Staff
Kathleen E. Woit, Ph.D.-
President
Kathleen Woit brings a solid vision for growth to the Madison Community Foundation. Under her leadership, the foundation has grown to over $115 million and has become a catalyst for community development throughout Dane County.
Prior to her appointment as President of Madison Community Foundation in April 1997, Kathleen served as a Vice President of Development for Meriter Health Services as well as Assistant Chancellor of University Relations at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She brings over 25 years experience in foundation leadership, and her career and academic experiences span all seven of the Madison Community Foundation funding fields of interest.
Born and raised in Madison, Kathleen remains deeply committed to the community. She serves on the Boards of Edgewood College and M&I Bank-Madison. She also has served on the Boards of Attic Angel Association, TEMPO, Edgewood High School, Madison Club, Rotary Club of Madison, UW Medical Foundation, WHA-TV, and the Junior League of Madison.
Kathleen received her Ph.D. and two master's degrees in education from UW-Madison. She has attended leadership institutes at the Harvard and Stanford Schools of Business. Kathleen has also been honored with Madison Magazine's 2010 "Best of Madison Business" award, In Business Magazine's 2010 Executive Hall of Fame, the Urban League of Madison Whitney Young Award, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Fundraiser of the Year Award, and the YWCA Women of Distinction Award.
Ann E. Casey - Vice President, Finance & Planned Giving
Ann Casey directs the financial and accounting activities for the foundation's assets, including oversight for investment management and policy development. She also assists individuals with planned giving.
Before joining Madison Community Foundation in 1999, Ann spent nearly 20 years in public accounting as a Senior Tax Manager with both Ernst & Young and Grant Thornton. She received the Elijah Watt Sells Award with High Distinction on her CPA exam and is a member of the Wisconsin Institute for CPAs.
Beyond her commitment to managing philanthropy through the Madison Community Foundation, Ann demonstrates a commitment to community through her many volunteer activities. Ann was a founding member and past President of A Fund for Women, a component fund of Madison Community Foundation. She has also served on the Board of Directors for The Business Forum. She graduated from Leadership Greater Madison and currently serves on the Finance Council and Core Planning Committee of her parish. Ann also volunteers at her children's schools and is involved with Families with Children from China as well as Families with Children from Vietnam.
Amy T. Overby - Vice President, Donor Relations
Amy Overby brings a wealth of community knowledge and philanthropic experience to her role as Vice President of Donor Relations. Her primary focus is to help individuals and organizations plan and achieve their philanthropic goals.
She has played many roles at Madison Community Foundation for over 18 years. After joining the staff in 1991, Amy was named Vice President of Grantmaking in 2000 and then Vice President of Donor Relations in 2005.
Prior to coming to the foundation, Amy worked in fund development and technical production for several nonprofit theatres in Wisconsin and Connecticut.
Amy has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin- Madison and a Master's of Science in Communication from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Amy also serves as a community volunteer. She is a literacy tutor with kindergarten students at Stephens Elementary School, treasurer of the Madison Breakfast Rotary Foundation, past President of the Madison Breakfast Rotary Club, a member of the Lighthouse Chamber Singers, and Associate Producer of the Annual State of Wisconsin Tribute and Ceremony honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Tom M. Linfield - Vice President, Grantmaking & Community Initiatives
Tom Linfield coordinates community impact grantmaking throughout Dane County, facilitating over $1.3 million in awards each year. He also works with area leaders and nonprofit directors to explore viable initiatives that create positive change.
Tom joined the Madison Community Foundation in 2004, bringing more than 19 years of professional experience to the position. Previously, he was Training and Grants Director for the National Center for Outreach (NCO), helping to build community outreach for public television stations across the country. Prior to NCO, Tom was Grants Manager for Wisconsin Public Television and Foundation and Government Relations Manager for Edgewood College.
Tom's commitment to community engagement is evident in his volunteer leadership activities. Having participated in Leadership Greater Madison, he served for many years on the program's Alumni Association Board, chairing its Education Committee. He was in the first CIVITAS class offered through the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce. He also co-chairs the Board of Madison Area Open Arts Studios. A practicing fine artist, Tom exhibits regularly in Madison and has donated work to many fundraisers, including those of HospiceCare, Madison Public Library, Fete de Marquette, New Harvest, and the First Unitarian Society.
Tom earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from Brandeis University. He is fluent in German and French.
