Leslie Friedel is a lifelong resident of Northeast Indiana. She lives in Auburn with her husband, Adam and son Kai.
She currently serves as the CEO of Stillwater Hospice, which serves 12 counties in Northeast Indiana, including DeKalb county. Leslie has over 15 years in nonprofit leadership in the healthcare sector. Leslie holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Saint Francis and a master’s degree in Social Work from Indiana University. She is a licensed health facility administrator and a licensed social worker.
Leslie currently serves on the Indiana University Fort Wayne School of Medicine board and the IUFW School of Social Work Board. She also serves as the treasurer of the Indiana Hospice and Palliative Care Organization board as well as secretary of the Alliance for Human Services board. Leslie participated in the second cohort of DeKalb LEADS. Leslie is thrilled to serve on the Auburn Main Street board and share her passion for the Auburn community!
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Raised in DeKalb County on her family farm, Clifford considers herself blessed to be back in DeKalb raising her daughter, Charlotte, near their generational farm. As a Wealth Partner with Credent Wealth Management, she empowers those around her by guiding them through their financial walk and partnering in the accomplishment of their goals. With an attitude of gratitude, Clifford is passionate about developing those around her.
She serves as a board member and volunteer for Image of Hope, superintendent and fundraising chair for DeKalb County 4-H Council, Big Sister in Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Social Chair for Young Professionals of DeKalb County. “I have admired the positive changes our downtown has experienced within the last 10 years. I am excited to integrate my education, experience, and passions to make an impact and represent Credent’s dedication to our community along the way,” said Clifford.
Mitch is a creative problem solver and visionary leader who has spent more than 24 years serving in the non-profit sector. From disaster relief, museums, and poverty alleviation – Mitch has engaged in supporting families and creating more resilient communities.
He has a passion for connecting people to solve complex problems and he is always willing to roll up his sleeves and get hands-on to find a solution. He recognizes the importance of public-private partnerships and during his service as an elected official used those skills to support numerous community enhancements.
Mitch believes in taking action and not simply talking about issues facing our communities. He has served on a variety of boards of directors throughout Indiana and continues to be actively engaged in Northeast Indiana following his passion for youth and family development.
Most importantly Mitch believes in people. An idea that everyone, no matter their age, plays a leading role in their communities. He has a unique way of meeting people where they are in the moment and supporting them in their journey to stability and success. As a Gallup Strengths Coach, he focuses on the unique talents we each show up with to move a solution forward.
Born and raised in Northeast Indiana, Mitch and his family enjoy serving in their community, traveling throughout Indiana, and spending a lot of time cheering on their kids at local ice hockey, soccer, and volleyball games. They recently called Auburn, Indiana home where Mitch serves as the Executive Director for Fortify Life and the Sweitzer Family Foundation.
Amber works for Betz Nursing home in Auburn. She has worked with Auburn Main Street as the Community Coordinator for the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program that is working on the Memorial Park project. She is passionate about our community and is looking forward to working with kids in the Junior Auburn Main Street Program as the Chair.
It is a natural fit to join AMS with the mission of helping the youth in the area create an impact. The desire to get involved with AMS comes from a passion to see our community grow and consistently improve.
Carrie Mills, along with her wife and two children, has been residing in downtown Auburn for almost five years. Throughout this period, she has taken great pleasure in witnessing the growth and development of the community. Carrie holds a deep interest in fostering diversity and promoting inclusivity within our remarkable town. As the owner of Wild Honey Spa in Garrett, Indiana, she has accumulated over 18 years of experience in esthetics. Carrie has actively contributed to the Fort Wayne Pride Committee in the past and has recently become a member of the Women's Prism Committee. In 2023, she was humbled to receive the prestigious Young Professional of the Year award from the DeKalb Chamber. Carrie eagerly anticipates the continued growth and progress of our community in the coming years.
Mark joined the United Way of DeKalb County in March of 2021. Graduated from Fort Wayne Christian HS in 2003. He attended Hillsdale FWB College in Moore, OK.
Mark is married to Emily Burnworth and they have one son named Colin. Mark Joined the AMS board in 2023. He is the president of the Young Professionals of DeKalb County. In his free time he coaches his sons basketball team, and is a wedding and corporate event DJ.
"I love DeKalb County. When the opportunity came up for me to join UWDC, I took it right away. I believe that we are all called to serve our community. This is a great way for me to serve the people of DeKalb and try to make it a better place for everyone to live, work and play. Thank you for letting me invest in this great County."
Allie Cochran is a dedicated professional with a passion for serving her community and empowering individuals through her extensive educational background and leadership roles. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Purdue Fort Wayne and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from Trine University.
Allie's professional journey includes impactful roles that have allowed her to make a positive difference in the lives of others. She has worked as a Case Manager for Children First Center, where her compassion and dedication to helping children in need have left a lasting impact. Her past experience as a Resource Development Coordinator at the United Way of DeKalb County speaks to her ability to connect resources with community needs effectively.
In her most recent role as the Community Engagement Director at the YMCA of DeKalb County, Allie Cochran has continued to be a driving force in creating opportunities for community members to come together, grow, and thrive. Her leadership and strategic vision have significantly contributed to the YMCA's mission of promoting health, faith, wellness, and community building.
Allie's commitment to making a difference in her community is evident through her active involvement in various organizations and committees. She currently serves as the Vice President of the DeKalb Chamber Partnership, where she plays a vital role in fostering collaboration and growth among local businesses. Her dedication to empowering women is exemplified by her role as a committee member of the Prism Women Conference, contributing to the advancement of gender equality and opportunities for women.
Having previously chaired the Young Professionals of DeKalb County, Allie demonstrated her exemplary leadership and dedication to nurturing the next generation of community leaders. She has also been an integral part of the United Way Day of Caring Committee, showcasing her commitment to enhancing the lives of community members through volunteering and philanthropy.
Allie Cochran's journey showcases a profound dedication to community service, leadership, and a genuine desire to uplift those around her. Her educational achievements, combined with her diverse roles reflect her passion for making a positive impact and creating a better future for her community. Allie lives in downtown Auburn with her Husband Evan Cochran and her favorite thing in the world her Boxer, Stella Mae Cochran.
Ann is a native of Auburn. She graduated from Ball State University majoring in both Finance and Insurance. She has worked in the financial industry for over 29 years. She has always found a way to give back to Auburn with her passion for volunteerism.
Ann has been a Auburn Classic Noon Lions Club member for 20 years. She has served on numerous boards throughout DeKalb County: Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival, Kiwanis, DeKalb County Purdue Extension Office, Purdue Council for Agricultural Research/Extension/Teaching (PCARET), Serenity House, and several others. She has been an officer on all of the boards she has served on.
During her time in AMS she assisted in AMS becoming a designated Indiana Main Street, updating the Downtown Revitalization Plan, Main Street Revitalization Grant (Sixth/Main project), and was recognized in 2015 as Indiana Main Street Volunteer of the Year.
After her board term and presidency of AMS Ann has continued to serve AMS as chair of the Economic Vitality Committee.
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