About MCCF
Madison County Community Foundation…For Good, Forever
This incredible county we call home benefits from your contributions as they are directed to assist many of the humanitarian, educational and cultural organizations in the area. All this is made possible through the annual earnings of investments managed through the Foundation.
As our county grows, so does its needs. It is for this reason that we want to assist you in helping meet those needs. When generous people like you choose respectable and appropriate ways to give back to your community, the Community Foundation is always available to facilitate your wishes.
Watch to learn how we’re making a difference.
Mission & Priorities
Our goal at Madison County Community Foundation is to invest in lasting positive change to elevate and strengthen Madison County. We envision Madison County as a community where every person has the opportunity to thrive.
We are guided by the following core values:
Integrity
We steward resources with transparency, honesty, and accountability.: in the areas of arts and culture, education, health and human services, economic development, and civic affairs
Community
We believe in the strength and potential of Madison County and our leadership role in uniting people for the common good.
Impact
We invest in lasting change through thoughtful grantmaking, community leadership, and strategic partnerships.
Inclusion
We honor the diverse voices and experiences that shape our community and seek equitable opportunities for all.
Legacy
We help donors create enduring legacies that reflect their values and benefit future generations.
MCCF Staff
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Ben Davis
President
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Ben Davis is a community-minded leader who serves as President of the Madison County Community Foundation, where he works alongside a dynamic staff team and board to help local philanthropists invest in the future of Madison County. He is energized by the opportunity to connect people, ideas, and resources in ways that strengthen community life and expand the impact of local generosity.
Ben most enjoys the collaborative nature of his work, engaging with staff, board members, and donors who share a commitment to making Madison County the best possible version of itself. He is especially inspired by helping individuals and families translate their values and vision into meaningful philanthropic action that benefits the broader community.
His path into nonprofit leadership was shaped early by his upbringing. With a pastor father and a teacher mother, Ben grew up witnessing what it looks like to approach work as a calling rooted in service. Those early examples of purpose-driven work naturally led him toward a career in the nonprofit sector. Professionally, he spent 16 years with the YMCA, where he helped build healthier, stronger, and more vibrant communities, an experience that continues to influence his approach to leadership and community impact today.
Ben first developed a deep connection to Anderson and Madison County during his time as an Anderson University student in the 1990s, a formative experience that helped anchor his commitment to the place he now serves.
He is passionate about family, music and the arts, health and wellness, and fostering strong neighborhoods where people feel connected and supported. In his leadership, he brings a strong sense of fiscal responsibility, a creative approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to building trust, openness, and harmony among colleagues and partners.
Ben cares deeply about helping Madison County grow into its fullest potential, with a strong sense of community pride and morale. He is particularly interested in encouraging a shared narrative that highlights the county’s strengths and assets, rather than focusing solely on its limitations.
His guiding values include compassion, community, stewardship, achievement, and creativity, which shape both his personal and professional life. These values inform his belief that strong communities are built through collaboration, shared purpose, and intentional investment in people and place.
Outside of work, Ben enjoys staying active at the Anderson University Wellness Center, running at Shadyside, and taking on rehabilitation and restoration projects at Big Orange, the historic home where his family resides on 8th Street in downtown Anderson. He also enjoys attending concerts and engaging with music and live performance.
He and his wife Kasey Davis recently celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary. She works in fundraising and development at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens. Together they have two daughters: Jillian, 22, who is pursuing graduate studies in Scotland, and Lauren, 18, a recent Pendleton Heights graduate who will attend Western Michigan University. Their home is also shared with Ernie, their 8-year-old Bernedoodle and self-proclaimed “king of the house,” who keeps family life lively and grounded.
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Kari Sisk
Vice President of Programs
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Kari Sisk is a strategic leader, nonprofit advocate, and community-minded professional who serves as Vice President of Programs for the Madison County Community Foundation. In her role, she works closely with nonprofit organizations, grantmaking partners, and community leaders to ensure resources are invested in initiatives that create meaningful impact throughout Madison County. She finds the greatest joy in the relationships she has built with nonprofit partners and in the Foundation’s ability to support agencies that serve residents across the community.
