The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation (HICF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alyse Knust as its new chief development officer. Knust will join the foundation on July 13 and will lead development, donor engagement, planned giving, and philanthropic growth efforts across Macon, Piatt, and Moultrie counties.
Knust brings more than 15 years of experience in higher education advancement, fundraising, alumni engagement, strategic planning, and donor relations. She most recently served as assistant vice president of development and strategic engagement at Millikin University, where she provided leadership for a comprehensive fundraising program, supervised a team of development professionals, managed a portfolio of major gift prospects, and helped secure multiple planned gifts and estate commitments valued at more than $3 million.
"We are thrilled to welcome Alyse," said Natalie Beck, CEO of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation. "She is a highly respected fundraising professional with deep roots in our community and a proven record of building meaningful relationships with donors. Alyse understands the power of philanthropy to transform lives and strengthen communities, and her experience will help us continue expanding our impact throughout central Illinois."
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During her tenure at Millikin University, Knust held several leadership roles in development and alumni engagement, overseeing annual fundraising efforts exceeding $1.5 million, cultivating major gift prospects, leading donor stewardship initiatives, and helping coordinate milestone institutional events, including the university's 125th anniversary celebration and presidential inauguration.
A graduate of the University of Evansville, Knust holds a Bachelor of Science in theatre management and earned her Master of Business Administration from Concordia University Texas. In 2025, she completed the Certification in Fund Raising Management program through the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.
"Thank you to the Board and staff for welcoming me to an organization that is already making such a meaningful impact in central Illinois. I am inspired by the people in this community and the ways they show up for one another," Knust said. "I have been fortunate to know many generous and caring individuals, and I look forward to getting to know even more remarkable people and stories through the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation."
Knust has been actively involved in community leadership throughout her career, including service as president of Decatur Emerging Leaders and as a board member of the Harlaxton Society. She also teaches arts management at Millikin University.
As chief development officer, Knust will work closely with donors, nonprofit organizations, professional advisors, and community leaders to grow charitable assets, strengthen donor relationships, expand planned giving opportunities, and support the foundation's mission of improving the quality of life throughout the region.
