The Hendricks County Community Foundation is excited to welcome six new members to the Board of Directors this year: Jeremy Gooch, Linda Langford, Scott Slavens, Chris Tincher, Renea Whicker and Melissa Yetter. These dedicated community leaders bring a wealth of talent and passion to the Foundation’s mission of making Hendricks County a better place.
Melissa Yetter, Renea Whicker, and Chris Tincher
A 2001 Indiana University McKinney Law graduate, Jeremy P. Gooch serves as Hendricks County’s first Chief Public Defender. Following 15 years of private practice and indigent defense work—including a foundational role in the Hendricks County Drug Court—he was hired in 2017 to establish the county’s inaugural Public Defenders Office. Jeremy and his wife, Danyel, reside in Brownsburg with their son, Curtis, and an impossibly stubborn basset hound, Henry.
Linda Langford is an English and speech teacher at Avon High School, where she also serves as the head speech coach. She has been married to her husband, Michael, for 33 years, and together they have three children and a daughter-in-law, all graduates of Avon High School. A Hendricks County resident since 1995, Linda has lived in both Plainfield and Avon and values being deeply connected to the community she serves.
A lifelong Hendricks County resident and dedicated family man, Scott Slavens has built a distinguished 25-year career at Eli Lilly, defined by loyalty and professional excellence. He shares his life with his wife, Mindy, and daughter, Hayley, often spending his time outdoors or on the golf course. Deeply committed to his hometown, Scott balances his professional success with a passion for community service and local engagement.
Chris Tincher brings more than 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry and currently serves as the franchisee/operator of the Chick‑fil‑A restaurants in Avon, Indiana. A Hendricks County resident since 2009, Chris lives out his purpose by serving others and helping them win—whether leading his team or supporting the local community. He and his wife, Amber, have been married for over 30 years and are proud parents of three children: Chloe, Jasmine, and Reece. Outside of work, Chris enjoys pickleball, nature hikes in Eagle Creek, cycling, leisurely walks, and driving fast cars with the top down.
A Plainfield resident for over 30 years and a retired educator, Renea Whicker brings a wealth of local leadership experience to the Foundation. Renea’s background includes serving two terms on the Plainfield Town Council and presiding as President of the Plainfield Plan Commission. A graduate of Leadership Hendricks County, she has dedicated years to community service through the Hendricks County Women’s Giving Circle, Tri Kappa, and Meals on Wheels. Renea looks forward to continuing her legacy of service by helping HCCF grow its impact throughout the county.
Born and raised in Hendricks County, Melissa Yetter calls Pittsboro home along with her husband, Jim of thirty years, son, Ben and pup, Ace. Her other son, Zach lives and works in Madison, Wisconsin. Working in the banking world since graduating from Hanover College, Melissa is currently a Vice President at Hendricks County Bank and Trust Company where she is responsible for the marketing, branch administration and security divisions.
We are also excited to see our current leadership grow, with Amy Comer Elliott stepping into the role of Vice Board Chair and Shariq Siddiqui transitioning to Board Secretary.
“We are very fortunate to have a dedicated group of individuals that give of their time, talents, treasures, and ties to make our organization successful,” says William Rhodehamel, President & CEO of HCCF. “Our volunteers are the driving force of what we do, and it’s an honor to serve our community alongside them.”
Join us in welcoming our new members and celebrating our new officers! Together, we’re making Hendricks County a better place to live, work, and play.
