BBF Guests on WMUN’s “Taking Flight: Chapter 2” with Dr. Jeff Bird
Ball Brothers Foundation’s staff were the first guests on Dr. Jeff Bird’s new WMUN radio show, “Taking Flight: Chapter 2.” The show—which originally aired on June 12—featured a wide-ranging conversation about the foundation’s work, history, and approach to philanthropy. The program began with President & CEO Jud Fisher sharing an introduction to BBF and personal reflections on the foundation’s work, followed by additional conversations that brought in staff perspectives across the 100 year-old grantmaking foundation.
In later segments, Jenna Wachtmann, Vice President, highlighted BBF’s grantmaking philosophy, including the “muddy boots” approach of staying closely connected to the community, and the balance between proactive and reactive grantmaking. Her remarks underscored how philanthropic leadership at BBF is grounded in listening, learning, and adapting to community needs over time.
The final segment featured BBF Program Officer Dan Wolfert, Executive Assistant & Convenings Coordinator Susan Brumley, and Grants Manager & Program Officer Donna Munchel, who described how their day-to-day roles connect to the foundation’s broader goals. From Dan’s frequent time in the field with grantees, to Susan’s role as a first point of contact and facilitator of convenings, to Donna’s management of the grants system and reporting processes, the conversation illustrated how BBF’s work is carried out across multiple touchpoints to support and strengthen relationships throughout the community.