Kari’s passion for philanthropy began early in her career while working for a nonprofit organization that hosted an annual summer camp for children living with neuromuscular disease. That experience introduced her to the transformative power of generosity and showed her how philanthropy can directly improve lives. Later, her work at a neighboring community foundation provided a broader understanding of the philanthropic sector and deepened her commitment to strengthening communities through strategic investment and partnership.
While professional experience has shaped much of her journey, Kari considers ongoing learning and collaboration among community foundation professionals to be especially meaningful. She values opportunities to connect with colleagues across the field, exchange best practices, explore innovative approaches, and discover new ways community foundations can serve their communities. She also enjoys visiting partner agencies and seeing their programs firsthand, believing those experiences often provide a deeper understanding of community needs and impact than any grant application alone can convey.
Kari is passionate about ensuring that organizations supported through the Foundation’s grantmaking efforts are doing meaningful work that addresses real needs and fills critical gaps within the community. She believes thoughtful investments, strong partnerships, and organizational excellence are essential to creating lasting positive change for Madison County residents.
Known for her directness, decisiveness, and commitment to results, Kari brings a clear perspective to her work and relationships. She is skilled at identifying priorities, recognizing opportunities and challenges, and helping groups stay focused on meaningful outcomes. Colleagues know her as someone who is willing to tackle difficult conversations, provide clarity when needed, and move important work forward with confidence and purpose.
Kari cares deeply about Madison County because of the hardworking, passionate, and hopeful people who call it home. She believes every resident deserves the opportunity to thrive and is inspired by the many individuals and organizations working every day to strengthen the community. Through her work, she strives to advocate for nonprofit organizations during grantmaking discussions while also ensuring Foundation resources are stewarded responsibly and invested in agencies that are operationally strong and effectively meeting community needs.
Guided by the values of impact, directness, courage, decisiveness, and achievement, Kari approaches her work with a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to helping create positive outcomes for the people and organizations she serves. She views her role as both a champion for nonprofit partners and a steward of philanthropic resources, working to ensure every investment contributes to a stronger Madison County.
It is an honor and privilege for Kari to have a front-row seat to the transformative work of the Madison County Community Foundation. She is grateful for her colleagues and the Foundation’s Board of Directors, whose dedication to the mission continues to inspire her. Together, they share a vision of Madison County as a community where every person has the opportunity to thrive.
Outside of work, Kari enjoys cheering on her children in their many activities. She loves watching her son, Drew, play football and show pigs through 4-H, and her daughter, Kerrigan, participate in volleyball, basketball, and cheerleading. As a family, they enjoy attending Purdue football and basketball games and supporting their niece and nephew at sporting events. Kari and her husband, Chad, have been married for 15 years and are proud parents to Drew and Kerrigan. Their household also includes two rescue dogs with a combined weight of nearly 180 pounds, as well as the family’s 4-H pigs, which keep life busy, active, and full of fun.
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Tamara Dreger
Communications Manager
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Tamara Dreger is a lifelong learner, communicator, and community advocate who is deeply invested in the people and neighborhoods of Madison County. As Communications Manager for the Madison County Community Foundation, she helps connect philanthropy, nonprofits, and community members through storytelling, strategic communications, relationship building, and community engagement.
Before joining the Foundation, Tamara spent much of her professional career at Anderson University, serving in roles including Assistant Dean and Campus Pastor. There, she worked closely with students and families through mentorship, leadership development, crisis response, and community life initiatives. She later served at Hopewell Center, further strengthening her commitment to serving others and fostering meaningful connections.
Tamara holds a Bachelor of Arts in Family Science from Anderson University, a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Anderson University School of Theology, and a Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation from Indiana Wesleyan University. While she values education and lifelong learning, she believes the strongest communities are built through trust, compassion, creativity, and collaboration.
She serves on the board of Anderson Housing, Inc. and enjoys engaging in the many different facets of community life. Her professional strengths include communication, public speaking, strategic thinking, creativity, and bringing people together around a shared vision.
Tamara and her four children live on historic 8th Street in the heart of Anderson, where they are intentionally rooted in the city they love. Her favorite role is being a mom, and much of her time is spent cheering from the sidelines, applauding from theatre audiences, and making memories with her children. In the little free time she can find, she enjoys writing, singing, sitting by the fire, long walks, hiking, and meaningful conversations. She also enjoys a fun side gig at a local brewery, where she has the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life.
