Community Fund Staff

Angie Sears

Executive Director 

Angie Sears serves as the Executive Director for the Spirit Mountain Community Fund. As an Oregon native and proud member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, she is passionate about Tribal philanthropy and providing nonprofits with essential resources to create positive community change.

Angie earned a B.S. in Journalism and Communications from the University of Oregon. Her career journey includes 20 years at Spirit Mountain Casino, where she gained skills in table games and casino marketing before joining the Community Fund team in 2017.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Angie extends her philanthropic spirit as a volunteer wish grantor for Make-A-Wish Oregon, and as a member of the Tribal Member Review Board, providing crucial support for Tribal youth in foster care.

Email: angela.sears@thecommunityfund.com
Phone: (503) 879-1401

Angela Schlappie

Program Coordinator

Angela Schlappie is a dedicated Program Coordinator with Spirit Mountain Community Fund, where she has supported the organization’s philanthropic mission since 2022. In her role, Angela helps guide the grantmaking process from initial inquiry to final reporting, ensuring that nonprofit partners receive timely communication, clear guidance, and meaningful support throughout each stage of their funding journey. She is committed to strengthening community programs and helping organizations access the resources they need to create lasting, positive impact.

Angela brings a strong academic foundation to her work, holding a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. Her background in behavioral science and system-level analysis informs her approach to program coordination, allowing her to understand community needs, evaluate program effectiveness, and navigate complex environments with clarity and purpose. This blend of analytical thinking and human-centered perspective enables her to balance operational efficiency with compassion and intentionality.

Since joining Spirit Mountain Community Fund, Angela has been recognized for her reliability, collaborative spirit, and meticulous attention to detail. She excels at managing program logistics, maintaining accurate and organized records, and facilitating smooth communication between internal teams, Tribal leadership, and community partners. Angela’s thoughtful engagement helps ensure that every interaction reflects the Fund’s values of generosity, respect, and community empowerment.

Driven by a desire to serve others, Angela excels in roles that enable her to uplift communities and support organizations making meaningful change. She is passionate about equitable access, culturally responsive service, and contributing to systems that foster opportunity and well-being. Whether coordinating complex grant cycles or assisting with special initiatives, Angela approaches each project with professionalism, warmth, and a deep commitment to the people and communities she serves.

Email: angela.schlappie@thecommunityfund.com
Phone: (503) 879-1462

Jesse Knight

Grants Coordinator

Jesse Knight is member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and has lived in Oregon most of his life. He served as an Administrative Assistant and Grants Coordinator in the recent past, and he is very happy to return to Tribal Philanthropy. 

Email: jesse.knight@thecommunityfund.com
Phone: (503) 879-1637

Pamala Warren-Chase

Administrative Assistant

Pamala is a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.  She grew up in the Coos County area and has lived most of her life in Oregon.  She has an AAS degree in Criminal Justice from Chemeketa Community College and is a S.A.L.T. volunteer with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Dallas, Oregon. Past experience with CTGR has been as the Secretary for Social Services and Community Health, and as a Security Officer at Spirit Mountain Casino.  She is proud to be a part of the Tribe’s Philanthropic work.

Email: pamala.warren-chase@thecommunityfund.com
Phone: (503) 879-1400