Eric FunkHouser
President
Eric Funkhouser serves as the Fire Chief of the Bargersville Community Fire Department and the Whiteland Fire Department, where he leads the fast-growing departments with a steadfast commitment to public safety, operational excellence, and community engagement. With 27 years of experience in the fire service, Chief Funkhouser has built a reputation for strong leadership, strategic planning, and fostering a culture of teamwork and integrity.
Throughout his career, Chief Funkhouser has been instrumental in advancing fire prevention programs, improving emergency response protocols, and ensuring the highest standards of training for firefighters under his command. His dedication extends beyond emergency services—he actively collaborates with local organizations, schools, and civic groups to promote fire safety education and strengthen community resilience. He led the Indiana Fire Chief Executive program for 5 years and was instrumental in setting up and building this mandatory program for all newly hired full time Fire Chiefs in the State of Indiana. He also worked for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security for 12 years in various roles assisting the state with training and incident command response and teams.
Chief Funkhouser’s leadership philosophy centers on service, accountability, and innovation. He believes in empowering his team through continuous professional development and leveraging modern technology to enhance operational efficiency. Under his guidance, both Bargersville and Whiteland Fire Departments have achieved significant milestones in preparedness and community outreach.
Outside of his professional role, Chief Funkhouser values family, tradition, and community involvement. His commitment to protecting lives and property reflects his deep sense of responsibility and passion for serving others.
Other career milestones include being on the executive board of directors for the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association and he is also the president of the Johnson County Fire Chiefs Association in Indiana. He is also a member of the FEMA Region 5 advisory council and is the current President of the Funk Cancer Foundation which helps anyone going through financial issues during medical crisis for both patients and families. He is also the current Vice President of Elite Public Safety Consulting. Eric is a brain cancer survivor and motivated to help people everyday as he lives with brain cancer now!! He is also the President of Funkhouser Consulting and Associates Corp. we are looking forward to making a difference in people’s lives as they face the worst time of their life in the future and have already helped multiple people facing very tough uphill battles!!
Brooke Funkhouser
Executive Director
Brooke Funkhouser serves as the Executive Director of the FunkCancer Foundation, where she provides steady leadership, strategic direction, and a deep commitment to supporting anyone facing a medical crisis. Prior to her time in nonprofit leadership, she earned her degree in business and went on to build an eight-year career as a legal assistant, developing strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. This experience continues to shape her thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to leadership and advocacy within the foundation.
In 2005, Brooke made the intentional decision to transition into the role of house manager allowing Eric to chase his career goals, stepping away from her professional career to focus on raising her sons, Dylan and Caleb. She approached this role with the same dedication and discipline she demonstrated in her professional life, creating a stable, supportive, and values-driven home environment. Her ability to prioritize family while maintaining strong organizational leadership has been a defining aspect of her journey.
In 2024, Brooke also served as a key source of support for Eric during his recovery from surgery. She managed his care with compassion and attentiveness, ensuring a smooth and steady recovery process. Whether at home or in her professional role, Brooke consistently demonstrates strength, reliability, and a genuine commitment to supporting those around her through life’s challenges.
Now that the boys are all grown up she enjoys spending time with her recently adopted 3 year old new twin boys, Carter and Calvin, who are full blooded brindle pugs and she loves gardening and tending to her beautiful flowers!!
Scott Hamersly
Board Member
Scott F. Hamersly serves on the Board of Directors with a strong commitment to advancing community health and wellness. He brings more than 35 years of experience as a Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainer at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, where he currently serves as Director of Rehabilitation Services. In this role, Scott oversees strategic planning and daily operations of rehabilitation clinics, the Tactical Athlete Program, and outreach initiatives throughout Central Indiana.
Scott earned his Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University and holds a degree in Sports Science from Indiana University. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA and was a board-certified specialist in Sports Physical Therapy through the APTA for 20 years. He remains actively involved in patient care, specializing in shoulder and knee pathologies.
Originally from Washington, Indiana, Scott has lived in Indianapolis for more than three decades. He has been married to his wife, Beverly, for 31 years, and they have three adult children. Outside of his professional and board service, Scott enjoys staying active through running, cycling, snow skiing, and water sports at his lake home.
Michael Herron
Board Member
Greetings,
My Name is Michael Herron. I am proud to have been asked to serve as a board member on the Funkcancer Foundation.
I am a longtime resident of the Franklin and Johnson County communities. A graduate of Franklin Community High School, my wife Carla and I raised our now full-grown children in Franklin, moved to Hopewell and have called Bargersville home for the past 8 years.
