Staff & Board

Meet your philanthropic partners

We have a deep understanding of local needs, challenges, and opportunities. This local knowledge is invaluable for identifying where the Community Foundation’s resources can have the most significant impact.

Our Staff

Joshua Gibb

President & CEO

Joined GCF team: June 2008

Education: AA, Carl Sandburg College; BA, Western Illinois University, Political Science, minor in Law Enforcement

Community involvement: Galesburg Lions Club Member, Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development Treasurer, Carl Sandburg College Trustee, Western Illinois Regional Council Community Action Agency First VP, Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations President, OSF Local Advisory Board Member, Western Illinois Estate Planners Member, The Ascent Church Volunteer, Galesburg Christian School Volunteer

Hobbies: Reading, whatever my kids are doing, beekeeping

“Every day I witness the power that is unleashed when caring people are connected to organizations they are passionate about.”

Sarah Grant

Director of Development

Joined GCF team: November 2021

Education: BA, Illinois College, Management & Organizational Leadership, minor in Music

Community involvement: Monmouth Rotary Member, Buchanan Center for the Arts Art Presenter Volunteer, Prime Beef Pageant Volunteer, The Crossing Church Volunteer

Hobbies: Singing and playing the piano, watching my daughters play sports and planning my next beach vacation!

“I love helping people think about how their charitable legacy can help nonprofits in our region!”

Shawn Hedden

Director of Finance & Operations

Joined GCF team: September 2019

Education: BBA University of Iowa, Finance

Community involvement: Fish of Galesburg Board of Directors, Western IL Estate & Financial Planners Forum Treasurer, Lake Bracken Fire Dept Volunteer Fireman

Hobbies: Golfing, boating, attending sporting events, spending time with family & friends

While each donor and organization is unique, they all have a common goal of making our region a better place to live through philanthropy.  Being able to help organize and make their vision a reality is very fulfilling.

Jillian Isaacson

Director of Grants & Programs

Joined GCF team: March 2023

Education: BS, Illinois State University, Interdisciplinary Studies Human and Education Services; MA, University of Iowa, Sport and Recreation Management

Community involvement: Galesburg Noon Rotary Member, Elks Lodge #894 Member

Hobbies: traveling, boating, spending time with family and friends

At Galesburg Community Foundation, we aim to raise endowment to facilitate sustainable change in the communities we serve. It is rewarding to see these funds helping nonprofits do the work that will positively impact our region forever.

Karsyn Bennett

Communications Manager

Joined GCF team: June 2024

Education: BA, Augustana College, Public Health, Psychology, Communication Studies, Non-Profit Leadership Development

Hobbies: Reading, Kayaking, spending time with friends and family.

“By using clear and compassionate communication, I can help connect GCFs mission to generous community members looking for purposeful ways to impact our community.”

Lori Kriegshauser

Administrative & Special Projects Coordinator

Joined GCF team: April 2016

Education: AAS, John Wood Community College, Fashion Merchandising

Community involvement: Discovery Depot Children’s Museum Festival of Trees Committee Member, Galesburg Business Network President

Hobbies: hiking, snow skiing, spending time with family and friends

“I love being part of an organization that brings so much positive change to our community and region.”

Our Board of Directors

David Erickson
Chairman

Farmer, Farm Manager

Dr. Brian Plattner
Vice Chairman

Optometrist

Carol Shaw
Secretary

Insurance Agent

Lisa Gavin
Treasurer

Business Owner

Dr. John McClean
Past Chairman

Retired Oncologist

Dustin Courson

Accountant, Business Owner

Dr. Subbia Jagannathan

Retired Radiologist

Chad Long

Attorney

Cynthia Stoerzbach

Retired Registered Nurse

Dr. Adam Welty

Dentist

Jamie Yemm

Retired Real Estate Broker/Property Manager
David Erickson

David Erickson

Farmer, Farm Manager

Community Involvement: President of the Church Council at Immanuel Lutheran – Altona

“Giving back and to a community is the best way to show personal commitment and interest in wanting to be a part of building a better community for all.”

Dr. Brian Plattner

Dr. Brian Plattner

Optometrist

Community Involvement: Bethel Baptist Church, Sunrise Rotary, Legislative Committee of the Illinois Optometric Association

“The Galesburg region has been very welcoming and good to my family, so I am happy to volunteer my time and talents to give back to the community that has been so good to me.”

Carol Shaw

Carol Shaw

American Family Insurance Agent

Community Involvement: Community Health Foundation, board member; Addelman Foundation board member; Roseville Community Fund Chair

“Our local charities make our communities better. My husband and I are lifelong members of our community, and we want to see it continue to be a wonderful place for families to live.”

Lisa Gavin

Lisa Gavin

Self employed bookkeeping business
Small business owner, Patton Block Grill & Brewpub

Community Involvement: Monmouth Community Fund Advisory Board Member, Immaculate Conception Parish Finance Council Member

“By giving back, we can actively participate in helping to shape our community and help it to thrive, improving the quality of life for everyone.”

Dr. John McClean

Dr. John McClean

Retired Oncologist

Community Involvement: Vice Chairman of Trinity Lutheran Church Council, Sunrise Rotary

“This region has supported my family and it’s important that I give that support back.”

 

Dustin Courson

Dustin Courson

Accountant, Business Owner

Community Involvement: Williamsfield Fire Protection District President, Knox County Farm Bureau District V Director

“There are a lot of charitable people out there who give randomly, but if they were to use the Community Foundation, it would be more impactful. To pool their funds with somebody who is giving to the same cause will have a larger impact for that particular segment of the nonprofit community.”

Dr. Subbia Jagannathan

Dr. Subbia Jagannathan

Retired Galesburg Radiologist

Community Involvement: YMCA, Rotary, Safe Harbor

“My wife and I love this community and want to give back. GCF is a great conduit for that.”

Chad Long

Chad Long

Attorney

Community Involvement: Discovery Depot Board Member; Carl Sandburg College Foundation Board President; National Guardianship Association Member

My wife and I have been blessed, and would not be where we are without the help of family and the community around us. We want to pass our good fortune on to others, where possible, and share our knowledge with others. We also want our children to be involved in their community and adopt our desire to help others, so we lead by example.

Cynthia Stoerzbach

Cynthia Stoerzbach

Retired Registered Nurse

Philanthropy provides opportunities for education, relief, growth, and success that may never have been available otherwise. It is important to me to be a part of that in some way.”

Adam Welty

Dr. Adam Welty

General Dentist

“I benefitted from local philanthropy in achieving my professional goals. Serving others is both a personal and professional calling that I think is important to implement. Local philanthropy is simply a way that I can exercise this calling and also to provide others the same help that I was given.”

Jamie Yemm

Jamie Yemm

Retired Real Estate Broker/Property Manager

Community Involvement: Carl Sandburg College Foundation Board Emeritus Director, Knox County Master Gardeners Volunteer

“The Galesburg community has supported our family and business for over 60 years.  Giving back, whether that be with time, talents, or treasures, is a way we can express our gratitude for that support.”

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Haley Sloss

Charitable Giving Coordinator

Short Bio

Haley provides support to enhance the function and success of the Charitable Giving and Affiliate Teams. She ensures donors receive a personal approach to philanthropy through outstanding customer service by supporting charitable giving for donors and fund holders across the state.