About Us
Truman Heartland Community Foundation recognizes the value of strong Advisory Boards as key building blocks that provide a strong link to Eastern Jackson County communities and the surrounding region.
Welcome to our Independence and Sugar Creek Advisory Board
Our Advisory Boards provide valuable service that distinguishes us from other organizations. Advisory Boards enable us to provide donors with:
- knowledge about causes they have a passion for,
- contacts with charitable organizations, and
- a network of individuals and corporations who also want to make a difference in their community.
Each Advisory Board’s Chair serves as a full voting member of the Truman Heartland Community Foundation Board of Directors.
In addition, members of each Advisory Board serve as voting members of our Community Grants, Development, Gala, Needs Assessment, and Scholarship committees.

2025 Advisory Board
Officers
Dr. John Ruddy, Chair
Mayor Mike Larson, Vice Chair
Jennifer O'Brien, Secretary
Members
Don Claphan
Cindy Foster
Beth Franklin
Dr. Leigh Gruber
Lori Halsey
Dr. Barbara Martin
Andrea McMillen
Shari Miller
Dr. Steve Morgan
Alice Moroso
Mike Rodriguez
Stacie Short
Patti Simcosky