Celebrating Foundation Staff

Join us in celebrating the incredible accomplishments and outstanding work out the Community Foundation staff. We are recognizing four of our staff members and their promotions from three departments. Feel free to reach out and congratulate our amazing staff!

Mary Grissom, Director, Community Investment

Mary Grissom joined the Mission & Impact team as the Senior Program Officer in November 2019.  She brings with her over 15 years’ experience serving in leadership positions for mission directed organizations and leading initiatives that improve community outcomes. With expertise in impact philanthropy, public policy, and community engagement she supports the Foundation in achieving priorities and leveraging partnerships for the advancement of people and place.

While born and raised in Louisville, Mary began her career in Boston, Massachusetts. There she worked on issue and electoral campaigns that helped usher a new environment to advance policies, systems and neighborhoods; ultimately served 2 terms as Chief of Staff for the first Asian American elected official in the City of Boston.

“Across her tenure at CFL, Mary has thoughtfully elevated programs, engaged and strengthened networks, and refined strategies for community investment. Mary’s competency and commitment to our community will be further demonstrated in this next leadership role.” stated Trisha Finnegan, Senior Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer.

Miranda Reece, Manager, Gifts and Donor Services

Miranda Reece joined the Community Foundation of Louisville as the Development & Stewardship Associate in July 2018 and transitioned to the role of Senior Associate in November 2019. In her current role as Manager, Gifts and Donor Services, Miranda ensures that all gifts are processed accurately and timely and assists Community Foundation donors with fund questions, creations, and changes.

A Louisville native, Miranda attended Presentation Academy and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.

“We’re pleased to announce that Miranda Reece has been promoted to Manager of Gifts and Donor Services.  In her 3 years at CFL, Miranda consistently demonstrates her focus on providing outstanding customer service to ensure that our fundholders have the best charitable giving experience. Congrats, Miranda!” stated Kate Biagi-Rickert, Director of Stewardship.

Michael Pfaff, Manager, Grants Administration

Michael Pfaff serves as a Manager of Grants Administration having joined the Community Foundation of Louisville in July 2017. In his role processing grants for the Foundation, he brings a great deal of background knowledge, detail orientation and donor service.

Michael brings with him knowledge of the philanthropic community as he was the co-founder and former president of a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit called Nerd Louisville, which promotes nerdy culture and works with other organizations, like the Louisville Free Public Library, Boys & Girls Club, Cabbage Patch Settlement House and others to foster youth education and recreation through tabletop games.

“Michael is not only an invaluable asset to the Development & Stewardship team, but to CFL as a whole. He is a joy to work with, balancing his steady competence with a sharp wit and a killer sense of humor. This promotion is well-deserved, and I have no doubt that Michael will excel in his new role.” stated Anne McKune, Director of Philanthropy.

Katie Hagan, Senior Associate, Marketing & Communications

Katie Hagan joined the Community Foundation as a Marketing and Communications Specialist in January 2018. In July 2021, she transitioned to Senior Associate, Marketing & Communications. Katie assists with all aspects of marketing, communications, advertising, content creation, and new media.

A Louisville native, Katie is a Pleasure Ridge Park High School Alum. She earned her B.S in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and Advertising from Kentucky Wesleyan College in 2017 and earned her Master’s Degree in Digital Media from Indiana University Southeast in 2020.

“I am so excited to see Katie recognized for her hard work. She exhibits great organization and creativity, as well as a sense of passion for nonprofits in our community, all of which are crucial to the success of the marketing and communications team and the Community Foundation of Louisville.”  stated Valerie Sickles, Director, Marketing & Communications.