News

Meet the Board of Directors

Have you ever wondered who helps steer the Fayette Community Foundation? It’s not only staff: it’s a team of local volunteers who give their time, energy, and ideas to keep our mission moving forward. Our board members are your neighbors, friends, and colleagues, and each one has their own reason for stepping up to serve. This month, I’d like to introduce you to some of them and share why they’ve chosen to invest in Fayette County’s future.

Matt Watkins: “I chose to serve on this board because it was a way I could get involved in my community in a meaningful way to help make a difference. It’s my home. I’ve lived in other places and while they were nice, there’s a different feeling about being home. I want to see Fayette County continue to move in the right direction and make this a community we can be proud of.”

Jay Bernzott: “I joined the board because we have the ability to have a positive effect on the day-to-day lives and the longer-term outcome of people in Connersville and Fayette County. I want to see us continue to improve downtown and the surrounding areas and landmarks, as well as supporting our first responders.”

Abby Stanek: “I wanted to join the board to be a voice of action for this community. I admired the project the Foundation completed to better our town. My late grandmother also served her community on many different boards and I want to follow in her footsteps to give back to the town that raised me. I want to create a culture here that inspires young graduates to move back home and start a career or raise a family in Connersville. I want to see us grow.”

Clayton Judd: “My wife and I choose to live in Fayette County despite both of us having jobs outside of the county. Our roots run deep and it was a priority for us to remain close to family. I wanted this chance to stay involved in the community. I feel an obligation to bring good things back to Fayette County – the place that raised me. My hope is that Fayette County grows into a sought-after haven for people and families who see the beauty in a place that feels like home.”

Devin Hornsby: “My family has a legacy of serving the community and my father actually served on this board in the early 2000s. I’ll do my part for any chance I can take to help make this a better place. Years from now, I want to see Fayette County blossom into something extraordinary – not because of sweeping change but rather because of the seeds that were planted, nurtured, and tended to by the community. The future isn’t perfect, but it’s collaborative, resilient, and full of possibility. And it starts with us.”

Carol Hunter: “It was an honor to be asked to serve and take ownership of our community and its future. I’m motivated by seeing the differences we get to make as the result of the Foundation’s efforts. It’s exciting to watch Fayette County grow. My hope and prayer is for continued buy-in from the residents both young and old, investing in a mentality of selflessness, and making a difference one day at a time.”

Steve Dice: “My parents, Melvin and Sue Dice, served the Foundation in their retirement years. It was an honor to serve in order to continue their legacy. I’m motivated to aid the various groups that provide invaluable services to Fayette County. I especially enjoy working on the Scholarship Committee to aid local students looking to gain higher education. My hope is to bring prosperity – and pride in our community – back to Fayette County.

Greg O’Brien: “I feel giving back to the community is important. Serving on the board is one way that I can help. The people of Fayette County have blessed me abundantly with their support of my business and career, so I feel it is necessary to show my appreciation for this community in return. My hope is that Fayette County can continue to provide for its citizens without losing that “small town” atmosphere.”

Billie Kester: “I chose to serve on the Fayette Community Foundation as a way of giving back and staying connected to the community. As a lifelong Fayette County resident, born to lifelong Fayette County residents, and now raising children who are also lifelong Fayette County residents, I feel it is my duty to serve and support our community. The heart and passion of the people here is unmatched and makes it easy to want to give back, hopefully creating brighter futures for generations to come.”

I’m grateful to serve alongside such passionate leaders, and I’m excited for you to meet more of them. Today’s introductions only represent part of our Board of Directors—we’ll continue to share more about the rest of our board members and staff in an upcoming article. If you’d like to join them or find other ways to support our work, please visit givetofcf.com.

– Abigail Roszell, FCF Executive Director