About Us

The Team

The GTCF Team

Our team of professionals is committed to building a thriving and vibrant Pierce County by providing resources that support donors, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and members of the community in working together to meet the community’s needs and achieve its opportunities, now and into the future.

To reach any of our staff members please call 253.383.5622 or email them directly.

To view a staff member’s email and full bio, click on their name.

Kathi Littmann

Kathi Littmann, Ed.D.

President & CEO

klittmann@gtcf.org

Kathi Littmann, a public, private and nonprofit leader with more than two decades of executive-level experience, joined Greater Tacoma Community Foundation in July 2015 as President & CEO. Kathi’s career spans prominent positions across diverse industries, ranging from public education leadership to commercial construction management.

Throughout her career, Kathi has worked to help build deep community involvement in order to help create opportunities for people to live healthy, happy and productive lives. Whether she was building innovative teacher-centered professional learning systems for The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, launching learning initiatives with leadership and teachers on U.S. Military Base campuses across the world, or managing multi-billion dollar construction programs, Kathi worked to empower teams of diverse stakeholders to work together toward a shared impact.

Kathi was recognized early in her career by the International Women’s Foundation for minority and small business opportunity engagement. She also received the construction industry’s most prestigious honor, the Engineering News Record Award of Excellence, in 2003 for her team’s work to launch 175 new schools and additions across greater Los Angeles.

Kathi began her career as a middle school English teacher and holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for Social Justice from Loyola and a Masters of Education from Marymount University. She is also a 2005 Broad Urban Superintendents Academy fellow.

Kathi loves exploring the Pacific Northwest outdoors with her two rescue pups.

Monique Shields

Monique Shields

Executive Assistant

mshields@gtcf.org

As the Executive Assistant here at GTCF, I provide administrative support to President and CEO, Kathi Littmann, our Executive Team and the Board of Directors.

I’ve been with GTCF since November of 2016. Prior to working here, I was an Executive Assistant at Nordstrom corporate headquarters in Seattle. I have over 20 years’ experience providing administrative support to executives at CenturyLink, PATH and Starbucks. During my career I’ve had the opportunity to gain extensive experience in Facilities Management, Event Planning, Project Coordination and managing employee morale and recognition initiatives.

I was born and raised in Seattle. I currently live in NE Tacoma with my husband and two sons. I love calling Tacoma my home. Working at GTCF, I really feel a part of the community. Through GTCF’s work we’re able to partner and with individuals, non-profits and organizations who strive to make Pierce County a great place to work and live. It’s exciting to see the passion that results in positive change within our community.

Please feel free to contact me, if you are looking to connect with members of our Executive Team.

Anastacia Lamb

Anastacia Lamb

Office Manager

alamb@gtcf.org

If you need help with scheduling, staff calendars or anything to do with our physical location, I’m your girl.

I joined the team at GTCF in August of 2017 and I can tell you that things move pretty quickly around here. Fortunately, I have over twenty years of diverse experience in Office Management, so I can keep up or do some prodding when needed.

I am still learning the landscape of Pierce County, both socially and geographically, since I am a California transplant and live in Kitsap County (shh, don’t tell anyone). I admire the Tacoma area greatly for its beauty and diversity.

I am active in Theatre so I am especially excited by the scope and breadth of Arts activities. Last October, I went on the annual Tacoma ArtWalk and learned all kinds of fascinating things. Ask me about scantography and I will show you a picture at my desk.

I am awed every day by the multitude of service organizations that GTCF helps support in Pierce County and I am proud to play my role in that work.

Mohammad Mousa

Mohammad Mousa

Chief Financial Officer

mmousa@gtcf.org

As Chief Financial Officer, Mo assists in developing the organization’s strategic direction and oversees the finance, accounting and administrative functions. Mo brings with him more than 20 years of experience in financial management at fast growth startups and large corporations. Mo has a wealth of project management, problem solving, team-building and communications skills.

For the past nine years Mo was the controller for a Seattle venture capital firm with over $2 billion under management across eight private investment funds. Prior to his work in the venture capital sector, Mo worked as a Corporate Controller for a Seattle-based Biotechnology Company where he was a key member of the executive team and advised the CEO on all financial and accounting matters and reported results to the Board of Directors. He began his career with Arthur Andersen & Co. as a senior auditor.

Mo is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has his MBA in Accountancy from Kansas State University. A former professional soccer player, Mo now coaches local area youth teams and is founder of a youth leadership/mentoring program.

