Madison County’s W O M E N 2026
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WOMEN OF MADISON COUNTY W elcome to our first edition of Madison County’s Influential Women. I am always excited about a new section or feature we publish, but this one has a very special meaning to me. Not only do I call many of these women friend, fellow board member or peer, I also hope that I have had some influence on this amazing community over the past 11 years. It’s been a privilege. As a woman who entered a man’s world in journalism in 1983, it is hard to believe the progress and changes I have seen during my 45 years in this industry, not to mention the progress we have seen in society. As I read the bio information and saw the many A special publication of AUGUST 2026 www.heraldbulletin.com amazing nominations for this section, I was truly in awe of so many of these women. I’m impressed that the nominations span so many industries in Madison County. This section features women from schools, churches, retail businesses, economic development roles, nonprofit leadership and many more aspects of the community. When I first entered the newspaper industry over four decades ago, things looked very different than they do today. Finding a seat and voice at the table was a challenge. I will always remember my first corporate publishers meeting. I was one of six or seven women in a room of 200. When I joined local groups and organizations, many times I was a part of a very small minority in the room. It is so gratifying to look out today across our local landscape and see women not just participating, but leading, transforming and breaking through the glass ceiling. The sheer volume and quality of the nominations we received for this inaugural edition of Influential Women prove that the spirit of leadership in Madison County is vibrant, alive and growing. Every woman featured on these pages represents strength, dedication, progress and, most of all, heart. They are making a difference in our community today and setting a path for all the little girls who are watching them and will follow in their footsteps. As you turn these pages, I invite you to do more than just read their stories. I invite you to celebrate them, learn from them, and see a reflection of what is possible when a woman sets her mind on something. To those featured in this section, thank you for your dedication, courage and passion. Thank you for making Madison County what it is today and thank you for sharing your stories with our readers. To the families and loved ones of our Influential Women, thanks for sharing their time and efforts with us. I hope you enjoy this section as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you. Beverly Joyce, Publisher of The Herald Bulletin INSIDE Nancy Anderson 4 Jill Hayden Barker 4 Stasha Burton 6 Tisha Carter 6 Martha Leskauskas 7 Sheila Fakhreddine 7 Gina L. Brisco 9 Jan Mansfield Davis 9 Marilynn A. Collier 10 Tamie Dixon-Tatum 12 Annette E. Craycraft 12 Marissa Skaggs 13 Jennifer Hall 14 Kimberly “Kim” Townsend 14 Jan Miller 18 Jessica Petersen 18 Caitlin Mcguire 19 Stephenie Mellinger 20 Darla Sallee 20 Stephanie Moran 22 Kim Pruden 22 Beth Tharp 23 Winifrid Williams 23 Angela Warner Sims 24 Olivia Flesher 24 Veronica Watkins 25 Kim Williams 27 Kirby Gilliam, MA, MT-BC27 PUBLISHER Beverly Joyce PAGE DESIGN Kaylee Stewart EDITOR Scott Underwood ADVERTISING Beverly Sams Zina Teague 28 Marion Teixeira 28 Jessica Warnke 29 Dr. Stephanymae Stennis 29 Caitlin Spradlin 30 AUG UST 2 0 2 6 | 3
or initiative you led that achieved real, measurable impact? How did you measure that impact? Serving as the chairperson for the City of Anderson’s Sesquicentennial Celebration was an incredible opportunity. The committee tailored a full week of events to honor Anderson’s history, diversity, and culture. We were surprised by the overwhelming participation. Local businesses stepped up to sponsor events, organizations and service groups came together, and thousands of residents attended the festivities. We successfully funded, organized, and planted 168 trees and a community orchard, alongside commissioning a lasting public mural downtown. How do you envision sustaining and growing your mission over time? NANCY ANDERSON ASCENSION ST. VINCENT FOUNDATION Director, North Region (Anderson and Kokomo) Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to take action toward making positive change. Neither my husband, Andy, nor I are originally from Anderson, but we chose to build our life here 35 years ago because the city offers so much — arts, entertainment, parks and educational choices. For three decades, I dedicated both my career and my personal time to nonprofit organizations focused on improving local quality of life issues. I started by planting trees and eventually served on the Anderson Tree Commission. One of my favorite things is driving by and seeing the trees that I helped plant 30 years ago. Today, I am proud to currently serve on the Madison County Parks Board as we prepare to open the very first county park this fall. Can you share an example of a project 4 | MADISON COUNT Y ’S I NF LU ENT I AL WO MEN In my current role at the Ascension St. Vincent Foundation, I am focused on securing and growing resources that will support our hospital and provide life-changing care for patients for years to come. Looking ahead, I envision sharing the knowledge I’ve gathered over three decades in the field. I have previously spoken on the topic of boardsmanship for the Leadership Academy. I would love to consult with nonprofit organizations in the areas of volunteer management. I want to help the next generation of leaders build resilient, impactful organizations. What’s one lesson or insight