Kate Tansey, MSW, LCSW Executive Director Kate Tansey, MSW, LCSW graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Webster University and Master of Social Work from St. Louis University.   Her clinical experience has included private practice and nonprofit agency work, including serving as Clinical Director where she provided clinical supervision with an emphasis on evidenced-based practices and performance improvement. The focus of her post-graduate work was in the field of addictive behaviors and organizational development.  As a certified specialist in Bridges Transition Management, she has provided consultation and training to local nonprofits experiencing organizational change.  She is an adjunct professor at St. Louis University, teaching group therapy courses. In 2008, Kate received the Child Advocate of the Year Award from the St. Louis Area Council on Child Abuse and Neglect, and in 2009 she received the Pioneer Award from the National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse - St. Louis Area for her leadership as Campaign Manager for the Putting Kids First/Proposition 1 campaign. Growing up in Cool Valley, Kate is a life-long resident of the community.  She currently lives in Creve Coeur and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, biking, yoga, meditation, travel, and volunteering.
Julie Russell, MSW, LCSW Deputy Director Julie Russell, MSW, LCSW earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and a Master of Social Work from Washington University.  She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with fifteen years of direct service experience in providing mental health services to children, families, and adults with chronic mental illness.    In addition, her interests and core competencies include evidence-based practices, grantwriting, design and implementation of data management systems, quality assurance, and performance management in the nonprofit sector.  She is also a frequent speaker on these topics.   Julie currently serves on the Board of Overseers for the local Malcolm Baldrige Award Program, the Missouri Quality Award, and most recently served on the Alliance for Nonprofit Performance and the Clinical Leadership Board for Evidence-Based Practices. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with family.
Dave Ewing, CPA Comptroller Dave Ewing, CPA, graduated from Truman State University with Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Business Administration, and Computer Science.  He received his CPA certificate in 1982 and is licensed to practice in the State of Missouri.  During his career, he has had extensive experience in accounting, tax, finance, information technology, operations, and business process design.  Dave has had the opportunity to contribute in domestic and international businesses across multiple industry sectors, as well as with governmental and nonprofit agencies. Dave has had the privilege of volunteering for a number of local charities and serving on the Board and as Treasurer for Kiwanis.  In his spare time, he enjoys flying as a private pilot, spending time with his family, and working in his church.
Kiesha Davis, MSW Portfolio Manager Kiesha Davis, MSW is a graduate of Alabama A&M University, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. She went on to complete her graduate studies in social work at Washington University in St. Louis. Prior to joining the Fund, she worked with local funders designing programs to help support their grantmaking capacity. She also has experience managing short and long term grantee investment relationships, building collaborations and leveraging resources as well as working with program management and data analysis for nonprofits. In her spare time she enjoys shopping, reading, dining out with friends and volunteering.
Craig T. Biehle, MSW Portfolio Manager Craig Biehle, MSW earned a Bacelor of Arts in in Psychology from Denison University in Granville, Ohio and a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis.  Previously, he worked with local and statewide nonprofit foundations developing funding opportunities, reviewing grant applications, maintaining grantee investment relationships, building collaborations and leveraging resources. In his spare time he enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with his wife and twin sons.
Eric Murray, BS Data and Information Manager Eric Murray, BS graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Administrative Business Management.  Previously, he worked with local nonprofit organizations, managing data systems, reporting outcome information to funders, fundraising, grantwriting, maintaining websites, and strengthening collaborations in the community. Having grown-up in St. Louis County, Eric is very passionate about helping to improve the community that has been his home for so long.
Teasha Brooks Office Manager Teasha has nearly ten years of experience working with data management and program evaluation in the nonprofit sector.  Her background includes managing information systems, facilitating focus groups, providing technical assistance, and data analysis.   In addition, she possesses expertise in customer service and support management.   In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family.