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Community Foundation of Elkhart County reshapes organization to navigate ongoing growth

Monday, September 27, 2021

ELKHART — The Community Foundation of Elkhart County promoted Carrie Berghoff to become Chief Development Officer for the organization.

Her promotion from Donor Engagement Specialist is part of changes within the organization that continues to grow and now has assets of more than $400 million.

Berghoff joined the foundation five years ago to work with donors. She has advised donors with their philanthropic giving and helped plan events. She joins the executive cabinet of the organization and now oversees development and donor relations as the Community Foundation continues to improve the quality of life in Elkhart County by inspiring generosity and encouraging philanthropy in all forms.

After graduating from Indiana University in 2008, Berghoff worked for Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and then a small business start-up in northern Indiana. Carrie is married to Drake Berghoff and they have two young daughters.

“Elkhart County is blessed with its generous donors,” said Berghoff. “Their generosity has helped our community thrive and continuing that legacy is so valuable to all of us who live here.”

Brian D. Cook, who has been leading the marketing efforts for the Community Foundation since this summer, is also part of the executive cabinet and now has the title Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. His team now oversees marketing, communication and event planning for the Community Foundation.

Cook joined the foundation in early June as Director of Marketing. In his career spanning 25 years, he has managed marketing teams and implemented strategies in a variety of settings. He worked at the University of Notre Dame from 2005 to 2019, including as director of marketing for the Mendoza College of Business from 2017 to 2019.

“Our organization continues to grow and thrive and I am so pleased that Carrie and Brian are part of our leadership team to help us navigate the future and ongoing growth,” said President Pete McCown. “They are talented individuals who can help lead and guide other talented members of our Community Foundation’s staff and engage our donors, nonprofits and other people in our community.”

Others on the executive cabinet are Pete McCown, President; Candy Yoder, Chief Program Officer; and Cole Patuzzi, Chief Financial Officer. Nearly 20 employees are on staff at the Community Foundation.