Unity Foundation of La Porte County is pleased to announce the appointment of three new team members.

Deb Varnak has joined the Unity team in the positon of Vice President. Varnak joins Unity with more than twenty years of strategic leadership experience, including backgrounds in marketing, budget development, human resources, and non-profit board participation. She is a graduate of Nazareth College of Rochester with a degree in English/Education. In addition to administration and marketing, Varnak will oversee the scholarship and community grant processes, special events, and donor assistance. About joining Unity, she said, “I have always sought out positions with companies that supported my desire to positively impact my community through personal, hands-on involvement. Working for Unity takes that to the next level, and I’m very excited about the chance to serve La Porte County in this meaningful way.”

In the role of Accounting Manager, Unity Foundation has hired Paula Mathis, who joins the group with more than twenty years of financial management and core business support experience for a regional organization promoting economic development and job creation. She also provided services for its non-profit arm that made grants for the same purposes. Mathis said, “Joining this team allows me to use my non-profit and financial background while also expanding into new areas of responsibility – I’m adding my ideas to the mix of great things already occurring here at Unity and look forward to the positive results.” Mathis holds a degree in Information Technology from Purdue University Calumet. With her extensive background in administration, board relations, and event planning, she will assist with scholarships and grants in addition to accounting duties.

Lisa Stojanovich is adding her experience to the marketing and administration aspects of Unity Foundation in the role of Administrative Assistant. Lisa has more than five years of demonstrated success in the areas of social media, event planning, customer service, and non-profit leadership. Lisa has a degree in Marketing and Peace Studies from Manchester University and has been very involved with community service, having been a Kiwanis member for more than ten years. She said, “I was attracted to the impact Unity makes on all areas of the community – it is not just youth development, economic development, or non-profit support – it is all of that and much more. I’ve been able to hit the ground running and look forward to being a part of this impact.”

Maggi Spartz, Unity Foundation President, said that “Unity is extremely pleased to have attracted this talented team of individuals, all with diverse backgrounds yet a common theme of service to community. They are energized and ready to help us meet our goals and celebrate Unity’s anniversary of 25 years of impact that occurs this year.”

For twenty-five years, Unity Foundation of La Porte County has served donors, nonprofits and local communities. As La Porte County’s community foundation, it manages nearly $29 million in assets, administers more than 325 charitable funds, and has distributed more than $15 million through direct grants and scholarships. The Council on Foundations has deemed Unity Foundation in compliance with all Indiana and national ethical and operating standards for community foundations. Unity Foundation’s mission is to strengthen La Porte County now and forever by building permanent endowments; providing leadership; offering philanthropic vehicles for everyone; and, being a catalyst for social and economic vitality. For more information, please visit www.uflc.net or call 219-879-0327