The Fond du Lac Area Foundation Board of Directors has announced that Sandi Roehrig, Executive Director of the Fond du Lac Area Foundation, has decided to transition to a part time role as she prepares for retirement after 25 years. The Board of Directors also announced that they have selected Joseph Braun, the Director of Finance & Development to assume the role of Executive Director effective June 2018.
Roehrig began working at the Foundation in 1993 as program director and was promoted to Executive Director in 1995 when Janet Schmidt retired. At that time, the Foundation had 53 charitable funds with total assets of approximately $1.6 million. Currently, the Foundation has a total of 343 funds with assets of more than $40 million! In her time as Executive Director, the Foundation provided more than 7,900 grants that totaled more than $17.9 million dollars to non- profit organizations in the Fond du Lac community. Roehrig also serves nationally on the Council of Foundations National Standards Board of Directors and on its National Standards Peer Review Team.
"Sandi’s dedication and passion are shown through the growth of the Foundation’s role in the community not only financially but also as a proven leader" said Jack Twohig, chairman of the board of directors for the Fond du Lac Area Foundation. "Her ability to relate to our donors, non-profit partners and community leaders has brought a focus to the Foundation as a catalyst for improving the quality of life for people now and for future generations. On behalf of the board of directors, we thank Sandi for her many years of service and wish her great enjoyment in her transition into retirement."
"It has been an amazing experience and honor to be a part of the growth of the Foundation for over 25 years," said Roehrig. "With the Foundation having just over $1 million in assets when I began and now through the extreme generosity of the many donors in our community, the Foundation now awards more than one million dollars annually to strengthen our community. I’ve been honored to work with some incredible community leaders who have served on the board of directors. The staff here is second to none. Joe Braun has the perfect blend of experience and advanced training that will make him an exceptional leader. Joe will do a great job of continuing and even expanding the legacy of the Foundation. I look forward to spending more time with my family and grandchildren, traveling, and engaging in a more active lifestyle."
As Joseph Braun assumes the role of Executive Director of the Fond du Lac Area Foundation, in June, Roehrig will remain on staff part time to support the transition. "For the last 15 years, Joe has dedicated himself and worked tirelessly to make both the Foundation and the community we serve stronger," said Chairman Jack Twohig. We look forward to his leadership which the Board
believes will bring the Foundation to even higher levels of achievement in developing philanthropy within our community while maintaining the high level of standards the Foundation is known for. As we planned for this transition, Joe emerged as a natural choice to build on our momentum and lead the organization into the future. In his 15 years with the Foundation, Joe has contributed to our growth and forged relationships with the local donors who make our work possible, as well as the nonprofit organizations whose work we support," said Twohig.
In addition to being mentored by Roehrig, Braun was also selected for an elite national executive leadership program, Career Pathways. The year-long program was created to provide training for participants to lead foundations across the country and executive coaches were also provided to each participant. "Joe was one of 24 selected to participate among 240 applicants," shared Roehrig. "Throughout the years, Joe has had many other opportunities and offers but has been steadfast in his dedication and allegiance to Fond du Lac and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation. He is a lifelong resident of Fond du Lac and believes Fond du Lac is a great place to live and raise his family. His leadership and community foundation expertise will be a tremendous asset to the Fond du Lac Area Foundation. Joe brings a deep connection to the community, as well as a vision for the Foundation’s future. With his leadership, knowledge and passion for our work, I anticipate that with Joe as the Executive Director, the Foundation will have an even greater impact in the community for the benefit of all. I look forward to what the Fond du Lac Area Foundation will accomplish under his leadership".
Braun joined the Foundation in 2002 to oversee the implementation of integrated fund accounting software. Throughout the years, working with donors and professional advisors and marketing and communication have been added to his responsibilities. Braun is a graduate of St. Mary’s Springs Academy, has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership & Quality from Marian University and received a Certificate in Nonprofit Fundraising Management from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis,
"It is such a humbling privilege to step into this role. I have worked extremely hard to gain the experience, knowledge and skills needed to hit the ground running and continue the tremendous reputation and growth that Sandi Roehrig has created here. This position has been my priority for my future. When your job is to help charitably-minded caring individuals realize their philanthropic dreams and create a better Fond du Lac not only for today but for our future generations, what more could one ask for? Building on the excellent leadership, mentorship, and groundwork Sandi Roehrig has provided me for the last 15 plus years, I see tremendous potential in our Fond du Lac community to partner on important issues with the many community-minded philanthropists, our civic and business leaders, and the nonprofit organizations that serve our communities so well," said Braun. "In a region as generous and engaged as ours, the opportunities I envision are inspiring. I can’t wait to pursue them along with our staff, board of directors, and community partners as the Foundation looks toward the next phase in our future."
The Fond du Lac Area Foundation is a community foundation whose goal is to help people achieve their charitable dreams. The Foundation’s 343 funds represent a unique charitable interest, including support for churches, youth activities, the arts, the needy, scholarships, and the environment, among others. If you would like more information on the Fond du Lac Area Foundation please contact us at (920) 921-2215, visit us at www.fdlareafoundation.com and like us on Facebook.
