Foellinger Foundation is excited to share that 46 nonprofit leaders have been nominated for the Nonprofit Leadership Awards. The awards celebrate nonprofit board, executive, and staff members who champion opportunity for Allen County residents.
The recipients of the Nonprofit Board Member Leadership Award, Nonprofit Executive Leadership Award, and Nonprofit Staff Leadership Award will be announced at our Annual Meeting on January 28, 2027. This signature gathering—celebrating our One Shared Purpose—brings together grantees, community partners, and local leaders to reflect on the Foundation’s work, share accomplishments, and honor individuals whose leadership strengthens Allen County.
“Every day, nonprofit leaders across Allen County show up with vision, compassion, and a deep commitment to the people and communities they serve,” said Sarah Strimmenos, President and CEO. “These awards give us an opportunity to celebrate the people behind that work and recognize the difference their leadership makes—within their organizations and across our community.”
Nonprofit Board Member Leadership Award Nominees
Eighteen individuals have been nominated for this award, which recognizes board members who demonstrate a measurable impact in at least three of four key areas: governance, leadership, financial sustainability, and program impact. The recipient’s nominating organization will receive a $30,000 unrestricted operating grant.
Tom Ackmann
SYM Financial
Board Member,
Fort Wayne Zoo
Chris Bauer
Performance Services, Inc.
Former Board Chair,
Crossroad Child & Family Services
Karen Berggoetz
Yummy Design
Board Vice President,
Community Transportation Network
Katie Bergman, Ph.D.
University of Notre Dame
Board President,
Iris Family Support Center
Michael Bynum
Northeast Indiana Construction Alliance
Former Board Member,
Embassy Theatre
Dustin Crider
Steel Dynamics
Board Treasurer,
Stillwater Hospice
Ronald Duchovic, Ph.D.
Community Volunteer
Board Member,
The League
David Dyer
Tonn and Blank Construction
Board Member,
Fort Wayne Civic Theatre
Heidi Fowler, J.D.
Ivy Tech
Board Chair,
Neighborhood Health Clinics
Chris Gomez
Community Volunteer
Board Member,
Erin’s House
Dave Haist
Community Volunteer
Board Chair,
Questa Education
Rick James
Metal Technologies, Inc.
Former Board Member,
Fort Wayne Philharmonic
Mike Kelly
Calienté
Board Member,
Fort Wayne Trails
Carla MacDonald, Ed.D.
Community Volunteer,
Board Chair,
Cancer Services
Andrea Robinson, Ph.D.
City of Fort Wayne,
Board Vice Chair,
Northeast Indiana Innovation Community
Monica Senk
Kelley Automotive
Board Member,
Boundless Bags
Wil Smith
Smith and Associates Consulting, Inc.
Board Chair,
Matthew 25
Mitzi Thomas
Telos Coaching
Former Board Vice Chair,
Youth for Christ
Nonprofit Executive Leadership Award
Eleven individuals have been nominated for this award, which recognizes executives who exemplify adaptive and sustainable leadership. The recipient’s nominating organization will receive a $10,000 professional development grant for the recipient’s professional development.
Aisha R. Arrington
Fort Wayne Urban League
Liz Bushnell, Ph.D.
Questa Education
Tomi Cardin
Redemption House
Justin Clupper
Community Transportation Network
Andrew Gritzmaker
YMCA
Caleb Kimmel
World Baseball Academy
Ermina Mustedanagic
Wellspring Interfaith Social Services
Lara Schreck
St. Vincent de Paul Society of Fort Wayne
Jim Sparrow
Fort Wayne Ballet
Khun Tyke
Myanmar Youth Association
Kelly Updike
Embassy Theatre
Nonprofit Staff Leadership Award
Seventeen individuals have been nominated for this award, which recognizes staff members who exemplify adaptive and sustainable leadership. The recipient’s nominating organization will receive a $10,000 professional development grant for the recipient’s professional development.
Kami Alvarado, DVM
Director of Animal Health and Conservation,
Fort Wayne Zoo
Hailie Boes
Director of Development,
Habitat for Humanity
Larisa Burnett
Director of Vincent House,
Vincent Village
Cheryl Dafforn
Senior Director of Administration and Services, Cancer Services
Sierra Du Bose
Director of Education and Community Impact,
Bridge of Grace
Laura Guerrero
Bereavement Coordinator,
Stillwater Hospice
Jessica Hicks
VP of Community Services,
Iris Family Support Center
James Holm
Director of Community Engagement,
Fort Wayne Trails
Mandie Kolkman
Artistic Director,
Fort Wayne Dance Collective
Cindy Maldonado-Schaefer
Director of Operations,
Erin’s House
Jessica Martin
Director of Operations,
Community Transportation Network
Sarah Neace
Senior Director of Mission Advancement,
Neighborhood Health Clinics
Luz Ostrognai
Immigration Director,
Catholic Charities
Lindsay Platt
Director of Development & Operations,
Fort Wayne Children’s Choir
Lauren Tosland
Director of Marketing and Communications,
Matthew 25
Emily White
Director of Therapy,
Turnstone
Betsy Yankowiak
Director of Camping, Properties, and Restoration,
Anthony Wayne Area Council, Scouting America
Leadership Awards History
Foellinger Foundation has acknowledged the importance of nonprofit leaders through awards since 2006. Known previously as the David A. Bobilya Award from 2019 to 2024 and the Carl D. Rolfsen Stewardship Award from 2006 to 2016, this award has historically recognized the significance of individual board members within nonprofit organizations. In 2025, Foellinger Foundation expanded the award to celebrate not only board members but also executives and staff members, with supporting professional development grants added in direct response to feedback from grantees and partners.
Congratulations to all the nominees! Your commitment and leadership are making a lasting difference in Allen County.
To learn more about the Leadership Awards, click here.