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.

What is one of your favorite things to do in Greater Des Moines?

I LOVE to have a nice dinner downtown and then roam the streets exploring ALL of the wonderful things happening in DSM. I can't possibly pick one! Des Moines: the S's are silent, our city is booming!

Affiliate Relations

Brandon Mumm

Senior Director of Affiliate Relations

Brandon leads the Community Foundation’s partnership with the statewide network of affiliate community foundations. He works to create and implement strategies that ensure philanthropic objectives of donors within the affiliate network are met, their knowledge of their community is broadened and their relationship with their community foundation affiliate is strong. He provides proactive coaching, training and responsive service to best meet the affiliates’ individualized needs.

What is one of your favorite things about Greater Des Moines?

One of my favorite things about the community is all the different activities that the area has to offer.

Jacey Roy

Affiliate Relations Associate

Jacey works to promote charitable giving throughout the Community Foundation’s Affiliate program. She ensures Affiliates are well-positioned to reach their community and county-wide goals by providing proactive coaching, training and responsive service to best meet their individualized needs.

What is one of your favorite things about Greater Des Moines?

I love the variety of activities, restaurants, shops, and people this community has to offer. It easily became home, and I look forward to continuing to try new things and meet new people within our community!

Affiliate County Staff

Visit the Affiliate County Staff page to contact your local community foundation staff member.

Charitable Giving

Lynne Yontz, CAP®, FCEP

Chief Charitable Giving Officer

Lynne leads the Charitable Giving team to accomplish the strategic goals of the Community Foundation. She facilitates legacy and complex charitable gifts, establishes new charitable funds and works closely with professional advisors. She is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®), a designation which provides expertise to guide charitable individuals and organizations in strategic philanthropic planning, and a Fellow in Charitable Estate Planning. Lynne is also a 21/64 certified advisor, specializing in facilitating conversations with individuals and multigenerational families, so donors can give and connect more effectively in their charitable giving. Lynne helps donors access Endow Iowa Tax Credits and leads the Keep Iowa Growing program.

What is one of your favorite things about Greater Des Moines?

One of my favorite things about Greater Des Moines is the accessibility to so many high-quality, live music opportunities.

Jordan Richardson, AIF, CAP®

Senior Charitable Giving Advisor

Jordan leads the Charitable Investment Partner program by collaborating with professional advisors and their clients as they develop and implement charitable giving goals. He facilitates charitable giving programs for local businesses. Nonprofit organizations also rely on Jordan to support their endowments. Jordan is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®), a designation which provides expertise to guide charitable individuals and organizations in strategic philanthropic planning. Jordan is also a 21/64 certified advisor, specializing in facilitating conversations with individuals and multigenerational families, so donors can give and connect more effectively in their charitable giving.

What is one of your favorite things to do in Greater Des Moines?

I enjoy running and biking on the many trails that connect Greater Des Moines and experiencing the neighborhoods, parks and restaurants I encounter along the way.

Peyton Haas

Charitable Giving Coordinator

Peyton is responsible for providing support to prospective donors and current fund holders related to their charitable giving. She is an integral part of the Charitable Giving Team's customer service and overall experience, including coordination and support of donor events and communications.

What is one of your favorite things about Greater Des Moines?

My favorite part of Des Moines is that there’s always something new to do. I can always find new events in the area and love finding new restaurants to try.

Haley Sloss

Charitable Giving Coordinator

Haley provides support to enhance the function and success of the Charitable Giving and Affiliate Teams. She ensures donors receive a personal approach to philanthropy through outstanding customer service by supporting charitable giving for donors and fund holders across the state.

What is one of your favorite things about Greater Des Moines?

I feel that the area is continually improving with more events, activities to join, restaurants and shops.

Community Impact

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.

What is one of your favorite things to do in Greater Des Moines?

I like to hit the bike trail and head over to Water Works Park to see an outdoor concert or show! Being able to connect to the loop around Gray's Lake (and a stop for a quick beverage) makes for a GREAT afternoon in Greater Des Moines.

Ellie Burns, EdD

Director of Nonprofit Relations

Ellie serves as the key staff member to connect nonprofits to valuable resources within the Community Foundation as well as other community resources.  She creates opportunities for connection and learning among nonprofit leaders through training programs and works closely with nonprofit board and staff members, grantmaker colleagues and community partners to support the overall health and wellbeing of the nonprofit sector in Greater Des Moines.

What is one of your favorite things to do in Greater Des Moines?

I love to go for runs or walks around Gray's Lake in the morning and then grab a coffee and treat from one of my favorite coffee shops!

Sarah Cahill, MA

Community Impact Coordinator

Sarah serves as the lead staff member in executing logistics of the grantmaking programs including nonprofit applicant support and internal procedures. She also provides project management for all nonprofit capacity building initiatives as well as the Community Foundation’s leadership engagement throughout Greater Des Moines.

What is one of your favorite things about Greater Des Moines?

I love the friendliness and genuineness of the people in Des Moines and that there are so many activities and events that are easily accessible.

Finance and Administration

Karla Jones, CPA, CGMA

Chief Financial & Administrative Officer

Karla is responsible for the planning, implementation, direction and oversight of the Community Foundation's financial and administrative functions and systems. She provides organizational leadership through setting strategy, preparing financial analysis, budgets and projections, advising on long-term business and financial planning, providing oversight of fund administration and fostering relationships with external partners.  Karla is responsible for risk management for the organization in addition to human resources, information technology and facility management. 

