The second in a five-part series honoring The NKyTribune’s NewsMakers 2021
By Judy Clabes
NKyTribune editor
Carri Chandler is a woman on a mission. Not the scorched-earth kind of mission — there is definitely no “me-on-board” here — but more the Johnny Appleseed kind of mission, quietly sowing goodwill, positive results, and trademark good cheer wherever she goes.
We often describe competent career women with children as “juggling” the various pieces of their lives. But, no, Carri does not “juggle.” She has created a seamless, purposeful life that melds all its vital and important components into one complete piece, using all the strength and values she grew up with in a loving home in Elkhart, Indiana.
Darah and Darren supporting mom at the Queen Bee marathon.
She keeps herself physically fit — reformer pilates, running, a trainer — because good health matters.
“I believe you should try to do something each day — both mentally and physically — your future self will thank you for.”
She explains: “Move your body, eat healthy food, learn something, help a friend, read an article you can apply.”
She is fully engaged as a mom of two active teens. She volunteers for a slew of community organizations she cares about. And she is leading St. Elizabeth Foundation to record successful year.
For 18 years, Northern Kentucky knew Carri Chandler as the face of Toyota in the community, active in every major community organization and passing out generous grants to good causes. In 2016, with Toyota having withdrawn to Texas, CEO Garren Colvin tapped Carri to lead the St. Elizabeth Foundation, putting her on the other end of the funding continuum.
She is particularly proud that she helped Toyota wrap up on a high note and leave behind a lasting legacy, The Ignite Institute, at its former headquarters in Erlanger. She bursts with pride to see the team- building and problem-solving students are learning there that will forever make a difference in her community.
“I am blessed and grateful that Garren and Bob (Foundation Chair Bob Hoffer) entrusted me in a role where I can continue to work everyday in a way that benefits our community.”
The St. Elizabeth Foundation was established 30 years ago. Carri says she is not a traditional “fundraiser” even though under her leadership, St. Elizabeth Foundation will have exceeded a $100 million milestone this year, with more that $50 million raised in the past four years. The difference is: “I facilitate our community’s generosity. We have many among us who care about creating a heathier community and I articulate the opportunities to partner.”
That’s Darah as a ghost in Beechwood’s production of The Addams Family. (Photo provided)
Philanthropy is philanthropy, she says, no matter which side of the table you’re on.
“The objective is working together we can create a positive outcome benefiting our family, friends, and neighbors.”
The Foundation, she says, is a “donor-centric” organization where we nurture “cheerful donors” who want to create a healthier community.
The result? About half the Foundation’s major donors today have never before given to Foundation.
She has built a strong, cohesive team at the Foundation office, a true team of 14 associates she leads by example — and a whole slew of volunteers dedicated to its work.
“Our team is phenomenal, a dedicated, talented group. We operate with a ‘growth mindset.'”
Her parents, Bruce and Bonnie, moved to Ludlow in 2010 to be close to their grandkids. Her dad is “an extraordinary chef” so she enjoys joining him in the kitchen to prepare meals for family get-togethers.
She is fully engaged with her children, Darah, 16, a student at Beechwood in the gifted music program, and Darren, 13, a multi-sport athlete. Darah is an outstanding vocalist, attending the Governor’s School for the Arts at age 15. Carri is the supportive stage mom nurturing her vocal interest since age 2. They are Broadway Series subscribers, with their favorite production being Les Mis.
She and Darren share a fondness for NBA basketball and the Golden State Warriors (Spring break in California includes a Warriors-Lakers game and she’s a Pacers season ticket holder). She is the consummate mom who realizes parents “just have a window of time at home to make an impact” on their children, precious time to “make memories and enjoy shared experiences” creating a foundation for their relationship going forward.
Carri and her friend, Dr. Doug Flora, have plenty to smile about, given the success of the new Cancer Center at St. Elizabeth.
A few of Chandler’s accomplishments at the Foundation:
• Exceeded $100 million milestone in dollars raised for St Elizabeth Foundation.
• Raised well over $35 million for St. E’s state-of-the-art cancer center during a three-year campaign.
• Increased grant applications and support to ensure the success of: mental health services, opioid response efforts, women’s wellness, Kentucky Health and Family Services, Interact for Health school-based program, NKY Workforce investment, Life Learning Center, Brighton Center and NKU.
• Increased to record numbers the amounts raised as well as community attendance at Foundation events.
• Established COVID Team Pivot during crisis to help – with relief fund for patients and associates; facilitated community generosity and support which included 244 donors, 270 donors providing food and gift cards, another 270 donors who provided PPE and other support.
Carri hosting the Outstanding Women of NKY Awards
• Successfully managed transition and transfer of Dearborn Foundation.
• Co-chaired the Arts Wave campaign.
• Grew and led a team of 14 associates to enhance community partnerships.
“Carri leads with a genuine authenticity that inspires me,” said Dr. Doug Flora, director of the new Cancer Center. “She invests real time and effort to truly connect with people, a rare thing in today’s world. She has a huge, giving heart and it’s been one of the best things about my professional life to work so closely together over the past few years.”
Carri Chandler is an amazing, genuine, considerate woman who puts others first, works hard, uses her considerable talents for the best good, and leads by example.
Her good humor is infectious.
What makes her happy? “Hearing Darah sing, laughing with friends and colleagues, a happy donor, and watching Steph Curry sink a buzzer-beater 3-point shot.”
This NewsMaker is, indeed, a great role model for all of us.
