HEIFER FOUNDATION - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of the International Investigation Center of Social
Alberto Irezabal is the director of the International Investigation Center of Social and Solidarity Economics (CIIESS) of the Universidad Iberoamericana (Ibero) at Mexico City, specializing in financing, capacity building and multi stake holder strategies for social enterprises. He holds a bachelor's degree in engineering from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, a master's in business administration of social economy from Mondragon Unibersitatea in Spain and a PhD in advanced organizations of social economy from the same university.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of People and Culture
Born and raised in West Michigan, Amy arrived in Arkansas in 2013 after living in the Pacific Northwest for a few years. Upon her arrival in Arkansas, Amy set out to work for Heifer International as a Donor Services Representative, then as a Team Lead for Donor Services, and finally as the Operations Assistant for Impact Ventures.
Graduating with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Urban Studies from Spring Arbor University, Amy has devoted her career to the nonprofit sector. While in Washington state, she worked for Communities In Schools of Lakewood first as an AmeriCorps National Member and then as a permanent employee as the Volunteer Coordinator and a Program Coordinator. She also worked for Tacoma Art Museum on various teams, first as a Customer Service Representative and finally as the Interim Volunteer Coordinator, among other titles.
Amy spends her spare time with her husband, daughters, and their two dogs seeking out new adventures, crafting, and listening to music.
Job Titles:
- Bequest Administrative Assistant
April joined the Foundation team in July 2016; previously she worked as a temp for Heifer International in the Revenue Accounting and Accounts Payable departments. Prior to coming to Heifer, she worked for the DoubleTree hotel in Little Rock where she served as President of the CARE Committee. She also worked at PPG Protective and Marine Coatings in Alexander, AR and served on the United Way Committee.
April is originally from the northwest Indiana/Chicagoland area and moved to Arkansas in July of 2010 to be closer to family. Prior to her move to Arkansas, she attended Commonwealth Business College in Indiana pursuing paralegal studies; she has an accounting and banking background. While in Chicago, she worked for the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES), a non-profit study abroad provider. While at IES, she served on the Interculturalist Editorial Board and Social Committee.
April loves snow and cold weather, crafts, and curling up with a good book. She recently discovered the joy of camping with friends and family. She enjoys football and hockey; of course, her favorite baseball team is the Chicago Cubs.
Job Titles:
- President
- Member of the Rotary Club of Little Rock
Ardyth Neill is President of Heifer Foundation, an international philanthropic foundation established to raise and oversee financial assets to support the work of Heifer International; educating the public on planned charitable giving; and to serve as fiduciary for its donors.
Ardyth came to Heifer Foundation in 2001 after serving as Director of Accounting for more than four years with Heifer International. She served as CFO and Vice President of Asset Management for Heifer Foundation from 2001-2012. She started her non-profit work as a Comptroller with the Greater Ozarks Chapter, Blood and Tissue Region of the American Red Cross after beginning her professional career as an Accountant for Dillon's Springfield Division. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with minors in accounting and economics from Drury University.
Ardyth is currently a member of the Rotary Club of Little Rock and serves as President of the board of the Rotary Club 99 Foundation. She serves on the CARTI Board of Directors and Drury University's Breech School of Business Administration's Advisory Board. She is also a member of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), Charitable Gift Planners and the Arkansas chapter of the organization (Arkansas Charitable Gift Planning Council), the Rachel Donaldson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and The Order of Daughters of the King. Additionally, she is Heifer Foundation's representative for the Mission Investors' Exchange. She is an active member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church where she has previously served as treasurer and a member of the Outreach, Finance and Audit Committees.
Ardyth is married to Jerry Neill and lives in Maumelle, AR.
Dan West, Heifer's founder, maintained throughout his life a deep commitment to helping the poor, Passing on the Gift®, and securing a commitment to sustainability by helping people help themselves. When selecting winners for the Fellow Award, nominees must also epitomize this commitment. This year, the Heifer Foundation is pleased to announce that the Dan West Fellow Award goes to Stephen Mondora.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Planned Giving
Debbie McCullough, Esq. is Vice President of Planned Giving at Heifer Foundation where she helps donors match their philanthropic goals with a Heifer vehicle that's right for them. In addition to meeting directly with donors to discuss their planned giving options, Debbie also manages the foundation's bequest administration program. In this role, she works extensively with trustees and executors to ensure each donor's gift is received in a timely manner.
