Our People

Jennifer Bartenbach

CEO for CICF

(she/her/hers)

Jennifer Bartenbach is the CEO of Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF). CICF and The Indianapolis Foundation, along with Hamilton County Community Foundation, IMPACT Central Indiana and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, are part of a $1 billion philanthropic collaborative committed to mobilizing people, ideas and investments to make Central Indiana a community where all individuals have equitable opportunity to reach their full potential—no matter place, race or identity. Each organization also has its own unique strategic plan to advance this goal within the communities it serves.

Prior to her role as CEO, Jennifer served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for CICF for the last 10 years. She has effectively led the recent restructuring and establishment of the philanthropic collaborative. During her time as CFO and COO of CICF, she had direct responsibility over all operations of CICF and 10 consolidating supporting entities. She also co-founded and co-leads IMPACT Central Indiana, a multi-member limited-liability company created to facilitate social-impact investments in the community.

Prior to CICF, Jennifer started her career doing a three-semester co-op at Toyota Motor Manufacturing while finishing her degree at the University of Evansville. She moved to Indianapolis in 2001 to pursue a career in public accounting at BKD, LLP (now Forvis) where she joined the not-for-profit/governmental team. After a quick stop at Sigma Micro, she returned to the philanthropic sector, spending eight years at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (Newfields) – four as CFO and one as the internal interim CEO before joining CICF.

Jennifer earned a B.S in accounting from the University of Evansville and an MBA from Ball State University. Jennifer volunteers at Saint Matthew School where her three daughters are students. She served as a coordinator and fundraiser at two IPS schools for their Blessings in a Backpack program. She was a founding board member and then board chair of Circle City Prep charter school. She has served on the board of Project Home Indy, the finance committee for the Indiana Sports Corp, Leadership Indianapolis and was a member of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Class 42. 

JenniferB@cicf.org

Lorenzo Esters

President of The Indianapolis Foundation

(he/him/his)

Dr. Lorenzo Lamar Esters is president of the Indianapolis Foundation, one of the oldest community foundations in the nation. In his role, he leads efforts to develop and scale thriving communities in the Indianapolis and Marion County, Indiana region by advancing racial equity and economic opportunity for all.

Lorenzo has spent most of his career in higher education, nonprofit leadership, government and philanthropy.

In the sector of higher education, he has served as Chancellor for the Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis service area. There he led collaborative and transformational efforts to support educational attainment for a campus serving more than 28,000 students and he previously served as Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success at Kentucky State University, a historically black land-grant university.

In the nonprofit sector, Lorenzo has served as Vice President for Advancement and Member Engagement with the Association of American Colleges and Universities, a higher education association representing more than 1,200 two- and four-year institutions. He has also served as Executive Director for Higher Education Partnerships within the Global Education Division of Educational Testing Service, as Vice President for Philanthropy at Strada Education Network, a not-for-profit corporation located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and as Vice President for the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities’ (APLU) Office for Access.

Among his civic endeavors, Lorenzo serves on the board of the Indy Chamber and is also a member of the Board of Directors for Visit Indy, Fifth Third Bank, and Complete College America.

Lorenzo is a first-generation college graduate and proud alumnus of three historically black institutions of higher learning. He received his undergraduate degree from Rust College and a Master’s degree from Jackson State University, both in English. He earned his doctorate from Morgan State University in Higher Education Administration.

TIFPresident@cicf.org

Danielle Stiles-Polk

President of Hamilton County Community Foundation

(she/her/hers)

DanielleSP@cicf.org

Tamara Winfrey-Harris

President, Women's Fund of Central Indiana

(she/her/hers)

Tamara Winfrey-Harris serves as President of Women’s Fund of Central Indiana. Tamara joined CICF in 2016 as vice president of marketing and communications. She has also served as vice president of community leadership and effective philanthropy,

Tamara is a nationally renowned writer and speaker, focusing on issues of race and gender and their intersection with politics, popular culture and current events. Her work has been published in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Los Angeles Times, Ms. magazine and other media. She is the author of the award-winning book, The Sisters Are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women in America (Berrett-Koehler 2015) and Dear Black Girl: Letters from Your Sisters on Stepping into Your Power (Berrett-Koehler 2021). Her essays appear in The Lemonade Reader: Beyonce, Black Feminism and Spirituality (Routledge, 2019); The Burden: African Americans and the Enduring Impact of Slavery (Wayne State University Press, 2018); Black in the Middle: An Anthology of the Black Midwest (Black Belt Publishing, 2020); and other books.