She is guided by a simple belief: communities thrive when people feel seen, connected, and hopeful about the future.
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Sue Patton
Director of Finance
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Sue Patton is a compassionate leader, community-minded advocate, and numbers enthusiast who believes that meaningful impact begins with caring for people. She serves as Director of Finance for the Madison County Community Foundation, where she helps steward resources that support nonprofits, donors, and initiatives working to strengthen communities throughout Madison County. She values being part of a team dedicated to making a difference and especially enjoys collaborating with colleagues who share a commitment to serving others.
Much of Sue’s perspective has been shaped by her experiences as a mother and by the relationships she has built through service and volunteerism. She credits her two sons with teaching her some of life’s most important lessons about family, purpose, and what truly matters. Their influence continues to inspire the way she approaches both her work and her involvement in the community.
One of the most meaningful experiences in Sue’s journey has been her longtime involvement with Best Buddies International. Each year, she volunteers at the organization’s Leadership Conference and facilitates a class for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Listening to their stories, celebrating their accomplishments, and witnessing their resilience continually reinforces the values she holds most dear: love, acceptance, inclusion, and the importance of recognizing the dignity and worth of every person.
Sue is passionate about helping organizations and communities thrive. She appreciates the opportunity to work alongside nonprofits and community leaders who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of others and creating positive change across Madison County. She believes strong communities are built when people come together to meet needs, support one another, and invest in a shared future.
The challenges and experiences of life have cultivated in Sue a deep sense of empathy and compassion, qualities she brings to both her work and her relationships. She is known for her ability to listen, care for others, and approach situations with understanding. At the same time, her self-described “geeky brain” enjoys working with numbers and finding practical ways to support the Foundation’s mission through sound financial stewardship.
Sue cares deeply about ensuring that Madison County remains a place where individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences can find support, opportunity, and belonging. She is inspired by the many people and organizations who pour their hearts into serving the community and believes their dedication motivates others to contribute in meaningful ways as well.
Guided by the values of humility, compassion, and equality, Sue hopes her work and example encourage future generations to live with generosity, kindness, and a commitment to others. She believes in being a friend to everyone, listening carefully to the needs of the community, and helping create spaces where people feel valued and included.
Outside of work, Sue enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exploring local farmers markets, and discovering the unique treasures that make communities special. An animal lover, she shares her home with her beloved cat, Peyton. Above all, she treasures time with her two grown sons, who continue to be her greatest source of pride and inspiration. Together, they share a belief in equality, inclusion, and the importance of caring for others—values that remain at the heart of Sue’s life and work.
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Libby Manning
Development Advisor
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Elizabeth Davis Manning is a pastor, advocate, and community-minded leader who believes deeply in the power of generosity to strengthen individuals, neighborhoods, and communities. She serves as Development Advisor for the Madison County Community Foundation, where she works alongside donors, nonprofits, and community members to encourage meaningful philanthropy and support the common good throughout Madison County.
An ordained Lutheran pastor, Elizabeth has spent much of her life cultivating values such as generosity, compassion, service, and community care. She believes local congregations and community institutions have an important role to play in healing and strengthening the world around them. Her faith also shapes her belief that every person is created in the Imago Dei, the image of God and deserves dignity, belonging, and care.
Elizabeth’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in History from Davidson College and a Master of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary. She is currently pursuing a professional doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership through the School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. She believes education is meant to contribute not only to individual growth, but also to the flourishing of communities and society as a whole.
She is especially passionate about women’s equality, caring for neighbors well, and addressing places of suffering within communities. Elizabeth cares deeply about issues such as educational opportunity, affordable housing, food access, and the impact of structural racism. She believes meaningful community change begins when people choose not to look away from suffering and instead work together toward greater justice, compassion, and well-being.
Known for bringing a “We can do it!” spirit to her work and relationships, Elizabeth values the fruits of the spirit and hopes they infuse her work in a meaningful way, particularly love, joy, peace, and self-control. She holds generosity as an overarching guiding principle in her life and work, shaping how she approaches relationships, leadership, and community impact. She is grateful to have multi-generational influences in her life, which shape how she understands time, purpose, and presence. Because of that, she lives with the value and reminder that life is short, and she does not want to take even a single day for granted. Each day is a gift to be stewarded well shared with others, spent in service, and used to contribute one’s unique gifts in the world. She hopes her work helps build a stronger, healthier, and more connected Madison County where people experience greater opportunity and care for one another well.