Over the last 18 years, Debbie's legal experience has focused on estate planning, both in private practice and national non-profit planned giving. She has served as executor and trustee for numerous estates, giving her personal and professional experience with all of the nuances involved.
She is licensed to practice law in California, Nevada, and Pennsylvania.
Devin is a Planned Giving Manager for Heifer International Foundation. She recently relocated to Portland, OR and assists Heifer supporters west of the Midwest with their charitable gift planning needs. She has a BA in Economics and Anthropology, and an MA from Hult International Business School in London, UK. In a prior career she worked in retail banking with FINRA Series 6, 63, and Life Insurance licenses. Devin joined Heifer in 2014.
Since moving to Oregon, Devin has rediscovered her love for the mountains, public libraries, and live music in health-conscious venues. Pre-Covid volunteer activities included leading up voter registration efforts in Little Rock, AR.
Job Titles:
- Asset Management Accountant
Diane Scroggins is originally from Kansas where she earned a Business degree with an Accounting major. While she started her professional career in Kansas with the Oil and Gas industry, after moving to Arkansas, she worked in various industries. Her passion grew for the non-profit sector, including disaster relief, low-income housing for the elderly, teen pregnancy support (where she learned the importance of making inter-generational changes), churches & ministries, and educational programs. She has two daughters, a son-in-law, and one very special granddaughter. In her spare time, she volunteers with The Rep Theatre in downtown Little Rock. Her hobbies include scripture study, reading, cooking, and piano (for her ears only!).
Dr. Barrie O'Bannon, the man who helped secure the first Heifer International headquarters in Little Rock as well as the Heifer Ranch in Perryville, is the winner of the 2007 Dan West Award.
Heifer Foundation is pleased to announce its 2005 Dan West Fellow Award winner, Dr. Marion Hammarlund of Riverside, Calif. In Dr. Hammerlund's honor, $1,000 will be added to the Foundation's Dan West Education Endowment, a portion of which is made available each year to Heifer International for use in educating the public about the root causes of hunger and poverty.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director of Barings Alternative Investments
Elizabeth Weindruch is a Managing Director of Barings Alternative Investments. She is responsible for originating and underwriting private equity funds and co-investments in North American and Latin America. She has also spent time managing the European private equity portfolio.
Gary Cooper, a former Heifer Foundation trustee, sees the creation of Heifer International's endowment as a priceless contribution to the nonprofit's work to end hunger and poverty. "Jerry was an excellent financial advisor and was responsible for the early growth of the Foundation. He always had Heifer International's mission as the central reason for growth."
Heifer Foundation is pleased to announce its 2006 Dan West Fellow Award winner, Gary Cooper of Sarasota, Florida. In Cooper's honor, $1,000 will be added to the Foundation's Dan West Education Endowment, a portion of which is made available each year to Heifer International for use in educating the public about the root causes of hunger and poverty.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Investments and Finance
Jake returns to Heifer International Foundation in the role of Manager of Investments and Finance. Since last being at the Foundation, he took some time to prioritize family before working at an educational technology start up in accounting and most recently in operations. He has a degree in Finance from UW-Green Bay as well as an MBA from Harding University.
Outside of work, Jake enjoys watching and playing sports, trying new food spots around town, and being able to be outside and enjoy all the Natural State has to offer.
, praised Davis for his "servant leadership." Miller is one of those individuals that exemplify the tireless commitment to the mission of ending hunger and poverty," Ginn said. "Both Heifer Foundation and Heifer International have benefitted from his steady leadership and passion for the work."
"Barrie is a respected member of the Heifer family and a great ambassador for Heifer Foundation," Ginn said. "His service and commitment to the organization has proven very valuable over the years as we partner to end hunger and poverty."
O'Bannon, who lives in Russellville, first became involved with Heifer International in the early 1970's when he read an article that the organization had moved its headquarters from St.
"[The recipients] had to give their first offspring to someone else. That idea really stuck with me, creating an interest in the work," he said. "It's outstanding the way people receiving can feel they are also giving to someone else."