Tamara has been invited to speak on issues of gender, race and social justice at venues across the country, including The Ohio State University, Northern Arizona University and Princeton University and others.

TamaraWH@cicf.org

Jennifer Bartenbach

CEO

(she/her/hers)

Jennifer Bartenbach is the CEO of Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF). CICF and The Indianapolis Foundation, along with Hamilton County Community Foundation, IMPACT Central Indiana and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, are part of a $1 billion philanthropic collaborative committed to mobilizing people, ideas and investments to make Central Indiana a community where all individuals have equitable opportunity to reach their full potential—no matter place, race or identity. Each organization also has its own unique strategic plan to advance this goal within the communities it serves.

Prior to her role as CEO, Jennifer served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for CICF for the last 10 years. She has effectively led the recent restructuring and establishment of the philanthropic collaborative. During her time as CFO and COO of CICF, she had direct responsibility over all operations of CICF and 10 consolidating supporting entities. She also co-founded and co-leads IMPACT Central Indiana, a multi-member limited-liability company created to facilitate social-impact investments in the community.

Prior to CICF, Jennifer started her career doing a three-semester co-op at Toyota Motor Manufacturing while finishing her degree at the University of Evansville. She moved to Indianapolis in 2001 to pursue a career in public accounting at BKD, LLP (now Forvis) where she joined the not-for-profit/governmental team. After a quick stop at Sigma Micro, she returned to the philanthropic sector, spending eight years at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (Newfields) – four as CFO and one as the internal interim CEO before joining CICF.

Jennifer earned a B.S in accounting from the University of Evansville and an MBA from Ball State University. Jennifer volunteers at Saint Matthew School where her three daughters are students. She served as a coordinator and fundraiser at two IPS schools for their Blessings in a Backpack program. She was a founding board member and then board chair of Circle City Prep charter school. She has served on the board of Project Home Indy, the finance committee for the Indiana Sports Corp, Leadership Indianapolis and was a member of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Class 42. 

JenniferB@cicf.org

Jeff Bennett

Chief Innovation Officer

JeffB@cicf.org

Erin Tanner

Chief Financial Officer

(she/her/hers)

Erin Tanner joined the CICF team in 2023. Erin says, “For nearly 20 years, I have witnessed the profound impact of CICF in our community. From connecting donors to causes they care about to providing grants to not-for-profits doing incredible work to leading the charge in creating a more equitable community, the role of CICF in Central Indiana is critical to improving the lives of people. I am honored to be part of an organization I have long admired and where my personal passion and professional pursuits align. I look forward to contributing to the team and supporting the mission of CICF.”

ErinT@cicf.org

Sarah Weaver, J.D.

General Counsel & Chief of Staff

(she/her/hers)

Sarah works to develop and maintain relationships with financial and legal advisors and to support and advise donors on gift planning options.

Prior to joining CICF, Sarah worked at Ice Miller LLP as an attorney in the areas of real estate and environmental law since 2011. She also served on the board of directors for Brooke’s Place for Grieving Young People, a not-for-profit serving grieving children and families in Central Indiana, from 2014-2018, spending two years as the chairman. Sarah currently volunteers for Brooke’s Place as a facilitator of peer-based grief support groups.

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Sarah moved to Indianapolis after graduating from law school at Washington University in St. Louis, where she was the Managing Editor of the Washington University Journal of Law & Policy and a member of the Order of the Barristers. Sarah received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Indiana University-Bloomington.

SarahW@cicf.org 

Jeffery Burgin III

Executive Assistant to the CEO

(he/him/his)

JefferyB@cicf.org

Lacy Wooden

Vice President of People, Culture, and Brand

(she/her/hers)

LacyW@cicf.org

Jennifer Turner

Vice President of Philanthropy

(she/her/hers)

Jennifer joined CICF in 2023.

JenniferT@cicf.org

Janeen Butler

Director of Scholarship Programs

(she/her/hers)

Janeen joined CICF in 2020.

JaneenB@cicf.org

Clark Collier

Director of Giving Strategies

ClarkC@cicf.org

Reiya Davis

Donor Engagement Officer

(she/her/hers)

ReiyaD@cicf.org

Clayton De Fur

Executive Director, Herbert Simon Family Foundation; Sr. Director, Philanthropic Advising

(he/him/his)

As a Director of Family Philanthropy, Clayton services a small portfolio of highly engaged fund holders at CICF to advise on their grant making and charitable strategies. As a Senior Advisor to the Herbert Simon Family Foundation, Clayton manages the competitive grants process  high-level strategy, and discretionary giving of individual Simon family members.

