You can have a face-to-face conversation with any of us at a moment’s notice.
We know South Madison. It’s our business to know which organizations are providing what services to which groups within our communities — and to help them do the best they can.
We are part of an honored tradition. The foundation was begun by a handful of civic leaders who had a vision for their community’s future. Today, we reap the benefits of the tradition they began, and in turn, it is our responsibility to set the stage for tomorrow’s bright future.
We are committed to stewardship. We comply with stringent national standards. We engage in regular training and development, both in regular meetings and through partnership with the Lilly Endowment, Indiana Philanthropy Alliance, and Council on Foundations.
Learn More about SMCF
Betsy Allen, President
Following in her father's footsteps, Betsy is a second generation Foundation Board member. She was born and raised in Pendleton, where she is now working and raising her own family. She is creating a life filled with community involvement and enrichment. Her goal is to have an impact on the community in which her children are raised so they can enjoy wonderful opportunities like she did. Betsy and family spend their free time at the pool and lake with family and look forward to annual family vacations.
Amy Turner, Vice President
Amy Turner is a business owner who loves to unwind in the great outdoors-camping and traveling while keeping her home and business grounded in South Madison County. She sees an excellent quality of life and boundless opportunity in the local community and wants to help others get connected and engaged in the local amenities she knows so well. Always willing to learn more and pitch in to help a community project succeed, Amy has served on Pendleton’s Bicentennial Committee,thePendleton Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Pendleton boards, and recently joined the Anderson/Madison County VisitorsBureau Commission. Amy alsohelped create a local volunteer fair and has served on the Foundation’s grant committee.
Rachel Christenson, Treasurer
Rachel moved to Pendleton in 2007 after falling in love with the town’s character, sense of place, historic feel, and the beautiful Falls Park. She and her family live on the town’s last brick street in a historic home built in 1917. In her career as a community planner, Rachel has worked on several plans that have influenced the built environment in the South Madison area. She is passionate about South Madison and excited about its future.
Joe Bastin
Joe Bastin moved into a house in downtown Pendleton as a temporary short term stop and still calls that place home nearly a decade later. He believes that there is just something magnetic about Pendleton that grabs you and holds on. Joe is a full-time professional beekeeper, maintaining over 1,200 colonies on his family farm. Joe also manages Indiana’s largest beekeeping supply store. Joe and his family love camping, kayaking, and hanging out with friends in the back yard.
Andrea Baldwin
Andrea returned to her hometown in 2019 and immediately got involved with the Plan Commission and the Lapel Community Association so she could serve her community and see it thrive. Andrea is married to Gary and has two adult children. She loves to spend time watching her two grandsons participate in sports and cattle shows.
Lori Brand
Lori Brand teaches Kindergarten in South Madison Community School Corporation. A graduate of Ball State University, she's been a Pendleton resident for 25 years. A mother of two, Lori enjoys spending time with family and friends. She looks forward to serving the community foundation because of her desire to help the youth of South Madison County now and on into their adulthood and beyond.
Christine Dudley
Christine Dudley has been living and raising her children in Adams Township in South Madison County with her husband for the past twenty years. She is an active participant of the Neighborhood Revitalization task force formed through the Foundation’s participation in Lilly Endowment’s GIFT VII initiative. She also serves on the Community Hospital Anderson Foundation Board, is a member of the Community Hospital Anderson Community Engagement Committee and works as a domestic mediator. She is interested in finding creative solutions to community challenges and highlighting the positive impact of individuals and organizations working in Madison County.
Amy Gwinn
Amy continues her mother’s passion for the South Madison community as a second generation board member and a 7th generation grain farmer in Adams and Stony Creek Township. She holds a leadership role with a crop protection and seed company headquartered in Indianapolis. Amy graduated from Purdue University and University of Illinois with degrees in Agricultural Finance. In addition to farming, Amy enjoys basketball, gardening, tailoring and shooting sports. Amy serves on numerous United Way committees, Lapel Trinity United Methodist Church Council, and local 4-H and FFA activities.
Sara Hauser
Sara Hauser has been a Pendleton resident since 2006 and chose to make it her home and raise her family in South Madison County because of the vibrant community life. Sara is a teacher, former children's programmer at the library, and a mom to two amazing kids. When not working or serving on the board, she likes to travel with her family. The Hausers are often off on an adventure in their camper or making great memories on the trails. When at home, Sara likes to pass her time reading, crafting, or being outside with her family and their neighbors.
Melanie Hosier
Melanie Hosier was born and raised in Pendleton and is proud to still call it home. She has been a member of the South Madison Youth Commission, Open Hearts Open Purses, and the grant review committee for OHOP. She previously served on other boards and committees in Madison County. She looks forward to serving on the Foundation board to directly enrich her community and create lasting impact for the next generation of residents. South Madison is seeing continuous growth, and she is hopeful that with growth comes progress and opportunity. She has taken a break from corporate life to be a full-time mom to her three children. You will often find her at a local park, coffee shop, or library. She enjoys spending time outside with her family, archery with her husband Sam, gardening, and creating music.
Dustin Pennington
Dustin Pennington is a Certified Financial Planner who brings financial management and wealth transfer experience to the Board of Directors, where he is interested in helping others fulfill a legacy that lasts beyond their lifetime. He is involved with the Pendleton Business Association, Ovid Community Church, and the Pendleton Lions Club, where he helps run the annual Fishing Derby and June Jamboree. Dustin and wife Amanda enjoy travel, camping, helping their children with sports, and living in a small town with character.
