The Board of Directors of the Rush County Community Foundation recently elected three new board members to replace outgoing board members Dr. Amy Meyer-Ploeger and Bob Bridges.  The Foundation is delighted to announce that Arika Marlatt, Phil Kuhn, and Ben Wicker have accepted a three-year term to serve on the Foundation’s Board of Directors, with the term beginning January 2019.

Arika, Phil, and Ben are lifelong Rush County residents.  All three graduated from Rushville Consolidated High School, left for college, and returned to our community to pursue their careers.  Additionally, all received tuition assistance from Rush County Community Foundation scholarship funds.

Arika obtained her degree at Franklin College and now serves as the Marketing Manager for Anytime Fitness. Additionally, she runs her own marketing and design company, Arika Kay Designs.  Arika serves on the Rush County Chamber of Commerce board, the Rush County Fair board, and the Boys and Girls Club board.

When asked why she accepted a position on the RCCF Board of Directors, Arika said, “I’m looking forward to giving back to our community by serving on the board and assisting in contributing to the legacy of the Foundation.”

Phil is the Executive Director of Research and Development at Hill-Rom.  Phil received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at Rose-Hulman and later earned his MBA in Finance from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business.  Phil is a member of the American Society for Healthcare Engineering and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation.  He serves on the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee, Finance and Investment Committee, and Grants Committee.

Phil quickly accepted the opportunity to serve on the RCCF Board of Directors, stating, “I am excited to join the RCCF Board of Directors because the Foundation plays such a vital role in our community.  I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to help shape the future of the Foundation to ensure that it continues to grow and thrive.”

Ben graduated from Purdue University and is employed as the Executive Director of Indiana Agriculture Nutrient Alliance and farms.  He fills his time outside of work with a number of community involvements, serving as a member of the 4-H Council, Milroy United Methodist Church, Milroy Elementary All-Pro Dads, and the RCCF Scholarship Committee.  He is also involved with the AgriInstitute Ag Leadership Program.

When asked why Ben accepted the position on the Foundation’s Board of Directors, he stated, “I believe in the opportunities that the RCCF can facilitate and provide.  As a student, I was a grateful recipient of RCCF scholarships. Now back in the community, I also see how RCCF can and does support many other of our county’s most significant needs. I am excited to give back to this organization that played a key part in launching my career after high school.”

Alisa Winters, Executive Director of the Rush County Community Foundation stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Ben, Phil, and Arika to the Board of Directors this year.  They each bring a unique skillset that will assist our development and capacity within the community for years to come.  As we embark on an exciting year at the Foundation, their work and community experiences will undoubtedly prove beneficial to our organization’s leadership and forward momentum.  We are so grateful they are willing to contribute their expertise to further our mission.”

Though the Foundation is excited for the strong leadership guiding us in to 2019, we would be remiss to not recognize the departure of the great board members we have had to replace.  Amy and Bob were incredible assets to the Foundation’s Board of Directors throughout the past six years, all taking active roles on committees and leading our board in various roles and capacities.  During their terms the Foundation grew from a $9.5 million organization to a $17 million organization.  Their leadership and support on our Board of Directors will be greatly missed in the year ahead.

Cindy Powers will assume President duties in 2019, replacing Dr. Reed.  Greg Harcourt has been elected to serve as Vice President, Mindy Vogel (not pictured) will remain as Secretary, and Marilyn Yager will serve as Treasurer.

Meeting the philanthropic needs of Rush County since 1991, The Rush County Community Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit public charity established  to serve donors, award grants and scholarships, and provide leadership to enrich and enhance the quality of life in Rush County, Indiana, not only today, but for our future generations.  For more information please visit or contact the office at 117 N. Main St., Rushville, IN 46173, or call (765) 938-1177.