Clayton’s tenure at CICF dates back to 2016. In prior roles at the foundation, he has worked in community leadership, grant making, special projects, and scholarships.

Clayton attended Indiana University Bloomington, where he received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, both concentrated in Nonprofit Management.

ClaytonD@cicf.org

Nora Dietz-Kilen

Senior Donor Engagement Officer

(she/her/hers)

In this role, Nora provides exceptional support and high quality philanthropic advising and stewardship to CICF fund holders.

NoraDK@cicf.org

Julian Edwards

Donor Engagement Officer

(he/him/his)

JulianE@cicf.org

Robin Elmerick

Senior Director of Effective Philanthropy

(she/her/hers)

As Senior Director of Effective Philanthropy, Robin oversees a team that is dedicated to providing philanthropic advising and support to donor-advised funds, non-profit funds, scholarship funds and major funds. Her team works closely with CICF’s development department to grow assets and identify opportunities to expand philanthropic relationships with donors and not-for-profit organizations.

After several years in sales and marketing roles in the private sector, Elmerick transitioned her career into not-for-profit work. Elmerick previously served as interim president and CEO, and vice president of marketing and development, at Starfish Initiative. Prior to joining CICF, she was a not-for-profit consultant with Social Legends, supporting clients in Central Indiana in areas such as strategic planning and board development.

RobinE@cicf.org

Allissa Impink

Director of Family Philanthropy, Sr. Advisor, Glick Philanthropies, Central Indiana Senior Fund

(she/her/hers)

Allissa Impink is a Director of Family Philanthropy and Sr. Philanthropic Advisor at CICF. Allissa services a portfolio of highly engaged fund holders at CICF to advise on their grant-making and charitable strategies. As a Senior Advisor, Allissa manages the competitive grants process and high-impact priorities of the Glick Fund at CICF, and the Central Indiana Senior Fund.

AllissaI@cicf.org

Morgan Meyer

Scholarships Officer

(she/her/hers)

MorganM@cicf.org

Leah Nahmias

Program Director

Joanna Nixon

Consultant - Efroymson Family Fund

Guadalupe Pimentel Solano

Program Director

(she/her/hers)

guadalupeps@cicf.org

Brandon Stover

Development Associate

(he/him/his)

BrandonS@cicf.org

Rebekah Corwin

Marketing & Communications Officer

(she/her/hers)

Bekah joined CICF in 2022

Claire Lash

First Impressions Associate

(she/her/hers)

Claire joined CICF in 2023.

ClaireL@cicf.org

Imani McClendon-Hinkle

People and Culture Generalist

(she/her/hers)

ImaniMH@cicf.org

Greg O’Neill

Marketing & Publications Officer

Kelsey Singh

Director of Marketing, Communications & Brand Strategy

Shelly Woods

Benefits and Total Rewards Specialist

(she/her/hers)

ShellyW@cicf.org

Jennifer Schrier

Senior Director of Finance

(she/her/hers)

Jennifer oversees the financial reporting, compliance, investments, and overall finances of CICF.  Her main goal is providing accurate and timely reporting financial reporting to leadership for informed decision making and moving our mission forward.  A licensed CPA, Jennifer has a wealth of experience working with not-for-profits.  She was an auditor of not-for-profit organizations with BKD, LLP for nine years and a controller for Newfields for 2.5 years prior to arriving at CICF.

JenS@cicf.org

Steven Thompson

Senior Director of Information Technology and Facility Operations

(he/him/his)

StevenT@cicf.org

Jena Brooks

Data Analyst

(she/her/hers)

Originally from Colorado, Jena moved to Indiana to attend Earlham College. After graduating with a BA in Human Development and Social Relations, Jena was accepted into the AmeriCorps Public Allies program in Indianapolis. Through the experience of Public Allies and her placement at Health & Science Innovations, she discovered that the intersection of her skills and passions was in the area of data and impact.

Having worked at four distinct nonprofits over the course of the past 8 years and with more than two years of experience working in data, Jena brings an intersectional understanding of human systems and data systems to the CICF team. She believes that clean, accurate, and meaningful data is not only a powerful tool to support staff in doing what they do best, but is also crucial in the work towards more equitable communities.

