​​EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kristin Fay Venus, Eugene

​Kristin Fay Venus serves as the Executive Director of the Blanche Fischer Foundation, where she brings visionary leadership and a steadfast commitment to its mission of empowering Oregonians with permanent physical disabilities.

When Kristin Fay stepped into the organization in 2023, the Foundation was facing significant challenges that jeopardized its stability and mission. Over the past year, she has led an extensive overhaul to reestablish the Foundation’s purpose, strengthen its operations, and set it on a path toward sustainability. Her efforts have included updating fiscal practices, streamlining grantmaking guidelines, and introducing strategic initiatives that honor the Foundation’s legacy while addressing the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

Kristin Fay is a champion for those who advocate for themselves, enabling them to become engaged contributors to their communities and the world. With extensive experience in nonprofit and business management, strategic planning, and community engagement, she has demonstrated exceptional skill navigating the complex challenges, building collaborative partnerships, and driving innovative solutions.
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Under her leadership, the Blanche Fischer Foundation is now poised to expand its impact and continue its critical work of fostering dignity, independence, and empowerment for individuals with disabilities across Oregon.
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Outside of her professional role, she finds joy in exploring Oregon’s natural beauty, baking, playing music, and spending meaningful time with her family.

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BOARD PRESIDENT - Kelsey Heinonen
Kelsey serves as Board President of the Blanche Fischer Foundation, providing strategic governance leadership and oversight in service of the Foundation’s mission to support Oregonians with permanent physical disabilities. Her leadership focuses on responsible stewardship, clear policy and decision-making structures, and strengthening the Foundation’s capacity to deliver measurable, statewide impact. She is especially committed to transparency, equity, and ethical accountability in nonprofit governance.

Kelsey’s professional background is rooted in building strong operational systems in mission-driven organizations. As Director of Operations at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, she leads complex day-to-day operations, staff coordination, stakeholder partnerships, and compliance-minded documentation—work that has sharpened her ability to set priorities, manage risk, and deliver results in high-visibility public environments. She also brings experience in business development, communications, and proposal-focused work that supports sustainable growth.
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As Board President, Kelsey aims to honor the founder’s legacy while modernizing systems, strengthening board culture, and expanding the Foundation’s reach, access, and long-term sustainability across Oregon.

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VICE PRESIDENT & SECRETARY - Kim Davidson-Ruby
Kim Davidson-Ruby serves as Vice President of the Blanche Fischer Foundation, bringing decades of experience in medical social work and a lifelong commitment to service. Recognized as Medical Social Worker of the Year by the Oregon Association for Home Care in 2013, Kim’s career has been defined by her dedication to improving the lives of patients and their families. 

Now retired, Kim spent much of her career with PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center’s Home Health team, where she worked alongside multidisciplinary teams to provide compassionate, comprehensive care. Her expertise and leadership in social work continue to guide her contributions to the Foundation, helping to foster independence and improve the quality of life for Oregonians with disabilities.
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In her role with the Blanche Fischer Foundation, Kim leverages her wealth of experience to support the Foundation’s mission and strategic goals. Her passion for empowering individuals and creating meaningful change ensures that her impact endures in both her professional legacy and her ongoing work with the Foundation.

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TREASURER - Kelly Chesla
Kelly has been a member of the Blanche Fischer Foundation Board since 2024. With a professional background in accounting, Kelly brings valuable knowledge to the Foundation’s mission of supporting Oregonians with permanent physical disabilities.

Currently, Kelly is a self-employed bookkeeper and payroll specialist who provides small businesses support with maintaining financial records and establishing financial awareness. Passionate about building sustainable financial growth within the Blanche Fischer Foundation, Kelly contributes to the Foundation by providing financial oversight and ensuring compliance and alignment with the foundation's strategic goals. 

Outside of her work with the Foundation, Kelly enjoys mountain bike riding and gardening. Kelly is committed to making a meaningful impact through her work with the Blanche Fischer Foundation and advancing the vision of independence and empowerment.

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