Executive

Kristi Knous, MPA, CAP®, FCEP

President

Kristi provides the vision and leadership for shaping the Community Foundation's role as a civic leader, grantmaker, philanthropic partner and charitable giving vehicle. She identifies and addresses issues key to the quality of life in the community and oversees the Community Foundation's daily operations. Kristi is an Iowa native and graduate of Iowa State University. She received her Masters of Public Administration and Certificate of Business Management from Drake University. Kristi is also a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy and a Fellow in Charitable Estate Planning.

Charitable Giving

Lynne Yontz, CAP®, FCEP

Chief Charitable Giving Officer

Lynne leads the creation and implementation of a comprehensive development plan to accomplish the strategic goals of the Community Foundation. She is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy and Fellow in Charitable Estate Planning. Lynne helps donors, nonprofits and corporations establish charitable giving funds and access Endow Iowa Tax Credits. She also facilitates non-cash gifts and the Keep Iowa Growing program.

Sarah Reichardt, MA, CAP®

Director of Donor Relations

Sarah manages the Community Foundation's donor relations program, working to meet the charitable needs of donors. She increases donor awareness of important and emerging needs, identifies donors' philanthropic goals and develops services for donors and their families. Sarah is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®), a designation which provides expertise to guide charitable individuals and organizations in strategic philanthropic planning. 

Ryan Crane, MA, CAP®

Director of Charitable Giving

Ryan assists donors in establishing funds to achieve their charitable goals, while taking advantage of tax-wise giving opportunities like the Endow Iowa Tax Credit program. Ryan also works with nonprofit organizations to build sustainable support for their missions through endowment building. Ryan is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®), a designation which provides expertise to guide charitable individuals and organizations in strategic philanthropic planning. 

Jordan Richardson, CAP®

Director of Charitable Giving

Jordan leads the Charitable Investment Partner program and works with professional advisors and their clients to serve as a resource as they develop and implement charitable giving goals. He also works with corporate donors to manage charitable giving while engaging their employees. Jordan is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®), a designation which provides expertise to guide charitable individuals and organizations in strategic philanthropic planning. 

Thomas Biedenfeld

Donor Services Coordinator

Thomas ensures donors receive a personal approach to philanthropy through the Community Foundation. He works with fund advisors to ensure their giving goals are being met and their relationship with the Community Foundation is meaningful. Thomas also provides support to donors, fund advisors and the Community Foundation staff related to the organization's data management system.

Joe Sorenson, CAP®

Vice President of Affiliate Relations

Joe leads the Community Foundation’s statewide philanthropy through the establishment and growth of charitable funds throughout Iowa. He maintains and provides service and support to county and community affiliates and their family of funds. Joe is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®), a designation which provides expertise to guide charitable individuals and organizations in strategic philanthropic planning. 

Rebecca Murphy, MA

Affiliate Relations Coordinator

Rebecca supports the growth of statewide philanthropy through our community and county affiliates. She provides service and support to help them grow charitable giving in their communities.

Community Investment

Angela Dethlefs-Trettin, MA

Chief Community Impact Officer

Angie leads, manages and evaluates the Community Foundation's grantmaking initiatives and nonprofit capacity building program. She also works on community leadership and social capital building initiatives of the Community Foundation. To enhance her work in the nonprofit sector, Angie obtained a Certificate of Nonprofit Board Education from BoardSource.  Angie received her MA in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development at the University of Northern Iowa.

Brianne Sanchez, MPA

Director of Nonprofit Relations

Brianne serves as the entry point for nonprofit engagement with the Community Foundation. She connects organizations with services within the Community Foundation as well as other community resources. Brianne oversees the Community Foundation’s trainings and capacity building grant program. Brianne received her Masters of Public Administration from Drake University.

Finance

Karla Jones-Weber, CPA, CGMA

Chief Financial & Administrative Officer

Karla is responsible for the management and oversight of the Community Foundation's financial and administrative functions and systems. She provides organizational leadership through setting strategy, financial analysis and oversight, oversight of fund administration and fostering relationships with Nonprofit Accounting Services clients.

Kris Pete-Swanson

Vice President of Finance, Controller

Kris manages the financial operations and fund administration of the Community Foundation and is responsible for maintaining, monitoring and reporting financial, accounting and investment information. Kris provides supervision to the Nonprofit Accounting Service program and finance department staff to achieve the goals of the Community Foundation. To enhance her work in the nonprofit sector, Kris obtained a Certificate of Nonprofit Accounting through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Mark Benson

Financial & Systems Analyst

Mark provides high level, professional support to Community Foundation donors, fund holders and staff. He is responsible for the ongoing integrity, consistency and coordination of data, financial information and technology systems.

Elizabeth Benson

Accountant

Elizabeth provides professional-level support to the Nonprofit Accounting Services (NAS) program and clients. She is responsible for maintaining, monitoring and reporting financial and accounting information for NAS clients to meet their professional accounting needs.

Sally Boeckholt, CNAP

Accountant

Sally provides professional-level support to the Nonprofit Accounting Services (NAS) program and clients. She is responsible for maintaining, monitoring and reporting financial and accounting information for NAS clients to meet their professional accounting needs. 

Tiffany Wheeldon, CNAP

Accountant

Tiffany provides professional-level support to the Nonprofit Accounting Services (NAS) program and clients. She is responsible for maintaining, monitoring and reporting financial and accounting information for NAS clients to meet their professional accounting needs.

Kevin Abler

Accounting Associate

Kevin supports the accounting and financial operations of the Community Foundation. He also assists with the day-to-day fiscal and accounting operations of the Community Foundation including accounts/grants payable, contributions and reporting.

Tim Schreck

Accounting Associate

Tim provides support to the Nonprofit Accounting Service program and clients. He maintains, monitors and reports financial and accounting information to serve our nonprofit clients. 

Marketing

Sara Bonney, MPA

Chief Marketing Officer

Sara drives the Community Foundation's comprehensive strategic marketing plan through all forms of marketing, advertising and public relations initiatives. She communicates the Community Foundation's message and mission to further establish the Community Foundation as a leader in philanthropy.

Addie Olson

Director of Marketing & Public Relations

Addie is responsible for communicating the story and mission of the Community Foundation across channels and audiences. In addition to coordinating outreach and communications for a variety of Community Foundation events and initiatives, Addie manages external relationships with media and community partners. 

Administration

Barb Hobson

Executive Assistant & Events Coordinator

Barb provides administrative support to designated Community Foundation staff, board committees and Community Foundation partners. She assists in implementing the advancement programs and administrative activities of the Community Foundation.

Kate McClaskey

Administrative Assistant

Kate welcomes guests to the Finkbine Mansion and provides administrative support for Community Foundation staff and board committees. She also assists with special events and projects.

Bridgett Robinson

Administrative Assistant

Bridgett welcomes guests to the Finkbine Mansion and provides administrative support for Community Foundation staff and board committees. She also assists with special events and projects.

Gift Planning Council

Johni Hays

Gift Planning Consultant with Thompson Associates

Johni specializes in charitable estate planning, bequests, charitable gift annuities and nonprofit law at Thompson & Associates.

Legal Counsel

Wayne Reames

Attorney with Belin McCormick, P.C.

Wayne is a shareholder at Belin McCormick, P.C. and his practice emphasizes taxation, tax controversy, trusts and estates, nonprofit organizations and charitable giving and corporate law.