Shirley Tompkins

Shirley Tompkins, CPA Retired

Senior Management Advisor

shirley@gtcf.org

As Senior Management Advisor here at GTCF, I help with the finance and accounting function, providing internal and external reporting and support for the organization as a whole.

I joined the GTCF team in March of 2005.  For over twenty years prior to that, I held various accounting and auditing positions in the Seattle/Tacoma area.  I am a Washington State Certified Public Accountant and received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Business with an Accounting concentration from the University of Washington, Tacoma.

I moved from Ohio to the Puget Sound area thirty-six years ago. I currently reside in Buckley and am continually inspired and astounded by the beauty of our surroundings! I’m also inspired by the good work being done every day by our non-profit partners who provide a wide variety of quality services to members of the greater Tacoma community.

Marinda Huber

Marinda Huber, CPA

Accounting Manager

mhuber@gtcf.org

As the accountant here at GTCF I pay the bills and help balance the books, doing much needed behind the scenes work to make it so other employees can focus on the community.

Before joining the GTCF team in January 2019 I worked with students at the University of Washington Tacoma while earning my Bachelor’s and Master’s of Accounting there. While in my bachelor’s program I earned the Integrity and Service to School awards from the Milgard School of Business and worked as the Vice President of the Accounting Student Association. I also have over 5 years accounting experience working with non-profits and small businesses. I have a love for non-profits and small businesses. Working with GTCF lets me support multiple non-profits in the Tacoma area. I love our community here and am so proud to be part of a community that passed the Tacoma Creates initiative on the ballot in 2018, it shows my values for the arts is shared by my city.

I moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2003 because I loved the area after visiting it. I have never regretted that decision and love to hike, run, and generally explore this area. I cannot imagine a better place to live.

Deana Hodges

Deana Hodges

Accountant

dhodges@gtcf.org

As an Accountant here at GTCF, my main focus is ensuring the bills are paid, and the accounts have all been reconciled so all other departments can focus on their projects within the community.

Prior to joining the team with GTCF in June of 2019, I was the Accounting Manager with Pental Surfaces, LLC. I started my accounting career while working for the Ram Restaurant home office in Lakewood, WA. While working there, I continued my education earning my associate’s degree in accounting and then eventually my bachelor’s degree as well. In coming to GTCF, I was excited for the opportunity to be a part of an organizations that is dedicated to seeing our community thrive now and into the future.

I was born and raised in Enumclaw, WA. In 2015 my husband of 22 years and I settled down in the small town of Orting where we raised our three children. For some family fun, we enjoy doing 5k Mud Runs! We go all over the Puget Sound Area just so we can play in mud! I love calling Washington my home and love living in the Pierce County area.

Robin Callahan

Robin Callahan

Vice President, Philanthropic Services

rcallahan@gtcf.org

I am a connector and a builder – connecting families and individuals to organizations and causes they care about, helping to build the long-term sustainability of non-profits through endowments, and assisting individuals and families throughout their philanthropic journey.

I have worked to strengthen communities and ensure students in K-12 public education had access to equitable educational opportunities since 1998 – first as the Executive Director of the Issaquah Schools Foundation and then as the Executive Director of the National School Foundation Association. Focusing on sustainable growth and programmatic impact, I have worked with countless boards and non-profit leaders across the county to build their capacity – leading strategic planning sessions, facilitating board retreats, mentoring new executive directors and providing training on governance and fundraising.

I moved to Fox Island in 2017 and am awestruck by the sight of Mt. Rainier, the Olympics and the Sound each time I cross the bridge. I kayak often, relishing the sights and smell of our beautiful Sound and its inhabitants.
I’m grateful to have the opportunity to do work that builds community and see evidence every day that together we can do so much more than any one of us can do alone.

If I can assist your clients in having a philanthropic impact, your non-profit in establishing an endowment, or you in establishing a donor advised fund or legacy fund, please feel free to contact me.

Evelyn Ryberg

Evelyn Ryberg, CAP

Senior Director, Philanthropic Services

eryberg@gtcf.org

I’ve been with GTCF since July 2014.  As Director of Philanthropic Services, I help clients articulate and advance their highest aspirations for self, family and society through philanthropy.   I serve as the principal liaison with professional advisors providing strategies for charitable giving in financial and estate plans for their clients.