JenaB@cicf.org

Bréone Dupree

Assistant Controller

(he/him/his)

Bréone L Dupree believes in a servant leadership style and has dedicated himself to being a resource to others. He has spent the last 10 years honing his accounting skills through bookkeeping, audit, and tax roles. These experiences have created a keen eye for accuracy and a high aptitude for learning. He earned his associate’s and master’s in accounting as well as his bachelor’s in Economics. Along his journey, Bréone has become a licensed realtor in two states, a notary and a licensed massage therapist. He is currently working on becoming an EA on his path to becoming a CPA. He blames his drive to achieve on his modest beginnings in Gary, IN. His thirst for education is to be able to be a resource to those that come from underserved communities like his own. His drive is made all more important because he is the father of three and the uncle to four more whom he strives to be an example for. However, Bréone isn’t all business all the time. When he’s not working hard, he’s playing hard traveling, catching a live show, in a pickup basketball game, or simply having a game night with his loving family.

BreoneD@cicf.org

Greg Hooten

Facilities Director

Cindie Logan

Operations Manager

(she/her/hers)

Cindie has been with CICF since 1995.

CindieL@cicf.org

Beth Millikan

Controller

Beth has been with CICF since 2019.

BethM@cicf.org

Carrie Keel

Operations Associate

CarrieK@cicf.org

Tom Poynter

Maintenance Manager

Jimmy Moore

English Foundation Coordinator

Jimmy has been with CICF since 2023.

Lucy Schaich

Grants and Systems Analyst

(she/her/hers)

lucys@cicf.org

Cecilia van Wijk

Grants Systems Officer

Cecilia van Wijk joined CICF in 2023.

ceciliavw@cicf.org

Adam Vizard

Data Systems Director

(he/him/his)

Adam is the data systems manager and has over four years of direct Salesforce experience, both as a user and administrator.

Prior to joining CICF in 2019, Adam spent three years at a religious not-for-profit working in both fundraising and data administration roles. A certified Salesforce administer, Adam oversees CICF’s CRM operations, including report and dashboard creation, training and onboarding new staff members, and upgrading the visual experience for our users. He works closely with consultants and outside partners to enhance our donor portal, CICF Connect, which currently serves over 550 fundholders. Adam is the lead researcher for new software systems while also administering and championing the following platforms: iWave, Camtasia, Formidable Forms, GiveGab, and many Office365 applications.

He is a graduate of Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, IN with a degree in Business Administration.

AdamV@cicf.org

Julie Wright

Senior Grants Manager

(she/her/hers)

Julie Wright joined Hamilton County Community Foundation as an office manager in 2004 and has worked her way to becoming the senior grants manager at CICF.

Julie processes over 4,000 grant payments annually with accuracy and patience. With a combined total of more than 25 years of experience in not-for-profit, public and government sectors, she understands data integrity and creating efficient procedures for accuracy.

Julie received her Bachelor’s degree in education from Indiana University and later earned an associate degree in business management from Ivy Tech while working full time.

JulieW@cicf.org

Emily Boomershine

Staff Accountant

Lorenzo Esters

President

(he/him/his)

Dr. Lorenzo Lamar Esters is president of the Indianapolis Foundation, one of the oldest community foundations in the nation. In his role, he leads efforts to develop and scale thriving communities in the Indianapolis and Marion County, Indiana region by advancing racial equity and economic opportunity for all.

Lorenzo has spent most of his career in higher education, nonprofit leadership, government and philanthropy.

In the sector of higher education, he has served as Chancellor for the Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis service area. There he led collaborative and transformational efforts to support educational attainment for a campus serving more than 28,000 students and he previously served as Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success at Kentucky State University, a historically black land-grant university.

In the nonprofit sector, Lorenzo has served as Vice President for Advancement and Member Engagement with the Association of American Colleges and Universities, a higher education association representing more than 1,200 two- and four-year institutions. He has also served as Executive Director for Higher Education Partnerships within the Global Education Division of Educational Testing Service, as Vice President for Philanthropy at Strada Education Network, a not-for-profit corporation located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and as Vice President for the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities’ (APLU) Office for Access.

Among his civic endeavors, Lorenzo serves on the board of the Indy Chamber and is also a member of the Board of Directors for Visit Indy, Fifth Third Bank, and Complete College America.

