Community Foundation of Abilene names promotions and new hire

For the first time in its 40 years, the Community Foundation of Abilene (“CFA”) has added a Chief Impact Officer. 

Chief impact officer

The Foundation has named Michelle Parrish as its new Chief Impact Officer, a role in which she will oversee strategic direction for developing and executing the CFA’s discretionary grantmaking, community impact efforts, and strategic initiatives.

Parrish has served with the Foundation for 12 years, overseeing programming, grantmaking, and scholarships.

“Michelle is so deserving of this new role. She has made a significant impact on so many organizations as grants director,” said Marelyn Shedd, First Financial Bank CEO. Shedd served as CFA Board Chair when Parrish began working with the Foundation. 

“The new role will further strengthen the influence that the Foundation continues to have in collaborating with individuals and organizations to work together to promote a stronger community.” 

Throughout her tenure as grants director, she has worked with the Board and staff to build momentum and deliver long-term value for the community and donors. 

GRANTs director

The Community Foundation of Abilene has named Kassidy Nygaard as grants director.

Since 2020, Nygaard has worked extensively with the local nonprofits, having managed the Foundation’s community grant cycles. As grants director, Nygaard will lead all competitive and member-supported grant opportunities. 

“Kassidy’s finance background offers expert knowledge for our nonprofits,” said Katie Alford, CFA President/CEO. “She equips nonprofits and connects donors to local causes, supporting our goal for a thriving community.” 

Program associate

The Community Foundation of Abilene has also named Raegan Yeager as program associate.

Yeager is a 2025 business graduate of the University of Missouri. An Illinois native, Yeager has been hired as the Foundation’s program associate. 

“I’m absolutely loving the team and work so far,” said Yeager, who started her role in February 2026. “I’m new to the nonprofit world, but I already find so much meaning in the work our community is doing. Seeing the passion and drive of those around me motivates me to keep learning and become the best I can be in my role.”  

As a program associate, Yeager will manage administrative, logistical, and database systems for the Foundation’s grantmaking and scholarship programs.
 

About the Community Foundation of Abilene

The Foundation’s mission is to empower people to make a lasting charitable impact. We connect donors to the causes they care about, manage strategic investments to preserve our endowments, make grants that align with donor intent, respond to community needs and provide philanthropic leadership to enhance Abilene’s future today.

In addition to honoring fundholders’ individual philanthropic interests, the Foundation offers leadership, funding, and support. The Foundation collaborates with area nonprofits, serves as a key leader and convener, and strives to be the area’s most trusted and impactful philanthropic partner. 

The Community Foundation of Abilene has served as the sole designated community foundation for the Abilene area for forty years. As one of more than 900 community foundations in the United States, the CFA manages more than 650 charitable funds with assets totaling $245 million. Since 1985, more than $210 million in grants and scholarships have been awarded.