I hold the CAP® (Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®) designation from the American College of Financial Services which provides tools and knowledge to bring philanthropic vision to reality. Prior to joining GTCF my career was in the financial services industry, including over seven years as a Vice President and Private Banker with the Wealth Management divisions of Fifth Third Bank, and JP Morgan Private Wealth Management.

I love to speak to community groups and professional organizations about the power of philanthropy, and often do seminars on charitable giving strategies.  I am a member of Rotary 8 Club in Tacoma, Tacoma Estate Planning Council, South Sound Planned Giving Council, and serve on the board for Leave 10, a philanthropic organization promoting the concept of leaving 10% of one’s estate as a charitable legacy to positively impact our communities for generations.

My goal is to enhance the quality of life in our community through philanthropy.  If that is your goal too, please contact me.

Stacey Guadnola

Stacey Guadnola, CAP

Director of Philanthropic Engagement

sguadnola@gtcf.org

In my role as Director of Philanthropic Engagement, I have the privilege of working with fundholders to align philanthropic intention with action. I bring 20+ years of experience working in nonprofits and professional certification as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) and as a 21/64 Certified Multigenerational Advisor.

Since arriving in Tacoma in 2003, I’ve served as the founding Executive Director of the Make the Dash Count Foundation, Director of Admissions and Development for Annie Wright Schools, and Philanthropy Director at Tacoma Arts Live.  My passion for activating philanthropy in the community led me to establish the South Sound 100 Women giving circle.  I am also a founding member of Women Investing in Tacoma  and a climbing and fundraising mentor for the American Lung Association’s Climb for Clean Air.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Boston College I served with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and then earned a master’s in School Leadership from Harvard University.  I worked in advertising at the Wall Street Journal before transferring to the nonprofit sector and co-founding a full-scholarship Jesuit school for at-risk youth in Chicago.

After spending my first quarter century living in various cities, I was delighted to discover the gem that is Pierce County. I am grateful to live, work and play so close to the Puget Sound, surrounded by the Cascade Range and the Olympic Mountains. More importantly, I am grateful to be a part of this community that is so uniquely dedicated to individual growth and collective effort.
If you want to work to align your philanthropic intention and action, feel free to contact me.

Kiera Ausenhus

Kiera Ausenhus

Philanthropic Services Coordinator

kausenhus@gtcf.org

In the role of Philanthropic Services Coordinator at GTCF, I provide project support, research and reporting, and help organize events that educate and celebrate our community. As part of the Development team, I work to build relationships with donors, nonprofits, and citizens in Pierce County by connecting them to causes they care about. Working in such a vibrant environment means no two days at GTCF are ever the same.

Before joining GTCF in February 2017, I worked in higher education development at Pacific Lutheran University. I began working at PLU in the Office of Advancement upon earning my degree, and because I had been a scholarship recipient myself, I was determined to dedicate my career to organizations that provide resources to those in need. When I received the opportunity to come on board at GTCF, I knew I was joining a team and pursuing a mission that stayed true to this dedication.

I was raised in Tacoma and have lived here my whole life, so Pierce County will always be my true home. Not only do I live in the most beautiful landscape of water, mountains, and flora this country has to offer (I suppose I might be a bit biased), but I also get to work alongside citizens who persevere with tenacity and genuinely care about their community. To support these people through GTCF and help them achieve their vision for Pierce County is a privilege.

If you would like to find out how GTCF can connect you with causes you care about and help you accomplish your philanthropic goals, please reach out.

Seth Kirby

Seth Kirby

Vice President, Community Impact

skirby@gtcf.org

As Vice President for Community Impact, my role is to help identify, design, and champion lasting connections and investments here in Pierce County.

I joined GTCF in August 2019. Prior to that, I served as Executive Director of Oasis Youth Center, the area’s LGBTQ drop-in, support, and resource center. My background is in youth program development, non-profit leadership, and policy implementation. I graduated from The Evergreen State College with a Master of Public Administration with a focus on public policy and tribal governance. I volunteered for ten years on the Pride Foundation board of directors and currently serve as a board member for Group Health Foundation. Throughout all my work, I have been focused on advancing social justice and elevating the transformative power of community.

After growing up in the rural Midwest, I set my sights on mountains and green trees and have made the Puget Sound area my home for over 20 years. I live in south Tacoma with my wife and two children. One of my favorite qualities about Pierce County is how people with a range of experiences and perspectives are willing to work together to transform big dreams into reality.

