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For more information, contact: J. J. Keller Foundation, Inc. Mary Harp-Jirschele (920) 720-7872 mharp-jirschele@jjkeller.com jjkellerfoundation@jjkeller.com |
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J. J. Keller Foundation, Inc. Names First-Ever Executive Director |
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NEENAH, WI (November 12, 2007) - The J. J. Keller Foundation, Inc. (Foundation) has named its first-ever full-time executive director to lead the organization as it enhances its commitment to meeting the needs and challenges of the community in new and innovative ways in 2008.
Mary Harp-Jirschele, Appleton, will lead all aspects of the Foundation as it manages an influx of nearly $80 million into the organization from the John "Jack" and Ethel Keller estate. Her responsibilities will include grant making, Board relations, communications, publicity/community engagement, operations, governance, and planning. According to Marne Keller-Krikava, who managed the search for the executive director, "Mary will work closely with the Board of Directors to provide vision and drive to ensure advancement of the mission of the J. J. Keller Foundation. We are eager to watch and participate in the evolution of the Foundation under her leadership." A Little Chute native, Harp-Jirschele spent the early part of her career as a newspaper reporter, followed by almost 20 years at AAL/Thrivent, ultimately serving as Vice President of Communications and Facilities, which included oversight of the organization's grant making. She then spent 4 years with an executive search firm as Chief Operating Officer. Mary has an ideal background for this position - a blend of skills and experiences that will serve us well," according to Bob Keller, Foundation director/president. "We are thrilled to have her at the helm, partnering with our family on this exciting journey to make a meaningful and lasting difference in our community." Jim Keller, Foundation vice president and treasurer, cited Harp-Jirschele's "passion for the non-profit sector in the community and her personal philosophy of servant leadership that contributed to making her the ideal candidate for the position. In addition," he said, "She has extensive experience with granting in a number of settings and from a variety of perspectives, including leadership of Thrivent's extensive community relations donation program." "This is a wonderful opportunity to make a real contribution to this community in a very tangible way," Harp-Jirschele said. "The generosity of the Keller family in committing these kinds of resources to helping others is simply incredible, and the responsibility associated with managing that process is something I relish being involved in." The Foundation's primary mission is to provide funding to organizations, projects, and programs that will positively impact lives in the greater Fox Valley community. Funding is specifically targeted toward needs that would otherwise remain unfulfilled. The focus population is homeless and disadvantaged individuals, the elderly, and children and youth. The Foundation was formed in 1991 in celebration of Ethel Keller's 70th birthday. Since that time, numerous community organizations have been positively impacted by the Kellers' generosity. They have taken special pride in providing resources for programs that would have otherwise gone unfunded. |
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