Board Members
Blake Poindexter
Chairman
I was born in Bluffton, Indiana to Dr. BK and Patti Poindexter with three other siblings. I attended Hillsdale College and graduated in 1989. I have a Bachelors of Arts degree with a major in communications, minor in business. Following my graduation I attended Oxford University in Oxford, England through Keeble College and studied the complete works of Shakespeare in old English. I was also the Vice President Patti Inc. d/b/a Subway Salad’s and Sandwiches a family business from 1985 to 1988. In 1990 I became the first full time field officer for Wells County Community Corrections Department. In 1993 I was promoted to be the first full time Executive Director of Agency where I am currently still enjoying working for my community.
I am married to Lauriean Poindexter who has a Master’s of Science and Education She teaches special education at Bluffton Middle School. Lauriean and I have a daughter Chelsea. I have always been active in my community from such organizations as Wells Community Boys & Girls Club, Pano’s Free Clinic, and United Way of Wells County, Citizens Against Drug Abuse, and several other service organizations.
I have always had a concern with how the children, their families and our community find the resources for living a safer and better life. That is why I am so proud to be a part of the Fort Wayne Children’s Foundation to assure that we can find new and more creative response’s to the children for their future and ours.
Byron R. Braun
Vice-Chairman/ Co-Founder
Byron is a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana, graduate of Bishop Dwenger High School, and Indiana University. He is married to Linn since 1982 and they have three children Cameron, Carson, and Meredith.
Byron is president of Braun Wealth Management Group, LLC. Other community associations include past member of Fort Wayne Museum of Art Board of Trustees, past member of Investment Committee Chairman at Fort Wayne Museum of Art, founding member of the Fort Wayne chapter of Legatus, and a lifetime member of the Indiana University Alumni Association.
Byron enjoys public speaking, playing tennis, fishing, and enjoying fine wine.
Byron is co-founder of the Fort Wayne Children’s Foundation currently serving as vice chairman. Byron believes it is up to the private sector to help fund the ever diminishing gap of resources available for agencies in general and in particular agencies helping to prevent child abuse. It is his core belief the Fort Wayne Children’s Foundation is a proactive advocate for children helping those in abusive situations. Even if we save one child it is worth all of our efforts here at the Fort Wayne Children’s Foundation.
Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. Braun Wealth Management Group is a separate entity from WFAFN.
Kelly Sickafoose
Board Member
Kelly has been working with grants in nonprofit entities for over 23 years. She is currently the Manager of the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) for Parkview Health. OSP applies for and manages grants for the entire health system. Prior to her three years at Parkview, she served as the Executive Director of Drug Free Adams County (DFAC) for 10 years and the Adams County Drug Court Coordinator/Case Manager for 6 years. DFAC was nearly fully funded by federal, state, and local grants, and Drug Court was fully funded by grants Kelly secured. Kelly also served as the Allen County Sheriff’s Department’s Grants Manager for 16 years and the coordinator for other drug-free coalitions for four years. Her grant experience started with the Governor’s Commission for a Drug-Free Indiana, where she served for 10 years.
Kelly was the winner of the Prevention Award from McMillen Health in 2019. She was a member of the Decatur Rotary Club, serving on the Board for many years, as well as being Rotarian of the Year in 2014 and Club President July 2018-June 2019.
Kelly has a Master of Public Affairs with a Public Management Concentration from Indiana University, Fort Wayne. She was the co-winner of the Outstanding Graduate Student Award. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, also from Indiana University, Fort Wayne.
Kelly is the mother of a wonderful 17-year-old daughter named Marissa and a 5-year-old Shih Tzu named Lucy. She is a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, IN.
