Three community members have been selected to join the board of the Henry County Community Foundation in 2015. The Foundation is governed by 15 community members who serve three year terms of overseeing the operation and governing of the non-profit organization.

“Since 1985, our volunteer board members have been guiding the direction of the Henry County Community Foundation and through their leadership continue to set it on a course of success for this community,” said Beverly Matthews, President.

   Josh Estelle, owner of Pfenninger, Claxton & Estelle Insurance, brings a background of community service to the board, including the Henry County United Fund, New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation, Henry County Health Board, New Castle Board of Zoning, Rotary Club and serves on the Indiana Government Affairs Committee of Independent Insurance Agents.

“I have been on the development committee for several years and have witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact the Foundation has on our community, so I was honored when I was approached to serve on the board of directors.  The individuals involved in this organization are all leaders in our community, I’m excited to serve a larger role as a board member,” said Estelle. A New Castle native, Estelle is married to the former Jan Pfenninger and they have one daughter, Natalie.

Marsha Gratner, co-owner of Davis Gratner LLC and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), has served on the HCCF Grants committee for three years and understands the importance of the Foundation in the community.

“I’m very excited to be a part of this wonderful organization,” said Gratner.

She and her husband, David, former owners of the local Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, have also been active in their own philanthropy for several years and some of her favorites include painting faces at the local back to school festival and co-sponsoring Mayberry in the Midwest. She is also a member of the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) and Oriental Institute in Chicago.

“Gratner has been a long-time mentor to the young people who have worked at KFC and continues to stay connected to needs in our community,” stated Matthews.

Kevin Neal, agent with Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, was elected as a board member, filling the vacancy of Steve Cissna, who left the area for a career promotion. Neal, a Blue River Valley graduate, holds a BS degree from Ball State University in Elementary Education. Both he and his wife, the former Tiffany McCall, who is a psychologist with IU School of Medicine and Riley Hospital , have chosen to reside in their hometown community and raise their children, Konner and Kooper.

With a background as an elementary teacher and basketball coach prior to his current position as well as a member of the Blue River Optimist Club, Neal notes that “both he and his family enjoy living in Henry County and want to be involved and give back to their community.” Outside of these activities, Neal also enjoys being outdoors, attending sporting events and assisting with his children’s activities.

Other board members serving the Foundation in 2015 include, Dr. Richard Armstrong , Chairman; Duke Hamm, first Vice Chair; Soni Jones, second Vice Chair; Debi Ware, Treasurer; Mike Broyles, Jeff Galyen, Cathy Hamilton, Susan Falck-Neal, James Ray, Frank Schwegman, Jeff Smiley and Mark Taylor.  Emeritus Directors are Herb Bunch, Danny Danielson, Morris Edwards, Dick Myers and Rex Slick.

The Henry County Community Foundation is a grant-making public charity dedicated to improving the lives of people in Henry County. They bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support effective nonprofits and respond to our community’s changing needs. For more information about the Henry County Community Foundation, visit www.henrycountycf.org or call 765-529-2235.