Janece Levien

Janece Levien, M.Ed

Senior Program Officer

jlevien@gtcf.org

As senior program officer at GTCF, I support community projects and partnerships to cultivate meaningful and sustainable collaborations in Pierce County. I specifically work supporting community and civic engagement.

I joined the GTCF team in August 2018. Prior to that I worked for a college access non-profit in Tacoma and have held various positions in higher education and social work through the years. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon I moved to Tacoma to attend the University of Puget Sound. I studied Sociology and Spanish, while playing on the women’s DIII soccer team. After I graduated, I joined the Peace Corps working in community health service in rural Guatemala. I obtained my Masters in Educational Leadership in 2015.

I have always been drawn to helping others find their own voice, and I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with the people and organizations that make up Pierce County. When I am not at work, I love adventuring in the Pacific Northwest.

I am often out in the community visiting organizations or at events and would love to hear how people are making an impact in our community. Please do not hesitate to reach out, I look forward to meeting you.

Jason Hamman

Jason Hamman

Grants Manager

jhamman@gtcf.org

For the community, I oversee grant payments and reporting while ensuring that our online grant applications are easy to use and make sense. For GTCF staff, I’m the database and numbers guru who enjoys making sure our data is accurate and meaningful in supporting GTCF’s mission.

I joined the GTCF team in February of 2018. Over the years I’ve supported nonprofit organizations in a variety of capacities including scholarship, grant, and database management. In addition to my time in the nonprofit world, I also spent a number of years teaching English overseas. While teaching I enjoyed the many the opportunities I had for cultural exchange and sharing of ideas – in addition to some really amazing food!

In 2015 I took an opportunity to move back to Pierce County – eventually purchasing a home in the Lincoln District. Having lived in Pierce County on and off since 1999, I’ve been energized by the revitalization efforts and increase in awareness of social issues in our region. I’m passionate about serving the community in whatever shape that takes while helping to improve the world around me. I see grants as one of the tools we have to empower individuals and organizations to do things that benefit the region one step at a time.

Megan Smedsrud

Megan Smedsrud

Senior Program Officer, Whole Child

msmedsrud@gtcf.org

As a Senior Program Officer, I manage the coordination and development of social emotional learning at school sites that are a part of the Tacoma Whole Child partnership and am responsible for cultivating partnerships within the initiative.

I joined GTCF in May of 2019.  Prior to that, I served as a Clinical Specialist for Seattle Children’s Hospital where I oversaw the team of mental health therapists and developed a multidisciplinary framework for on-boarding and professional development. I was the founding Director of Student Supports at Excel Public School in Kent, WA, where I ensured all students, regardless of ability, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status had access to supportive wraparound services. I also worked with many school districts and community organizations in the areas of change management, data systems, and professional development. Over the past 15 years, my work has focused on the support and development of equitable educational and behavioral health opportunities for youth and families.

I earned a bachelor’s degree in Politics and Government from the University of Puget Sound, and a Master of Social Work with an emphasis on children and families from New York University.

I believe communities flourish when all children receive a quality education, can access physical and mental health services, and have a safe neighborhood to call home. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and gardening, exploring the Tacoma arts scene, and reading.

Megan Sukys

Megan Sukys

Vice President, Communications

msukys@gtcf.org

I help the community learn about the needs, opportunities, and insights that make Pierce County a great place to live. From stories about nonprofits, philanthropists, and community initiatives to strategies for bringing together diverse partners in ambitious collaborations, I am always looking for ways that connecting individuals and organizations can bring about solutions to problems and help realize our greatest potential.

I first connected with GTCF in 2015 as an independent consultant producing a peer learning storytelling series with nonprofit grantees. I started full-time with GTCF in 2017. Community has been at the heart of my career through many different jobs. As a stage manager for a North Carolina community theatre, a longtime public radio host, editor, and producer at KUOW-NPR Seattle, and as a storycrafting consultant, my goal has always been to build community connections through sharing personal experiences and wisdom. I earned a BA in Theatre Arts from The University of the South, Sewanee and graduated from the North Carolina School of Science and Math – consistently ranked one of the top public high schools in the country.

Having grown up in the pine forests of Eastern North Carolina, I never imagined I could wake up every morning to a volcano out my window or orca swimming in the bay. Beyond the natural beauty, I admire the culture of community cooperation. I remember telling my family when I moved here, “We all talk about wanting to make things better, but here people make it actually happen!” I’ve been amazed by the advocacy and positive change I’ve seen since moving to Tacoma in 1999. The people of Pierce County inspire me to bring my best talents in service of helping everyone enjoy living here.

