LEONARD CARMICHAEL, RACF FOUNDER
Stephanie Messer, administrative assistant
LEONARD CARMICHAEL, RACF FOUNDER
Leonard Carmichael was a lifelong farmer and owner of Maplehurst Farms in Rochelle. He fulfilled his longtime dream of giving by establishing the Rochelle Area Community Foundation in 2006. He passed away on December 12, 2009 at his home in Rochelle with his family by his side.
EMILY ANAYA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Stephanie Messer, administrative assistant
LEONARD CARMICHAEL, RACF FOUNDER
Emily and her husband Nic are graduates of RTHS. They live just outside of Rochelle with their four children; Anya, Kollins, Nicanor and Amelia, and three dogs; Liberty, Dash and Otis. Emily has been in philanthropy for over 17 years, primarily involved in the healthcare sector as a Major Gifts Officer. She has a Bachelors of Science with
Emily and her husband Nic are graduates of RTHS. They live just outside of Rochelle with their four children; Anya, Kollins, Nicanor and Amelia, and three dogs; Liberty, Dash and Otis. Emily has been in philanthropy for over 17 years, primarily involved in the healthcare sector as a Major Gifts Officer. She has a Bachelors of Science with an Emphasis in Fitness and Nutrition from Illinois State University along with a Certificate of Nonprofit Management from Rockford University. Emily teaches fitness classes at Anytime Fitness Rochelle on the weekends but is most proud of her role as the Executive Director of the Rochelle Area Community Foundation. She is honored to support the community that she grew up in and assist in the growth of services and programs that are of greatest need to the people in our area.
Stephanie Messer, administrative assistant
Stephanie Messer, administrative assistant
Stephanie Messer, administrative assistant
Stephanie Messer was born and raised in Rochelle where she continues to raise her 4 children with her husband of over 20 years, Steve. She started her career in insurance, serving the Rochelle area with multiple agencies. Since then, Stephanie has spent the last 10 years working with local company Miller Cable Inc. as the Office Administr
Stephanie Messer was born and raised in Rochelle where she continues to raise her 4 children with her husband of over 20 years, Steve. She started her career in insurance, serving the Rochelle area with multiple agencies. Since then, Stephanie has spent the last 10 years working with local company Miller Cable Inc. as the Office Administrator and Project Locator. She enjoys spending her spare time being active, hanging out with her family, attending her children’s sporting events and reading a good book.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ashley Jackson
Jeff Fiegenschuh
Jeff Fiegenschuh
PRESIDENT
After commencing her career in financial services in 2004 at First National Bank (now Central Bank IL) and holding various roles, Ashley completed her Bachelor of Science in Management at NIU in 2009. In October 2010, she joined Odyssey Wealth Services team as a Financial Consultant registered with LPL Financial. Ashley resides in Rochelle with her daughter and two dogs. When not playing catch with her dogs, she loves exploring different farmers’ markets and craft vendor markets with her daughter. Community involvement and making a positive impact are paramount to her. She currently serves as president of The Rochelle Area Community Foundation, holds the position of board secretary at Rochelle Elementary Consolidated District #231, and is an active member of the Rochelle Rotary Club.
Jeff Fiegenschuh
Jeff Fiegenschuh
Jeff Fiegenschuh
VICE PRESIDENT
Jeff Fiegenschuh has served as the City Manager for the City of Rochelle since 2017. Prior to his time in Rochelle, Jeff served the Village of Rantoul and the City of Princeton in the same capacity. He has over 17 years of experience in local government management and looks forward to brining his skillset to the Rochelle Area Community Foundation Board. Jeff is active in both the ICMA and the ILCMA. He has three children, Courtney, Abbey and Carter and spends his spare time exercising, spending time with family and friends and watching baseball.
Ellen Becker
Jeff Fiegenschuh
Ellen Becker
TREASURER
Ellen and her husband Matt, are the 6th generation to live on a family farm outside of Creston. They share the farm with their two Great Pyrenees: Ambrosious & Bernadette, and 20+ chickens. Ellen is an ACSM certified personal trainer and the manager of Rochelle's Anytime Fitness. Ellen plays the bass guitar and sings for the local band, Buzzed by SonSET. When she's not rocking out with the band she enjoys learning new instruments, backpacking, bicycling or anything outdoors.
Greg Folmar
Trena Thompson
Ellen Becker
SECRETARY
Greg Folmar is an Investment Advisor with Holcomb Bank. An active member of the Rochelle Rotary Club, Greg also brings together a volunteer corp to work on community projects as the need arises.