What is one of your favorite things about Greater Des Moines?

I love the size of greater Des Moines and that we have so many great attractions, organizations, and amenities that are all within a short drive from anywhere around the city. I enjoy walking around downtown, trying new restaurants and taking pictures with all the different murals.

Kris Pete-Swanson

Senior Vice President of Finance

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 strategic 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.

What is one of your favorite things to do in Greater Des Moines?

I love hitting one of the many bike paths and finishing up the ride with a visit to a local brewery.

Mark Benson

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.

What is one of your favorite things about Greater Des Moines?

I love all of the music venues, trails, restaurants and breweries. My favorite thing about Des Moines is the vibrant downtown with all of the great things to do and see.

Shanna Bears, CNAP, MSA, BBA

Senior Accountant

Shanna provides professional, senior-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.

What is one of your favorite things about Greater Des Moines?

One of my favorite things about Greater Des Moines is the variety of restaurants and shops in the area. I love supporting local businesses and there is such a variety of locally owned restaurants and shops in the downtown area that I could never get bored!

Sally Boeckholt, CNAP

Senior Accountant

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

What is one of your favorite things to do in Greater Des Moines?

I love to drive around Des Moines, exploring areas I don't know as well and experiencing local restaurants and shops.

Elizabeth Corbett

Senior Accountant

Elizabeth provides professional-level support to Community Foundation donors, fund holders, staff and the Nonprofit Accounting Services (NAS) program and clients. She assists with financial and accounting operations for the Community Foundation and is responsible for maintaining, monitoring and reporting financial and accounting information for NAS clients to meet their professional accounting needs.

What is one of your favorite things to do in Greater Des Moines?

One of my favorite things to do in Des Moines is spend the day biking with family and friends. There are so many great trails with fun restaurants and breweries popping up alongside them. It makes for the perfect summer/fall day!

Kathy Khattiya

Accountant

Kathy provides professional-level support to the Nonprofit Accounting Service (NAS) program and clients. She is responsible for maintaining, monitoring and reporting financial and accounting information in adherence to Community Foundation and NAS client policies and procedures.

What is one of your favorite things about Greater Des Moines?

My favorite part of this community is seeing how fast it is growing and exploring new things as they come!

Kevin Abler

Senior Accounting Associate

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

What is one of your favorite things about Greater Des Moines?

There are so many things I love about Greater Des Moines. Whether it is the outdoor music festivals, variety of restaurants and bars or the bike trails there is so much to do. But, most importantly, I love that my close family and friends are nearby. It's an amazing place to raise a family.

Meagan Denham

Accounting Associate

Meagan supports the Nonprofit Accounting Service program and clients. She assists with the day-to-day financial and accounting operations of our nonprofit clients including accounts/grants payable, contributions, payroll and reporting. 

What is one of your favorite things about Greater Des Moines?

I would say that one of my most favorite things about our community is seeing how much we’ve grown and flourished over the years. Especially the culture, our culture is nothing less than amazing.

Tammy Crotts

Finance Associate

Tammy provides administrative support to the Community Foundation Finance Department. She supports the finance and fund administration responsibilities while providing outstanding customer service to internal team members, donors, fund holders, and the Nonprofit Accounting Service clients and donors.

What is one of your favorite things to do in Greater Des Moines?

I'm new to Des Moines so I haven’t yet been out and about much yet, but I am looking forward to the many activities the community has to offer.

Chelsy Foy

Finance Associate

Chelsy provides administrative support to the Community Foundation Finance Department. She supports the finance and fund administration responsibilities while providing outstanding customer service to internal team members, donors, fund holders, and the Nonprofit Accounting Service clients and donors.

What is one of your favorite things about Greater Des Moines?

I love the big, yet small town feel of the community and how incredibly diverse we are!

Kate McClaskey

Administrative Assistant

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

What is one of your favorite things about Greater Des Moines?

One of my favorite things about Des Moines are the parks. They are beautiful in any season and the trails are great for walking and taking time to think and enjoy the scenery.

Marketing

Addie Olson

Vice President of Marketing & Communications

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. 

What is one of your favorite things to do in Greater Des Moines?

Des Moines is full of hidden gems! I love exploring our parks, waterways and the many miles of scenic bike trails in Central Iowa.

Betsy De Glopper

Director of Marketing

Betsy amplifies the work and impact of the Community Foundation through varied marketing mediums. In addition to telling the stories of the Community Foundation, Betsy manages digital properties and social profiles to maximize effectiveness and build organizational awareness.

What is one of your favorite things about Greater Des Moines?

I love the variety of events and activities in Greater Des Moines. On any given day you can experience a festival, take in a baseball game, explore a park, watch the latest Broadway hit, and more. There's something for everyone!

Barb Hobson

Executive Assistant & Events Coordinator

Barb provides administrative support to the Community Foundation president, board committees and Community Foundation partners. She coordinates Community Foundation events and supports the administrative activities of the Community Foundation.

What is one of your favorite things to do in Greater Des Moines?

I love riding my bike around Easter Lake and renting a paddleboard on a warm Sunday afternoon. 

Gift Planning Counsel

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.