Austin has had a passion for developing others throughout his entire life and has a deep desire to find unique ways he can help improve the education system.
Having spent years coaching individuals and students in a wide variety of settings, 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 an effort to give back to community that gave so much to him throughout his 27 years here.
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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.
Lucas Straw works at Team Quality Services in Auburn, where he resides with his fiancé, Cameron and their cat, Maverick. Lucas graduated from Ball State University with a double major in Finance and Economics with a concentration in Financial Analysis.
Lucas is on the boards for Junior Achievement of DeKalb County as well as Downtown Auburn Business Association (DABA). Living just two blocks away from downtown, Lucas is passionate about growing and providing a promising future for Auburn and the community.
Mike Littlejohn has been in the jewelry business for 38 years and owns Carbaugh Jewelers in downtown Auburn. Mike is the President of the Downtown Auburn Business Association (DABA) and has served in that role for the past 17 years. Mike feels it is his duty to constantly strive to make this community the best it can be. His love of Downtown Auburn has always been his calling card first and foremost and anyone who knows him will tell you that.
Having grown up just four blocks from Downtown Auburn has given him the prospective to have seen many changes over the years, but also see the current changes and excitement as the necessary path to travel toward the future. Mike is excited to be part of the current Main Street board, and hopes the community is enjoying the transformation that is making Auburn the best that it can be.
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."
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!
Sandra lives in Auburn with her husband Matt Tamez, a Sergeant for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, and their 3 children.
She holds a bachelor's degree in Communication and minor in Public Relations. Sandra is a Community Development Planner and has been working with Region 3A Development and Regional Planning Commission for almost 9 years. She provides communities across 6 counties in Northeast Indiana with grant writing, planning and administration as well as community and economic development assistance.
She grew up on a large farm in Noble County showing horses and hogs in 4-H. She made DeKalb County her lifelong home in 2011. Sandra participated in the third cohort of DeKalb LEADS, is a member of the PTO at JE Ober and attends County Line Church - Garrett. Sandra enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, gardening, and exercising.
She is excited to serve on the Auburn Main Street board not only because of her passion for downtown Auburn but also to aid in preserving the Historic Downtown Auburn that this community loves.
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.