I have been blessed to live out my dream of being a Firefighter / Paramedic over the past 40 yrs. Throughout this period of time, I have had the opportunity to serve on several fire departments throughout the Johnson County communities in various leadership roles. Currently I serve as the EMS Division Chief of the Bargersville Fire Department.
Throughout my career in the fire service, I have observed the damage done to families while their loved one battles cancer. Medical and basic needs often times go unmet due to the costs associated with specialized healthcare and cancer treatment. Challenges such as these at times may result in a mountain of debt for the patient during one of the most challenging times of their lives.
Assisting patients as well as their family members during this time is exactly what motivates me to contribute to this organization as a board member.
Having had our children's, my wife's and my own life touched by cancer we are all too familiar with medical terms such as Staging, blood transfusions, radiation, chemo, immunotherapy, STEM cell , invasive and all the other words that tend to take your breath away once spoken .
It is my hope that my family and I can follow the example of the Funkhouser family and all the others touched by cancer in providing encouragement and support to patients and their family members during and after the Cancer journey. Having someone that will openly share their highs and lows, good days, bad days and their worst days with me, greeting me with a smile, a kind word or simply telling me I would get through it meant more than you could realize.
Thank you to the Funkhouser family for affording me the opportunity to be a part of something that is going to make a difference in the lives of others. Something “Big” as Chief Funkhouser likes to say “Let's do something Big” something special!
Colin Yocum
Board Member
Hey there, I’m Colin Yocum! It is truly a privilege to serve on the board of directors for the Funkcancer Foundation. Cancer touches the lives of so many people every year. My family has lost loved ones to cancer, my friends and co-workers have experienced and lost loved ones to cancer, and one of my greatest friends, colleagues, and mentors had his battle with cancer. I was grateful for the opportunity to be able to help and provide so that others who have to endure this journey know that they have a team of people behind them!
Every third day day you will find me driving a ladder truck for the Bargersville Community Fire Department. I have been with the department for 7 years. In between those days I am either with family or over in my office at the Whiteland Fire Department where I serve as the Deputy Chief of Operations. I have been with Whiteland Fire for 13 years! Speaking of family, I am married to the love of my life Katie who is an ER nurse and I have 7 year old twins! If I’m nowhere in Indiana, it’s because we’ve packed up and gone to Orlando. Our family is an avid lover of Disney and we try to take the time and make as many memories as we can!
I look forward to serving this foundation and helping it go anywhere and everywhere it can!
Jeff bellamy
Board Member
A 2026 Indianapolis Monthly “Top Lawyer” for the metro-area and a past Superlawyer “Rising Star,” Jeff has been recognized by his profession for his quality legal work and integrity in the profession. Jeff has a diverse practice working for businesses, local government and non-profits on real estate, litigation, and land use throughout the State. Jeff works with dozens of Townships, Municipalities, Fire Territories, Fire Districts and related entities on compliance and formation of government mergers, interlocal agreements and collaborations for providing public safety services efficiently with projects ranging the entire State; as far north as St. Joseph County and as far south as Warrick County. He is a frequent speaker on the topic of public safety collaborations and related topics. Jeff’s real estate practice involves all aspects of leasing, collections, purchasing, sales, development and general counseling. Jeff has represented businesses and investors on buying and selling real estate, construction defects, mechanic's liens, title insurance claims, survey and boundary defects, sales disclosure claims, land contract sales, lease-options, tax appeals, and eminent domain defense to name a few areas. As a focus area, Jeff has experience in both his law practice and as a city planner to assist clients through the zoning process. From obtaining zoning variances to rezoning property, land platting or approvals, Jeff can provide advice and representation through all phases of the development process, from acquisition to permits. Jeff has represented clients in Court either defending or appealing the decisions of a Board of Zoning appeals, including arguing before the Indiana Court of Appeals. An additional focal point of Jeff's practice is representation of Homeowner's and Condominium Associations, having represented dozens throughout the state on governance and litigation matters.
He is a lifelong Hoosier, born and raised in Pike County and he and his wife, Jessica, and their three children reside in Hamilton County.
Amanda Wray
Board Member
Amanda is an Indiana native who has dedicated her career to improving the way organizations operate, make decisions, and serve their communities, all while prioritizing kindness, integrity, and humor through her leadership style. She currently serves as the Manager of Process Improvement for Indiana Donor Network, a nationally celebrated nonprofit that honors and facilitates donor heroes’ lifesaving gifts of organ and tissue donation.
