Community Foundation Announces Interim Executive Director

Ligonier – The board of directors of the Community Foundation of Noble County has appointed Mark Demske interim executive director of the organization.

The naming of Demske comes one week after the untimely death of Linda L. Speakman-Yerick of Rome City on March 16.  Speakman-Yerick had served as executive director of the countywide foundation since 2008.  Before that she played an instrumental part of the inception of the community foundation in 1991 and while continuing to volunteer and serve as a board member and development consultant for the community foundation.

Community Foundation Board President, Jarrod Ramer made the announcement stating “the board believes that the business of operating the foundation must continue with a smooth transition during this time of loss. Mark is a familiar face in the community and will oversee the daily functions while the search begins for a permanent director.”

Demske previously worked from 2001-2015 as the Vice President of Financial Services at Community State Bank and earned his B.A. from Wabash College, J.D. from Valparaiso and M.B.A. from St. Francis University.  Currently he is President of Twin Orange, Inc., DBA Biggby Coffee in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Demske has been a community foundation board member since 2015 and has been serving on the Investment Committee since early 2000’s in addition to its Scholarship Committee.

Demske has lived in Kendallville his entire life except while in college.  He and his wife Carrie have two children.

Demske stated, “Linda left us with a strong and successful community foundation, complete with a staff of professionals along with a knowledgeable board of directors to deal with the operations. I want to thank all of the board members who provide the leadership and guidance to help us continue to reach our goals and continue to grow the good works of the community foundation.”