Please join us in welcoming Tiffany McQueen Lewis, Grants Director, and Teri Spartz, Community Engagement Director to the DeKalb County Community Foundation staff. Both Tiffany and Teri began their new roles on January 7, 2019 following the retirement of long-time Program Director Anita Zurbrugg.

Tiffany McQueen Lewis comes to the Foundation with over 15 years of experience in the education and nonprofit space. She began her career as a high school guidance counselor and transitioned to the nonprofit sector where she served as a program director, development director, and most recently as the Founding Executive Director for America Needs You, a national nonprofit organization that provides intensive career development and transformative mentorship to low-income students who are the first in their families to go to college. Tiffany holds a B.A. in Psychology from Clark Atlanta University, M.Ed. from University of Georgia, and has taken several courses through Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management in Nonprofit Management.

Tiffany currently lives in Naperville with her husband Gerald and her three children.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to partner with individuals and organizations from all walks of life to help them achieve their philanthropic goals,” said Tiffany. “Through these partnerships, I look forward to supporting many of the nonprofits in DeKalb County to help them better meet the needs of their clients.”

As Grants Director, Tiffany’s responsibilities include coordination and effective delivery of the Foundation’s donor-directed grantmaking (including scholarships) and Board-directed responsive grant programs.

Teri Spartz has worked with nonprofits for over 15 years, spending the past 13 years with the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Foundation. Her most recent role at NIU was Senior Director of Advancement for the College of Business. Prior to her time at NIU, she was the Foundation Coordinator at Rochelle Community Hospital during the hospital’s first capital campaign in over 40 years. Teri attended Western Illinois University where she earned a B.A. in Communication, Public Relations and Marketing.

Teri grew up in Rochelle and has lived in Ogle and DeKalb Counties nearly all of her life. She currently lives in Sycamore with her husband Kevin and their two children.

“I am excited to join the Community Foundation and to help make a positive impact in our community,” said Teri. “I look forward to building partnerships in DeKalb County that will continue to enhance the mission of the Foundation.”

As Community Engagement Director, Teri’s responsibilities include coordination and management of the Foundation’s Board-directed proactive community engagement programs and activities.

“Our Board and staff are excited to have Tiffany and Teri on our team,” said Dan Templin, Executive Director.  “Their unique experiences, skills, and passion for philanthropy and the quality of life in DeKalb County will contribute to the Community Foundation’s growth and influence in the years ahead.”

Pictured: Tiffany McQueen Lewis and Teri Spartz