Lorenzo is a first-generation college graduate and proud alumnus of three historically black institutions of higher learning. He received his undergraduate degree from Rust College and a Master’s degree from Jackson State University, both in English. He earned his doctorate from Morgan State University in Higher Education Administration.

TIFPresident@cicf.org

Rob MacPherson

Vice President of Development & Strategy

(he/him/his)

Rob serves as vice president for development and strategy for The Indianapolis Foundation. He directs the foundation’s asset development strategies and strategy.

Prior to joining CICF, Rob was on staff at the Arts Council of Indianapolis as director of special projects. He led a citywide arts education study, as well as the agency’s strategic planning efforts and development activities. Additionally, as part of the Mayor’s Cultural Tourism Initiative, he coordinated the beginning of a public art master planning process. From 1994-2001, Rob served the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) as director of development. He was the senior staff member responsible for managing the annual operating fundraising strategies and directing a $16.5 million capital and endowment campaign, which successfully exceeded its goal. Rob also co-authored two, five-year strategic plans for the theatre and participated in four years of historic renovation projects, led staff development, and created major programmatic initiatives through successful grant proposals at the IRT. Previous career experience at WFYI, the Indiana Arts Commission, and the Oakland Museum of California and as a consultant and advisor to many not-for-profits around the state and country serve as a strong foundation for Rob’s development responsibilities at CICF.

An active member of the community, Rob serves or has served as a board member of the Lacy Leadership Association, Indiana Civil Liberties Union Foundation, VSA Arts of Indiana, Eastside Community Investments, and Dance Kaleidoscope. He is also one of the founders and the executive producer for Spotlight, an annual citywide performing arts benefit for the Indiana AIDS Fund, raising over $3 million in 15 years. He has volunteered in many capacities at Trinity Episcopal Church as a vestry member and in adult, youth, and fine arts programs.

Rob received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Michigan University. He earned his Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) designation from The American College in 2010 and has completed ongoing education at Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy in Indianapolis. Rob was a proud member of Class XXIV of the Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Series and continues on the SKL Advisory Committee. For seven years, Rob taught an arts administration course, “Securing Your Organization’s Future”, focused on capital campaigns, strategic planning and organizational development as an adjunct professor at Butler University.

RobM@cicf.org

Grace Findley

Chief Development and Partnerships Officer

(she/her/hers)

Grace Findley serves as Chief Development and Partnerships Officer for the Indianapolis Foundation where she leads an ambitious campaign to raise philanthropic contributions and generate co-investment funds to support the Foundation’s efforts to improve outcomes for our community.

Grace has nearly two decades of fundraising experience. Most recently, Grace served as vice president of philanthropic partnerships at the Indianapolis-based Strada Education Foundation. In that role, she nearly doubled their fundraising efforts and led the strategy that resulted in a fourfold increase in matching grant support.  Previously, Grace worked as director of development at the Indiana University Foundation, serving on the inaugural principal gifts team, and later, as the vice president of development for the IU regional campuses. She has also held advancement roles at Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, St. Louis University, and Illinois College.

Grace earned a Master of Arts degree in philanthropic studies from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She has served on the executive committee of the United Way of Central Indiana board of directors since 2020 and recently completed a year-long leadership development fellowship in the Tobias Leadership Program at IU.

gracef@cicf.org

Michael Twyman, Ph.D.

Chief Equity and Innovation Officer

(he/him/his)

Michael Twyman, Ph.D., serves as Chief Equity and Innovation Officer for the Indianapolis Foundation, where he leads the Foundation’s Center for Racial Equity and Economic Opportunity (CREEO), an initiative that will amplify the Foundation’s historic commitment to address racial and economic disparities in Indianapolis and Marion County—particularly for individuals and families in historically underserved and disinvested communities.

Since 2013, Twyman has served as managing principal of InExcelcis Consulting, a professional services firm focused on organizational effectiveness. Twyman is the founding Indiana grants director for Nina Mason Pullman Charitable Trust. He previously served as executive director of My Brother’s Keeper-Indianapolis and the Institute on Race & Ethnicity at the University of Arkansas—Little Rock. Earlier in his career, he was vice president of operations for Community Action of Indianapolis and a special assistant to former Indianapolis Mayor Goldsmith with a focus on neighborhood revitalization and resident engagement in communities of color and underinvested areas in the City.