This idea eventually led O'Bannon to provide the lead gift when Heifer International purchased its first headquarters in the old Salvation Army building on Broadway in Little Rock. O'Bannon was also very instrumental in securing the property now known as Heifer Ranch and donated his registered Brangus herd to Heifer International during that time. This donation contributed to many successful projects around the world as quality stock was shipped from the holding facility he helped secure in Perryville.
Heifer Foundation President and CEO Janet K. Ginn says, "We are so pleased and humbled to have Gary as a vital part of this organization."
Job Titles:
- Director of Development
- 2012 Winner
Heifer International, in many ways, owes its current form to the guidance of Jerry Bedford, who insisted that the organization, whose mission he treasured, be placed on sure footing for decades to come. Bedford's fundraising and communications efforts helped build Heifer into a well-regarded development organization whose impact has circled the globe.
Job Titles:
- Office Coordinator Kanissa.Brooks@Heiferfoundation.Org
Raised in Little Rock, Kanissa joined the Foundation as a Donor Relations Administrative Associate in July of 2018. Previously, she was a temporary employee in Heifer International's Call Center, transitioning onto the Donations Processing team during the holiday season.
When she's not running around with her 3 dogs-Leah, Frank, & Ozker (Chiweenie, Boxador, Mastiff)-painting landscapes, or volunteering with CALS and Arkansas Foodbank, she's in the kitchen reenacting her favorite cooking show, Chopped, with her family.
Heifer Foundation and its employees are not engaged in rendering legal, investment or tax advice. The content provided is for general information purposes only. Advice and assistance on specific cases should be obtained from attorneys or other professional counsel. Be aware of tax revisions. Because individual state laws govern charitable gifts, wills and trusts, the advice of an attorney should be sought when considering any of these gifts.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Investments and Finance
Katie St. Amour joins us from her role as the Director of Finance at Heifer Impact Capital where she oversaw their $2M budget, accounting duties, investment structure, and legal agreements for approved investments. Additionally, she was responsible for their portfolio management activities-investment monitoring, collections of receivables, and the reporting of their investment data, among other activities. Katie first joined Heifer International in 2018 where she led the finance function in Heifer USA. She has over 15 years of experience in finance, accounting, mergers and acquisition, and strategy. Her career began as a Certified Public Accountant at KPMG, providing audit services to clients in a broad range of industries. She then specialized in mergers and acquisition advisory at Deloitte, serving both private equity and strategic acquirers around the world. Katie eventually moved over to the non-profit sector when an opportunity arose on the strategy team of a non-profit in New York City.
Katie has called Little Rock home for the past 5 years with her husband, two children (6 and 4 years old), and two dogs. When she's not working, she enjoys traveling, volunteering, and spending time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Asset Management Accountant
Kristi Greene was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. She holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Colorado State University. Accounting is her second career after 10+ years in nursing and health care administration. After spending time in insurance brokerage accounting and a foray into public accounting, she is thrilled to be using her skills to work in the nonprofit sector.
Outside of the office, Kristi enjoys all things Razorback sports, cooking, visiting farmers markets in new cities, and dance parties in her kitchen with her daughter and husband. After 10 years in Oklahoma City, OK, she is thrilled to be back in Little Rock, AR where she lives with her husband, 4-year old daughter, two cats, and a dog.
Lindsay Duvall joined the Heifer Foundation in 2023 as a Planned Giving Officer after working for Heifer International for four years as a Donor Relationship Manager. She started her time with Heifer volunteering in 2008 while earning her degree in International Studies from California State University, Long Beach and continued when she moved back to her hometown in San Diego. Before joining the nonprofit sector, she worked in insurance, underwriting catastrophe insurance along the southeast and west coasts.
Now residing in the Denver, CO metro area, Lindsay enjoys traveling and all the great outdoor activities Colorado has to offer, especially hiking and paddle boarding. When she is not outside or on the road, Lindsay can be found baking up sweet treats for her side baking business or playing with her cat, Juicy.
Whenever Marvel Lund sends a card or letter, she always signs her name with a heart. This isn't so unusual for someone who puts her heart in everything she does. Marvel not only has heart, she also has energy and enthusiasm for helping others that marks her as one of Heifer's greatest allies.