During the eight years that Amanda has worked at Indiana Donor Network, she has seen many families impacted by cancer’s reach. Her own family has lost many loved ones to cancer and seen other loved ones triumphantly overcome its hardships. She is extremely honored and excited to support the FunkCancer Foundation to help families fight (and win) some of the toughest battles they will ever encounter.
Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree in English, Spanish, and Leadership from Franklin College and her master’s degree in Strategic Leadership and Design from the University of Indianapolis. She is currently pursuing further education in maximizing AI in the workplace, integrating change management into organization-wide implementations, and building custom workflows, apps, and automation to modernize business operations. She hopes to use these skills to maximize the good work the Foundation can provide.
When she’s not working, she spends her time with her partner Dave, 16-year-old stepson Eli, and 15-year-old border collie/husky mix Spaz. They love spending time working on house projects, supporting each other’s pursuits, and cooking (and eating!) great foods!
Carson Smith
Board Member
Carson is the President of Hickory Strategies, a consulting firm based in Indianapolis, IN. Prior to starting the firm, Carson served on nearly a dozen campaigns across the state of Indiana and Washington, D.C. for State Senate, Congressional, U.S. Senate and Gubernatorial campaigns.
Carson was a graduate of Hanover College and received his bachelor's degree in Political Science. A member of Lambda Chi Alpha, Carson is still involved in his Alma mater and enjoys giving back. Fortunately his brother, Bensen, will be able to continue on the legacy next year as a Freshman.
Cancer has touched Carson and his wife’s family and he has a passion for awareness and opportunities to help other families that have been impacted. Without the help of organizations, it leaves families feeling like they are in the fight by themselves.
Carson was born and raised in Washington, IN where he met his wife, Kaitlyn. They now reside in Indianapolis, IN with their four year old german shepherd, Nala. When Carson isn’t spending time with organizations or working to develop transformative initiatives for communities, you will find him spending time reading or doing home projects!
Brooke Chaille
Board Member
Brooke Chaille brings nearly a decade of accounting and financial management experience. As a manager at a municipal advisory firm, she specializes in accounting and bookkeeping services, advising multiple municipal clients across the state. Brooke is known for helping organizations build strong operational, financial, and regulatory foundations, ensuring long-term stability and accountability in the communities they serve.
Brooke also has a deeply personal commitment to the foundation’s mission. Brooke’s passion for advocacy is rooted in her experience as the mother of a son who is a Rare Disease Warrior. Navigating complex medical challenges has given her a profound understanding of the emotional, financial, and logistical burdens families face during difficult health journeys. This perspective fuels her dedication to supporting families impacted by cancer and other serious illnesses.
Brooke is also motivated by the impact cancer has had on individuals close to her, strengthening her resolve to promote awareness, compassion, and access to resources. She is a strong advocate for families in crisis, bringing empathy, resilience, and a solutions-oriented mindset to her work.
In addition to her professional and advocacy roles, Brooke is committed to leadership grounded in faith, integrity, and service. She is married to her husband, Ryan, and together they are raising their two sons, Rhett and Ryker. They enjoy going on vacation to the beach and playing golf as a family.
Kristi Bridges
Board Member
Caring for others has always been at the heart of who I am, both personally and professionally. As a Labor & Delivery nurse of 14 years, l've had the privilege of supporting families through some of the most meaningful moments of their lives, and it has truly shaped my passion for compassion and advocacy. That passion is also deeply personal. At the age of 28, I lost my father after caring for him through his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. That experience changed me and continues to inspire my commitment to helping others facing similar journeys. My faith in God is a central part of my life and guides the way I care for others, serve my community, and find strength in both the joys and challenges life brings. I am truly honored to serve on the board of this cancer foundation, where I hope to support patients and families, raise awareness, and make a meaningful impact in our community. I'm blessed to share life with my husband, a Bargersville firefighter, and our two children, ages 12 and 17, who inspire me every day to lead with strength, compassion, and purpose.
Jennifer Brilliant
Board Member
Jennifer Brilliant is the CEO and Co Founder of Brilliant Communications and an Edward R. Murrow and Emmy Award winning journalist. Her career spans twenty years in news and more than a decade in communications supporting nonprofits, first responders and community leaders when the stakes are high and clarity matters most.
Her work is shaped by time in the field reporting on disasters, community crises and the moments that test leadership. That experience now guides her work training leaders on crisis and media communication so organizations are prepared long before a difficult moment arrives.
