The Nominating Committee has approved four new members to join the THCF Board of Directors, and our four Community Advisory Boards have approved a total of 22 new members between them. It is always so heartening to see so many of our friends and neighbors volunteering to serve in such an important way. With a small staff of just six full-time and two part-time staff members, there is no way we could review every grant and scholarship application, plan and fund our gala, and so much more. Our volunteers truly make our work possible.

2023 New Board Members

Adam Kliethermes

Adam has been an Edward Jones advisor since 2011. In 2020, he was awarded the Dr. Paul M. Thomson Advisor of the Year award for his exceptional service to his clients and the community during the Toast to Our Towns Gala. He previously served for six years on the Independence/Sugar Creek Advisory Board, where he also served as the Chair for one year. Currently, Adam serves on the Investment Committee.

Jovanna Rohs, Ph.D.

Dr. Jovanna Rohs has dedicated more than 20 years of her career to serving in numerous roles within the field of early childhood development and education. Her experiences include being a classroom teacher, early interventionist, home visitor, teacher educator, researcher, and advocate. She has recently been appointed as the Chief Program Officer for the Children’s Services Fund in Jackson County. Throughout her career, Dr. Rohs has participated in several governing and coordinating boards at local and state levels, such as The Children’s Place, The Family Conservancy, and Nurture KC.

Derek Schoeneberg

Derek is a native of Lee's Summit and spent his entire childhood there. He completed his undergraduate degree in civil engineering at the University of Missouri. At present, Derek holds the position of Regional Vice President for the Great Plains Region at NorthPoint Development, where he concentrates on industrial development across Kansas City, Denver, and Texas markets.

Bridgette Shaffer

Bridgette Shaffer is the Health Director at Jackson County Public Health, where she oversees the delivery of public health services to more than 270,000 residents. Bridgette was a member of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation Independence/Sugar Creek Advisory Board from 2017-2022. In 2019, Bridgette was named one of the National Emerging Leaders in Public Health by the Kresge Foundation. She was also recently recognized as a Jackson County Women of Distinction Honoree. She and her husband, Marc, are actively involved in philanthropic events throughout the community. In 2022, they became members of the THCF Legacy Society.

New members of the Board are expected to serve for a term of three years and can renew for two additional terms, totaling a maximum of nine years. On the other hand, Advisory Board members are offered a one-year term initially to ensure that they can manage the committee work and their personal commitments. After the first year, Advisory Board members can choose to extend their service for up to three years and then for another two years, making a total of six years.

Volunteers play a vital role in most non-profit organizations, and the same holds true for your Community Foundation. Our committees are comprised of amazing volunteers who are dedicated to improving the quality of life for everyone in their communities. We extend our sincere gratitude to all those who demonstrate such unwavering commitment.