BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Heidi Ludwig, Board President
COO, Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne
Heidi is an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, Kendallville and a lifelong resident of Avilla where she resides with her husband, Rick, and two children. Heidi is Associate Director at the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne where her responsibilities include oversight of investments, accounting and operations.
“I’m involved in Common Grace Ministries because the method the organization uses is transforming lives in our community. I believe strongly in the Christ centered programming of the organization and in building personal relationships with people. Helping people realize their talents and skills instills a sense of hope and dignity that touches many lives beyond just those who come to Common Grace Ministries for assistance.”
Dana Clark, Vice President
Owner of Raccoon Forge Blacksmithing
Tammy Pifer, Treasurer
Monitoring Analysis & Compliance Manager
Brightpoint Head Start/EHS
Shelly Long, Director
Business Manager, Avalon Village Ligonier
Doug Davis, Secretary
Detective, Kendallville Police Department
Dana was born and raised in Noble County. She and her husband live outside of Kendallville with their 4 children. While she is a stay at home mom, she also plays a huge role in their family business, Raccoon Forge Blacksmithing. Most of her experience with community relations comes from 10 years in childcare in Kendallville. During this time, her main goal was to make a difference in lives, even if in the smallest degree, and create life long connections, both of which cause her to strive as a person! Giving back to the community, advocating and service learning as so important to Dana. She states, “My hope is to bring some new and fresh ideas that align with the Common Grace missions and use my connections to better the organization!”
“I chose to serve with Common Grace Ministries because I love the mission and passion that CGM strives for. I could either watch it happen or be a part of it. Creativity can thrive and motivate communities to come together to create a better future!”
Doug was born in Kendallville and grew up in both Kendallville and Fort Wayne and currently resides in Kendallville. Doug is married with twin daughters and has been blessed with two grandchildren. Doug has always had a heart for helping others and being a police officer was a perfect fit. Doug has always been involved in the community not only as a police officer but also by serving as past vice president on the board with LLRL Association and served as secretary on the board with the Kendallville Post 86 Legion Riders.
“As a police officer, I have seen first hand what Common Grace Ministries can do to help people. I am so proud to be part of their mission by helping others to make positive changes in their lives for a better future.”
Tammy spends her days helping others at Brightpoint. She manages home visiting programs that serve prenatal women and families with infants and toddlers. She wants to see Noble County be a strong, healthy community where people have the opportunities to live to their fullest potential. Tammy began serving with Common Grace Ministries as the Friendship Connection Treasurer and then moved into the role of Board Treasurer when the organizational restructuring took place.
“I have this quote in my office: 'Every child needs one person who is crazy about him.' – Urie Bronfenbrenner" I am happy to serve with CGM because I have a passion for advocating for people in poverty. I want them to know they have value and are able to fulfill their dreams. CGM is engaged in making a true difference, not just a hand out, to the people of Noble County and I am proud to be a part of that vision.”
George Vandermeir, Director
Retired
Heather Lemmon, Director
Teacher, Central Noble
David Dressler, Director
Area Branch Manager, Midwest American Federal Credit Union
Kelly Huckeriede, Director
Solv Holdings, HR & Compliance Manager
Shelly was born in Noble County and grew up on a farm in Cromwell where her family raised cattle and hogs. She graduated from West Noble High School. When she turned 16 she started working at Avalon Village, which was Kenney Healthcare at the time. Her mother worked there on 3rd shift and took Shelly to work with her when she could. Shelly fell in love with the elderly and wanted to take care of them. She says, “Taking care of the elderly has given me so much. I can’t even begin to tell you the love I have for them.” Shelly has worked at Avalon Village for nearly 30 years moving up from CNA to Business Manager. She married Jeff Long in 2012 and became a wife, a mother and a grandmother all in one day. She and Jeff live in Ligonier with their cat, Addison, and dog, Bozley. With God, my family and friends, I truly have everything I could ever ask for. “
“I love serving with CGM because I love truly helping people.”
George was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. He spent 44 years working in various leadership roles for General Motors in the Manufacturing arena and lived throughout the Midwest. He retired from General Motors as the Quality Manager for the GM Marion Stamping Facility in 2020. He now calls Rome City his home where his wife Betty and he live. They have been blessed with three children and four grandchildren and are very happy that they all live here in Indiana. Over the years George realized how important the church community is and has been involved with various Catholic parishes in a variety of roles. His plan for retirement was to seek opportunities to give back to the community and share the blessings he’s received. He’s been a volunteer at Common Grace Ministries for about two years and also assists in various ministries at his local parish St. Gasper’s in Rome City.
I’ve been very fond of St. Mother Teresa and feel she says it best; “If the poor die of hunger, it is not because God does not care for them. Rather, it is because neither you or I are generous enough”. I am very happy to give back the blessings.
Heather is a teacher at Central Noble. A wife and mother, Heather just celebrated 22 years of marriage with her husband Andrew. Together, they are raising 3 kids. Heather enjoys being outside, gardening, tending to their blueberry field, and being with her family and friends.
David resides in Kendallville as a part owner of his family farm and faithful member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Serving his community comes as no new task. David has served many years as past President and Exhibit Corp Member of Noble County 4-H, past President and current treasurer of Noble County YPN, Parish Council Member and Finance Committee Member for his church. Working as the Kendallville MidWest America Federal Credit Union Branch Manager he comes with a background in financial wellness and service.
A community centric mindset takes care of those around us who most need the resources Common Grace can provide. As Saint Pope John Paul II says - “We are all one family in the world. Building a community that empowers everyone to attain their full potential through each of us respecting each other's dignity, rights and responsibilities makes the world a better place to live.” With that, David is excited to help spread the good works of this organization.
I was born and raised in Noble County, currently residing in Avilla with my two greatest blessings, my son Wyatt and my daughter Sophie. I am the Manager of HR & Compliance for SOLV Holdings where my primary focus is to partner with our leadership team, and our affiliate companies, as a resource in all aspects of risk mitigation. I am also an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, Kendallville.
I am excited to serve Common Grace Ministries, and am thankful for the opportunity to give back to the community.
I chose CGM because their strategy, “Meet immediate needs. Mitigate future needs. Make connections to other resources.” is in direct alignment with my own belief, "putting others before yourself brings unexpected blessings.