Rochester Area Foundation Staff

Jennifer Woodford brings an extensive background in leadership and nonprofit management to the Rochester Area Foundation.

Woodford is a longtime Rochester resident, and graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Most recently, she served as the Executive Director of Channel One Regional Food Bank for five years. Jennifer and her husband, Eric, as well as her daughter, Maddie, and son, Will, are active in the community.

“This is an important time of growth and change for our area, and through philanthropy and community partnerships the Rochester Area Foundation is positioned to play a critical role in building and enhancing the quality of life for all who live, work, learn and play here,” said Woodford. “I am honored to be leading the staff and volunteers at the Rochester Area Foundation. I look forward to continuing their work building better communities in the greater Rochester Area.”

Eddie joined the Rochester Area Foundation in July of 2023.

Ellen Tolleson Hegge, with her husband Jason and their children, have called Rochester home for many years and are proud to be part of this vibrant, ever-changing community. For over 15 years, she has happily worked within the nonprofit community, supporting positive youth development. She has observed firsthand what a single investment of time or resources can make in the life of an individual or an organization.

Amanda has been with Rochester Area Foundation since September of 2016. A graduate from Winona State University with a degree in Communications: Leadership and Advocacy and an extensive background in multicultural work, she is enthusiastic about being a part of the Rochester Area Foundation team and sharing how the foundation’s work helps build better communities for all.

She is a people-oriented professional with a high level of passion for nonprofit work. Amanda believes in the importance of lifting up underrepresented voices and working to create systemic change towards greater equity within the nonprofit sector. She volunteers for several local boards focused on equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice. Amanda has been excited to see a passion project of hers come to fruition – the launch of a cohort is designed exclusively for local professionals who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color (BIPOC) and work for a nonprofit, educational institution, or government agency. The vision of this cohort is to support BIPOC professionals and create a diverse pipeline towards leadership roles in our communities.

In her free time, Amanda enjoys exploring new cities, trying new cuisines, enjoying live music, and being immersed in art and culture.

Margaret joined Rochester Area Foundation in September of 2025. She graduated from George Washington University in Washington, DC with a degree in Human Services & Social Justice, and has worked and volunteered for a number of nonprofits in both DC and Rochester. Margaret is excited to be back in her hometown working with the local nonprofit community to make the Rochester area a better place for all.

In her free time, Margaret enjoys dancing, petting dogs, and hunting for great bargains on vinyl.

Ryan Cardarella joins the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing after more than eight years with Mayo Clinic in Public Affairs and Communications. He is passionate community advocate, having served as a volunteer and board member for several local nonprofits. His interest in affordable housing stems from nearly a decade with the Dorothy Day Hospitality House, an emergency shelter in Rochester. He is excited to support the Coalition’s mission to collaborate, invest, and lead on innovative solutions to meet Rochester’s housing needs.

He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a master’s degree in communications from Drake University. Ryan moved to Rochester from the Milwaukee area in 2016. In his spare time, he enjoys running and enjoying one of Rochester’s craft breweries.

Ruth has seen firsthand the power of community engagement and advocacy, which fuels her commitment to advancing social equity and building stronger, more connected communities. As a first-generation college graduate, she holds a B.S. in Communication Studies with a minor in Political Science from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Ruth is not only eager to get involved—she’s determined to have fun while doing it. She enjoys laughing loudly, dancing often, and finding joy in even the most mundane moments.

With his background in construction, design and engineering, Justin has over 20 years of experience on commercial and residential construction projects. He enjoys problem solving through collaborating with others and taking a closer look at details.

Justin has lived in Rochester for 24 years, raising his three children. Julian, Charlie, and Auggie. His passions are volunteering and giving back as well as being in nature: rock climbing, hiking, camping, and biking. He is excited to get to work providing quality homes for the benefit of our community. 

Afton joined First Homes in February of 2022. She’s passionate about providing affordable housing and is excited to bring her extensive realty experience to First Homes.

Emily joined First Homes in March of 2022. With her, she brings an extensive background in writing, editing, digital marketing, communications, and a strong desire to make a positive impact in the community. Emily is excited to apply her talents to further First Homes’ mission to create and maintain affordable housing in the greater Rochester area.

In her free time, Emily enjoys hiking with her dogs, attending community events, and co-hosting a history podcast.