An Indianapolis native, Twyman graduated magna cum laude from Fisk University in Nashville, TN and studied at London School of Economics on a Fulbright Scholarship from Vanderbilt University. He attended Tulane Law School in New Orleans, LA and earned a doctorate degree from Indiana University. He has served on a number of nonprofit boards and has taught courses in racial equity at the Indiana University School of Philanthropy.

michaelt@cicf.org

Leigh Riley Evans

Vice President of Equity and Policy

Jennifer McCloud

Executive Assistant to the President

JenniferMc@cicf.org

Alicia Collins

Senior Consultant for the Elevation Grant Program

(she/her/hers)

Alicia@cicf.org

Robyn Evans-Long

Administrative Scheduling Coordinator

(she/her/hers)

robynel@cicf.org

Shari Finnell

Senior Director of Communications

(she/her/hers)

Shari Finnell serves as Senior Director of Communications at yhe Indianapolis Foundation where she leads, develops, and implements strategic communications and community engagement plans.

As a journalist, Finnell reported extensively on government, politics, and education for numerous local media outlets, including The Indianapolis Star and The Indianapolis News. She also served as editor-in-chief for Indianapolis Woman and St. Louis Woman magazines, and as editor of Charitable Advisors, an online publication with a focus on supporting nonprofits in Central Indiana. Most recently, Finnell worked as a communications consultant and director of communications for Faith in Indiana and Eastern Star Church. Previously, she served as manager of media relations and public information for the Purdue University College of Agriculture.

Finnell earned a bachelor of science degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She has served on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana and on the Madam Walker Spirit Awards Organizing Committee. She has volunteered for local nonprofit organizations, including Indianapolis Public Schools, the American Heart Association and Dress for Success.

Sharif@cicf.org

Okara Imani

Administrative Scheduling Associate

(she/her), (they/them)

Okara joined CICF in 2022 , and supports the community leadership and equitable initiatives team’s administrative processes and overall team continuity.

Among many things, Okara is a professional musician/vocal artist. She loves community, creativity and service to others. She joined CICF having worked in schools and entertainment venues—utilizing her customer service and administrative gifts.

OkaraI@cicf.org

Brittany Laguerre

Opportunity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

Leslie Moye’

Elevation Compliance Consultant

(she/her/hers)

LeslieM@cicf.org

Shaila Mulholland, PhD

Director of Learning and Evaluation

(she/her/hers)

Shaila Mulholland, PhD, serves as director of learning and evaluation at the Indianapolis Foundation, where she leads efforts to conduct, collect and analyze research, data, local information and the lived experience of Indianapolis and Marion County residents to guide and determine the qualitative and quantitative impact of our grantmaking and community leadership strategies.

Since 2021, Shaila has served as lead researcher at Open Window Research, a company she founded that designs and implements assessment tools to track, monitor, and evaluate investments and programs for community development financial institutions and nonprofit organizations. Previously, she served as manager of grant and foundation relations at WFYI in Indianapolis, and as director of research & program development and senior manager, research & analysis for the National University System in La Jolla, CA.

Shaila has lived in Indianapolis for approximately 14 years.  She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana University and her doctoral degree from New York University’s School of Culture, Education and Human Development.  Her research has focused on diversity, equity, multiculturalism, and identity.

shailam@cicf.org

Josette' Robinson

Director of Special Programs

(she/her/hers)

Josette’ Robinson is a philanthropic professional with a wealth of experience spanning over 18 years in the nonprofit sector. She has dedicated her career to advocating for social and restorative justice, criminal justice reform, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Currently, she serves as a Community Leadership Officer at the Indianapolis Foundation, where she focuses on public safety, crime prevention, seniors, mental health, substance abuse, and domestic and intimate partner violence. Prior to her current role, she served as a Grants Researcher for the Ivy Tech Foundation.

Josette’ is an enthusiastic proponent of education and a lifelong learner. Her academic background includes attending Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and the O’Neal School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She graduated summa cum laude and magna cum laude respectively, obtaining degrees in Philanthropic Studies and Liberal Arts, as well as certifications in Travel Studies and Nonprofit Management. Josette’ is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Nu Lambda Mu International Honor Societies, which recognize her academic excellence.

Josette’ takes pride in being a resident of the Far Eastside community and strives to promote the diverse range of exceptional events, assets, and resources available in the area. She works tirelessly to ensure that the community is aware of these offerings and has access to them.

Josette’s commitment to social and restorative justice is evident in her philanthropic work and volunteerism, both locally and internationally. She is passionate about promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of life, and believes in empowering BIPOC leaders and residents to achieve their full potential.

