Staff

Donna is a Nebraska native who grew up in Monroe, a rural town with only 350 people. She's proud of the values of humility, hard work, and gratitude that her small-town roots instilled in her. She loves working for the Foundation because of Omaha's generous and engaged philanthropic community — and it thrills her to be a part of creating positive community impact here. One of Donna's favorite local spots is Lake Zorinsky where she can easily be spotted on her runs; just look for her two (large four-legged) running partners, Macy and Stella.

Donna has been with the Foundation since 2020

Omaha has always felt like a big, small town to Melisa; she loves that there is always something to do on the weekends and all the local restaurants there are to choose from. A true Midwesterner, Melisa can drive a tractor and is a super-fan of her alma mater's football team; she has only missed six Iowa State games since 2000.

Melisa has been with the Foundation since 2007

Vanessa oversees the work with our private and family foundations, corporate partners, fundholders and Southwest Iowa affiliates. Her team can help set giving priorities, plan meetings, provide nonprofit knowledge, and more.

Vanessa has been with the Foundation since 2020

Katie Vogel is an attorney with extensive expertise in estate and gift planning and trust administration. She is also experienced in advising business clients on the division of business assets upon the dissolution of a business or relationship. Since joining OCF, she has managed our complex asset donation process and the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® program, along with donor and advisor relationships.

Katie has been with the Foundation since 2024

If you're considering establishing a scholarship fund, Wynter is who you'll want to reach out to. She knows the best practices for scholarship funds from setting criteria to connecting donors to high schools, universities, and school districts. Additionally, she co-leads Omaha Venture Group, our giving circle, and the Impact Investing program, which makes impact investments structured as affordable loans to local nonprofits, focused on assisting small, local business owners in underserved communities.

Wynter has been with the Foundation since 2021

As a Process & Database Administrator, Eyerusalem analyzes and proposes ways to enhance our organization’s structure and efficiency, particularly concerning the care and cultivation of our fundholder relationships. She also plays a significant role in the creation and support of growing initiatives like Omaha Venture Group, family foundations, Impact Investing, and community grants.

Eyerusalem has been with the Foundation since 2021

As a Donor Services Advisor, Nathan works with individual donors as well as nonprofit organizations that are interested in opening an agency-endowed fund. He brings over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit world to OCF. With his extensive nonprofit background, Nathan helps donors understand the impact of their philanthropy.

Nathan has been with the Foundation since 2021

Tessa provides customized services to private and family foundations that let them focus on what’s important: achieving their charitable giving goals. The Philanthropic Services team partners with individuals, families, and foundations to offer administrative support, strategic grantmaking services, and philanthropic consulting.

Tessa has been with the Foundation since 2022

Sunni has been instrumental in leading the Southwest Iowa Foundations' grantmaking and fundraising efforts, as well as the State of Iowa County Endowment Fund Program for nine counties. Her dedication and passion for serving the people of Iowa have been evident throughout her career. With previous experience leading the Story County Community Foundation in Ames, Iowa, she uses her expertise to build relationships and help others make an impact in the communities they call home.

Sunni has been with the Foundation since 2021

As the Southwest Iowa Foundations Advisor, Sarah Beth leads the grantmaking programs and provides philanthropic tools and services to fundholders, nonprofits, family foundations, and professional advisors in nine counties.

Sarah Beth has been with the Foundation since 2024

Anne was drawn to OCF because of its vision for impacting the community in a different way—it was about harnessing the exceptional generosity of so many in our community to provide opportunity for all. The endless supply of frozen York's Peppermint Patties that are available in the staff break room may have drawn her here, too.

Anne has been with the Foundation since 2015

As a Program Manager, Laura oversees the grant processes for the Fund for Omaha, Field of Interest Funds, and the Building Healthy Futures Fund. She's also played a key role in special projects like the City of Omaha ARPA Community Grant Program.

Laura has been with the Foundation since 2021

As a Senior Program Manager, Dasia oversees the grant processes for our five Community Interest Funds — the African American Unity Fund, Futuro Latino Fund, LGBTQIA2S+ Equality Fund, Refugee Community Grant Fund, and Omaha Neighborhood Grants. She also manages our Nonprofit Capacity Building Program, which supports nonprofit leaders of color in our community.

Dasia has been with the Foundation since 2023

Megan is passionate about sharing compelling stories—having worked across newspapers and government communications. Though much of her free time is claimed by her children’s activities—she’s a Scout leader, band parent, and volleyball cheering section—whenever possible, you’ll find her outside exploring nature or taking a long evening walk. She also loves a good book, a good meal, and a very large cup of coffee.

Megan has been with the Foundation since 2022

As a Content Manager, Ally leads efforts to elevate and maintain brand standards through print and digital content creation, ensuring a consistent and engaging experience for donors, nonprofits, advisors, and community partners. As a former journalist, she is a multimedia storyteller, passionate about creating written and visual content to build community, deepen understanding, and share what matters most.

Ally has been with the Foundation since 2020

Beckie loves that Omaha-Council Bluffs is working to improve in all aspects of community life. It isn’t easy, but watching the effort being made is worth it. Personally, she's committed to supporting children, animal rights, and the theater. Her daughter introduced her to the theatre years ago, and now she’s hooked on attending as many shows as possible. She particularly loves the many small community theaters throughout Omaha.

Beckie has been with the Foundation since 2006

Diane’s philanthropic interests are mostly directed towards those who cannot help themselves, especially animals. She loves the feeling of helping others through her work—and that there is something to smile about every day at OCF. Omaha-Council Bluffs has always felt like home to her; she can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Diane has been with the Foundation since 2001

Yvette loves to support nonprofits that lean toward children, animals, and cancer organizations. Yvette appreciates that our community is quieter and less hectic than a typical big city. She and her family enjoy going for bike rides on the Wabash Trace Nature Trail in Council Bluffs.

Yvette has been with the Foundation since 2013

Kristin brings a wealth of accounting knowledge to OCF with experience in the public sector, nonprofits, and small businesses. In looking for a new accounting role, it was important she found a place where her talents were helping make her community better. Omaha has always been home and Kristin loves walking just about anywhere in town and maybe stopping at a new coffee shop along the way.

Kristin has been with the Foundation since 2021

Jody has always worked in accounting, most recently at a tractor dealership in Ocala, Florida. Yes, she's a lifelong Floridian now living in Nebraska. She loves to read when has a moment to herself. Most of her time is spent with her family, and they enjoy watching movies and going to concerts. They’re also foodies and looking forward to exploring Omaha’s restaurant scene.

Jody has been with the Foundation since 2022

Michelle has loved accounting since high school and followed her passion. She sees her fascination with numbers as a constant challenge in an ever-growing field. This comes through in her hobbies, too. Michelle is a quilter, which requires measurements and math. Getting together with friends to laugh and sew is an added bonus.

Michelle has been with the Foundation since 2022