About Us
A Foundation for TomorrowOur goal is to give $2 million in grants by our 30th anniversary in 2021. In 1991, a visionary group of leaders created REF to fill gaps created by school funding shortfalls by providing funds for classroom and community projects. In its first 20 years, REF awarded $1 million in grants to hundreds of projects and programs that enhance learning in our community.

2017-2018 Trustees
The REF Board of Trustees are volunteers who raise funds and award grants to teachers, administrators, students and community leaders to enrich learning in our community. The Board meets bimonthly August through June.

Brian Kraus
Chair, Trustee

Joane VanLuven
Secretary, Trustee

Jeremy Amshey
Trustee

Jenn Davis
Trustee

Nancy Jesko
Trustee

Bobbie Blanton
Vice Chair, Trustee

Jill Silverman
Executive Director

Catherine Behrendt
Trustee

Jill Ericksen
Trustee

Kelsey Schultz
Trustee

Kelly Timmer
Treasurer, Trustee

Beth Dornan
Past Chair, Trustee

Sandy Buchanich
Trustee

Scott Gerhardt
Trustee

Amy Vancil
Trustee
Dr. Michael Shibler
Rockford Public Schools Superintendent, Ex Officio
Geoffrey L. Downs
Rockford Public Schools Board of Education Representative, Ex Officio
Terry Hibdon
Rockford Public Schools Teacher Representative, Ex Officio

“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”
– Warren Bennis