Press Release

Carol Peden Schilling is new chair of Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust

(Indianapolis) – Trustees of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust have chosen Carol Peden Schilling to serve as chair of the Trust.

She will be the second person to hold the position since the Trust began its grantmaking in 1998.  She succeeds Frank E. Russell, who headed the Trust from its founding until his retirement last December.

Mrs. Schilling, one of the three founding Trustees, was Nina Mason Pulliam’s niece and late-life companion.

The other Trustees, who were appointed last January when founding Trustees Frank E. and Nancy M. Russell stepped down, also share a connection to Nina Pulliam.  Kent E. Agness of Indianapolis served as the Trust’s initial legal counsel, advising it for several years.  Lisa Shover Kackley of Scottsdale worked closely with the Trust from its inception, providing communications services.

“I am honored that my fellow Trustees have offered me the opportunity to lead the Trust,” Mrs.　Schilling said.  “We plan to continue the good work begun by Frank Russell as he established the Trust according to my aunt’s wishes.  The Trust has already contributed more than $200 million to nonprofit organizations in Arizona and Indiana.  I think Aunt Nina would be so pleased with what her gifts have meant to these communities.”

Mrs. Schilling was born and raised near Bloomington, Indiana.  She graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature.  After moving to Tucson, Arizona, she studied anthropology at the University of Arizona before moving to Phoenix as a staff writer and editor for The Phoenix Gazette.  Mrs. Schilling lives in Scottsdale and visits her family regularly in Indiana.

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust makes grants in two cities, Phoenix and Indianapolis, supporting three areas of special concern:  helping people in need, protecting animals and nature, and enriching community life.

Since 1998, the Trust has awarded grants to 864 Indiana and Arizona nonprofit organizations.  As of August 31, 2012, the Trust had assets of approximately $345.6 million.

For more information about the Trust and its programs visit www.ninapulliamtrust.org.