JosetteR@cicf.org

Patricia Roe

Elevation Grant Program Project Manager & Community Engagement Consultant

Ben Tebbe

Community Leadership Officer

(he/him/his)

Ben joined The Indianapolis Foundation in 2023 and oversees the arts & culture and health & wellness portfolios. He has called Indianapolis home for over 25 years immersed in the nonprofit and arts scene. He had an extensive career as a professional actor and arts entrepreneur.  He is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and was a proud 2011-12 Creative Renewal Fellowship recipient from the Arts Council of Indianapolis and the Lilly Foundation. He co-founded Indianapolis Shakespeare Company and was instrumental in the start of its annual free production in the park. For 11 years he served as Assistant Professor, Chair, and Director of Theatre at Marian University. Ben has an M.A. in Arts Administration from Southern Utah University and earned his B.A. in Theatre from Marian College (now University). The most important roles to him are as husband and father. He loves traveling, spending time out in nature, just being with his family, and drinking lots of coffee.

BenT@cicf.org

Joy Usigbe

Senior Community Leadership Officer

Jamie Valentine

Senior Community Leadership Officer

(she/her/hers)

Jamie Valentine, SCLO for Environmental Equity, has been with the Foundation since 2022, supporting our work with grantee organizations in areas of the environment, education, food access and nutrition, and animal welfare, as well as The Library Fund. Jamie is passionate about sustainability, the interconnection between the environment and social justice, and empowering communities to create new systems based on equity and justice. She played a key role to secure Solar For All funding for Indianapolis and Marion County. Previously, Jamie served as associate director for the Center for Urban Ecology and Sustainability at Butler University, as well as in a variety of roles managing community partnerships and engagement at the Florida State University’s Sustainable Campus. Jamie earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy with a focus on leadership for sustainability education from Portland State University.

JamieV@cicf.org

Fabio Yataco

Senior Community Leadership Officer

(he/him/his)

Fabio Yataco was born in Switzerland to Peruvian parents and has grown up on the Westside of Indianapolis. He recently transitioned from the Mayor’s office of Indianapolis where he served as a Mayor Neighborhood Advocate (MNA) for the last two and a half years. In this role he used his skills in  community engagement, proactive strategizing, and building authentic relationships to serve and work with neighborhood residents, community partners, and the business community. Prior to serving as an MNA he served as a social worker for the Public Defenders Agency where he provided intensive support to clients. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at IUPUI and is currently pursuing his Masters In Public Management through the O’Neil School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUPUI.

Fabio enjoys discovering new ways to grow both professionally and personally. He is passionate about civic/community engagement, addressing equity/access gaps, investing in others, and servant leadership. Fabio’s involvement includes IndyHub’s 1828 Leadership Project, serving on the Mayor’s Latino Advisory Council, serving on the steering committee for the Axis Leadership Program, Census 2020 taskforce, and serving on the YMCA Youth Development Advisory Board.

FabioY@cicf.org

Beatrice Bevelry

representing Martindale-Brightwood

Sayra Campos

representing the Latinx community

Sayra was born in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico and has resided in Indianapolis since she was five years old. Since graduating from Broad Ripple High School in 2010 Sayra has been involved in several local and national grassroots immigrant-led movements including work with the Latino Youth Collective and the National Immigrant Youth Alliance. As a founding member of the Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance in 2012, Sayra has experience in nonprofit and community leadership. Sayra currently serves as treasurer for the Indiana Undocumented Youth Alliance, board member for the Midwest Immigration Fund Coalition, member of Movimiento Cosecha Indiana and works as a legal assistant at Muñoz Legal.

Growing up as an undocumented immigrant in the United States has pushed Sayra to continue to serve UndocuHoosiers across the state and fight for permanent protection for all.

Valerie Davis

representing Near East Side

Tedd Hardy

representing Haughville

DeAmon Harges

Advisor

Mari Luna

representing youth

Cynthia Morraz

representing the Latinx community

Cynthia is a first-generation American and comes from a family of resilient Nicaraguan immigrants. Cynthia is a strong advocate of immigrant rights, language access, and equity.

Serving the immigrant population is not something new for Cynthia, she has volunteered on the west side of Indianapolis registering voters, promoting community resources, and providing language access services.

Her drive, energy, dedication, and passion for advocacy have always made her stand out of the crowd. When she is not working, Cynthia is, trying out a new dish, practicing yoga and working on her classes at IUPUI to achieve a Master of Public Affairs through the O’Neill School.