you’d share with others aspiring to create positive change? During my time at United Way, I frequently shared my own story of how volunteering completely shaped my career path. I would encourage students to use their passion for good because you truly never know who you will meet, or who you will end up helping. You might just find yourself planting trees alongside the president of a major company one day or serving on a committee with your future best friend. JILL HAYDEN BARKER ANDERSON PREPARATORY ACADEMY Commandant and superintendent My husband and I are proud to call Anderson home, where we live with our sons and serve the community we love. I have served at APA for 18 years and, for the past 11, have had the honor of leading the school as commandant and superintendent. My journey into education began in first grade after a spirited disagreement with a teacher. I insisted that every child was special and deserved opportunities to discover their strengths. That moment shaped the leader I am today. I believe education is about far more than academics; it’s about empowering young people to become thoughtful leaders, compassionate citizens, and confident advocates for themselves and others. Every child deserves to be known, challenged, and encouraged to find their voice. That belief is why I am so proud to serve at APA. While we are always striving to improve, our mission remains the same: helping every student discover their potential. I measure success not only by academic growth, but by watching students graduate with the confidence, character, and skills to lead meaningful lives. I am looking forward to seeing how our new Launch Pad will help us grow and further this mission in our community. The greatest lesson I’ve learned is that while hope is not a strategy, it is often where meaningful change begins. I wake up each day believing we can change the world one child at a time — and with hope, faith, and a commitment to serve, I believe we can.
TISHA CARTER MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS STUDIO & WELLNESS SPA Owner HARTER HOUSE SENIOR LIVING/ HIGHLAND PARK APARTMENTS Property Manager Stasha Burton, owner of Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio & Wellness Spa in Anderson, has built a business centered around helping others feel confident, beautiful, and empowered. Through her leadership, the studio has grown beyond traditional cosmetics to become a destination for skincare, wellness, and self-care. Stasha’s vision is to provide her clients with trusted products, personalized services, and education that supports both outer beauty and inner well-being. A pivotal moment in Stasha’s journey came when she realized the beauty industry could be about so much more than cosmetics — it could be about connection, confidence, and improving lives. This inspired her to expand her offerings through collaborations with wellness-focused brands, including Jordan Essentials and Juice Plus+, allowing her to bring clean beauty, wellness solutions, and healthy lifestyle education to her clients and community. Through these partnerships and her commitment to innovation, Stasha has amplified the impact of her work by creating a space where people can feel valued, cared for, and supported on their personal wellness journeys. As she looks toward the future, Stasha’s goals include continuing to grow the wellness mission of her studio, expanding opportunities for education and community outreach, and inspiring others through leadership in the beauty and wellness industry. Her next chapter is focused on making an even greater impact — one client, one connection, and one life changed at a time. Tell us about your current work within your organization or cause. As a property manager for Harter House Senior Living and Highland Park Apartments, my role extends far beyond managing properties. I strive to create communities where residents feel safe, valued, and connected. While I oversee daily operations, leasing, maintenance, and occupancy, my passion is building relationships and improving the lives of the people who call our communities home. I believe housing is about more than four walls. It’s about creating a place where people feel they belong. Whether I’m organizing resident events, recognizing acts of kindness, listening to concerns, or finding ways to improve the property, my goal is to make a positive impact every day. I also work closely with my team, regional leadership, vendors, and community partners to continuously improve our communities. Seeing residents build friendships, feel supported, and truly enjoy where they live is the most rewarding part of what I do. Tell us about a pivotal moment or experience that sparked your commitment to this cause. There wasn’t one defining moment that sparked my passion — it grew through the relationships I’ve built with residents over the years. Working with seniors, in particular, has shown me that many people aren’t simply looking for a place to live; they’re looking for connection, dignity, and someone who genuinely cares. I’ve celebrated birthdays, comforted residents through difficult times, listened to life stories, and witnessed firsthand how small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference. Those experiences changed my perspective on property management. I realized my purpose wasn’t just maintaining buildings — it was helping create a community where people feel seen, respected, and cared for. That realization continues to guide every decision I make. I want every resident to know they matter and that they have someone advocating for them every day. What collaborations have amplified your work in making an impact? The greatest impact happens when people come together with a shared