Our Board

The neighbors who decide where Miami County’s giving goes

Nine volunteers and staff behind the Miami County Community Foundation — business owners, bankers, educators and communicators who live here, raise families here, and steward every dollar entrusted to the Foundation.

The board
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Members serving Paola, Osawatomie, Louisburg, Fontana and the county at large.

Want to get involved?
Talk to Tammy

Board service, funds, scholarships or a memorial — start with a conversation.

Contact the Foundation
Officers & Staff

Who leads the Foundation

The four people who carry the Foundation’s officer roles and day-to-day operations.

Peter Murphy Lewis, President of the Miami County Community Foundation
President

Peter Murphy Lewis

Returned to Miami County after 15 years building businesses in Chile.


“A community foundation shines a light on what’s really happening.”
Kari Needham, Vice President of the Miami County Community Foundation board
Vice President

Kari Needham

Director of Marketing at First Option Bank; 16 years in the county.


“Philanthropy isn’t just for the wealthy — it’s for anyone who wants to make a difference.”
Tammy Booe, Executive Director of the Miami County Community Foundation
Executive Director

Tammy Booe

Osawatomie native; 20+ years on the USD 367 Board of Education.


“In small towns, people don’t give because they’re asked. They give because they care.”
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Keri Peterson, Secretary of the Miami County Community Foundation board
Board Secretary

Keri Peterson

18 years at First Option Bank managing foundations and scholarships.


“I envision a community where every person has the chance to succeed, contribute, and belong.”
Board Members

Meet the rest of the board

Five members bringing business, journalism, retail and manufacturing perspectives to how Miami County gives.

Newest member
Chance Doherty, Miami County Community Foundation board member and President of Doherty Steel
Board Member

Chance Doherty

President and third-generation owner of Doherty Steel; lifelong Miami County resident.


“Miami County has always been my home. It’s where my family has grown, where we’ve built our business, and where we’re raising the next generation.”
Jean Carder, Miami County Community Foundation board member and Communications Officer for the City of Louisburg
Board Member

Jean Carder

Journalist and Communications Officer for the City of Louisburg.


“You’ve got to invest in where you live, otherwise you’re just taking up space.”
Jessica Finch, Miami County Community Foundation board member and owner of In Bloom Floral Design in Louisburg
Board Member

Jessica Finch

Owner of In Bloom Floral Design, Louisburg; focused on school scholarships.


“If you want to donate a scholarship or organize a walk in memory of a loved one, the Community Foundation is the place to do it.”
Matt Winterscheid, Miami County Community Foundation board member and family business owner
Board Member

Matt Winterscheid

Lifelong resident; spent his career in a family-owned business.


“Having a foundation right here offers our generous residents the chance to give back to the place they call home.”
Michelle Kaiser, Miami County Community Foundation board member
Board Member

Michelle Kaiser

Five years on the board; former local business owner in Paola.


“We connect donors’ passions with real needs.”

Have an idea for Miami County? Start with a conversation.

Scholarships, memorial funds, grants for your organization, or a seat at this table — Tammy will walk you through it.