Marvel served on the Foundation's Board of Trustees for six years and is a member of the Sacramento Heifer Committee. Marvel's husband, Hal, owner of his own automotive business and Indianapolis 500 mechanic, was one of the Heifer cowboys who delivered livestock by boat to various countries. He also participated in the last shipment of heifers to Korea.
Melody Ramsey has 12 years of experience in Development work. She's worked for Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Nature Conservancy and The Salvation Army. She has also done significant volunteer work with animal rescues. Melody has a 9-year-old daughter named Eva, a 6-year-old son named Owen, and a 2-year-old rescue chihuahua named Cookie. She currently lives in her hometown of Huntsville, AL.
After 20 years of being a guiding force in Heifer's mission of ending hunger and poverty, Miller Davis, a former Chair of Heifer Foundation's Board of Trustees, has been awarded the 2008 Dan West Fellow Award.
Rosalee Sinn has been at the center of life's cycle of giving and receiving - love, knowledge, support, expertise and blessings - throughout almost four decades of professional association with Heifer International.
Sarah Alexander is a recognized authority on private and impact investment in emerging and frontier markets, with over two decades of work in this area in the public, non-profit and private sectors. She currently serves as Investment Committee Chair and Senior Managing Director for Investments at the Global Innovation Fund, a pioneering evidence-driven, impact-first investment vehicle focusing on the world's poorest.
Her prior work has included advising institutional investors and fund managers on the design and development of their private capital strategies in emerging and frontier markets. She has been a direct long-term investor in the developing markets of Asia and served as a Managing Director at The Abraaj Group, a leading investor in emerging markets.
Sarah was the Founding CEO of the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association (EMPEA), leading the organization from 2004-2013. Earlier in her career, she worked in private sector development at the World Bank Group and in international economic and development policy at the US Department of State and in the US Congress.
Ms. Alexander holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, an MPA from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University and a BA, summa cum laude, from Emory University.
She has served on the Heifer Foundation Board of Trustees since 2019.
Somerset Sea joined Heifer in August 2023, and has a diverse and extensive background in audit and accounting services. Her experience spans across government agencies, private businesses, healthcare systems, non-profits and various publicly traded companies.
Somerset was born and raised in Little Rock, AR. She graduated from NYU with her CPA and immediately began as an auditor at KPMG which took her from New York City to Dallas, TX and later Tulsa, OK before she returned to her hometown in 2010.
Originally planning to major in dance, she still dances as a hobby when she's not at Razorback games or managing a fantasy football league. Outside of football season, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, wife and two bulldogs.
Job Titles:
- Manager
- Senior Vice President
Stephanie Buckley serves as senior vice president and senior regional fiduciary manager of Philanthropic Services within The Private Bank. Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services helps charitable individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations work toward their unique goals by providing specialized advisory services. Ms. Buckley leads a team of experienced specialists that provides philanthropic advice to Wells Fargo clients throughout the Southwest and California Regions. She is responsible for enhancing our philanthropic offering to clients, helping her team deliver exceptional client service, and managing risk within her region.
Prior to joining Wells Fargo, Ms. Buckley worked at Pepperdine University for over 10 years as an associate vice chancellor of the Center for Estate and Gift Planning. There she worked with current and prospective donors to structure gifts in the most tax efficient manner, including identifying and creating estate and financial planning tools specific to each donor's needs. Also, while serving as an associate vice chancellor at the law school she raised major gifts, managed the school's board of visitors, and taught as an adjunct faculty member. Ms. Buckley has worked in philanthropy for more than 20 years.
Ms. Buckley earned a BA degree in Economics with high honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a JD with a specialization in business law from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, and a LLM in taxation with honors from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. Ms. Buckley is a member of the State Bar of California, on the editorial board for Planned Giving Today, a former and current Trustee for Heifer Foundation and a past president for both the Los Angeles Council for Charitable Gift Planners and the Planned Giving Council of Ventura County. She serves on the faculty of the American Institute for Philanthropic Studies and formerly taught at UCLA Extension. Ms. Buckley is a former college gymnast. She has served on the Heifer Foundation Board of Trustees since 2020.