I’m always on the lookout for great stories and storytellers. Feel free to get in touch and let me know about your good work in the community.

Joe Hunich

Joe Hunich

Communications Officer

jhunich@gtcf.org

I help share stories about our work in the community and spotlight ways that people and organizations are making a difference throughout Pierce County.

I joined the GTCF team in November of 2017.  Prior to working here, much of my experience was in the education field.  I started out as a Teach for America corps member; and spent several years in the classroom teaching Social Studies.  I also worked with Puget Sound Educational Service District coordinating a program that provided cultural connection and academic support for Native American Students in Pierce County Schools.  In 2016, I became a student again myself, earning a Master’s of Communication in Communities and Networks from the University of Washington.

I’ve lived in the South Puget Sound area my whole life, and my family and I have called Tacoma home since 2011. I love living in such a beautiful place, and I’m still awestruck each time I see views of the Sound, or the mountain popping out from behind the clouds.  I have a deep appreciation for the sense of community here and the way people come together to support each other.  I’m grateful to be able to do work that centers around helping this community continue to thrive both now and into the future.

If you have information about community events GTCF can help promote, or stories you think we should be sharing, please feel free to contact me.

Stevon Burrell

Stevon Burrell

Communications Officer

sburrell@gtcf.org

I joined Greater Tacoma Community Foundation in December of 2019. As a Communications Officer, it is my job to share the stories of community members, collaborators, and partners seeking to create a more diverse, inclusive, equitable, and safe place to live and thrive in Pierce County. 

My career began in communications at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. Here, I developed a strong passion for communications work in the nonprofit sector, using my talents to inform and guide individuals with complex needs. My time in Washington, DC at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) allowed me the opportunity to create content relating to topics affecting our global community such as climate change, creating sustainable food resources, and transforming agriculture and rural economies.

Arriving in Tacoma in 2010, I continued my career in communications at KBTC Public Television engaged in television programming, studio production, pledge drives, and helping tell the important stories of the Puget Sound region. Diving deeper into local community, I joined Metropolitan Development Council (MDC), a community action agency serving those in Pierce County in the areas of housing, health, education, and employment.

The thing I love most about Tacoma is the entrepreneurial spirit of its citizens. Using the talents of creatives to create social change, to coming together to shed light on the importance of tenant housing rights, Tacoma knows how to create positive change and opportunity. I am honored to be a part of an organization that provides valuable resources and tools that help our community and to share those stories of hope and success.

Do you have community events GTCF can promote or stories you think we should share? Please feel free to contact me.

Our Board of Directors

Greater Tacoma Community Foundation’s Board of Directors manages assets, develops new funds, and approves grants to nonprofit organizations. The Board has a proud history of directing funds to effective organizations whose work aligns with the intent of our donors. Our Board of Directors is made up of a diverse group of community leaders with deep roots in Tacoma/Pierce County.

Art Wang

Art Wang, Chair

Retired State Legislator & Judge

Lori Forte Harnick

Lori Forte Harnick, Vice Chair

Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region

Dr. Priscilla Lisicich

Dr. Priscilla Lisicich, Secretary

Executive Director, Safe Streets

Brian L. Green

Brian L. Green, Treasurer

McGavick Graves, P.S.

Beverly B. Cox

Beverly B. Cox

Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy

Jacques Colon

Jacques Colon

Strategic Manager, City of Tacoma

Josh Dunn

Josh Dunn

President, Premier Media Group, Inc.

Kim Fisher

Kim Fisher

Managing Director and Wealth Advisor, Wells Fargo Private Bank

Toryono Green

Toryono Green

Fire Chief, Tacoma Fire Department

Ryan Mello

Ryan Mello

Pierce County Councilmember

Dr. Ali Modarres

Dr. Ali Modarres

Director of Urban Studies, University of Washington Tacoma

Ahlmahz Negash

Ahlmahz Negash

Senior Power Analyst, Tacoma Power

Lyle Quasim

Lyle Quasim

Community Volunteer

Carla Santorno

Carla Santorno

Superintendent, Tacoma Public Schools

Wayne Williams

Wayne Williams

Community Volunteer

Richard Woo

Richard Woo

Community Volunteer