About Us

Our Mission

The mission of the Dauphin Island Foundation is to facilitate communication and collaboration between entities on Dauphin Island, Alabama; to protect the environment and to promote projects and activities that enhance life on the island.

Our Purpose

The purposes for which the Corporation is organized are exclusively charitable, scientific, literary and educational with the meaning of section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) of corresponding section of any future federal tax code, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501 (c) (3) of the Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

Activities

Solicit contributions of goods, services, real property, and money in the form of grants, contracts, endowments, donations and volunteer work to:

  • Provide technical, communications, financial, and other support to organizations and individuals already advancing the Foundation’s missions.
  • Originate and support new organizations to further the Foundation’s mission.
  • Provide a forum for ongoing dialogue and mutual assistance between groups and individuals supporting the Foundation’s mission.
  • Sustain activities of the Foundation.

History

The Foundation was founded in 1991 employing Dauphin Island volunteers and resources with organizational assistance provided by the Auburn University Economic Development Institute.

Management

The foundation is operated by a twenty-one (21) member Board of appointed Directors comprised of:

  • Seven (7) Directors
  • Nine (9) Directors-At-Large

And the following:

  • Mayor, Town of Dauphin Island
  • President, Dauphin Island Property Owners Association (DIPOA)
  • President, Dauphin Island Chamber of Commerce (DICOC)
  • President, Dauphin Island Water and Sewer Authority (DIWSA)
  • President, Dauphin Island Women’s Club (DIWC)

Board Members

Rich Colberg
Chairman
Quality of Life on Dauphin Island is a priority for Rich. He sees communication, collaboration and environmental protection as essential ways to maintain and enhance life on the Island. Rich holds an MBA from Illinois Institute of Technology and has done volunteer work both in the U.S. and abroad. Rich joined the Foundation in 2018 and has been active in other local organizations such as the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, and the Town Council.
Terri Kirkman
Vice Chairman
Terri is a retired public school administrator and educator. Having relocated to Dauphin Island from Texas in 2016, she became involved with the Foundation to help improve the lives of all island residents. An avid reader, she facilitates the local Dolly Parton Imagination Library and encourages lifelong learning in our youngest citizens. Currently Terri spends her time teaching yoga, walking, bike riding and reading.
Tricia Kerr
Secretary
Patricia “Tricia” Kerr has resided on Dauphin Island for over 30 years. She is the current owner of The Sand Box, an island landmark, which has been in her family for over 50 years.
Susan Sass
Treasurer
Susan Sass is a retired nonprofit executive and small business owner on Dauphin Island, currently serving as Vice President of the DI Women’s Club and a Board member of the DI Chamber of Commerce. Deeply committed to the DI community, bringing a heart for service and guided by my father’s motto: “we must all pay our civic rent."
Pat Edwards
Assistant Secretary/Treasurer

Officers