Watertown Area Community Foundation Welcomes New Leadership: Tom Beadnell as Chair and Julie Ranum as Vice Chair

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown Area Community Foundation (WACF) has announced a transition in its leadership, with the Board of Directors electing Tom Beadnell as Chair and Julie Ranum as Vice Chair.

The Foundation, which stewards more than $50 million in charitable assets, serves as the community’s endowment, focusing on long-term strategic philanthropy to benefit the Watertown region.

A Legacy of Local Involvement

Beadnell, a local businessman, has been a member of the Foundation’s board since 2019. His history of service in Watertown is extensive, including a previous term as Chair of the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce and nearly two decades spent coaching youth hockey.

Notably, Beadnell was instrumental in launching the Watertown Area PACH (People Against Child Hunger) program. He currently remains active with the Lions Club and the Friends of the Goss Opera House.

“It’s an honor to serve as Chair of the Watertown Area Community Foundation,” said Beadnell. “The Foundation plays a critical role in helping our community think long-term, invest wisely, and support the people and organizations doing important work across the Watertown area. I’m proud to be part of that effort.”

Leadership Team and Board Composition

Joining Beadnell in leadership is Vice Chair Julie Ranum, who has served on the board since 2020. As the Executive Director of the Redlin Art Center, Ranum brings a specialized background in arts, tourism, and nonprofit management to the Foundation’s executive team.

The WACF Board of Directors also includes:

·        Alex Ammann

·        Dr. Jeff Danielsen

·        Charlie Ewalt

·        Joel Vockrodt

·        Liam Culhane (Immediate Past Chair)

About the Foundation

Founded in 1979, the Watertown Area Community Foundation acts as a permanent resource for the region, investing in local projects and organizations to ensure community vitality "for generations to come.”

Beyond his professional and philanthropic work, Beadnell is a well-known figure in the local music scene and is famously recognized as the “Master of Merriment” during Watertown’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. He and his wife, Cheri, have three children and two grandchildren.