Select an option below:
- Our Purpose
- Our Impact
- Professional Development
- Donors
- Board of Directors
- NACAS Foundation Brand Shop
- Volunteer
- Official Documents & Minutes
Our Purpose
We envision a future where all students can be successful
The NACAS Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that improves the quality of life for students and supports affordability in higher education by funding grants and scholarships, professional development programs, and research initiatives for auxiliary services professionals, students, and institutions.
We promote equality and the diversity of people and ideas for the benefit of the public. Our work fosters innovation, collaboration, and creative thinking to improve students’ quality of life.
Through the generous support of individuals and business partners, the NACAS Foundation has been able to help fund industry scholarships, financially support students, create and maintain basic needs programs & services on campus, provide industry research funds, and support the growth and development of auxiliary leaders.
Emily A. Messa, Ph.D., CASP
FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
Senior Associate Vice Chancellor/
Associate Vice President for Administration
University of Houston
Houston, TX
Term ends: Fall 2026
James E. Dwyer, CASP
VICE-PRESIDENT
Vice Chancellor for University Business Services
Washington University - St. Louis
St. Louis, MO
Term ends: Fall 2026
Andy Lachman, Ph.D., CASP
NACAS BOARD REPRESENTATIVE
University Housing, Food & Mail Services Manager
University of Hawai'i at Manoa
Term Ends: Fall 2026
DaNesha Allen, CASP
AT LARGE MEMBER
Senior Director, Auxiliary Services
University of Houston
Houston, TX
Term ends: Fall 2029
Ella Carrol
DIRECTOR - Central Region
Auxiliary/Contract Services Manager
Metropolitan Community College
Kansas City, MO
Term ends: Fall 2029
Kevin D’Onofrio
DIRECTOR - East Region
Executive Director
SUNY Cobleskill Auxiliary Services
Cobleskill, NY
Term ends: Fall 2026
Dr. Lorelle Davies, DM, CASP
DIRECTOR - West Region
Vice President of Administration and Finance
Flathead Valley Community College
Kalispell, MT
Term ends: Fall 2029
Kennedy Turner
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS PARTNER
Vice President of Venue Partners, Trooh
Term ends: Fall 2026
Salli Darden
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS PARTNER
Senior Vice President Strategy, Education Compass Group, USA
Term ends: Fall 2026
Danielle Klinkhamer
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS PARTNER
Vice President, Sodexo Campus
Term ends: Fall 2026
Rich Steele
Chief Executive Officer
NACAS
VACANT
TREASURER
Professional Development
Fund professional development programs including webinars, Senior Executive Summit, Women in Higher Education Leadership Summit, CASP certification, and the DIAL Program
Support scholarships and awards, including the Edwin R. Golden Award and the David H. Lord Award for Exemplary Community Service
Our Impact
After investing more than a million dollars back in higher education, the work of the NACAS Foundation is more important now than ever before. Students are faced with new levels of uncertainty. Reduced access to affordable housing and the prospect of food insecurity are real problems. Research shows that these financial challenges are not new, but heightened since the pandemic.
Donate to support new industry initiatives, including the Campus Care Grant, virtual education experiences, and awards & scholarships.
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$155,887 provided in scholarships and grants to campus professionals
Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities - Contact us to learn more.
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$13,000 provided directly to undergraduate students
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$904,000 provided to professional development and learning initiatives for higher education professionals
2024 NACAS Foundation Individual Donors
Foundation Board Position Descriptions
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PresidentThe President of the NACAS Foundation shall:
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Set the timing and work with the CEO on details for all Foundation Board meetings.
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Preside at meetings of the Foundation Board, and Executive Committee.
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Serve as a member of the Finance Committee and Nominating Committee.
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Enforce all administrative rules and regulations.
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Provide direction and leadership for the Foundation.
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Develop and maintain productive working relationships with the Presidents of the NACAS National Board and the four Regional Boards.
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Appoint special committees as needed.
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Appoint Chairs to Standing and Special Committees and appoint those members as required and specified in the By-Laws, pending approval by the Board.
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Serve as an ex-officio voting member on all Committees.
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Participate in the annual CEO evaluation.
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Serve as the Foundation liaison to the Committee Chair Council (CCC).
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Serve as the Immediate Past President for the year following their term as President.
Length of Term
The President shall serve a one-year term upon expiration of the term as Vice President.
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Vice President
The Vice President shall:
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In the absence of the President, perform the duties of the President
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Serve as the parliamentarian.
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Serve as a member of the Executive Committee, Finance Committee and Nominating Committee
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Assume the office of the President once the Vice President term is complete.
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Other duties as assigned by the President or Board.
Length of Term
The Vice-President shall serve a one-year term upon election.
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At-Large Members
The At-Large Board Member shall:
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As needed, chair or serve on At-Large Members
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Committees to fulfill the purposes of the Foundation.
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Attend meetings pertaining to their assigned specific responsibilities.
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Prepare and present reports as requested by the President or Board at Board meetings.
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Other duties as assigned by the President or Board.
Length of Term
The At-Large Board Member shall serve a three-year term upon election.
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Treasurer
The Treasurer shall:
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Serve as Chair of the Finance Committee and plan and conduct meetings as needed.
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Review and recommend changes to the fiscal policies of the Foundation.
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Advise the Board concerning reserve and other investments.
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Work with the CEO/Accounting team to monitor accounts and prepare status reports for Board meetings.
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Ensure that all funding priorities adhere to the Foundation’s mission, vision, and strategic direction.
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Prepare any special reports requested by the President or Board.
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Prepare a proposed annual budget with direction from the Finance Committee, Board, and the CEO.
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Serve as a member of the Nominating Committee
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Other duties as assigned by the President or Board.
Length of Term
The Treasurer shall serve a three-year term upon election.
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Immediate Past President
The Immediate Past President shall:
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Serve in an advisory and consultative role for the purposes of Board continuity.
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Chair the Nominating Committee and present the proposed slate of officers to the Board at least 90 days prior to the C3X Annual Conference and Expo.
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Other duties as assigned by the President or Board.
Length of Term
The Immediate Past President shall serve a one-year term upon expiration of the term as President.
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Regional Directors
The Regional Directors shall:
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Serve as the liaison between the Foundation Board and the Regional Board ensuring regional needs are represented and Foundation issues are brought back to the regions for input.
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Prepare and present reports of regional activities as requested by the President or Board at Foundation Board meetings.
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Other duties as assigned by the Regional or National President or Board.
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Length of Term
The Regional Director shall serve a three-year term upon election.
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Secretary
The NACAS CEO serves as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Foundation Board and performs the duties of Secretary and Chief Executive Officer for the Foundation.
Board of Directors Minutes
NACAS Foundation Board Nominations Opening Spring 2026.
NACAS Foundation Shop
Introducing the new NACAS Foundation Shop—your destination for exclusive NACAS-branded apparel! Every purchase you make not only lets you showcase your pride in the auxiliary services profession but also directly supports our mission. A portion of every sale goes to the NACAS Foundation, supporting initiatives like awards, scholarships, and professional development programs aimed at progressing our industry. Browse our collection now and help us promote excellence and innovation in college auxiliary services.
Foundation Bylaws
Learn more about what the NACAS Foundation does and how it is organized in the Foundation Bylaws.
Foundation Policy Manual
To learn about the current policies surrounding the Foundation’s brand, board of directors, finances, fundraising, and other areas, read the NACAS Foundation Policy Manual.
NACAS Foundation
Through generous support of members and business partners, the NACAS Foundation is able to fund professional development and leadership opportunities of NACAS members as they enhance higher education by utilizing the latest in campus services. Learn More