She expresses, “My hope for all of us is that we cultivate true companions for the road. For this life is hard and asks more than any one person can carry alone, and no one is meant to walk it alone.”
Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys beekeeping, gardening, reading, traveling, and hosting dinner parties with family and friends. She and her husband, Matt, have been married for 29 years and are the proud parents of three young adult children. Together they share life with their dog Bruno, a flock of chickens, and many beloved bees, which continually remind Elizabeth of the interconnectedness of creation and the importance of living with care, stewardship, and gratitude.
2026 Board Members
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Koty McDole
Chair
Jimmy McDole Attorney at Law
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Koty McDole has served on the MCCF board since 2021 and this is her third term as Board Chair. Koty also serves on the Grants Committee. Although Koty has lived in Madison County her whole life, she says that there are many facets that she wasn’t aware of until joining the board. Through her work with MCCF, Koty shares that she has learned a lot about the needs in Madison County and the nonprofit organizations who are making a difference. She has discovered new ways to serve and give to truly make an impact. Koty works with her husband, Jimmy, at McDole Law Office. They have two adult children and a beloved dog named Bo.
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Brian Donahue
At-large
Donahue Gas
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Brian Donahue has served on the board at the Madison County Community Foundation for eight years and is a member of its Executive Committee. Giving of time and treasure is a value that the Donahue family has passed down through generations. Brian’s father, Jim, also served on the Foundation board and instilled in his seven children the importance of everyone pitching in and contributing.
Brian is a lifelong resident of Alexandria and has been running the family business, Donahue Gas, for the past 36 years, a business that has been in his family since 1938. He has been married to his wife, Missy, for 35 years and together they have raised 4 daughters. In addition to serving on the Foundation board, Brian gives back to the community in many ways. He serves as President for Madison County Economic Development, Indiana Propane and Gas Association, Alexandria Kiwanis, and Alexandria St. Mary’s Finance. He also is part of the Alexandria Redevelopment Commission.
Brian is grateful for the diverse board at the Madison County Community Foundation and the opportunity to see the needs of our community from a higher level. Brian says that, “Our main objective (as a board) is to get the word out about what the Foundation does and the far reach we have in Madison County.”
“The Foundation is the centerpiece for charitable giving in Madison County”- Brian Donahue
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Jill McKinney
Secretary and Vice-Chair
Butler University
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Jill McKinney has lived in Madison County with her husband and two children for nearly 25 years. Working in the nonprofit Education sector and volunteering on various boards and community groups has been a staple for the McKinney family. Jill has served as an Assistant Vice President and International Educator at Butler University for 17 years and her husband, Brad, is an Interactive Designer at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Through the years of raising their children, Grace and Evan, they have been active in South Madison Community Schools, Girl Scouts, swim clubs, water safety, parks committees, and volunteer work.
Jill reflected that, “Madison County raised my family. We blinked and 25 years went by. During these years, this community has educated, supported, and befriended all four of us. So, for me, I am inspired to serve Madison County as a way of giving back for all it has given us through the years.”
Jill says that she knew about all the hardworking, impact-driven nonprofit organizations in the community, but didn’t realize that many of those organizations look to Madison County Community Foundation for financial support for projects and that much of what we see happening in our community was positively reinforced in some way by the foundation. “MCCF is an organization that has a pulse on the ever-changing needs of the community, can be trusted to use funds responsibly, and connects money so that it directly benefits the most people in our community. MCCF has helped me get linked with the best way to make an impact with my small contribution. Most importantly, when we link a bunch of us together, we can pool our resources to support everyone in our community.”
Both of Jill’s children have now graduated from high school and and Jill and Brad are preparing to be empty nesters with their 10 year old Maltipoo, Luna. MCCF is grateful for Jill’s dedication and energy as the Secretary and Vice-President for the Board of Directors.
