Congratulations...
Amanda Banks
Columbia City resident Amanda Banks was recently named communications manager for the American Red Cross Indiana-Ohio Region. In her new role, she is in charge of public relations efforts and community awareness for the need for blood donations and will be cultivating and maintaining relationships with the media. Additionally, she will be overseeing the design and creation of American Red Cross print materials such as press releases, newsletters, brochures and posters. Banks will supervise the communications department and support the donor recruitment staff in the 42-county region (including 7 in northwest Ohio).
Banks is the former vice president of Columbia City-based The Wabash Group, a political consulting firm. A native of Indianapolis, Banks majored in public policy at Indiana University where she graduated with honors with a B.S. in public affairs before pursing a career in government relations with a leading pro-family organization. She specializes in public affairs, including direct lobbying, grassroots activism and communications.
Candice Yeakle
Candice Yeakle is the new director of the Parkview Whitley Hospital Foundation in Columbia City. Yeakle is the former executive director of the United Way of Whitley County.
Shawn Ellis
Shawn Ellis was recently named to the position of program director for Beds And Britches, Etc. (BABE) in Whitley County. Ellis is responsible for administration of the program which operates a baby supply boutique on Chauncey Street in Columbia City. She oversees a part-time staff of one and several volunteers.
Ellis was the past case manager for The Lighthouse homeless shelter in Columbia City. A 1993 Whitko High School graduate, Ellis attended Vennard Bible College and graduated with her human service degree from Ivy Tech in 2005.