03/17/2026
Following nine vital and distinguished years, Don Krause has announced his retirement from the Carlin Nalley Foundation (CNF) Board of Directors. The 1972 graduate of Lisle Senior High School (LSHS) joined the CNF Board in 2015 at a time when the organization’s growth was exploding and there was an urgent need for polished, professional social media and website content and administration.
Don stepped into the void with incredible passion for developing consistent and professional use of the Foundation website, social media, and other online platforms to keep LSHS alums and supporters informed and connected to the Foundation’s mission. The results were spectacular, and suddenly the Foundation’s message and mission were prominent and presented with professionalism and style.
He also linked activities, including the All-Years reunions, the annual golf outing, and annual giving initiatives, to the burgeoning world of online registration and payments. What had always been a manual, and sometimes frustrating, process for registration and payment was suddenly streamlined and user-friendly thanks to Don’s unwavering efforts and vision.
At an annual board meeting earlier this decade, former CNF board President, John Bartels ’85, introduced the idea to create a defined position within the organization to better outline the importance of the communications role, and make permanent the vital nature of what Don had created. Thus, the Director of Communications role became official by unanimous vote at that meeting, and Don was the first to hold the title until his recent retirement.
Don and his wife, Kathy, have two children, Katelyn and Donny, and a grandson, Brody. The professional services and expertise that Don provided to the CNF Board saved an immeasurable amount of money, which, in turn, has been able to fund additional scholarships because this essential area was manned by the ultimate volunteer.
Please join us in thanking Don Krause ‘72 for his services, dedication, and ongoing support of the Carlin Nalley Foundation!
