HUTCHINSON, Minn.— Tiffany Barnard joined Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) staff in February to fill the new role of philanthropy manager. Barnard will manage the foundation’s daily philanthropy work, including regional fundraising to meet organizational needs and planned giving.
“I believe in working for the communities that raised me. I had the best childhood because I lived in a such a vibrant community,” said Barnard, who grew up in Hutchinson. “There are many ways one can advocate for their region and I am excited to be a part of team that works hard to bring opportunity to all.”
Barnard holds a degree in psychology from the College of Saint Benedict. After college, she spent two years living and working abroad in Guatemala. She has experience in sales and as an entrepreneur: She and her husband, Blake, are the former owners of Zellas restaurant in downtown Hutchinson, which they founded. The couple has three children.
An active volunteer in the community, Barnard serves on the Hutchinson School Board, the local Early Childhood Family Education Advisory Committee and the City of Hutchinson’s Charter Commission and Parks, Recreation and Community Education Board.
“Tiff has an incredible energy and passion for supporting our kids and families in southwest Minnesota. It’s a great match for this work of engaging the generous people, businesses and organizations that care about this region and our mission,” said SWIF Vice President of Philanthropy Liz Cheney.
About Southwest Initiative Foundation
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is a nonprofit community foundation connecting people, investing in ideas and building communities to create a southwest Minnesota where all people thrive. Since its founding in 1986, SWIF has distributed more than $82 million through its grantmaking and business finance programs. Learn more at swifoundation.org.
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