Staff and Board

Eileen Connolly-Keesler

Eileen oversees the Foundation’s mission and addresses community needs by providing leadership and coordination through grantmaking and fund development.

Laura Bidireanu

Laura oversees Foundation scholarship funds and works with donors, families, students, committees, and community partners on scholarship program efforts.

Dawn Grundeman

Dawn provides the grants team with program and donor advised grants support and coordinates Board of Trustees communications.

Eric Kingsley

Eric oversees the accounting functions, including financial statement preparation and investment pool management.

Chelsea Klotz

Chelsea supports the goals and strategies of our development and philanthropic services teams. She connects with donors and assists in establishing & maintaining their funds.

Marsha Lewis

Marsha maintains the Foundation’s information system and ensures the accuracy of grants disbursements and the contributions received.

Stephanie Martin

Stephanie provides support for the operation and administration of the Foundation’s employee assistance programs.

Meredith Nassif

Meredith works with fundholders, enthusiastically supporting them in achieving their philanthropic goals.

Flo Noel

Flo is responsible for the overall management of the Foundation office and administrative needs and supports the CEO and staff.

Deborah Olson

Deb provides the scholarship department with administrative support for Foundation scholarship funds and assists students and parents with the application process.

Wendy Ponting

Wendy provides executive leadership, vision, and strategic oversight for the Foundation’s overall operating, financial, and administrative activities.

Fran Reiss

Fran supports the donor services, accounting, and marketing Foundation staff, coordinates CCF and WFCC events, and supports the Women’s Foundation.

Laura Simmelink

Laura leads community grantmaking initiatives, ensuring the Foundation’s funding aligns with strategic focus areas and mission.

Lindsey Touchette

Lindsey provides strategic direction for community engagement by working with community stakeholders to identify opportunities for positive change in Collier County.

Julie Van Tongeren

Julie leads initiatives related to fund development, professional advisors, community philanthropic partnerships, constituent relations, estate planning, and stewardship.

Cindi Withorn

Cindi oversees the marketing, communications, and public relations efforts and strategies of the Foundation.