Gary D. Cheesman
Occupation: Retired high school teacher and baseball coach. He is now running a small publishing business from home.
Has lived / worked in Blackford County since: 1973
Joined the Board of Directors in: 2007
Reason for Joining the Board:
“I joined because I had witnessed the growth of this funding organization and seen so many students benefit from its efforts.”
Comments:
“I am proud of my connection to the Foundation. And, I'm amazed at how many county citizens and county functions we have been able to fund and support. Our Foundation, if it continues to grow, will be the premier funding arm for citizens' and group causes in Blackford County. That's exciting!”
Jon Creek
Occupation: Farmer
Has lived / worked in Blackford County since: 1956
Joined the Board of Directors in: 2010
Reason for joining the Board of Directors:
“To contribute to the community”
Peggy Fisher
Occupation: Farms with her family in Blackford, Delaware & Jay Counties.
Has lived / worked in Blackford County since: 1981
Joined the Board of Directors in: 2009
Reason for joining the Board of Directors:
“I was asked to be a part of the foundation and was thrilled to do so. I wanted to learn more about what the Foundation does for the community. I knew about the scholarships for the High School students, which all three of our children had benefited from. The Foundation does so much more and it is fun being a part of something that gives so much back to the community.”
Julie A. Forcum
Occupation: Self-Employed Rental Manager, Community Volunteer & Church Lay Speaker
Have lived in Blackford County since: 2006
Joined the Board of Directors in: 2011
Reason for joining the Board of Directors:
“I developed a genuine passion for all the "good" that community foundations offer, during my ten-year term of service on The Portland Foundation, which concluded in December, 2010.
For this reason, I was so happy to have been given the opportunity to continue this service by being part of the Blackford County Community Foundation. I felt honored to have been invited to join the Board.”
Comments:
“Conscientious stewardship of the funds that donors entrust to our care and management is my top priority as a member of the Board of Directors.”
Diana Holsten
Occupation: Office Manager, St. John the Evangelist Church
Has lived / worked in Blackford County since: 1983
Joined the Board of Directors in: 2009
Reason for joining the Board of Directors:
“I joined the board on request to learn more about the foundation and to possibly help make a positive impact on the county, its residents and businesses.”
Comments:
“The BCCF is a wonderful group of people with many areas of expertise able to make a significant, positive difference in all avenues of Blackford County. I feel the future holds many unlimited possibilities.”
Daniel Maddox
Occupation: Town Financial Corporation, Sr. VP
Has lived in Hartford City since: 2007
Joined the Board of Directors in: 2010
Maxie Malott
Occupation: Retired from banking
Has lived / worked in Blackford County since: 1946
Joined the Board of Directors in: 2006
Reason for joining the Board of Directors:
“We are one of the most important assets in Blackford County.”
Comments:
“The Foundation is one of the best kept secrets in Blackford County. The plan is to bring the Foundation to every county residents understanding and attention. What we are doing is invaluable to the Blackford County community.”
David K. Neff
Occupation: Insurance Agent
Has lived / worked in Blackford County since: 1980
Joined the Board of Directors in: 2007
Reason for joining the Board of Directors:
“To stay current with what is happening in Blackford County and to assist in county projects.”
Comments:
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” -Winston Churchill
Kenneth E. Strickland
Occupation: Retired from 30 years of industrial management at Sheller Globe Corporation, then worked for 5 years at McCammon Trucking. After that I ran a business consulting company.
Has lived / worked in Blackford County since: 1962
Joined the BCCF Board of Directors in: 2003
Reason for joining the Board of Directors:
“I recognize the unique opportunity that the Foundation has for the betterment of the people in the Blackford County community.”
Lisa C. Weeks
Occupation: Retired – Worked for 30 years as the Chief Probation Officer for Blackford County
Has lived / worked in Blackford County: for over 30 years
Joined the BCCF Board of Directors in: 2010
Reason for joining the Board of Directors:
“I am greatly interested in what we do and I have a passion about the things that we are trying to promote and do.”
J. Nolan Willman
Occupation: Retired from 3M
Has lived / worked in Blackford County: “All my life”
Joined the BCCF Board of Directors in: 2006
Reason for joining the Board of Directors:
“I thought it was worthwhile to serve the community in this way.”