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Gina Brisco
Treasurer
Gaither Management
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Gina Brisco has felt a kinship with MCCF for many years. Her children both received scholarships from the Foundation and she believes that it is important to give back to the community and make an impact that will go far beyond us.
Gina began her service as Treasurer for MCCF this year and has been on the board since 2021. She also is part of the Finance Committee.
Philanthropy has always been central in Gina’s life. After losing her father at the age of three, she was raised by a hard-working and generous mother who opened the first thrift shop in Alexandria in the early 70s. Her husband, Curt, is the son of two public school teachers who also were committed to giving and serving in the community.
In addition to her committment to the MCCF board, Gina is the Vice President for the Leadership Academy of Madison County and serves on the Madison County Chamber Board. She recently retired from 20 years of service on the Alexandria Community Center Board.
Gina wants people to know that everyone has the opportunity to give. There is a misconception that only the wealthy have giving-capacity. Gina is passionate about the work of the Foundation because every gift, no matter the size, makes a lasting difference. “If we want our community to prosper far beyond us, for our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, we can do it together.”
Gina works as the President at Gaither Management and lives in Alexandria with her husband, Curt. They enjoy hiking and traveling and are working toward their goal to visit every National Park.
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Terri Austin
Former State Representative
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Terri Austin’s connection to MCCF runs deep—her father-in-law was one of the Foundation’s founding board members, and she first partnered with MCCF in the late 1990s while helping write a grant. A former state legislator and longtime educator, Terri brings a wealth of experience in leadership and community service, including her role on the Flagship Enterprise board.
Family is central to Terri’s life. She and her husband, Michael, live in Anderson and are proud parents of two children. Having grown up in Elwood, she treasures her roots in Madison County and the opportunity to give back to the place her family calls home.
For Terri, joining the MCCF board was the perfect way to combine her professional background and passion for community. She’s learned through her years of service that “relationships are crucial to any successful effort,” and values how the Foundation not only provides financial resources but also fosters connections to strengthen organizations. Terri emphasizes that the Foundation is a worthwhile investment at any level, through committee service, financial gifts of any size, or leaving a legacy. “It’s about leaving a lasting impact,” she explains.
When asked what inspires her, she’s quick to focus on people. “You can’t have a strong city if your people are not thriving,” she says. And through her work with MCCF, Terri is committed to helping build a community where individuals and families can flourish for generations to come. Terri declares, “Madison County has so many opportunities and challenges. I believe the Community Foundation has proven itself to be a valuable partner in lifting up not just the community, but people.”
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Lolly Bargerstock
Anderson University
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Lolly Bargerstock, also a professor at Anderson University, brings experience in social work and spiritual direction. Her involvement with The Spirituality Network and passion for equity, community connection, and collaborative work add a thoughtful and compassionate voice to the board.
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Joy Beghtel
Community Volunteer
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Joy Beghtel has already contributed to the Foundation through its grant reading and Elevate Madison committees. She and her family have a deep commitment to foster care and adoption, and she is an active member of the community, often found at the Anderson Public Library or tending to her garden.
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Eric Davis
Indianapolis Public Schools
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Eric Davis is a lifelong resident of Madison County who is committed to stewarding his resources and time toward joining others to make an impact in this community we call home. Eric has worked for Anderson Community Schools for 22 years. He currently serves as one of the assistant superintendents for the corporation. Before assuming this role, Eric spent time as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal.
Eric loves his family and his community and invests his time in ways that reflect his personal values. In addition to his service on the Madison County Community Foundation board of directors, Eric is also on the boards of Anderson Museum of Art, Community Hospital Anderson Foundation, Ivy Tech Community College, and Leadership Academy of Madison County.
Eric has been on the MCCF board since 2021. He also serves on the grants committee and recently opened his own named unrestricted fund. Eric says, “I am amazed by the number of people who have been impacted by the various grants that the Foundation has given out over the years. The Foundation has helped to make dreams come true for so many different organizations. The Madison County Community Foundation is here to serve the entire county. They have a great team under the leadership of their President Ben Davis. They are helping to take the Foundation to a level that we never envisioned or thought was possible. They have a heart for this community and they are paying it forward for all of us. Please consider donating to the Foundation. Any size donation can go a long way to help provide support and resources to our nonprofit organizations. Also, please consider opening up an unrestricted fund that will help to provide more grants to the community. Every person can make a huge impact in their community by giving of their time and services and money. The Madison County Community Foundation is making a difference in Madison County and would love to give out more grants to help meet the growing needs of Madison County.”
