About
Brighter Opportunities
Community foundations are public, nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of the people who live in their area. These foundations evolve over time, because what a community needs today may differ from what it will need in 30 years. They exist to listen to and meet their local needs, creating long-term impact, so their communities are the best they can be, for every tomorrow to come. Steuben County Community Foundation, our county’s only community foundation, has proudly served the area since 1991.
Our Mission
Connecting people who care with needs that matter in our community.
Our Vision
Serving as a community leader and improving the quality of life by assessing, supporting, and coordinating philanthropic giving and endowment building.
What We Do
We Hold Funds
We provide opportunities for donors to connect to causes they care about.
We Make Grants
We give grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships to students.
We Connect Community
We facilitate community-wide conversations and initiatives.
Board of Directors
Staff
Jennifer Danic
President & CEO
jdanic@steubenfoundation.org
Jennifer has led the Steuben County Community Foundation since 2011. She values her emotional connections with donors, community members, and more. She obtained her Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University and her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) Certification, Nonprofit Management Certification, and Certificate in Fundraising Management. In addition to raising two rambunctious little boys, Jennifer and her husband, Dave, enjoy spending time at a family cottage on a nearby lake.
Sandy Ferrell
Office Manager
sferrell@steubenfoundation.org
Sandy wears many hats at the Foundation—from financial assistance to processing accounts payables and grants, answering phones and greeting visitors, taking meeting minutes, and beyond. In her free time, Sandy enjoys biking, hiking, and spending time with her four children, 16 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She has her Master Gardener’s certification and works part-time at the Angola City Police Dispatch.
Lisa Biers
Vice President of Programs
lbiers@steubenfoundation.org
Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s in business administration from Indiana Institute of Technology. Additionally, she possesses an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Fund Development from the University of Notre Dame and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). Outside of her professional pursuits, Lisa finds comfort at her home on Hamilton Lake in Hamilton, Indiana, where she and her husband, Michael, cherish special moments with their three grown children.
Carmyn Hottell
Director of Community Engagement & Leadership
chottell@steubenfoundation.org
Formerly an Indiana State Trooper, Carmyn’s career change was prompted by a desire to connect with the community in a different capacity. She had seen firsthand the needs here and wanted to find a new way to be actively involved in providing resources. She is excited to build and foster relationships with community members, nonprofits, schools, businesses, and more. In her personal time, she enjoys training at Cross Fit Angola and hiking, hunting, and traveling with her husband, Mason, and their four dogs.
Silby Kays
Grants & Scholarship Manager
skays@steubenfoundation.org
A significant portion of Silby’s childhood revolved around volunteering alongside her parents, grandparents, and church. Through her job, she combines her project management skills with her love for people and passion for her community. Silby enjoys spending time with her family and friends outside of work, hiking on local trails, playing board games, and traveling.
Sara Williams
Stewardship Manager
swilliams@steubenfoundation.org
Sara supports the Steuben County Community Foundation’s annual philanthropic revenue development goals and strategic marketing plan. Sara is responsible for providing donor relations and stewardship support, managing the donor/client relationship management portion of the database, and creating content for marketing materials, presentations, and social media. She obtained her Master of Business Administration from Trine University. Outside of work, she enjoys working out, cooking healthy meals, and being outdoors.
Randy Tilbury
Accountant
rtilbury@steubenfoundation.org
He reviews financials and advises the board and staff on their meaning. He enjoys this work because it enables him to better see the good that nonprofit organizations can do for the community he loves. Randy likes to be involved in the community when he is not hard at work. He also enjoys playing golf and traveling to state and national parks.
Finances and Impact
We’re a small but mighty team that leverages its unique experiences, skills, and relationships to create a tremendous impact in our community.