Please join us as we welcome Shawn Blobaum, Waterman representative, to the DeKalb County Community Foundation Board of Directors.

Shawn grew up in Polo, IL, and attended Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He majored in math and computer science with a minor in geography. Shawn worked as a co-op student for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during his time there. Upon graduation, Shawn attended Northern Illinois University where he obtained his Master of Science. After 10 years of working for a mapping company, Shawn changed jobs and began a career in investments and insurance with Thrivent Financial.

Currently, Shawn is the president of the Waterman Lions Club, a deacon at Grace Free Lutheran Church in DeKalb, a member of the Waterman Planning and Zoning Committee, and a former board member for the DeKalb County Youth Service Bureau.

Shawn enjoys hunting, fishing, woodworking, baseball, football, and model trains when he has free time.

Shawn, his wife Molly, and their daughter live in Waterman. He and his wife have lived there since 2004. “We enjoy Waterman because the community supports local organizations. The people seem to genuinely care for one another. Our Lions Club, of which I’m a member, is constantly humbled by the amount of financial support we receive from the community to help others.”

“I’m looking forward to getting a better sense of what other communities are doing to enrich lives. I’m hoping that projects and ideas can be brought back to the Waterman area as a way to obtain positive growth in many aspects of life.”

The Community Foundation Board of Directors are selected to represent communities throughout DeKalb County. The Board sets policy, formulates strategic planning, and determines priorities in grantmaking. Because of the willingness of these able, effective individuals who donate their time and talents to the ultimate betterment of DeKalb County, the Foundation continues to grow to enhance the quality of life for its citizens.