By: Mat Cloak
The Parsons Advocate
Following Diane Hinkle’s retirement, Kelly Stadelman will be the new Development Director for the Tucker Community Foundation.
Before joining Tucker Community Foundation, Stadelman worked for Stadelman Consulting, a company her husband will continue to operate. Prior to Stadelman Consulting, she co-owned and operated The Parsons Advocate. Through these work experiences, Stadelman developed research skills, conducted attitude and opinion studies, and honed message and brand development.
She was also a Tucker Community Foundation board member for several years. “I became very familiar with the Foundation while serving as a board member for several years and participating in its outreach programs, Run For It and Uncle Sam’s Birthday Party. It is an honor to join an organization that values people and creates resources for communities,” she said in a press release.
“Kelly brings more than 10 years of experience working with nonprofits in a development capacity to the Foundation. We are excited to have her as a member of our outstanding team,” Executive Director Robert Burns commented in the press release.
Stadelman’s first day was Monday. “I definitely want to continue to build on the programs the Foundation has started,” Stadelman said. She said she is excited to observe and assess the operations of the Foundation before she implements any of her own ideas. One of which is to grow participation in Run For It in all of the counties the Foundation serves. “I am excited to accept the development director position and continue to build on the successful programs and projects established by Diane,” Stadelman said.
Stadelman’s public service career includes a term with the Peace Corps, where she served in Rwanda from 1988 to 1991. “I have always had a passion to strengthen my community,” Stadelman said in the press release. “I hope to inspire many on the joy of giving locally and to raise awareness about the great accomplishments of the Tucker Community Foundation throughout the region.”
Stadelman earned a master’s degree in agricultural economics from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. She also received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and a Bachelor of Science in international agriculture from Purdue. Stadelman resides in Thomas with her husband.
Stadelman will replace Diane Hinkle as the new Development Director. The Foundation expanded significantly under Hinkle’s direction. As previously reported by The Parsons Advocate, the number of endowed funds overseen by the Foundation grew to 120 during Hinkle’s tenure. She began the major fundraising event, Run for It, which generated over $1.2 million in its existence. She helped establish Potomac Highlands Food and Farm Initiative, and the Tucker Boulder Park.
