As CEO, I am responsible to the Board for execution of its policies consistent with our Mission, Values and Vision; general operations, quality program development, quality staffing and development, and external relations with partners, press and stakeholders.
(I do not select investments.)

Donna Wolford
Executive Associate
dwolford@tfff.org
(541) 957-5574

I support the Foundation's President and the Board of Directors, coordinate board and committee meetings, provide HR functions, and administer employee benefit programs.

Shawn Romine   [bio]
Information Systems Manager               
sromine@tfff.org
(541) 957-5574

I coordinate all technology, including our network, computers, servers, website, communications and office equipment, and train staff on technology.

Joyce Akse   [bio]
Director
jakse@tfff.org
(541) 957-2568

Yvette Rhodes
Program Manager
yrhodes@tfff.org
(541) 957-5574

I manage operations of Ford Institute classes, conferences, and external communications.  I serve as the key contact and manager of the Ford Institute's Assistance Grants Program and Ford Institute Leadership Program class projects.

Alicia Flory
Staff Assistant
aflory@tfff.org
(541) 957-5574

I support the Ford Institute Program Manager with daily operations and schedules. I process incoming Select Book orders Leadership Development applications and registrations for Effective Organizations and Community Collaborations. I also coordinate travel and meetings for the Ford Institute director and associate director.

I lead the Grants Team, maintaining a portfolio of responsive grants while over-seeing our four Proactive Programs. As a Program Officer, I connect our President and Board of Directors to grant opportunities that meet the Foundation’s mission and grant guidelines. In addition to working directly with applicants and grantees, my role is to support the overall strategy of the Grant Programs and integration across the Foundation portfolio.

I am responsible for the development and review of responsive grants while supporting existing grantees; communication and presentation of grant recommendations to our Board of Directors, and evaluation of current grant guidelines and requirements. Additionally, I lead an area of our proactive grant making efforts targeted at improving post-secondary education awareness and enrollment in rural Oregon.

Christy Cox
Program Officer -
Early Childhood Development
ccox@tfff.org
(541) 957-5574

I am developing and implementing the Foundation’s proactive program in early childhood with the aim of increasing the number of children in rural Oregon who are entering Kindergarten “school-ready". As the Early Childhood Development Program Officer, I work to expand the Foundation’s knowledge of early childhood issues; develop community engagement in the early childhood arena; implement programs and build systems that support families and young children; and work collaboratively to provide leadership in early childhood regionally and statewide.

Carol Dalu
Program Manager -
Grants & Visual Arts
cdalu@tfff.org
(541) 957-5574

I oversee the management of all grants made by the Foundation, which includes documentation, release of funds, data collection, maintaining policies & procedures and compliance.  In addition, I manage the proactive Visual Arts Program, which includes funding for fellowships, artists in residencies, exhibitions, curator tours, and capital projects.

Connie Christensen
Grants Management Associate
cchristensen@tfff.org
(541) 957-5574 

I am responsible for the intake and tracking of grant applications, including assisting applicants with the on-line process, making sure applicant organizations are compliant with IRS and foundation regulations, generating grant documentation, and processing of grant payments.  I also maintain the Foundation’s grant database and the archiving of historical grant records.

Michele Medina
Staff Assistant
mmedina@tfff.org
(541) 957-5574