By Jud Fisher, President/CEO, Ball Brothers Foundation—
MUNCIE, IN — In its 100th year, Ball Brothers Foundation is continuing a long-standing tradition of learning alongside the community it serves. The foundation is pleased to welcome two new Fellows for 2026: Jena Ashby, Relationship and Resource Director at Nonprofit Support Network, and Kenyonta (Ken) Hudson, Executive Director of Whitely Community Council.
For more than two decades, the Fellows Program has created space for open conversation between local nonprofit leaders and foundation staff. Over the course of seven months, Fellows meet regularly with the foundation team to read, discuss, and explore topics including leadership, nonprofit management, and the role foundations play in supporting communities.
The program is designed to help provide transparency into foundation operations while giving Fellows the opportunity to briefly step away from day-to-day work to reflect on nonprofit leadership. The program also gives Fellows a chance to share their experiences and perspectives, building stronger relationships between the foundation and Fellows while helping BBF to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges—and opportunities—facing nonprofits across East Central Indiana.
Meet our 2026 Fellows:
Jena Ashby
Jena Ashby serves as Relationship and Resource Director at Nonprofit Support Network (NSN), a capacity-building organization established in 2022 to support nonprofits across Muncie and Delaware County. NSN provides workshops, peer networking opportunities, an online portal of resources, and tailored support designed to help nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers strengthen their organizations and better serve the community.
A lifelong Muncie resident, Jena brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, volunteerism, and community collaboration. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Ball State University and continues to serve on the department’s advisory council. Over the course of her career, she has been employed by several local organizations, including A Better Way, Habitat for Humanity, 8twelve Coalition, and Muncie Scholar House.
Jena has also been actively involved on numerous boards, including Muncie Action Plan, Muncie YMCA, Second Harvest Food Bank, Teamwork for Quality Living, and Step Ahead Preschool. Known for her ability to convene diverse groups and build authentic relationships, she is passionate about connecting people and organizations in ways that strengthen the broader community.
She brings expertise in organizational management, program development, public speaking, and strategic planning to her work, grounded in a passion for connecting people and nonprofits in meaningful ways.
“I am honored to be selected as a Fellow for Ball Brothers Foundation, especially considering the deep respect I have for the individuals who have been chosen before me,” said Ashby. “I look forward to learning alongside foundation leadership, exploring the rich history of the Ball family’s impact, and gaining a deeper understanding of how their legacy continues to shape the future of our community. It is a privilege to be part of this experience and to grow through the opportunity.”
Ken Hudson
Ken Hudson is the first Executive Director of Whitely Community Council and has served in this role since 2017. The organization is dedicated to engaging and representing residents of the Whitely neighborhood through programs focused on education, health and wellness, resource connection, and community safety.
Following a managerial career in the for-profit sector, including roles in retail and the restaurant industry, Ken transitioned to nonprofit leadership in search of a new challenge and an opportunity to make a deeper community impact. He also serves as a board member of Open Door Health Services and Huffer Memorial Children’s Center.
Under his leadership, Whitely Community Council continues to expand its vision for the neighborhood, including plans for the Centennial Resource Hub—a future space designed to provide resources including a community health clinic, food pantry, business incubator space, and educational programming for both youth and adults.
As a Muncie resident for more than 25 years, Ken is deeply connected to the Whitely neighborhood, where he works and worships. He is inspired by the strength and collaboration of the community and is committed to working alongside residents and partners to create opportunities that support families and strengthen the neighborhood.
“Being selected as a Ball Brother’s 2026 Fellow represents the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding about the organization’s history of philanthropy and service to our community,” said Hudson. “This experience is sweetened by the fact that previous BBF Fellows from our community put forth my name as a potential Fellow. I appreciate this honor and will cherish it always.”
Also participating in this year’s Fellows program is Lindsey Cox, Program Officer at the George and Frances Ball Foundation. Lindsey joined the team at George and Frances Ball Foundation in January 2026. While George and Frances Ball Foundation is a separate private foundation from Ball Brothers Foundation with its own board of directors, staff, and giving priorities, the two foundations have a history of sharing in learning opportunities together.
About Ball Brothers Foundation
Ball Brothers Foundation is one of the state’s oldest and largest family foundations. Annually, the foundation pays out more than $8 million in grants to support arts and culture, community vitality, education, environment, health and public safety, and human services. The Muncie-based private foundation gives priority to projects and programs that improve the quality of life in the foundation’s home city, county, and state. In 2026, Ball Brothers Foundation is celebrating its 100th anniversary, making it one of the oldest and largest family foundations in the state of Indiana.
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