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Suahil Housholder
Butler University
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For nearly two years, Suahil Housholder has been lending her insight and leadership to the Madison County Community Foundation board. A lifelong learner, she serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Butler University and is currently pursuing a doctorate in higher education and plans to defend her dissertation in the spring of 2026. This month also marks another major milestone as she is celebrating her 27th wedding anniversary with her husband, Aaron.
Originally from the Cayman Islands, Suahil moved to Anderson to attend Anderson University. “It was a massive change,” she recalls, “but this is truly home now. The success and health of Madison County are important to me because this is the community I chose to call home.”
Her first introduction to MCCF came through her role as Vice President for Finance and CFO at Anderson University, when President John Pistole invited her to represent the university on the board. “It was an invitation I was honored to accept,” she says.
She admits that before joining, her understanding of MCCF was limited. “At first, I thought MCCF was just a small organization that managed only Lilly scholarships,” she shares. “I had no idea how much more they did!”
Now, after serving on the board, she sees the Foundation’s reach in a new light. “I’ve learned that the Foundation is the quiet force behind so many organizations we love, MCCF is more than a scholarship organization. It is the heartbeat of philanthropy in our county, connecting generous neighbors with the causes that change lives right here in Anderson and beyond,” she says. “The breadth of community groups supported by MCCF is truly inspiring.”
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Stefanie Leiter
Anderson University
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Stefanie Leiter is a professor at Anderson University and owner of Shaping Communication, LLC. With a strong background in communications and prior service with organizations such as United Way of Madison County, she is deeply committed to helping organizations and communities thrive through clear, effective engagement.
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L.J. Mechem
LM Products
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For more than 25 years, LJ Mechem has been deeply rooted in the life of Madison County, as a business leader, community volunteer, and dedicated advocate for strengthening the place he has always called home. He joined the MCCF Board a little over a year and a half ago, building on his long history of service to the community, including more than 25 years as a board member of the YMCA and time serving on the Chamber of Commerce board.
LJ and his wife, Melanie, who served the community for more than 40 years as a middle school science teacher for Anderson Community Schools, have built their lives here. Their son, Tyler, leads the family business as CEO and is also an accomplished singer and songwriter. Their daughter, Lexi, and her husband, Jonathan, are both veterinarians serving Henry and Madison Counties.
In 1996, LJ became CEO of LM Products, a company that manufactures leather goods for the music industry. By 2000, he purchased the company, and today continues to lead a successful and creative business rooted in Anderson. “I have lived my entire life in Madison County. It’s home,” he shares. “I’ve been all over the country and out of the country, but there is something special about Anderson and Madison County. I’ve built a successful business here, myself and my children went to school here. Our parents and grandparents lived here. It’s a very special place for our family.”
He first learned about MCCF several years ago and it was through his longtime respect for fellow leader Ben Davis that he came to the board. “When Ben asked, it didn’t take long to see the Foundation was moving in the right direction, a direction that I agreed with and could get behind,” LJ shares.
For those who may not yet know the Foundation well, he emphasizes its strength and credibility: “MCCF has a very solid foundation. The board is diverse and engaged. Its fiscal stewardship is of utmost importance. The leadership and staff are talented and passionate, and the Foundation listens to the community and its needs to develop strategies to help organizations and the community reach new heights.T he possibilities are unlimited for this community and Madison County Community Foundation is the best place to invest.”
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Kim Townsend
Anderson Housing Authority
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For more than two decades, Kimberly Townsend has been a driving force for positive change in Madison County. As CEO of the Anderson Housing Authority, Indiana Chapter President for NAHRO (National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials), and Chair of Women of NAHRO, she has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for others. She also serves on numerous local boards throughout the county and is a member of Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church.
Family is at the heart of Kim’s work. She is a mother, grandmother, and caregiver. “Anderson is my home,” she says. “I decided long ago that if I’m going to live here, I have to work here and do my part to make it a better place for generations to come.”
