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Staff

Our dedicated professionals are friends, neighbors, and leaders

More than specialists in their fields, the people who work at the Omaha Community Foundation are active participants in our community—as parents, volunteers, neighbors, and enthusiasts of all sorts. As philanthropic professionals, they are devoted to learning more about our neighborhoods, activities, needs, and organizations so they can better serve the donors and nonprofits who rely on us.

Executive Team

Donna Kush

President & CEO
402-342-3458
donna@omahafoundation.org

More about Donna

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

Melisa Sunde

Chief Financial Officer
402-933-4130
melisa@omahafoundation.org

More about Melisa

As the Chief Financial Officer, Melisa implements the Omaha Community Foundation's long-range fiscal plans while also overseeing all accounting and investment activities. She ensures the organization remains compliant with relevant laws and tax obligations and manages organizational risks and liabilities.

Melisa has been with the Foundation since 2007

Vanessa Denney

Vice President of Philanthropic & Donor Services
402-614-9531
vanessa@omahafoundation.org

More about Vanessa

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

Donor Services

Katie Vogel

Director of Donor Services
402-884-1757
katie@omahafoundation.org

More about Katie

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

Chad Allen

Donor Services Advisor
402-884-1681
chad@omahafoundation.org

Wynter Davis

Donor Services Advisor
402-933-4289
wynter@omahafoundation.org

More about Wynter

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

Eyerusalem Gehringer

Process & Database Administrator
402-933-4297
eyerusalem@omahafoundation.org

More about Eyerusalem

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

Nathan Morgan

Donor Services Advisor
402-933-4229
nathan@omahafoundation.org

More about Nathan

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

Halsey Ruhl

Donor Services Advisor
402-342-9164
halsey@omahafoundation.org

Philanthropic Services

Tessa Barney

Director of Philanthropic Services
402-933-4205
tessabarney@omahafoundation.org

More about Tessa

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

Sydney Calcagno

Philanthropic Services Advisor
402-884-1378
sydney@omahafoundation.org

Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa

Sunni Kamp

Southwest Iowa Foundations Director
402-933-4188
sunni@omahafoundation.org

More about Sunni

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

Sarah Beth Ray

Southwest Iowa Foundations Advisor
402-704-7245
sarahbeth@omahafoundation.org

More about Sarah Beth

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

Community Investment

Anne Meysenburg

Director of Community Investment
402-933-4237
anne@omahafoundation.org

More about Anne

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

Laura Contreras

Senior Program Manager
402-884-0792
laura@omahafoundation.org

More about Laura

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

Dasia Horne

Senior Program Manager
402-933-4245
dasia@omahafoundation.org

More about Dasia

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

Aaron Koontz

Grants Program Administrator
402-939-6780
aaron@omahafoundation.org

Kelly Nielsen

Director of Omaha Pathways Community HUB
402-819-2902
kelly@omahafoundation.org

Krystal Fox

Operations Manager, Omaha Pathways Community HUB
402-704-7244
krystal@omahafoundation.org

Marketing & Communications

Megan Stubenhofer-Barrett

Director of Marketing & Communications
402-933-4239
megan@omahafoundation.org

More about Megan

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

Ally Karsyn

Content Manager
402-933-4136
allykarsyn@omahafoundation.org

More about Ally

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

Molly Mullen

Content Manager
402-933-4195
molly@omahafoundation.org

Mike Luce

Marketing & Business Analyst
402-704-7243
mike@omahafoundation.org

Finance

Yvette Franks

Accounting Manager
402-342-9230
yvette@omahafoundation.org

More about Yvette

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

Diane Darrington

Grants Manager
402-342-9062
diane@omahafoundation.org

More about Diane

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

Kristin McKenzie

Accounting Associate II
402-342-9095
kristin@omahafoundation.org

More about Kristin

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 Skinner

Accounting Coordinator
402-933-4220
jody@omahafoundation.org

More about Jody

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 Swanger

Controller
402-884-1728
michelle@omahafoundation.org

More about Michelle

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

Tyler Wilson

Accounting Coordinator
402-509-3400
tyler@omahafoundation.org

Operations

Rachel Grahovac

Human Resources Generalist
402-933-4250
rachel@omahafoundation.org

Emily Meyers

Administrative Services Manager
402-342-9183
emilym@omahafoundation.org

Beckie Brabec

Receptionist
402-342-3458
beckie@omahafoundation.org

More about Beckie

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

Tori Morales

Administrative Coordinator
402-884-0364
tori@omahafoundation.org

Cinthia Sanchez Orozco

Administrative Coordinator
402-884-2086
cinthia@omahafoundation.org

There may be a place for you here, too!

Join the Giving

You can help us strengthen our community, and we can help you make your giving more effective. Be a part of the good we’re growing by contributing to one of our funds or opening your own philanthropic fund.