WildStyle Paschall

representing Riverside (Near West)

Annie Smith

representing Far East Side

Danielle Stiles-Polk

President

(she/her/hers)

DanielleSP@cicf.org

Tammy Hall

Executive Assistant to the President, Hub Coordinator

(she/her/hers)

With decades of experience in implementing, facilitating and connecting, Tammy Hall, Office Manager of Hamilton County Community Foundation, brings a specific set of skills to this new role.  Her expertise is in creating systems and processes to streamline tasks and better steward resources, facilitating teams, managing logistics, and fostering authentic connections with others.  In addition, Tammy is a coach and strategist for female-owned businesses as well as for women who have faced some hardships and are looking for a new start.  

Originally from Georgia, she spent five years in Tennessee before moving to Indiana in 2020.  Her passion is for encouraging, empowering and equipping women to live the lives they were meant to live before the world told them they weren’t enough.  She currently has a podcast to help share this message which is another of her passions.  When she isn’t working with women or at her position with Hamilton County Community Foundation, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, writing and reading, and she never misses the Hallmark Christmas movie season. 

TammyH@cicf.org

Josie Frey

Donor Engagement Officer

(she/they)

Anita Rogers

Senior Community Leadership Officer

(she/her/hers)

Anita is the community leadership  officer for the Hamilton County Community Foundation. Anita serves as the liaison between not-for-profit organizations, the community, and Hamilton County Community Foundation with a particular focus on our responsive grantmaking strategy.

Anita earned her bachelor’s degree in Government and International Studies from the University of Notre Dame. She was an Indiana Governor’s Fellow and a member of Class XX of the Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Series. Anita held community and customer relations roles in state government and at Duke Energy. She is a member of the Noblesville Plan Commission, Noblesville Diversity Coalition board of directors, and Noblesville Schools Safe Schools Committee. Anita resides in Noblesville with her husband, Steve, and their children, Benjamin and Olivia. 

AnitaR@cicf.org 

Tamara Winfrey-Harris

President

(she/her/hers)

Tamara Winfrey-Harris serves as President of Women’s Fund of Central Indiana. Tamara joined CICF in 2016 as vice president of marketing and communications. She has also served as vice president of community leadership and effective philanthropy,

Tamara is a nationally renowned writer and speaker, focusing on issues of race and gender and their intersection with politics, popular culture and current events. Her work has been published in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Los Angeles Times, Ms. magazine and other media. She is the author of the award-winning book, The Sisters Are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women in America (Berrett-Koehler 2015) and Dear Black Girl: Letters from Your Sisters on Stepping into Your Power (Berrett-Koehler 2021). Her essays appear in The Lemonade Reader: Beyonce, Black Feminism and Spirituality (Routledge, 2019); The Burden: African Americans and the Enduring Impact of Slavery (Wayne State University Press, 2018); Black in the Middle: An Anthology of the Black Midwest (Black Belt Publishing, 2020); and other books.

Tamara has been invited to speak on issues of gender, race and social justice at venues across the country, including The Ohio State University, Northern Arizona University and Princeton University and others.

TamaraWH@cicf.org

Caroline Dutkanych, CFRE

Interim Development Consultant

(she/her/hers)

Gerri Pagach

Senior Philanthropy Officer

(she/her/hers)

Gerri Pagach is passionate about developing productive relationships with donors, board members and coworkers, resolving issues, and assisting the organization in achieving its overall mission. Gerri came to CICF through Women’s Fund in 2016 with over 15 years of administrative experience. Prior to finding her passion in the non-profit world, Gerri worked in the corporate offices of Marsh Supermarkets and Crystal Flash Petroleum. She got her start in not-for-profit work through volunteering, which led to employment at Little Red Door Cancer Agency holding positions including business operations coordinator, volunteer coordinator and executive assistant. Gerri was born and raised on Indianapolis’ Westside. Gerri enjoys staying active in her community by volunteering on the parent committee and boosters of her daughter’s sports teams, serves as a board member for Tanya Isaac Foundation and is on the Breath Easy Speedway coalition. She resides in Speedway, IN with her husband, Douglas and daughter, Kristin.

Julie Koegel

Grantmaking Consultant

Julie Koegel serves as grants officer for Women’s Fund of Central Indiana.

JulieK@cicf.org

Wendy McNamar

OPTIONS & Special Projects Consultant

Kinyatta Coe

Executive Assistant