ABERDEEN, S.D. — A group of Aberdeen community and nonprofit leaders is beginning a new term overseeing the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s investments in children’s health and in Aberdeen’s economic development.
Knight’s Aberdeen Community Advisory Committee, chaired by Capt. Ralph Labbee, director of The Salvation Army in Aberdeen, recommends and monitors Knight Foundation’s grant investments in local nonprofits, working with them to produce good results.
Members of the advisory committee are:
- Tom Agnitsch, executive director, United Way of Northeastern South Dakota
- Cindy R. Eikamp, executive editor, Aberdeen American News
- Arlene Schley Elliott, retired executive, United States General Services Administration (Aberdeen)
- Dr. Lorraine M. Hale, president, Presentation College
- Connie Smith, coordinator, family services program, Lincoln Elementary School
- Viorel G. Stoia, president, Stoia Kusler & Associates
- Robin Vallie, president, Coyote Publishing.
“Knight’s community advisory committee members play a key role in shepherding Knight investments. Their deep knowledge and caring about the community is invaluable in helping us serve Aberdeen’s needs,” said Michael Maidenberg, vice president and chief program officer at Knight.
Several organizations, including the Foundation for Aberdeen Area Children and Presentation College, have led an effort to focus much of Knight’s funding on improving the health of children.
Led by the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, Knight’s efforts are also directed at mobilizing the community toward a strategic vision for economic development.
The committee and the funded partners work with Anne Corriston, Knight’s Community Partners Program liaison in Aberdeen. Corriston is the first person to contact for more information about Knight’s activities.
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation promotes excellence in journalism worldwide and invests in the vitality of 26 U.S. communities.