Current Role and Organization: Branch Manager, Centier Bank

Background: I attended Covenant Christian HS in Indianapolis (grad '07) and then Indiana University Bloomington (grad '11) with a major in Nutrition Science BS and minor in Biology. I have worked at Centier Bank for 3 years and prior had a long career in retail management. 

Years with the Foundation: 2

Areas of Contribution/Expertise: Fundraising, Community Outreach, Financial

Why I'm Involved: I love what the Parks Foundation does to support the Whitestown Parks Department and the additional ways it allows us to be involved and connected to the community for events and outreach.

Favorite Park or Natural Area and Why: Eagle Creek - I grew up around the Eagle Creek area and spent my childhood and into adulthood at Eagle Creek Park, boating on the reservoir, and playing golf at Eagle Creek Golf Club.

Personal Quote on Parks/Nature: "If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere." -Vincent Van Gogh

Current Role and Organization: Assistant Branch Manager / Centier Bank Background: Graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Indiana State University. Began working in the Hospitality Industry making my way through different roles in my 5 years before coming to Centier in 2021. Years with the Foundation: 2 Months

Areas of Contribution/Expertise: Fundraising & Community Outreach

Why I'm Involved: Centier Bank has always been a sponsor for the Whitestown Parks Foundation and through that sponsorship I have learned what the Parks Foundation does for the Whitestown community. I enjoy being a part of the board as I am able to be a part of bringing the fun and community to those who live here or nearby.

Favorite Park or Natural Area and Why:  My goal is to make it to every National Park and so far, my favorite would be Zion National Park in Utah. I love the beauty of the Canyon and how it is different from anything I have ever seen. Any place that has hiking trails and is outdoors is perfect for me!

Personal Quote on Parks/Nature: “The times I spend in Nature are some of the moments I feel most alive!”

Current Role and Organization: Agency Owner – McKeever Insurance and Financial Services, Inc.

Background: 20 years Retail Field Leadership, 9 years in Insurance and Financial Services

Years with the Foundation: OG!  I have served the foundation since its inception

Areas of Contribution/Expertise: I try to help in any way I can through networking, sharing experience or insight and participating in events

Why I'm Involved: I like to interact with our community at the parks events and my agency regularly participates in them.  We are supporters first and foremost of the programming that our awesome parks team creates – I love their passion!

Favorite Park or Natural Area and Why: I have to say Panther Park.  The refresh is amazing and it’s so close to my office.  We enjoy walking the dogs there during lunch!  #legacycore

Personal Quote on Parks/Nature: “In every walk with nature one receives more than he seeks.”  -John Muir

Current Role and Organization: HR Generalist for Town of Whitestown

Background:  6 years as the Executive Director of the Lebanon Area Boys & Girls Club, 12 years with the Boys & Girls Club of Zionsville, Member of Bemidji State University Women’s Basketball Team 1988-1990. Bachelor of Science from University of Phoenix in Business Management.

Years with the Foundation: This is my first year with the Foundation.

Areas of Contribution/Expertise: Fundraising and community engagement.

Why I'm Involved: Parks and greenspace are vital to a community. Proper planning, programming, and making space available for all to enjoy the outdoors is an essential need in today’s society.

Favorite Park or Natural Area and Why: Golf Courses – outside activities/exercising, relaxing and enjoying the outdoors either by myself or with groups of people.

Current Role and Organization: General Counsel, Indiana Department of Education

 

Background: Worked as an attorney and leader in various roles in state and federal government.

 

Years with the Foundation: Five

 

Areas of Contribution/Expertise: Community engagement and facilitating the Foundation's mission and purpose.  As the Whitestown community continues to grow, so must local philanthropy and opportunity to grow parks and recreations.  Key to this goal is providing education on community needs, Foundation events, and how to actively engage with local and state government leaders. I strive to help the Foundation by providing practical viewpoints on issues affecting our community.

 

Why I'm Involved:  My family has lived in the Whitestown area for the past eleven years.  Originally, I was excited to help organize the Foundation from the ground up.   Over the years, I've paid close attention to how our community has grown.  Part of the reason I work with the Foundation is to assure parks and recreation opportunities continue to evolve and mirror population growth, while continuing to provide the highest quality of access to trails and hosting of community events.

 

Favorite Park or Natural Area and Why:  I grew up in northern Indiana and enjoyed fishing and visiting Potato Creek State Park. Locally Starkey and Eagle Creek are great for ease of access and great trails.  Close to home, main street park is now a go-to for pickleball 🙂

 

Personal Quote on Parks/Nature: "Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." Robert Frost.  

Current Role and Organization: Director of Parks and Recreation/ Town of Whitestown

 

Background: Dominic is the current Director of Parks and Recreation in Whitestown. Previous to this role he spent 13 years with Indy Parks and Recreation. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a master’s degree from Liberty University. Dominic is a big advocate of the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association, serving as the Associations President in 2019. He currently serves at the President of the Indiana Parks and Recreation Foundation. The Foundation raises funds to support statewide advancement of the parks and recreation profession. Dominic is also a member of the National Recreation and Parks Association.

 

Years with the Foundation: 2

 

Areas of Contribution/Expertise: Parks, Fundraising, Event Management, Leadership, Public Management

 

Why I'm Involved: As a Parks and Recreation Director, my mission is to champion the well-being of the Town of Whitestown Parks Department by providing exceptional parks, facilities, greenspaces, and programming that promote health, joy, and a sense of belonging. By continuing community outreach and listening to the community on what they want out of their park system. Through partnership, improvement, and enthusiasm, I strive to leave a lasting remnant of vibrant parks and recreation opportunities that enhance the quality of life for generations to come."

 

Favorite Park or Natural Area and Why: Main Street Park- it has a variety of activities for everyone. From hardcourts to open green space, you can create memories in many ways.

 

Personal Quote on Parks/Nature: “Parks build Community”

Current Role and Organization: Operations Manager, Ascension Health

Background: NY native, attended the University of Kentucky from 2011-2017 on a full athletic track and field scholarship. Graduated with a Master of Health Administration degree prior to beginning an Administrative Fellowship with Ascension St Vincent in Indiana. Currently I am an operations manager with Ascension National. My duties include (but not limited to) managing and rolling out new platforms, programs, and policies across each of our markets.

Years with the Foundation: 0

Areas of Contribution/Expertise: Community outreach, volunteering, being a positive voice in the community, leadership, data/numbers

Why I'm Involved: I love my community and the people that work tirelessly to keep it safe. As a Enneagram 2 “The Helper,” I love serving others and utilizing my free time making peoples days better! I am involved so that I can help turn all of the amazing ideas for the community into a reality.

Favorite Park or Natural Area and Why: I love Anson park because its tucked away and a really great place to go if you want to read a book, or just enjoy a walk on the trail. I love taking my dog there to run around in the field!

Personal Quote on Parks/Nature: “The earth has its music for those who will listen.” - George Santanaya