purpose. I’ve been fortunate 6 | MA DISON COUNT Y ’S I NF LU ENT I AL WO MEN to work alongside an incredible regional leadership team, dedicated maintenance staff, vendors, local businesses, first responders, and community organizations that all care about improving the lives of our residents. These partnerships have allowed us to host community events, educational programs, wellness initiatives, and activities that encourage residents to connect with one another. Those experiences strengthen our communities and help residents feel supported beyond their apartment walls. I’m also grateful to work with teammates who share the same resident-first mindset. When everyone is committed to serving others with compassion and respect, the impact reaches far beyond what any one person could accomplish alone. What does the next chapter look like for you in terms of upcoming big goals or initiatives? My goal is to continue redefining what exceptional property management looks like by creating communities where people don’t just live — they belong. I hope to continue growing as a leader, mentoring others and expanding resident-focused programs that improve quality of life. Building stronger partnerships with local organizations and creating more opportunities for residents to engage with their community are also priorities. Success, to me, isn’t measured only by occupancy or property performance. It’s measured by the lives we positively influence. If I can continue leaving every community better than I found it and inspire others to lead with compassion, integrity, and service, I’ll know I’m making the kind of impact that truly matters.
GIRL SCOUTS OF CENTRAL INDIANA Leadership team I am part of the leadership team for Madison County Service Unit 337, part of Girl Scouts of Central Indiana. Our leadership team works to bring all four program pillars (STEM, Life Skills, Outdoors and Entrepreneurship) of Girl Scouting to girls across Madison County through different events. All Girl Scout troops in Madison County can participate in events like World Thinking Day, learning about countries all over the world where girls can join Girl Scouts or Girl Guides, and Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday, where we celebrate the woman who started Girl Scouts in the United States. I am also a council facilitator, which means I can lead training for adult volunteers. My favorite training topics are New Leader Workshop, where I get to help our newest adult volunteers and Camp Songs and Games, because I love singing silly lyrics. I joined Girl Scouts as an adult (after being involved in elementary school) when my daughter brought home a flyer from her kindergarten class. I loved my time as a Girl Scout and I wanted my child to have her chance to do that too. I was a troop co-leader for several years and eventually joined our Service Unit team so I could offer quality programs to Scouts all over Madison County, not just in my child’s troop. My mom was my younger sister’s Girl Scout leader for a few years, and one piece of advice that she gave me about volunteering is, “Don’t just point out the problems. Offer to help make a change.” SHEILA FAKHREDDINE ANDERSON EDUCATION FOUNDATION Integrated Support and Facilitation LLC Tell us about your current work within your organization or cause. I currently serve as a wraparound facilitator, partnering with youth and families across eight counties in Indiana. My work focuses on helping children with complex emotional and behavioral health needs remain safely in their homes, schools, and communities while reducing involvement with the juvenile justice system and out-ofhome placements. Every day, I bring together families, educators, providers, and community partners to create individualized plans built on strengths, hope, and collaboration. I also serve the community as a board member for the Anderson Education Foundation. Tell us about a pivotal moment or experience that sparked your commitment to this cause. My passion for this work is deeply personal. As a child, I experienced Indiana’s child welfare and juvenile justice system firsthand. Those experiences shaped my understanding of the importance of connection, advocacy, and ensuring families have a voice in decisions that affect their lives. This inspired a career dedicated to changing outcomes for children and strengthening families before they reach a crisis. What collaborations have amplified your work in making an impact? The greatest impact has come through working alongside children, caregivers, schools, behavioral health providers, healthcare professionals, juvenile justice partners, nonprofits, and community organizations. This has shown me that lasting change happens when we break down silos and work together. No single organization can meet every need, but together we can build a network of support that empowers youth and families to succeed. What does the next chapter look like for you in terms of upcoming big goals or initiatives? As I look ahead, I am committed to expanding awareness of the Wraparound process, strengthening partnerships, and advocating for earlier intervention and greater access to resources. Because every time a community chooses connection over isolation, hope over hopelessness, and purpose over despair, we change the trajectory of a life. I am also taking the next step in my service by moving forward as a candidate for the Anderson Community Schools Board, where I hope to further support students, families, educators, and our community. My goal is to help create systems where every child is seen, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive because I believe investing in our youth is the foundation of a stronger future. I’m a strong believer that every child deserves to have someone who says, “I see you. I believe in you. I’m not giving up on you.” AUG UST 2 0 2 6 | 7