Job Titles:
- Director for Heifer International
Job Titles:
- Chief Development Officer for Fund for Teachers
Stephen Butler is the Chief Development Officer for Fund for Teachers. Previously, he was the Assistant Dean for Advancement and External Relations at Oklahoma City University School of Law. Stephen also worked at Pepperdine University School of Law where he directed the annual giving program, the Law Associates. Prior to this, Stephen served as a grant writer and community organizer with the Industrial Areas Foundation in Los Angeles and Dallas, TX.
In Los Angeles, Stephen was active in mentoring programs and coordinated the Omega Educational Foundation's Youth Leadership Conference. He also developed a Street Law Academy to educate young men of their 4th, 5th and 6th Amendment rights and how to interact with police. Since coming to Oklahoma City, he has joined the boards of directors of Cristo Rey OKC and the Oklahoma Association of Charitable Gift Planners and the Advisory Board for the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools, as well as serving on the YMCA Downtown Branch Advisory Council, Oklahoma Contemporary Art for Every 5th Grader Committee, and Cookie Manager for Girl Scouts Troop 1184.
Stephen grew up in Tulsa, OK, and attended the University of Oklahoma for undergraduate and law school. He is married to Gabrielle, and they have a daughter, Ruby, and a son, Toussaint. He has served on the Heifer Foundation Board of Trustees since 2020.
Job Titles:
- Heifer Project International - Executive Committee Member & Voting Liaison for Heifer International Foundation
- Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Morehouse School of Medicine
Susan is an At-Large director for Heifer International. She is currently serving as Former Chair of the Heifer International Board and as the Voting Representative for Heifer International Foundation.
Susan brings her down-to-earth personality, values-driven strategy, and kindness to organizational leadership. She cuts through bureaucratic obstacles with focus, humor and collaboration. Susan relishes her current role as non-profit Board leader, community activist and mentor coach. She recently retired from CNN, where she led a portfolio of global digital and affiliate businesses as Executive Vice President, CNN News Services. During her tenure, CNN Digital became the Internet's leading news destination globally across myriad online and mobile platforms. Her portfolio of businesses included CNN Digital, CNNMoney, CNN Newsource Sales, CNN ImageSource, the CNN Library, CNN Student News and CNN Business Operations. CNN's affiliate businesses built exceptional, sustainable collaborations with their broadcast, radio and licensing partners.
For her leadership in off-air management, the Radio and Television News Directors Foundation honored her with its First Amendment Service Award in 2008. In 2013, Grant received Womenetics' POW! Award, celebrating her for stirring the status quo with excellence in leadership, and she received New Trier High School's 2013 Alumni Achievement Award, joining her high school's "Hall of Honor".
Grant serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Morehouse School of Medicine; and Chair of Agnes Scott College's Board of Visitors. She continues to lend her voice to raise awareness about race relations on the Board of Directors of Leadership Atlanta, the oldest sustained community leadership program in the nation. She is also a member of the CHRIS Kids Advisory Board and the Grady Ambassador Force. She is a graduate of Vassar College.
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance and Investments at Kalliopeia Foundation
Teresa Dunbar is the Director of Finance and Investments at Kalliopeia Foundation, a foundation whose work is rooted in the understanding that ecological, cultural, and spiritual renewal are interdependent. She is responsible for financial oversight and management of its endowment which is nearly 100% values aligned. She also conducts investment research on highly mission-aligned investment opportunities.
Prior to working at Kalliopeia Foundation, Teresa was the Director of Impact Investing at Manchester Capital Management, a Registered Investment Advisor and family office where she was responsible for developing and managing a platform of funds and direct investments focused on environmental, social, and governance risks, opportunities, and capabilities across asset classes.
Teresa has over fifteen years of experience working in international development, microfinance, and philanthropy with the Hewlett Foundation, Kiva.org, Oikocredit, and the Christensen Fund. Her subject matter experience has focused on regenerative agriculture, biological and cultural diversity, indigenous rights, and economic empowerment for under-represented & under-served communities.
Teresa holds an M.B.A. from the University of California, Davis and a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and Sociology from Saint Mary's College of CA.