Susan Johnston
Susan JohnstonFounder & Executive Director
Susan Johnston is founder and executive director at Central Furniture Rescue. Leaning on her 25-plus years of experience in operations and project management, Susan took an idea, implemented it, and now is focused on scaling this program with the goal of helping as many individuals and families as possible turn “places to live” into homes.
Josh Putz
Josh PutzPresident
Josh Putz is a Senior Program Manager at Collins Aerospace. Leading and managing the development of avionics equipment to support helo platforms across our military. Cedar Rapids born with degrees from Mount Mercy University and the University of Iowa, Josh is excited to share what he has learned and utilize his program leadership skills to better serve the community he grew up in. He joined the board in 2021
Tyler Kuehl
Tyler KuehlDirector
Tyler Kuehl, with his extensive experience in both the banking industry and his dedicated role as treasurer on the board of Central Furniture Rescue, has made a significant impact on the community. Currently, he serves as the Retail Operations Specialist at Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust, where he leverages his expertise to contribute to the success of the bank. His dual roles exemplify his commitment to the community, as he actively supports the financial operations of Central Furniture Rescue. Tyler joined the board in 2020.
Stacie Wallingford
Stacie WallingfordTreasure
Stacie Wallingford is the Fair Lending Officer/Consumer Loan Underwriting Lead at Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust Company and has been with the company since 2014. She believes in the importance making an impact on our community and after doing a work leadership project with CFR, she discovered how important the mission of CFR is in our community and is excited to help contribute to that mission. In her free time, she enjoys camping, kayaking, family vacations and volunteering in various organizations with her husband and three grown daughters.
Emily Fett
Emily FettDirector
Emily Fett is a senior graphic designer for Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids. With more than fifteen years of experience, her design skills have helped to build brand identities and promotional material for small businesses to bigger corporate clients. When she isn’t behind a computer she likes to cook, dabbles in gardening, and camping adventures with her husband and two kids. She joined the board in 2021.
Marcus Earnest
Marcus EarnestDirector
Marcus Earnest is Cedar Rapids Site Manager/Software Engineering Manager for Performance Software.
He has worked with Performance Software since 2004. When he isn’t working he enjoys spending time with his family and volunteers as a coach in the Linn-Mar Youth Baseball League.
Jill Hartke
Jill HartkeDirector
Jill Hartke brings over a decade of real estate experience in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. Her deep involvement in the local housing market and community service, includes serving as Co-Chair for the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtor Public Relations Committee, has equipped me with valuable skills. She is dedicated to making a positive impact on our community and is eager to support our organization’s mission. She believes that together, we can contribute to the betterment of Cedar Rapids. Jill Joined the board in October 2023.

Jessica Baxter
Jessica BaxterDirector
Jessica is a Treasury Management Specialist with Ohnward Bank & Trust where she serves the banking needs of large and small business clients. Living in Cedar Rapids for over 20 years, she is committed to giving back to her local community through non-profit service. Jessica is passionate about helping break the cycles of abuse which can be difficult without a safe place to call home. She is excited to be a part of the mission of Central Furniture Rescue to help extend a hand up to those who need a fresh start.
Allison Snyder
Allison SnyderDirector
Allison Snyder is an Accounting Services Specialist at BGHN Associates, P.C., Certified Public Accountants. With her 15 years’ experience in the accounting field, she specializes in all accounting software help, majority being QuickBooks, bookkeeping, payroll support, and all other the things needed to run a business. She is active in her local Auxiliary and is a current member of the Downtown Cedar Rapids Rotary. Her husband and her also own a small business for pest control and canine bed bug detection. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her 4 children, husband, and parents, kayaking, hunting, and going to the movies.
Ross Andrews
Ross AndrewsSecretary
Ross Andrews is an attorney at Shuttleworth & Ingersoll, P.L.C. in Cedar Rapids where he specializes in representing doctors, hospitals, nurses, and nursing homes in their professional malpractice cases. He lives in Iowa City with his fiancé, Kendra, and his Goldendoodle, Spencer. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and University of Iowa College of Law. Ross is an avid supporter of Michigan athletics and enjoys shooting skeet, trap, and sporting clays in his free time.
Ashlee Toal
Ashlee ToalVice President
Ashlee Toal is a Senior Tax Accountant at the accounting firm BGHN Associates, PC., Certified Public Accountants. Her personal experiences have ignited a strong passion for supporting those facing challenges, making her an enthusiastic member of Central Furniture Rescue. Ashlee is not only committed to her role but also actively engaged in the community. She is eager to use her financial expertise to contribute to the organization’s mission through her active community engagement. Ashlee Joined the board in October 2023.
Lindsay Handy
Lindsay HandyDirector
Lindsay Handy is currently the Director of Development at the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. She is an entrepreneur who owns her own company, Heartfelt Healing, specializing in grief and mental health coaching services. With her degree in Counseling Psychology, she is dedicated to helping people daily in her business and our great community. Her great passion for young girls and mental health serves as a great asset to the organization. Lindsay Handy joined the board of Central Furniture Rescue in October 2022