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Community Foundation of Elkhart County adds new staff

January 18, 2024

ELKHART — Four new team members joined the Community Foundation of Elkhart County as the new year started and another joined late last year.

Guy Fisher is the new program officer for Career Pathways, one of three primary program areas at the Community Foundation. In this role, Fisher will work to improve the quality of life for Elkhart County residents by generating, developing, and supporting career advancement and educational opportunities. The Career Pathways area includes a large scholarship program that awards $2.5 million in scholarships annually.
Fisher served as director of financial aid at Bethel University and worked in community engagement at Goodwill Industries, and then career development with a state employment program.

Melinda Freeze is the new administrative coordinator for program initiatives, working with Connect in Elkhart County and Building Strong Brains. The Community Foundation’s leadership of these growing initiatives required additional staff support and resulted in this new position. Freeze worked previously in the business department and in administrative roles for Concord Community Schools. She also brings her experience as a training coordinator and program supervisor for Elkhart County CASA.

Alyssa Gilbert is the foundation’s new digital marketing manager. In this new role for the organization, she will support Building Strong Brains, Connect in Elkhart County, and Acts of Service as well as social media, marketing, and communications efforts for the Community Foundation. Gilbert was a marketing intern for the Community Foundation from May 2021 to April 2022.

Michelle Davis is the new staff accountant for the Community Foundation as part of the finance team. She worked previously at a local manufacturer and a local credit union.

In addition to these four, Jackie Rodriguez, joined the Community Foundation in late 2023 as associate program officer, helping oversee the details of the scholarship program.

“Our organization continues to grow and thrive and I am so pleased to have these people join our team. Their talent and enthusiasm will help us inspire good in our community,” said President Pete McCown.