Jennifer is deeply committed to nonprofit work and storytelling that elevates mission driven organizations. She plays an active role with Hoosier Burn Camp and other causes that support families navigating medical challenges. As a burn survivor herself, that work is personal. She believes leadership begins with service and showing up for people when they need it most.
Jennifer is married to Jeremy Brilliant, co-founder of Brilliant Communications and also a former journalist. Outside of work she loves to cook, discover new wines and lift heavy weights to keep up with her three boys whose ages span from high school to kindergarten. Their long haired dachshund, Ralph, quietly judges it all with his signature side eye.
Jennifer brings both professional experience and genuine humility to the board. She believes the best leaders listen first, serve generously and use their skills to lift others along the way.
Karen Nowacki
Board Member
Karen has proudly served with the Bargersville Fire Department for 27 years and is currently their administrative assistant. Her long-standing role in public service reflects her commitment to integrity, organization, and community. Being in public safety has helped her to manage high-level details, remain calm under pressure, and prioritize people during important life moments. In addition to her public service career, she is a dedicated local Indiana realtor. Known for her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and client-first mindset.
Karen truly loves helping others. She is passionate about supporting and giving back to her community and strives to brighten the lives of the people around her—whether through her work, volunteering, or simply showing up when someone needs support.
Karen lives in Morgan County with her husband, Todd. Together they have built a life centered around family, community, and making meaningful memories. Outside of work, Karen loves to travel and create those meaningful memories with her family.
She is a proud and enthusiastic fan of the University of Kentucky, Karen loves cheering on the Wildcats. Her son, Tyler, is in his third year at University of Kentucky majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Her stepson, Finn, is in his third year at Indiana University studying pre-law. College sports season is always lively in the Nowacki household!
Steven Orusa
Board Member
Steven Orusa was the Fire Chief for the Fishers Department of Fire and Emergency Services since 2011 and has been a chief officer since 2001. He has served over 42 years in law enforcement and fire service positions. Steven was a Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, US&R Planning Section Chief, and Deputy Operations Section Chief for Super Bowl XLVI, Incident Commander for the Henryville Tornado, Technical Review Consultant for NIOSH Line of Duty Death investigations, and Program Manager for the Indiana District-5 Type III Incident Management Team. He is past director of the International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists Response Team and has served on public safety and military dive operations worldwide. Steven is the past president of the Hamilton County Fire Chiefs Association and the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA). He has served as chair for the IFCA Legislative and Political Action Committee. Steven retired in 2025 from the fire service and is currently the Director of Public Safety Projects for BW Construction, lobbyist for the IFCA, and consultant for Aspire Indiana.
Steven grew up in Chicago, Illinois, receiving his bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University in 1983. His graduate work is in Human Resource Management. He is a published author and frequently invited speaker on public safety leadership and development techniques. He has provided analysis on public safety response for USA Today, Fire Chief Magazine, Fire Engineering Magazine, and has also appeared on BBC, MSNBC, Fox News, and CNN to provide expert analysis on disaster response.
Dr. Allen Barton
Board Member
I am honored to serve as a board member for the Funk Cancer Foundation. I am a board-certified emergency medicine physician and currently serve as the EMS Medical Director at Johnson Memorial Hospital. Before becoming a physician, I had the privilege of serving as a firefighter—an experience that shaped my calling to care for others during their most vulnerable moments.
Cancer has touched so many families, including those I care for in my personal and professional life, and I’m passionate about using my experience, leadership, and compassion to help support families going through their journey. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated team committed to making a real and lasting difference.
rich Taylor
Board Member
Rich Taylor serves on the Carmel City Council and has dedicated nearly two decades to strengthening the community through volunteerism, civic leadership, and public service. He spent 13 years on the Carmel Parks and Recreation Board, including six as President, helping expand parks, trails, and leading the organization to recognition as a Gold Medal park system by the National Recreation and Parks Association. Rich has also led and supported numerous nonprofits, serving as President of the Rotary Club of Carmel and on boards for the Carmel Clay Public Library Foundation and the Indiana Center for the Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide. Professionally, his background includes leadership roles in banking, construction, and consulting. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Management and received his MBA with a concentration in Finance from Butler University. In 2010, Taylor was honored as OneZone’s Most Valuable Volunteer, and is a graduate of Indiana Leadership Forum and Hamilton County Leadership Academy.
He is deeply committed to volunteerism and nonprofit leadership, dedicating his time to strengthening local organizations and serving families throughout the community.