RACF announces 2025 president and new board members

‘This is my opportunity to pay it forward and make a meaningful difference’

Posted 1/2/25

The Rochelle Area Community Foundation (RACF) is proud to announce Jeff Fiegenschuh as its president for 2025.

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RACF announces 2025 president and new board members

‘This is my opportunity to pay it forward and make a meaningful difference’

Posted

ROCHELLE — The Rochelle Area Community Foundation (RACF) is proud to announce Jeff Fiegenschuh as its president for 2025. Jeff, who serves as the city manager for Rochelle, brings extensive leadership experience and a passion for community service to his new role. As president, he will lead the charge in advancing RACF’s mission of addressing key initiatives that create the greatest impact for Rochelle and its surrounding communities.

Jeff has dedicated his career to public service and is committed to giving back to the community he calls home. “I have been blessed in so many ways throughout my life,” Fiegenschuh shared. “This is my opportunity to pay it forward and make a meaningful difference for our region. RACF plays an essential role in enhancing the quality of life in our community, and I am honored to serve as its president.”

Emily Anaya, executive director of RACF, expressed her enthusiasm for Jeff’s appointment. “Jeff has demonstrated unwavering dedication to Rochelle through his work as city manager. His vision and commitment to community development align perfectly with the foundation’s goals. We are thrilled to have him leading RACF into 2025 and beyond,” Anaya said.

RACF would also like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Ashley Jackson for her outstanding leadership as the 2024 board president. Ashley’s dedication and commitment have been instrumental in driving the Foundation’s mission forward. Her contributions have left a lasting impact, and we are deeply thankful for her service.

In addition to welcoming Fiegenschuh as president, RACF is pleased to introduce three new board members who bring diverse expertise and a shared commitment to the community:

Doug Jarvis: A lifelong resident of Ashton, Doug has been involved in his family’s farming and trucking business for over 40 years. He attended Ashton Schools, Sauk Valley Community College, and Western Illinois University. Doug has served on the Ashton School Board and the Bradford Township Board. With deep social and business ties to the Rochelle area, he is excited to contribute his experience to RACF.

Kim Ewald: Kim is a commercial & agricultural loan officer with Central Bank Illinois. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville and is a passionate advocate for agriculture and community service. As an active member of the Lee County Farm Bureau Young Leaders and the Lion’s Club, Kim brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the RACF board.

Dani Foster: Dani is an ER nurse who brings a unique perspective to the RACF board, with firsthand experience in health care and community well-being. Her dedication to serving others and her commitment to improving the lives of those in the Rochelle area make her a valuable addition to the team.

RACF looks forward to working with Jeff, the current board members, and the new board members as they focus on initiatives that create lasting change and strengthen the community. Together, they will continue to drive progress and ensure RACF remains a pillar of support for nonprofits and residents in the region.

For more information about RACF’s mission, programs, and initiatives, please visit www.rochellefoundation.org.

About the Rochelle Area Community Foundation: The Rochelle Area Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Rochelle and the surrounding areas. Through grants, partnerships, and donor contributions, RACF supports local nonprofits and initiatives that address the region’s most pressing needs.