Julie Krause joined the staff of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region in 1998. She worked with designated endowment funds, helped coordinate certain events, and provided administrative support for a newly formed supporting organization – the Appleton Education Foundation. Julie became the organization’s Executive Director and first employee in 2005 and has been dedicated to raising and directing private funds to strengthen and enhance education in the community ever since. She believes that education is powerful, as no one can take it away from you, and considers it essential to building a strong community.
Julie Krause, Executive Director
Lori Kaufman joined the Appleton Education Foundation in 2013. Growing up she wanted to be a teacher. However, during a job shadow her junior year of high school, she realized she was not blessed with the patience required to be an educator. She has spent her career working in higher-ed and education-related nonprofit organizations in Northeast Wisconsin. Lori oversees AEF’s fundraising, stewardship, and communciations activities, including the annual Knowledge Open golf outing. She is grateful for the opportunity to help donors invest in public education to ensure all Appleton students learn, grow, and thrive.
Lori Kaufman, Development & Engagement Director
Julie Pahnke joined the Appleton Education Foundation in February 2023 as the organization’s first Grants & Scholarships Manager. In this newly created role, she oversees AEF’s two most public-facing programs, ensuring their effective administration and community impact. Prior to joining AEF, Julie held various positions at nonprofit organizations throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. A Fox Valley native, she returned to the area to continue her commitment to nonprofit service. Julie holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee’s Helen Bader Institute.
Julie Pahnke, Grants & Scholarships Manager
Katie Juedes joined the Appleton Education Foundation in April 2026 to provide excellent administrative support to the AEF team. She attended the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh where she received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Supply Chain and Operations Management. After graduating, she spent many years working for corporate manufacturers. Once entering the nonprofit sector, she quickly realized how important it is to have a passion for her work. She believes strongly in the AEF mission to strengthen and enhance education in our community.
Katie Juedes, Administrative Support Coordinator