Welcome Deanna Hammerschmidt as Rooks County Development Director!

HAYS, Kan.— The Heartland Community Foundation is excited to announce the appointment of Deanna Hammerschmidt as the new Rooks County Development Director. Deanna brings extensive experience in marketing, public relations, and community engagement to her new role.

Originally from Ellsworth, Deanna moved to Plainville in 2006 after earning a degree in Integrated Marketing Communication from Wichita State University. She spent a decade working in marketing and public relations for Dessin Fournir before serving as the assistant director of annual giving at the Fort Hays State University Foundation. In 2018, Deanna shifted careers by purchasing the Mill Street Market flower and gift shop, where she built strong connections with families and customers throughout all of Rooks County. She will draw on these relationships and her diverse professional background in this new role.

Deanna's deep commitment to her community shines through in her personal and professional endeavors. She and her daughter, Mia, are actively involved in 4-H, raising steers and heifers, and Deanna enjoys getting to know the people in her community through her involvement with the Downtown Plainville organization. Her passion for seeing how communities come together to meet their needs and achieve their goals will be a key focus in her work at the foundation.

"We are thrilled to welcome Deanna to our team," said Sarah Meitner, Executive Director of the Heartland Community Foundation. "Her experience in marketing and fundraising, combined with her local connections and dedication to Rooks County, makes her an ideal fit for this role. We are confident that Deanna will have a tremendous positive impact on the Rooks County community and our foundation’s mission."