By Ball Brothers Foundation—
MUNCIE, IN — As Ball Brothers Foundation prepares to commemorate its 100th year of grantmaking in 2026, it is proud to announce the appointment of two esteemed community leaders, Laura Hill and Dennis Trammell, Jr., to its Board of Directors.
The addition of Laura and Dennis comes as the foundation continues to implement its “Second Century Strategic Plan,” a comprehensive roadmap for the foundation’s future. This plan, developed with input from nearly 100 grantees, community leaders, and peer foundations across Indiana, reaffirms Ball Brothers Foundation’s dedication to place-based grantmaking and Ball family stewardship.
Laura brings a wealth of experience in finance and healthcare to the board. She has served in various leadership roles, most recently as Chief Investment Officer at Advocate Health. Recently moving back to Muncie from Chicago, Laura has a commitment to her hometown, where she is actively involved in organizations like the Muncie Sports Commission and Next Muncie.
“Returning to my hometown of Muncie and reconnecting to the community has been a pleasure for me and my family. It is fulfilling to lend my professional financial experience and business acumen to organizations to provide insight, help foster growth, and share my appreciation of what Muncie has to offer both economically and socially,” said Laura, expressing her enthusiasm on the appointment. “Joining the board of directors of Ball Brothers Foundation is an honor that will allow me to serve the community more fully. I share the foundation’s belief that the future of Muncie and Delaware County is bright, and I look forward to helping grow Ball Brothers Foundation’s impact in the years ahead.”
Dennis, a Chicago native turned Muncie resident, brings a deep understanding of the community and a passion for youth development. He has dedicated his career to helping the Muncie community, working for a number of grantees, and serving on the boards of organizations such as the Muncie Sports Commission and the Cardinal Varsity Club.
“The experience I gained growing up in Chicago, competing in high level sports, and attending Ball State University made the decision to live and raise a family in Muncie an easy one,” reflected Dennis, expressing his excitement to be involved in Muncie. “As one who strongly believes in the value of teamwork and hard work, I find our community to be open and eager for partnerships that improve the quality of life for everyone here. Having had the experience of being a Ball Brothers Foundation grantee while working in the community, I am excited to lend my perspective to the team. I look forward to the opportunity to serve our community even more as a member of the board of directors of Ball Brothers Foundation.”
Laura and Dennis will fill the positions vacated by long-serving board members Terri Matchett and Terry Walker, who completed their terms in December 2023 after 11 and 21 years of dedicated service, respectively.
“We are excited to welcome Laura and Dennis to the foundation’s board,” said Jud Fisher, President and CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation. “Their diverse backgrounds, deep ties to the community, and commitment to our mission make them invaluable additions to our team. As we look ahead to our centennial year, their leadership will be instrumental in guiding BBF into its next century of impact.”
About Ball Brothers Foundation:
Ball Brothers Foundation is one of the state’s oldest and largest family foundations. In 2023, the foundation paid out $8.8 million in grants to support place-based initiatives related to arts and culture, education, the environment, health, human services, and public affairs. The Muncie-based private foundation gives priority to projects and programs that improve the quality of life in the foundation’s home city, county, and state.
