About
Our mission and values are guiding principles which enable us to create positive change and innovation in our community.

By following these standards, we are able to convene effective partnerships, provide leadership around community issues, and facilitate philanthropic strategies.

Our Mission

To inspire and facilitate a culture of giving which creates a vibrant community.

Our Values

  • Integrity – We are honest, attentive, and accountable in all of our work.
  • Impact – We are effective and accomplished in achieving results.
  • Expertise – We possess a deep understanding of our community’s needs and philanthropic goals.
  • Collaboration – We convene effective partnerships to meet community needs and goals.
  • Leadership – We have the vision and courage to inspire a vibrant future for our community.
We Are Centre County's Foundation

Since 1981, generous donors have invested in Centre Foundation. Today, thanks to those generous donors, Centre Foundation has over $70 million in Foundation assets and has invested over $31 million back into our community. Each year since our inception, new endowment funds have been established by passionate donors who want to pave the way to a successful future for our community.

Here at Centre Foundation, we believe that everyone can be a philanthropist. We provide excellent personal service to our donors and have a team of people ready to help them achieve their personal philanthropic goals.

We pride ourselves on possessing a deep understanding of our community’s needs and our ability to provide innovative and traditional giving opportunities to match the passions of our donors with the needs of the community. When you partner with us, we’ll use our expertise to assure your giving is effective and fun.

We believe in the organizations that are working to create a better future for Centre County. We provide services to them to build endowments, to create support through community engagement, to strengthen themselves through training and research, to fund transformative projects and to convene effective partnerships with stakeholders around community issues.

Our Team

Molly Kunkel

President and CEO
Molly is responsible for leadership and management of the organization, as well as working with the board of directors to develop and implement strategic plans that will ensure long-term growth and success.

molly@centre-foundation.org
Contact on LinkedIn

Carrie Ryan

CFO/COO
Carrie is responsible for overseeing the operational, financial, and administrative functions to ensure accountability and reliability for all Foundation business, as well as assisting the CEO with implementing strategic plans.

carrie@centre-foundation.org
Contact on LinkedIn

Kerry Tolton

Development and Stewardship Director
Kerry is responsible for managing and implementing donor development and stewardship programs. This includes cultivating and developing relationships with current and potential donors, as well as with professional advisors and allied professionals.

kerry@centre-foundation.org
Contact on LinkedIn

Rachael Hartman

Community Impact Director
Rachael is responsible for connecting with and providing a variety of services to our local nonprofits, and for making sure our grants are effectively and efficiently managed. She also works with the President and CEO on implementing and overseeing community impact projects.

rachael@centre-foundation.org
Contact on LinkedIn

Lauren Petrone

Administration and Scholarship Coordinator
Lauren is responsible for welcoming guests, answering callers' queries, and working to ensure the office runs smoothly. She also manages our online scholarship process, from student applications to selection committee coordination.

lauren@centre-foundation.org
Contact on LinkedIn

Allison Wulfhorst

Communications and Events Coordinator
Allison is responsible for developing all communication and marketing materials. She works with the Development and Stewardship Director and Community Impact Director to create and implement comprehensive communications plans and further outreach efforts.

allison@centre-foundation.org
Contact on LinkedIn

Tricia Penlington

Senior Accountant
Tricia is responsible for preparing and analyzing financial information. She works closely with the CFO/COO to support the Finance Team’s efforts to ensure accuracy and completeness of the Foundation’s financial records.

tricia@centre-foundation.org
Contact on LinkedIn
Our Board
Lydia Abdullah
Director - Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Retired
Dr. SeriaShia Chatters
Adjunct Associate Professor/Director of Equity and Inclusivity, The Pennsylvania State University/State College Area School District
Madhuri Desai
Associate Professor of Art History and Asian Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
Joe Dionisio
Health Planning & Admin. Professor of Practice, The Pennsylvania State University
Blake Gall
Investment Manager, Retired
Cari Howlin Gustafson
Director, HRMI
Kenneth Hall
Assistant Vice President for Development, The Pennsylvania State University
Bob Hicks
CEO/Rev., Persea Naturals/ Upper Spruce Creek Presbyterian Church
Ellen Matis
Founder & CEO , Hello Social Co.
Erin Meitzler
Director of Preconstruction, Leonard S. Fiore, Inc.
Kate Bennett Truitt
Educational Media Producer, Third Coast Systems
Randy Woolridge
Finance Professor, The Pennsylvania State University
Reports and Policies
Transparency, accessibility, and clarity are at the heart of our practices at Centre Foundation. Review our latest financial reports and policies.
Financial Reports 
Policies