Patricia D. Poulson, Executive Director
Email: ppoulson@blackfordcounty.org
Patty Poulson is a native of Blackford County and a long-time teacher and administrator for Blackford County Schools. She first joined the Blackford County Community Foundation in 2006 as a member of the Board of Directors. In June 2009, she was appointed to the staff as the Associate Director and then in July 2011 as the Executive Director.
Comments:
“As a board member and past educator, I had grown to appreciate all that the Foundation does for Blackford County and thought it an honor to be part of such a stellar organization that gave so much in return to its community. I continue to learn about how the Foundation can be an instrument of charity and enlightenment for the county I love.”
Karen McTague, Director of Development
Email: kmctague@blackfordcounty.org
Karen (Gadbury) McTague was born and raised in Blackford County. Before coming to the Foundation in July 2011, Karen worked at Anderson University as a grants and research officer. She has additional experience in administering the annual fund appeals along with the student calling program for donations. For several years, Karen also taught a course in organizational leadership at the university. Karen is the Director of Development.
Reason for joining the Foundation:
“I have been involved in the area of fundraising and development for over 20 years, and I am now in a place where I feel it is time to use my talents and skills to give back to the Blackford County community.”
Dr. Linda K. Walker, Projects Coordinator
Email: lwalker@blackfordcounty.org
Linda Walker has lived in Blackford County for over thirty years. For most of those years, she was a teacher and district administrator for Blackford County Schools. In July 2010 she joined the Foundation as the Projects Coordinator.
Reason for joining the Foundation:
“I joined the Foundation because as a school administrator, I realized how dependent we all are on the generosity of Blackford County residents as they contribute to the quality of life in the community. I wanted to join that effort.”
Shirley K. Miller, Manager
Email: smiller@blackfordcounty.org
Shirley Miller moved to Blackford County in 1970 and worked for many years as a bank employee in Hartford City. After her retirement in January 2006 as Vice President/Trust Officer at First Financial Bank, she came to the Foundation.
Reason for joining the Foundation:
“I originally became involved with the Foundation when the Trust Department transferred several accounts to the Foundation. Later, Ben Oswalt, former Executive Director of the Foundation, invited me to join the staff.”
Peggy L. Hanley, Office Manager
Email: phanley@blackfordcounty.org
Peggy Hanley has been working in Blackford County since 1969. She joined the staff at the Foundation in March 2010 after retiring from First Financial Bank as Deposit Officer. Peggy spent many of her years at the bank assisting customers with their financial planning.
Reason for joining the Foundation:
“After retiring from the bank after 37 years, my friendship with Ben Oswalt, former Executive Director of the Foundation, and with Shirley Miller, the current Accounts Manager, introduced me to the world of community foundations. Being able to see the generosity of this community and the effects of that bigheartedness has been most rewarding.”