Kim has known about MCCF for more than 25 years and joined the board in 2024. Her deep understanding of local nonprofits gives her a valuable perspective on community needs. “It’s important to be at the table where funds are being distributed,” she says. “My experience with nonprofits allows me to have a knowledge base of where the biggest and most urgent needs are. What has been the most interesting observation to me since being on the board is the level of private philanthropic giving in the community. I’ve been inspired to see how much our community cares about giving back.”
When asked what she wants others to know about MCCF, she doesn’t hesitate: “They are the bomb! MCCF has evolved into a highly talented group of individuals who have redefined both the approach to giving and the way the organization is marketed.”
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Terry Truitt
Flagship Enterprise Center
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When Terry Truitt moved from Alabama to Madison County in 1995, it was meant to be just a career move, but it quickly became so much more. “This community became home for my family,” Terry shares. “All three of my children graduated from Madison County high schools and went on to graduate from Indiana colleges. Madison County has proven to be a wonderful place to live and raise a family. Now, through my role with MCCF, I am excited to help ensure it remains an even better place for my children and for their children. Whether as a donor, a partner, or beneficiary, there is a role for everyone in helping strengthen the legacy we are building together.”
Terry first learned about MCCF while serving as Dean of the Falls School of Business at Anderson University, where he saw firsthand how MCCF scholarships helped local students complete their education and step into their futures with confidence.
Terry believes, “MCCF is not just a grantmaker... it is a long-term partner in the health of Madison County. The Foundation’s ability to steward endowed funds ensures that today’s gifts will serve future needs. Every Hoosier knows you do not eat your seed corn... you protect it and nurture it so that you can harvest a future crop in the times to come. MCCF’s work is very much the same. By protecting and growing the resources entrusted to it, the Foundation makes certain that future generations will reap the benefits.”
Terry joined the board in 2024 and continues to witness the Foundation’s impact in action, whether through education initiatives, arts partnerships, or nonprofit capacity building. Terry also says that “the Lilly GIFT VIII campaign has highlighted how strategic fundraising and matching can multiply local generosity into transformative outcomes.”
Committees
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2026 Executive Committee
Koty McDole, Jill McKinney, Brian Donahue, Gina Brisco
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2026 Finance and Investment Committee
Tom Beeman, Gina Brisco, Brian Donahue, Steve Madinger, Terry Truitt
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2026 Governance (Nominating/Bylaws)
Terri Austin, Eric Davis, Laine Ricker-Patterson, Kim Townsend, Terry Truitt
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2026 Grants Committee
Elevate Madison
Koty McDole, Joy Beghtel, Amy McCurry, Eric Freeman, Christy Clark, Kelsey Atrium, David Dodd, Ruthie Smith, Mo Cambridge
Impact Madison
Maddie Love, Eric Davis, Trent Palmer, Pam Shoot, Lolly Bargerstock, Stephanie Moran
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2026 Lilly Endowment Scholarship Selection Committee
Greg Bramwell, Christy Clark, Jayden Cox, Eric Freeman, Michele Hockwalt, Tressena Jones, Bethany Keller, Drake Sayre, Angie Strickler, Kari Sisk, Vice President of Programs- non voting
Foundation History
In 1990, Lilly Endowment announced a major philanthropic program for Indiana- the G.I.F.T. Initiative (Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow). The initiative was launched to assist Hoosier communities in establishing and strengthening community foundations.
The Madison County Community Foundation was incorporated and designated a nonprofit public charity in 1992 as a direct result of the Lilly Endowment program. Upon its formation, the Lilly Endowment offered the Madison County Community Foundation a $500,000 challenge grant—whereby Lilly Endowment would match every $2 raised in endowed funds with $1.
Lilly's G.I.F.T. Initiative has brought philanthropy in Indiana to a new level; offering communities throughout the state the incentive to develop a mechanism by which local citizens can pool funds in perpetuity for the betterment of their own communities.
Beginning with this initial challenge gift, Madison County Community Foundation today is a stable, trustworthy and permanent partner in efforts to sustain and improve our community. With assets at $30 million and growing, the Foundation annually returns hundreds of thousands of dollars to Madison County in the form of grants and scholarships. Our mission remains constant: to enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Madison County by attracting charitable gifts, making philanthropic grants, providing responsible financial stewardship and community leadership.