Bob Sorge - Vice President, Strategic Partnerships
Bob Sorge joined the Madison Community Foundation in November 2007, filling the new position of Vice President of Strategic Development. His primary focus is to lead the Foundation's efforts to broaden and deepen its impact throughout the capitol region. Bob brings skills in strategic planning, communication and fund development - and a commitment to the Community Foundation's mission and seven focus areas.
Prior to his appointment at the Madison Community Foundation, Bob served as Executive Director of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. Under his leadership the Orchestra garnered high artistic acclaim, expanded its budget and financial support, and developed a strong, stable operating model.
Bob has volunteered in many capacities throughout the community and currently serves on the boards of the GMCVB and Parkwood Hills Neighborhood Association. He is also on the Steering Committee for the Madison Cultural Plan and volunteers for Walbridge School and the American Red Cross. Bob is a past President for the Rotary Club of Madison and has received two Paul Harris Fellow awards from the Club. He was previously honored as one of Madison Magazine's "40 under 40" list of business professionals.
Bob graduated from UW-Madison with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. He has attended several leadership training programs including Leadership Greater Madison (1999) and Strategic Perspectives in Non-Profit Management offered by Harvard Business School (2006). He lives in Madison with his wife, Lisa, and their two sons Philip and Peter.
Paul D. Houseman - Donor Relations Manager
Paul Houseman works with individuals, corporations and non-profit organizations to encourage their involvement in long-term philanthropy and provides assistance to prospective and current fundholders.
Paul brings with him varied experiences rooted in critical thinking and customer service. He developed an inherent understanding of how to efficiently and effectively serve people through his professional experiences prior to joining the Madison Community Foundation in 2004. Paul owned and operated a Madison retail bookstore where he worked daily with employees and an eclectic customer base. He eventually sold this business to contribute his business expertise to the nonprofit world at Clean Wisconsin, an environmental advocacy organization. Paul has a bachelor's degree in philosophy from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point as well as master's degree in Philosophy and a master's degree in German from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition to being fluent in German, Paul also speaks French and Dutch.
Paul is a graduate of Leadership Greater Madison and has served on the Board of Directors for Community Shares of Wisconsin and the Madison Youth Choir, where he served as president in 2008-09. Paul was voted Madison Magazine's "40 under 40" list of business professionals in 2008.
Harmony Kronick - Donor Relations Associate
Harmony Kronick provides operational support for donor relations and grantmaking at the Madison Community Foundation. In addition to processing and tracking all contributions received, Harmony also provides database administration, assists fundholders with questions, and supports grantmaking functions.
After more than ten years in the wealth management industry, Harmony joined the Madison Community Foundation in 2006. Her experience in the areas of compliance and operations make her a natural fit for ensuring critical attention to detail in processing and tracking philanthropic transactions. Harmony's client service experience allows her to serve a diverse group of fundholders.
Harmony attended College of the Redwoods and the University of Puget Sound.
Connie Tibbetts - Accounting Manager
Connie Tibbetts is responsible for maintaining accurate accounting systems and managing the scholarships established through the Madison Community Foundation.
Her experiences as an accountant and a professional sous chef prior to joining the Madison Community Foundation in 2006, reflect a unique blend and appreciation for process, people and precision. She stays current on laws and regulations and supports greater understanding among fundholders about the financial advantages of giving through a community foundation.
Connie earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Darcy Kobinsky - Office Manager
Building and nurturing relationships with Madison Community Foundation donors is Darcy's top priority. She is the first point of contact at the foundation and provides customer service and office coordination.
Darcy's Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in addition to more than 20 years of experience form the basis of her proficiency for overseeing professional office operations and projects. She has earned numerous awards directing educational services for a corporation and serving as an Administrator for a charitable research foundation.
Darcy maintains close ties to her community with past and present volunteer and board positions for local school organizations, youth groups and her church.
Robin Reid - Communications Director
Robin Reid joined the Madison Community Foundation staff in May 2008 in the newly created position of Communications Coordinator. Her task is to share the inspirational stories generated by the 850 funds now at MCF, and to increase media visibility for Madison Community Foundation.
Formerly owner of a home furnishings manufacturing company selling internationally for 23 years, Robin brings a rich understanding of marketing, branding, publicity, promotion, and customer service. While President of her trade association, Robin learned the art and magic of creating community engagement - helping people tell their stories to foster support for the organization.
A tireless advocate and fundraiser for arts and culture in her community of Spring Green, Robin also served as president of Spring Green Area Arts Coalition, and on the boards of Spring Green Chamber of Commerce, Rural Musicians Forum and the Steering Committee of the Center for Creativity. Robin studied agriculture at University of Wisconsin-Madison.