget from $93,000 to $7.5 million and expanding membership from 211 to over 4,000 across the county.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County has been recognized nationally for its excellence in operations and serving the youth of the community. Kevin led six capital campaigns that all met or exceeded their goals. He worked with six internal boards for the organization and grew the endowment to more than $7 million.
Kevin’s awards include Sagamore of the Wabash; the U.S. Congressional Johnny Appleseed Award; CEO of the Year from both the United Way of Elkhart County and Boys & Girls Clubs of America; and the Outstanding Young Hoosier from Indiana Jaycees. Boys & Girls Clubs of America added Kevin to the Master’s and Mentor’s Society recognizing the top 1 percent to ever work for the Boys & Girls Clubs nationally. In 2017, Kevin was also a Midwest winner of the “Heart and Soul” award as the top CEO in the Midwest by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Kevin served in the U.S. Navy for four years of active duty and six years in active reserves. Kevin also earned a spot on the Navy’s boxing team that competed internationally.
Kevin earned a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Goshen College, a master’s in nonprofit leadership from Clemson University and advanced certifications in nonprofit leadership from the University of Notre Dame and the University of Georgia. He is an executive coach and has also been an adjunct professor for Goshen College and Bethel University. He was named the 2016 Professor of the Year at Bethel in 2016.
Kevin is married to Jean and they share five children and four grandchildren.
Patty Rose
Patty Rose joined the Community Foundation of Elkhart County as Assistant Director of Early Childhood Health and Community Support in June 2025. Her role includes facilitating action teams, leading community engagement activities, and managing administrative functions within the Building Strong Brains Early Childhood Initiative. She joined the Foundation with a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and over a decade of work experience at organizations including Purdue University and Goshen Physicians. Patty is an active member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Granger, where she teaches 7th and 8th graders. She is happily married with two adult sons and two chocolate labs. When she’s not inspiring good, you can find her hiking, gardening, biking, or enjoying Hacienda’s chips and salsa.
