Though Kappa Alpha Theta’s relationship with National CASA/GAL began in 1989, the foundation of Theta’s service to the wider community has its roots far earlier: the 1870s. The widest influence for good has been a cornerstone of Theta’s mission since its creation. In fact, Kappa Alpha Theta founder Bettie Tipton Lindsey was known for her dedication to volunteerism and service; she was particularly concerned with caring for children who had been orphaned or otherwise neglected.
Over Theta’s 150-year history, the women who built it into an international organization have remained committed to providing ways for members to volunteer in and contribute to their own communities. In National CASA/GAL, Theta found a partner with which to make a real difference in the lives of children and also to offer women an additional avenue for developing into confident and effective advocates for change.
For more than 30 years, the dedication of Fraternity and Theta Foundation board members and staff leaders has ensured that the relationship between Kappa Alpha Theta and National CASA/GAL has not simply grown but has thrived. The individuals below have helped to strengthen and enhance this partnership through their leadership roles:
Marjorie Crane Schnacke
Theta Foundation President 1986-1990
Carryl Wischmeyer Krohne
Theta Foundation President 1990-1992,
Fraternity President 1992-1996
Marilyn Chesher Lynch
Theta Foundation President 1992-2000
Anne Sadler Budill
Theta Foundation President 2000-2006
Wendy Sears Goshert
Theta Foundation President 2006-2010
Kathy Bennett Tonkel
Theta Foundation President 2010-2014
Mary Ellen Kutsenda Fitzsimonds
Theta Foundation President 2014-2018
Vicki Laughlin McCluggage
Theta Foundation President 2018-2020
TJ Flynn Condon
Theta Foundation President 2020-present
Rev. Pamela Walker Mayes
Theta Foundation Executive Director 1987-1991
Nancy Milligan Frick
Theta Foundation Executive Director 1992-1998
Beth Bain Casselman
Theta Foundation Executive Director 1998-1999
Gary Hand
Theta Foundation Executive Director 2000-2003
Anne Burcham
Theta Foundation Executive Director 2003-2005
Jen Kendall Pendleton
Theta Foundation Executive Director 2006-2013
Kristen Magnes Kaiser
Theta Foundation Executive Director 2013-2017
Kelley Galbreath Hurst
Theta Foundation Executive Director 2017-present
Janet Paine Peters
Fraternity President 1988-1992
Helen Edwards Woodward
Fraternity President 1996-2000
Mary Jane Parker Beach
Fraternity President 2000-2004
Karen Albrecht Ledbetter
Fraternity President 2004-2008
Anna K. Busby, Ph.D.
Fraternity President 2008-2010
Amy Hayner Kates
Fraternity President 2010-2014
Laura Ware Doerre
Fraternity President 2014-2018
Mandy Burgett Wushinske
Fraternity President 2018-present
Marcia Bond Angstadt
Fraternity Executive Director 1983-1997
Betsy Sierk Corridan
Fraternity Executive Director/CEO 1997-present