Edyth Bush established the Foundation to alleviate human suffering and to help people help themselves.

About the Foundation
A Legacy of LeadershipShe was particularly interested in working with children and began granting funds to local education and human service organizations. Edyth and her trusted advisors, who traveled with her from Minnesota to her new Central Florida home, were steeped in the rich history and traditions of Midwestern philanthropy. Over time, it became clear that one of their most important roles would be to help strengthen the caring community by connecting philanthropists across the state of Florida and by providing management assistance for nonprofit leaders.
Nearly half a century later, the Foundation continues to create innovative civic solutions that help people help themselves. Our best work is helping nonprofit organizations be better managed, governed and led.
Years
of Creating a Better Florida
Grants
to Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofit
Organizations Have Received Grants
Million Dollars
in Awarded Funds

Our Leadership
The Board of Directors of the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation works to ensure that the goals of the organization are met. The Directors are highly accomplished thought leaders in the community who are dedicated to strengthening the nonprofit sector and promoting philanthropy throughout Central Florida.
- Richard J. Walsh
Chairman - Matthew W. Certo
Vice Chairman & Corporate Secretary - David A. Odahowski
President
- Elizabeth A. Dvorak
- Anne B. Kerr, Ph.D.
- Patricia J. Engfer
- John A. Riley
- Brian M. Butler
Our Team

David A. Odahowski
President & CEO

Mary Ellen Hutcheson, MBA, CPA, CGMA
Vice-President and Treasurer
Mary Ellen Hutcheson is a results driven professional who brings leadership and direction to the organization through decisive, innovative and analytical thinking.

Silvia Landivar
Executive Assistant to the Vice-President
Silvia Landivar is responsible for assisting the Vice President & Treasurer in all aspects of the daily financial activity of the Foundation.

Kaori Kuahara
Director of Community Engagement & Impact
Kaori Kuahara is responisble for advancing the Foundation’s community engagement and impact. She oversees the grants and rentals programs for the Foundation.
Our History
Archibald Bush Dies, Edyth Bush Foundation Established
Archibald Bush, then CEO of 3M, dies. Edyth Bush moves permanently to Winter Park and establishes the Edyth Bush Foundation.
Edyth Bassler Bush Passes Away
Upon her death, Edyth Bassler Bush leaves her legacy in the hands of loyal advisors David Roberts and Cliff Lee, both Minnesota lawyers with foundation experience.
Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership Center Joins Rollins College
The Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership Center, which was established in the Foundation’s workroom, becomes a program of the Rollins College Crummer School of Business.