to a true gem in our community… Gina Brisco From your Wednesday Night Group Donahue Gas, Inc. 5170 N. State Road 9 Anderson, IN 46012 1-800-642-4941 765-642-4640 (fax) donahuegas.com 8 | MADISON COUNT Y ’S I NF LU ENT I AL WO MEN CN-1982363
GAITHER MANAGEMENT/GAITHER TOUR President Gaither Management Group, Inc. is the Indiana home of Bill and Gloria Gaither. They are successful songwriters, touring artists, and business owners. As the president of Gaither Indiana, I am fortunate to oversee the touring division of their company, their personal estate, properties, and manage the Indiana personnel and business operations. Part of this includes sitting on the board of the Gaither Charitable Foundation and assisting them with gifting funds, researching organizations, and keeping a close eye on the accounts to enable us to continue to help other nonprofits, and ultimately, our neighbors within Indiana and throughout the world. Dayto-day operations of multiple businesses and juggling the various projects they are involved in, keep me at my desk and working on all the behind-the-scenes things that are necessary so that at 90 and 84 years respectively, Bill and Gloria can keep doing what they love. When you are a behind-the-scenes person in a very public organization, sometimes you need a reminder of why we do what we do. Every year I make a point of attending three or four of our events and working the product table and just being present for our touring team. We have a devoted team of production personnel and product salespeople that do these 70 or 80 concert nights per year, but I really enjoy helping a few times per year. I hear firsthand how the music has changed people’s lives, gotten them through the death of a spouse or a parent or a child. The kind, generous and sincere people that come to a Gaither concert in Gatlinburg, or Tulsa, or St. Louis are so excited to be there, that I might be physically exhausted from the event, but I come back to my office energized and motivated to keep the business part of what we do flowing. This keeps me committed and focused on the importance of what we do. As someone who is not musical, it is incredible to me that I have been able to work in a very creative industry using my gifts of logistics, finance, and business development. No day is the same, and as the organization changes, I have enjoyed changing and growing along with it. Bill and Gloria are wonderful teachers. Sitting at their kitchen table and discussing philanthropy, music, world views, politics, etc., has been impactful in ways that continue to shape me. But it is not just Bill and Gloria. I have been blessed to work with some incredible team members here that are devoted to what we do. Our studio staff put in unbelievable hours making sure a video shoot is perfect when so many things can and do go wrong. From office staff to the grounds crew, our employees are the heart and soul of what we can accomplish. Working with a staff of employees over the years has meant I am deeply aware of the needs of our employees, serving on nonprofit boards has shown me the need in our community and working with the Gaithers and their national platform has opened me up to the need in our world. All of these things drive me to personally be philanthropic. Giving my time to worthwhile organizations, helping financially, and sharing my experience or just offering a helping hand when needed. I am the chair of the Leadership Academy of Madison County and the treasurer of the Madison County Community Foundation. Two organizations that I am proud to serve as I feel they are so important to our community and am honored to be part of their executive boards. Regarding the Leadership Academy, education and leadership is critical to making our community and our businesses better. JAN MANSFIELD DAVIS KEYBANK Assistant Vice President For more than 42 years, I have been honored to serve our community as an assistant vice president at KeyBank, where helping people achieve their financial goals has been both my profession and my passion. Whether assisting a first-time homebuyer, supporting an entrepreneur, or helping someone through a financial challenge, I believe every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive difference. That same commitment to service has guided my work throughout Anderson. I have been privileged to serve as president and state representative of the Anderson Chapter of Indiana Black Expo and currently serve as a trustee for the Anderson Madison County Black Chamber of Commerce, Commission chairperson of the Anderson Madison County Visitors Bureau, and the City of Anderson Revolving Loan Fund Board. Perhaps my most meaningful contribution has been helping community organizations obtain 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. For more than two decades, I have worked behind the scenes to help organizations expand their impact — supporting youth, feeding families through a food pantry and also at Thanksgiving, and strengthening our community. That passion was inspired by my early involvement with Mothers for Better Youth, a grassroots organization that demonstrated the power of ordinary people creating extraordinary change. My recent breast cancer journey has deepened my faith, strengthened my resolve, and reminded me that every day is an opportunity to serve with compassion, purpose, and gratitude. I have been richly blessed to call Anderson my hometown, and I consider it one of life’s greatest privileges to help make our community stronger for future generations. AUG UST 2 0 2 6 | 9
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