Meet our team
The general board meets monthly to direct the fundraising and giving programs for the Foundation according to our mission, vision, and funding priorities. The Board operates under the guidance of the Cabinet comprised of annually elected officers.
2024-2025 Cabinet Members
Benjamin Haag
Treasurer
First Interstate Bank
Cheri Helt
Perseverance Chair
Zydeco Cocktails & Kitchen
Lisa May
Allocations Chair
Michelle Emery
President
Natalie Hummel
Resource Development Chair
Robi Cole
Vice President
Bend-La Pine School District
Sara Odendahl
Public Relations / Marketing Chair
Bend Chamber
2023-2024 Board Members
Andy Frank
Ryder Communications Group
Bonnie Pearce
OnPoint Community Credit Union
Jenn Lynch
Portland Seed Fund
Jessica Cherry
Merrill O'Sullivan LLP
Leslie Reif
Assistant Principal La Pine High School
Odette Adair
Coldwell Banker Bain
Pat Kesgard
Compass Commercial
Richard Nkansah
Lonza Pharma & Biotech
Shirley Olson
School Board Representative
Zachary Brownstein
Lonza
Advisory Committee
Brian Newton, CPA
Jones & Roth CPAs & Business Advisors
Rod Ketner
Seran Bio
Robert Jones
Retired BLSD Principal
Staff
Anne Westerhoff
Executive Director-Development & Events
Jamie Goldman
Executive Director-Operations
Grant Writer
Britta Pells
Grant Writer
Committee opportunities
General board members are asked to participate in a variety of ways by serving on a diverse array of committees.
Allocations
Classroom enrichment and activity fee scholarship oversight
Finance/audit
Annual budget planning and administration
Resource development
Developing & implements a fundraising plan to meet the Foundation’s revenue goals
Board development and recruitment
Nomination of candidates and onboarding of new members
Public relations and marketing
Marketing and public relations for the foundation
Interested in becoming a board member?
For more information and to inquire about serving on the board please email info@blpedfoundation.org