Meet the team

Jennifer Danic has provided nonprofit knowledge and leadership in her role as President and CEO of SCCF since 2011. However, she has been part of the community for far longer. She was raised in the area and graduated from Angola High School.

While studying French and Business Administration at Hillsdale College, Jennifer found herself running a campus and community organization in her spare time. Through the encouragement of a mentor, she decided to pursue her passion for nonprofit work. Jennifer attended the Center on Philanthropy (now Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy) for her Master of Arts degree in Philanthropic Studies. During her time in Indianapolis, Jennifer earned her CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive), Nonprofit Management Certificate, and Certificate in Fundraising Management. After spending a few years at the Goodwill Industries Foundation, Jennifer transitioned to her role at SCCF when their family moved back to Angola.

When she began working at SCCF, Jennifer enjoyed the challenge of learning the technical side of the foundation, from funds statements to studying financial data. Today, Jennifer has found herself valuing the emotional connections with donors and community members more and more. One of her favorite parts about the job is that she can view it as a big puzzle with many pieces. Every piece is needed—the donors, community members, nonprofits, schools, businesses. Jennifer’s job is to connect the puzzle. The puzzle and its pieces are always evolving, and it’s an exciting challenge to find the right people and organizations in the community to get involved.

Every day is a little different at the foundation. Jennifer has been able to see the community through multiple lenses—first as a young professional, and now as a parent to elementary-aged children. She is excited about the future of SCCF and the opportunities available. Jennifer focuses her efforts on listening to the hopes and dreams of donors and passionate community members. She enjoys working with them to find innovative ways for SCCF to be a leader in the community. She hopes to see SCCF continue to evolve so that it stays relevant to the community while remaining approachable. As our structure changes and assets grow to create more impact, she wants to make sure the SCCF never feels out of reach.

In addition to raising two rambunctious little boys, Jennifer and her husband, Dave, enjoy spending time at a family cottage on a nearby lake.

Jennifer thinks that one of the best parts about Steuben County is its great potential for community growth. There are many opportunities available, many people who value SCCF’s role in creating that growth, and she is excited to see how this evolves in time.

To contact Jennifer you can give her a call at 260-665-6656, drop her an email at jdanic@steubenfoundation.org, or simply stop by the Steuben County Community Foundation. Visitors are always welcome!