FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2024
Media Contact:
Erika Tucci, Executive Director
(253) 572-2442
Erika@BenBCheneyFoundation.org
Ben B. Cheney Foundation Welcomes Jenette Warne as New Program Officer
TACOMA, WA – The Ben B. Cheney Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Jenette Warne as its new Program Officer.
Jenette brings a comprehensive background in communications and nonprofit partnership management, where she served nearly two decades in key roles coordinating community initiatives on behalf of local broadcast company, Bonneville Seattle, and with partner sports franchises, including the Seattle Mariners, Seattle Seahawks and Sounders FC. Her versatile skill set, focus on building strong relationships, and dedication to true community engagement make her a valuable addition to the Foundation.
As Program Officer, Jenette will play a multifaceted role in the Foundation’s operations. She will serve as the Foundation’s primary contact with nonprofit organizations, ensuring that the Foundation’s grantmaking process is accessible and transparent. Jenette’s strong background in storytelling and communications will play a crucial role in helping the Foundation elevate the work of its nonprofit partners. Jenette will also manage the Foundation’s legacy high school scholarship program, working closely with the community and representatives from thirty-three high schools to encourage application submissions and to honor the selected recipients.
“We are delighted to welcome Jenette to our team,” said Erika Tucci, Executive Director of the Ben B. Cheney Foundation. “Jenette’s role as Program Officer is pivotal to the continued success of the Foundation. Her exceptional ability to manage a wide range of responsibilities—from cultivating relationships with individuals and nonprofit partners to helping identify key community priorities —ensures that our organization remains deeply connected to the people we serve. We are confident that Jenette’s expertise will not only help us amplify the powerful stories of our partners but also strengthen our partnership work across the regions we strive to support.”
Brad Cheney, Board Chair of the Ben B. Cheney Foundation, added, “Jenette’s fresh perspective, genuine care for people, and her commitment to community service are perfectly aligned with the values that guide our Foundation. Her role will be critical in ensuring that we continue to effectively support our nonprofit partners across Washington, Southern Oregon, and Northern California just as our founder envisioned.”
Jenette has already begun her work with the Foundation, where she will be instrumental in monitoring and evaluating ongoing grants and staying current on issues and policies relevant to the Foundation’s funding interests.
About the Ben B. Cheney Foundation
The Ben B. Cheney Foundation was established in 1975 to honor the legacy of Ben B. Cheney, a pioneer in the lumber industry who believed in giving back to the communities where his company was located. While Ben’s true passion was baseball and youth athletics, the Foundation also supports a wide range of charitable initiatives focused on enhancing the quality of life in the Washington, Southern Oregon, and Northern California communities where Cheney Lumber Company operated
The Foundation has awarded more than $116,300,000 million in grants to more than 1,520 nonprofit partners since its inception, with a focus on education, youth engagement, healthcare, community development, and culture.
For more information, visit benbcheneyfoundation.org.