Tara Oliver – Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations
Tara began her career at Cedar Lake in the Fall of 2010. She interned with the Foundation in 2008, where she gained an understanding and desire to work in development. Tara served as the Director of Communications at the start of her career with Cedar Lake and has since served as Director of Marketing, Director of Development and currently is the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations. Tara’s deep-rooted passion for the Foundation’s future comes on a very personal note; her brother Matthew is supported at Cedar Lake Residences.
Tara has proven herself an effective fundraiser through educational training, networking and her great demeanor coupled with her devotion to our donor base. She continues to gain knowledge by expanding her versatility with her most recent endeavor, grant writing.
Tara received the “Jericho Friend” award in 2016. This award is the highest honor that Cedar Lake can bestow upon a staff, family or organization that exhibits exceptional care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Rachel McMahan – Director of Community Engagement & Events
Rachel McMahan joins Cedar Lake Foundation as the Director of Community Engagement & Events with years of experience in event planning, audience development, marketing and community involvement. She started her nonprofit career with the Kentucky & S. Indiana Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, which has now closed due to the impact of Covid-19 and chapter consolidations. Rachel was also the former Audience Development Director at Louisville Business First. Rachel was raised in the Lutheran Church and is excited to share that connection with Cedar Lake.
Kelsey Hamilton – Development Associate
Kelsey Hamilton joins Cedar Lake Foundation as the new Development Associate where she will focus on donor relations, the volunteer program, fundraising events, and community outreach. She is a Louisville native and 2019 graduate of the University of Louisville with a Bachelor’s of Science in Communication and minor in Criminal Justice. She has experience in event planning, marketing, promotions and tourism. Kelsey is excited to start her nonprofit career and support the individuals Cedar Lake serves.
Mary Claire Goetz – Foundation Intern
Mary Claire Goetz is the new intern for Cedar Lake Foundation this semester. She is currently enrolled at the University of Louisville and will be graduating this May with a Bachelor’s of Science in Communication and a minor in Sociology. She will work closely with Rachel to help run Cedar Lake’s social media, help with fundraising events and provide a helping hand on various projects. Mary Claire is looking forward to gaining experience in the nonprofit world.