Foundation Staff

Community Foundation Staff

We have a dedicated professional staff with more than 150 years of combined experience with the Community Foundation. We’ll help you achieve your philanthropic goals.

Rose Meissner

President
Rose Meissner joined the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County when it was first established in 1992. Under her leadership, the Foundation has grown to be one of the top 100 community foundations in the United States. Meissner holds an MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, and a MA in English Literature and a BA in Economics from the University of Notre Dame.

Aaron Perri

Vice President, Community Impact
Aaron Perri joined the Community Foundation leadership in 2024 bringing with him a diverse background in business, placemaking, and strategic planning that is locally celebrated and nationally recognized. Aaron is accredited by the Congress for the New Urbanism, holds a certificate from Harvard University's City Leadership Initiative, and earned both undergraduate and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Notre Dame.

Anita Echevarria

Vice President, Administration
Anita Echevarria joined the Community Foundation in 2002.  As Vice President, Administration, Echevarria is responsible for the Foundation's day-to-day operations including accounting, audit, financial management, information technology, and human resources. Echevarria holds an MBA from Indiana University South Bend and a BBA with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame.

Malissa Ayala

Senior Program Officer, Education
Malissa Ayala, previously with the Community Foundation from 2002 to 2010, returned in 2022 after more than a decade working with financial aid and scholarships for IU South Bend and for Purdue University. Most recently, she held the position of Director of Span Plan Nontraditional Student Services at Purdue. Malissa leads the efforts that support the 21st Century Success Initiative and scholarship related activities. She holds a BS from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue , as well as an MA in Instructional Design & Technology from Purdue.

Kayla Myers

Senior Program Officer
Kayla Myers joined the Community Foundation in 2014, and leads the Foundation’s efforts in grantmaking, including the Indiana Arts Commission partnership. Myers holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Public Affairs with a concentration in Nonprofit Administration and Policy, both from IU South Bend.

Aaron Helman

Director of Communications
Aaron Helman joined the Community Foundation in 2023, and has worked in nonprofit communications and marketing around South Bend for the past 15 years. He is responsible for internal and external communications, marketing, and public relations. He has a BA in Economics from Indiana University (IUPUI), and is the author of two local history books.

Clare Ramel

Program Officer
Clare Ramel started work with the Community Foundation in 2021 and supports the Foundation’s grant administration. She holds a BA in Communication from the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne and has previous experience in working for media and nonprofit organizations in the Fort Wayne area.

Christine Amstutz Moore

Program Officer
Christine Amstutz Moore joined the Community Foundation in November 2023 and supports the Foundation’s scholarship administration. She worked in higher education for over 10 years before joining the Foundation, primarily in international student services and academic advising. Christine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bluffton University in Bluffton, Ohio.

Libby Garcia

Program Associate
Libby joined the Foundation in 2024 after spending several years working in South Bend at the Clubhouse of St. Joseph County and Memorial Hospital in various community-building and health initiatives. Libby studied pre-health and anthropology at the University of Notre Dame. Libby's responsibilities include supporting the Foundation's scholarship and education programs.

Brian Markin

Staff Accountant
Brian Markin came to the Community Foundation in January 2024 as a Staff Accountant after nearly 19 years in various finance, accounting, and IT roles at a Fortune 500 consumer packaged goods company. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Toledo and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Western Michigan University.

Amanda Ellis

Administrative Associate
Amanda Ellis joined the Community Foundation in May 2024 after spending three years with Logan Community Resources. She is an active volunteer in the Walkerton community and loves helping people. Amanda has an Associate Degree in Business from Indiana University South Bend.
P.O. Box 837, South Bend, IN 46624 | 305 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601 | Phone: (574) 232-0041 | Fax: (574) 233-1906

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