Amanda Lessley joined Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation as Development Officer in February 2016. In her role as Development Officer, Lessley developed strategies for supporting and sustaining the mission of the community foundation and its 130 affiliated funds. She coordinated annual events and donor stewardship programs, and provided training assistance to affiliated fund leaders who are building endowments in communities throughout southeastern Illinois.

Amanda transitioned into the position of President/CEO in December 2018, upon the retirement of Joedy Hightower.

Prior to joining the staff at Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, Lessley had more than 12 years of experience in nonprofit development and fundraising. In addition to her staff role with the Community Foundation, Lessley serves on the steering committee for 100 Women Who Care Jasper County. Lessley and her family reside in Newton, Illinois.

Contact Amanda Lessley at 217.342.5409

As Communication/Scholarship Administrator, Audra is responsible for the media and public relations, social media marketing and design. In addition, Audra oversees the administration of the Community Foundation’s scholarship funds. This entails working with scholarship committees, counselors, students and application reviewers throughout the scholarship cycle.

Prior to joining the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation staff, Audra worked for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) as a member of the ISACorps in the division of College Access and Outreach.

Audra graduated from Greenville College in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication: Public Relations with a double-major in English Literature. During that time, she completed a congressional internship, held multiple positions on the college radio station executive staff and acted as an on-air radio personality. She received her Masters of Arts in Communication Studies from Eastern Illinois University in 2015. Audra and her husband, Noah, reside in Olney, Illinois.

Contact Audra by phone at 217.342.4988.

Connie oversees office management, accounting, gift and grant processing and reporting as well as administrative support for giving circles and corporate philanthropy programs.

Prior to joining Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, Connie worked approximately 22 years as administrative manager for Southeastern Container, a manufacturing cooperative under ownership of Coca Cola bottling companies. During that time, she handled office administration, human resource duties and payroll functions. Connie also worked as a billing auditor for World Color Press corporate offices until their departure from the Effingham area.

Connie graduated from Beecher City High School and Sparks Business College in Shelbyville. Connie and her husband, Gene, reside in the rural Beecher City/Loudon Township area.