Dubois County Community Foundation adds two members, shifts leadership

The Dubois County Community Foundation on January 12 announced the addition of two new directors and a reshuffle of officer roles, a move that will shape how philanthropic dollars are directed to local nonprofits, health programs, and community services.

Luke Bawel of Huntingburg and Jasper resident Adam Hedinger join the Foundation's 15-member volunteer Board of Directors. Bawel is the manager of Jasper Production Systems at Jasper Engines & Transmissions and participates in Jasper Endows Today and Tomorrow, a giving circle administered by the Community Foundation. Hedinger is vice president of sales at The Dad’s Root Beer Company and previously served on the Foundation’s Grants Committee. Their appointments bring business and community fundraising experience to the board at a time when local needs for health access and social supports remain high.

The Foundation also announced leadership changes among board officers. Evan Daunhauer was named president, Ryan Kramer vice-president, and Rachel Steckler secretary. Ashley Blessinger continues as treasurer, and Mary Beth "Becky" Beckman remains Governance Chair. The volunteer board represents residents from across Dubois County and governs the Foundation’s grantmaking, scholarships, and donor-advised funds.

For Dubois County residents, these board appointments matter because decisions made by the Foundation influence which local organizations receive funding for public health programs, food security, behavioral health services, youth development, and other social supports. The presence of leaders tied to local employers and past grant review processes signals continuity in institutional knowledge, while new perspectives may shift priorities toward underserved pockets of the county or toward collaborative efforts that address social determinants of health.

Member backgrounds are more than resume lines; they shape how funding gets distributed and which community voices are amplified. Bawel’s participation in a local giving circle ties him to grassroots donor networks, and Hedinger’s Grants Committee experience provides familiarity with the mechanics of awarding funds. With officer changes at the top, the Foundation’s approach to application outreach, equity in grant awards, and partnerships with clinics, schools, and food banks could evolve.

The Foundation’s volunteer structure and community-rooted governance mean residents have avenues to influence priorities, from serving on committees to applying for grants. A full listing of board members and information about grant cycles and scholarship applications are available on the foundation’s website.

Our two cents? Keep an eye on upcoming grant deadlines, speak up about unmet health and social needs in your town, and consider joining local giving efforts—decisions made at the board table ripple through Dubois County’s clinics, pantries, and community programs.