New Board Members at the Community Foundation

In December, the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors thanked three exiting members for their years of service. Terri Christoffersen, Brent Cobb and Oather Taylor have all played vital roles in Community Foundation governance in recent years. “We’re fortunate to have so many people who are enthusiastic about serving their community,” said Les Garner, President & CEO. “These three individuals have worked hard to better our organization and community, and while we’re sad to see them go, we’re happy to welcome four new board members who have the same commitment to service.”

Those new board members include local leaders in several industries. As the Community Foundation moves forward with a new strategic plan, the board is pleased with maintaining diversity of experience. The incoming members have backgrounds in finance, management, communications, and diversity, equity and inclusion development. It is with great enthusiasm that we introduce the Community Foundation’s newest directors.

Anthony Arrington
Managing Partner – Top RANK, LLC

Anthony grew up in Cedar Rapids, graduating from Washington High School. He received his BA in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa and joined the talent acquisition industry as a Recruiter and Account Manager, eventually starting a local staffing agency in 2006. Currently, Anthony is a Managing Partner at Top RANK, a professional search, development, and consulting firm headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa that provides direct hire search and placement services for professional, mid-management, and executive roles, as well as diversity, equity, inclusion, and engagement (DEI&E) development.

Anthony lives in Cedar Rapids with his wife and their dog.  He is very involved with his community, serving on several non-profit boards, task forces, and commissions.  “I am honored to have a seat at the table to help represent communities of color and other underrepresented populations in Cedar Rapids,” he said.

Christine Casey
Vice President and Senior Investment Strategist – Wells Fargo Wealth Management

Christine joined Wells Fargo in 1994 and is an investment strategist located in the Cedar Rapids Wells Fargo Private Bank office. As part of Investment Management, she works with clients to build portfolios that help them meet their investment objectives while managing risk. Prior to joining Wells Fargo, Christine worked at First Alabama Bank for seven years, where she was a Consumer Loan Officer. She has been in the financial services industry for more than 30 years.

Ms. Casey earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Troy State University, Summa Cum Laude, 1993. “I am a “transplant” to Cedar Rapids but have fallen in love with the city and am happy to call it home,” Christine said. “I am excited to help promote community philanthropy and help donors achieve their charitable goals.” Christine is on the Executive Board of the Hawkeye Area Council of Boy Scouts of America and is the Past President of the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation.

Patrice Carroll
President and CEO – ImOn Communications, LLC.

Patrice has been a leader in the telecommunications industry for 31 years, serving as a Vice President at McLeodUSA, WorldCom Communications, and MCI Communications.  Prior to entering the telecommunications industry, Patrice was a Systems Officer for Manufacturers’ National Bank.  Patrice has a B.S. degree in Mathematics from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN.

Patrice is an active member of the Corridor community.  She currently serves on Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust’s Board of Directors, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa’s Regional Board of Directors, Mt. Mercy University’s Board of Trustees, Cedar Rapids City Manager’s Business Advisory Council, Iowa City Area Development’s Board of Directors, and is a member of Rotary.  She previously served on Theatre Cedar Rapids’ Board of Directors and Regina Catholic Education Center Board of Directors.

David Little
Principal – CliftonLarsonAllen

David earned a BA in accounting from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. E brings with him a wealth of experience in nonprofit audit, tax, and financial consulting. He has served several local organizations as a volunteer, including NewBo City Market and the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. David has also lead the Council on Foundations’ Community Foundation Excellence Finance Course—a course that covers the specific and complex aspects of community foundation finances.