About

The Deacon Charitable Foundation began its journey in 2006, born out of the vision of Deacon Construction, LLC. As a general contractor with a footprint in Washington, Oregon, and California, Deacon Construction established the Foundation in alignment with its corporate mission: "Support our Communities."

The Foundation's financial support derives from the profits generated by Deacon's operations, ensuring a lasting and impactful commitment to community well-being.

A distinctive feature of the Deacon Charitable Foundation is the pivotal role played by its employees. The Foundation's mission is a reflection of the collective aspirations of employees, empowering them to actively shape the positive impact on their local communities.

To ensure the Deacon Charitable Foundation's day-to-day operations align seamlessly with its mission, an Executive Director oversees the daily activities and support the Charitable Giving Committees in each of Deacon Construction's offices, currently located in Washington, Oregon, and California.

At the heart are committee Co-Chairs passionate employees who volunteer their time and expertise. These individuals, taking time from their roles within the company, become instrumental in the grantmaking process. Their commitment and hands-on involvement embody the spirit of the Foundation, allowing it to make a meaningful difference in the communities it serves.

This unique approach not only empowers employees to actively contribute to the decision-making process but also fosters a sense of ownership and connection between the Foundation and those it aims to support. Employees and family members are encouraged to join committees in each office to plan and execute events throughout the year. Through the dedication of these volunteers, the Deacon Charitable Foundation continues to exemplify operational excellence while making a lasting impact on local communities.

Our mission


Our charitable mission is to improve the quality of life in the communities where we live or work by supporting organizations that address vital community needs and issues in the areas of human services, animal welfare, and the environment.

Guiding Spirit

  • To reflect the giving spirit of the entire Deacon family – Deacon employees, their spouses, partners, and children.

  • To encourage and empower Deacon employees and their families to be engaged in the support of their communities, in whatever manner works for them.

  • To be ever mindful that our giving is to be done in a manner that is democratic, sustainable, and that does the most good possible with the available resources.

Deacon Charitable Foundation Members


  • Steve Deacon

    President

  • Richard Smith

    Secretary | Treasurer

  • Veronica Wences

    Executive Director

  • Anita Jain

    Director

  • Tim Collins

    Director | Co-Chair, WA

  • Kendra Lackey

    Director

  • Julie Earnest

    Director

  • Andrew Naegeli

    Director

  • Jake Faha

    Director

  • Ashley Aylsworth

    Director

  • Brandon Nelson

    Director

  • Rachel Diel

    Director

  • Nikki Nussbaum

    Co-Chair, WA

  • Danae Walker

    Co-Chair, OR

  • Robyn Benedetti

    Co-Chair, OR

  • Marisa Larson

    Co-Chair, CA

  • Victoria Wade

    Co-Chair, CA

  • Brittinee Garo

    Co-Chair, CA

  • Theea Peters

    Co-Chair, CA

Our History


The Deacon Charitable Foundation was started in 2006 by Deacon Construction, LLC, a general contractor with offices in Washington, Oregon, and California.

Annual Reports