Tony Doyle
Trena Thompson
Trena Thompson
Originally from Ashton, Tony graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in Education followed by a Masters Degree from National-Louis University in Wheaton. Tony joined the Rochelle Elementary School District as a building Principal in 2006, and is honored to serve as Assistant Superintendent for both the Elementary and High School Districts in Rochelle. Tony lives in Rochelle with his wife, Krista and daughter Riley. He enjoys spending his spare time with family and friends.
Trena Thompson
Trena Thompson
Trena Thompson
Trena earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accountancy at Northern Illinois University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Trena and her husband have lived in the Rochelle community 29+ years. During this time they have raised their two children in Rochelle and have enjoyed watching them in all of their extra-curricular activities. Trena has worked in Rochelle for 22 years. These last four years she has been the CFO of Holcomb Bank. Trena prefers and has respect for community minded businesses. Trena enjoys spending time outdoors with her family camping, hiking, kayaking and skiing. She looks forward to serving as a Board Member of the RACF.
Terry Dickow
Kara Kettleson
Kara Kettleson
Terry is a retired teacher. His family moved to Rochelle in 1971. Daughters, Julia and Emily attended school in this community. He started at the Rochelle News Leader in 1969 but in 1981 he went back to school for a teaching certificate. He has been active in VCCT and at one time served on the park board and library board. He is currently on the museum board and involved with the history walk of the downtown area during the summer.
Kara Kettleson
Kara Kettleson
Kara Kettleson
Kara Kettleson was born and raised in Rochelle. She now raises her children, with her husband Tony, in Rochelle. She received her associates degree with honors from Kishwaukee College and then went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University in Visual Communications. Kara continues to live and work locally with a continuing dedication to her community. She currently works as a Lead Website Developer & Graphic Designer.
Kwami Gati
Debbie Howard
Debbie Howard
Kwami is a Commercial Merchandiser and Logistics Specialist for CHS Ethanol in Rochelle. Originally from West Africa, he earned a Master of Science in Agronomy for University of Lome’-Togo West Africa and later a Master of Arts Economics from Western Illinois University in Macomb. Kwami Lives in Rochelle with his family and is a member of the Rochelle Rotary Club.
Debbie Howard
Debbie Howard
Debbie Howard
Debbie Howard was born & raised in Rochelle and returned in 1986 with her husband, Kevin, to raise their two daughters (Stephanie & Dana). After spending the first half of her career in banking, she spent 22 years employed by Rochelle School District #231 & retired in May 2020. Debbie has previously served 8 years with the Central School PTO, holding every position from treasurer to president throughout her tenure. In her free time, Debbie loves being with her grandkids and taking trips with her family. Debbie loves her hometown and is excited to help Rochelle grow and thrive in the coming years.
Doug Forsberg
Doug Forsberg
Doug Forsberg
Doug grew up near Cleveland, OH and remains a diehard Browns and Indians fan. He graduated from Westminster College in 1994 and married his wife, Amy, in 1997. After graduating from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2002, Doug served churches in Newport, RI and Wrightstown , PA. He moved to Rochelle with his family in 2013 to serve as the Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church.
Mike Kelly
Doug Forsberg
Doug Forsberg
Mike was born and raised in Dover, Kansas. He graduated from Pittsburg State University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He started his career with Silgan Containers in 2001 at Saint Joe, MO. and has worked at their other locations including Savage, MN., Trenton, TN., Fort Madison, IA., and came to work at the Rochelle location in 2020. Mike has 2 daughters, one is 20 and goes to Central Missouri State and the other is 14 and is in competitive cheer. Mike enjoys upland bird hunting and classic cars.
Yazmin Nambo
Kathleen Isley
Kathleen Isley
Originally born in Guanajuato, Mexico, Yazmin moved with her family to Rochelle at age 4 and has lived in the area since then. Yazmin graduated with a Bachelors in education from Northern Illinois University and then a Master’s in Educational leadership from Aurora University. Yazmin has worked at the Rochelle Elementary District since 2013 in multiple roles from Paraprofessional to special education teacher and now, director of special programs and preschool. Yazmin enjoys spending time with her family, watching her 4 kids play sports or instruments and giving back to her community by coaching, volunteering and serving where needed.
Kathleen Isley
Kathleen Isley
Kathleen Isley
Originally from Chicago, Kathleen has called Rochelle home since 2005. She lives here with her husband Tim and their family. Kathleen earned her B.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2000 and her J.D. from Northern Illinois University in 2005. After several years in private practice, Kathleen was appointed Ogle County’s Chief Public Defender in December 2020, and continues to serve in that role to date .