Insider’s Look: Meet our Director, Tana Lobb
Q: What’s your background/ affiliation with Morgan County? Did you grow up here? Are you a transplant, and if so, what brought you to Morgan County?
A: Tana was born and raised in Martinsville and is an Artesian Alumna. She moved to Franklin in January 2022 to be closer to her daughter, son-in-law, and grandbabies. Her Martinsville bloodline runs deep; her mom was born at the old Martinsville hospital as were her grandparents. Her dad was born near Brooklyn and graduated from Martinsville.
Q: What do you love most about Morgan County?
A: Tana reflects on two things. Firstly, the people. She feels at home in Morgan County, even though she now lives in Johnson County. She loves that when someone/something is down, people pull together to make the situation or the person better. The community feels homey and close-knit. Tana loves seeing people she knows when she visits a local store. Secondly, the scenery. She notes Morgan County’s beauty with our vast farm grounds and hills.
Q: Is Morgan County where you thought you would end up?
A: Tana thought she would always be here. She still works in Morgan County for Home Bank and even though she lives in Franklin, she feels thankful for the opportunity to serve others here in Morgan County.
Q: What professional/ philanthropic organizations are you associated with and in what ways?
A: In addition to serving as a director on CFMC’s board, Tana also serves on IU Health Morgan Foundation Board as a director and on the Hoosier Hills Emmaus Board.
Q: How do you spend most of your time?
A: When she is not working or serving on a board, she is a doting grandmother. Tana and her husband are also a repeated foreign-exchange student host. Her family is currently hosting their sixth foreign exchange student from Italy.
Q: Why is philanthropy important to you?
A: Tana was always raised to watch a community support their neighbors and the kids who grow up within the community. She sees philanthropy as more than financial charity. To Tana, philanthropy encompasses talents, gifts, time and so many other gifts to others. She thinks of how many opportunities wouldn’t exist if philanthropy also didn’t exist; and thank goodness we live in a society that cares about uplifting others and paying it forward for long-term improvements.
Q: What motivates you to serve on CFMC’s board?
A: Tana feels that when she serves as a director, the personal return is so much more than what she offers as a director. She feels blessed to be part of an organization that makes our communities better.
Q: Regarding CFMC, what are you most proud of?
A: Tana says that there isn’t truly one thing. She is proud that we focus on the entire county, not just parts of the community. CFMC’s work is inclusive, and every community of any size matters in CFMC’s philanthropic work. She loves how the entire staff focuses on how we can better serve our communities through innovative grants and opportunities. Part of what makes CFMC noticeable in the most recent years is that CFMC doesn’t operate within the standard box, and CFMC is willing to pivot according to developing needs and feedback from our stakeholders and neighbors.
Q: What would you tell community members Today about getting involved in their community?
A: Do it! Tana knows it can be intimidating, but she encourages others to begin with their passion and then look for opportunities that serve within those passions. Morgan County flourishes through volunteers, nonprofits, churches, and other organizations. There are several opportunities for vast skillsets, experiences, and passions and they aren’t always centered around opening your wallet.
Q: What’s the best advice you have received that you would pass along?
A: BE IN THE MOMENT! Our world is so fast-paced, and Tana believes that we often forget to just be present in the moment. She often multitasks and feels that she doesn’t really get the full benefit from her current project. We drive fast to get to the next meeting, next event, or home and we do not enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way. We are constantly wanting the next best “thing” … not enjoying what we currently have. There are so many distractions in our world, especially with technology, that we tend to miss what is right in front of us. Tana has made it a point to put her phone down. When she is with her grandbabies, she refuses to answer a call or text. The only reason she picks up her phone is to take pictures…. unless someone continues to call and then she will answer it if someone else is with her to watch the babies. She doesn’t pick up her phone (unless the topic is looking for a good festival or place to visit). When she is at dinner with friends, she focuses on her time with friends and their conversations. Recently, Tana has seen the most beautiful sunsets (since she is not up early enough to see the sunrise), watched the leaves change from green to the most gorgeous reds, yellows, and oranges. She has noticed friends trying to change their lifestyle to a healthier version of themselves. Tana watched her oldest grand baby and her exchange student experience “firsts” and the excited smiles on their faces are priceless. As an example, watching their exchange student try a funnel cake or talk about her experience at the Colts game. And her oldest grand baby…. the big smile on his face and laughter when he came down the slide on his belly! These are experiences Tana doesn’t want to miss. Being in the moment has given her wonderful memories and a greater appreciation for the experience.
