Fort Wayne, Ind., July 16, 2014 – Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) announced today that Deb Washler has joined the Lincoln Financial Foundation as the program officer serving the Fort Wayne, Ind., community. In her new role, Washler is responsible for managing the Foundation’s strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations in the region. She replaces Jean Vrabel, who recently retired.
Since 2006, the Foundation has contributed nearly $25.1 million to Fort Wayne nonprofits, and will contribute more than $2.5 million in charitable funds in 2014. This is part of Lincoln Financial’s annual $10 million in charitable contributions to support education, human services, arts and economic/workforce development programs in key cities across the country where the company has a strong business presence.
"We are delighted that Deb has joined our Foundation to oversee our community partnerships in Fort Wayne," said Nancy Rogers, senior vice president of Corporate Responsibility and president of the Lincoln Financial Foundation, Lincoln Financial’s philanthropic arm. “Lincoln Financial has a long and storied history in Fort Wayne, and Deb’s leadership in the nonprofit sector and experience in guiding long-term strategic direction will enable us to continue to support the people and the programs in the community.”
Prior to joining Lincoln Financial Foundation, Washler served as executive director of Artlink Contemporary Gallery in Fort Wayne, where she doubled the capacity and programming during her 9-year tenure. Throughout her career she has held various positions in arts administration and strategic development, and has served on many grant review panels for the Indiana Arts Commission and Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne.
"I look forward to representing the Foundation, while working with Fort Wayne’s vital nonprofit organizations,” Washler said. “This is a wonderful opportunity to partner with and strengthen the organizations that make Fort Wayne a vibrant place to live and work."
Washler earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Saint Francis, where she studied fine art/commercial art, with a concentration in photography.
She will be based in Fort Wayne, and will also serve as program officer for the Foundation in Lincoln Financial’s Omaha, Neb., location.
About Lincoln Financial Foundation
The Lincoln Financial Foundation, established in 1962, is a nonprofit organization formed and supported by Lincoln Financial Group. Under the Foundation guidelines, grants are made in the areas of arts, education, human services and economic/workforce development. The Foundation awarded more than $2.5 million to support nonprofits in the greater Fort Wayne area in 2013. Since 2006, the Foundation has contributed nearly $25.1 million to Fort Wayne nonprofits.
About Lincoln Financial Group
Lincoln Financial Group has set aside almost $10 million of its pre-tax earnings for charitable causes that support philanthropic endeavors in the communities where its employees work. Lincoln Financial Group provides advice and solutions that help empower Americans to take charge of their financial lives with confidence and optimism. Today, more than 12 million customers trust our retirement, insurance and wealth protection expertise to help address their lifestyle, savings and income goals, as well as to guard against long-term care expenses. Headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. The company has $209 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2014. Learn more at www.LincolnFinancial.com.
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