John J. Foster, also known as “J.J.”, is a dynamic leader who has leveraged his diverse background in
sports, government and nonprofits to improve the quality of life for youth and families for nearly thirty
years.
J.J.’s passion for helping young people fulfill their potential and become productive citizens has been at
the core of where he has focused his skills and talents. Dating back to his early career working in Social
Services as a case worker, J.J. was charged with improving the social-economic status of children and
families. Then as a Juvenile Probation Officer he focused on the rehabilitation of young people helping
them find their footing after making early life missteps. For a decade as Director of Education and Youth
Services for the Urban League, J.J. introduced many initiatives and best practices that continued well
after his departure. J.J. was instrumental in doubling the level of corporate sponsorships and improved
the collaboration between community agencies and corporate partnerships. J.J. moved on to the Fort
Wayne Housing Authority where for nearly five years he oversaw all social service programs and
resources offered to families. J.J. and his staff facilitated and cultivated relationships with community
agencies to help over 9,000 residents move towards a path of self-sufficiency. J.J. built the Social
Services department from the ground up with several programs being recognized nationally throughout
his five year tenure. J.J. also gained valuable knowledge in working with Housing and Urban
Development funded programs and federal grant writing process.
J.J. is continuing to pursue his passion for shaping the lives of families currently while working as the
CRA Loan Mortgage Officer at Lake City Bank. During J.J.’s time at Lake City Bank he has increased the
number of minority loans, the number of potential loans and the number of financial educational
opportunities for residents in underserved communities. J.J. serves on the CRA committee as well as the
Fair Lending Committee while leveraging partnerships in Fort Wayne, South Bend, and Indianapolis.
J.J. has cultivated a portfolio of additional skills and experiences over the years to enhance his
effectiveness in his various roles including the following certifications: relationships facilitator, youth
leadership facilitator, and a family development specialist. In addition, he currently is active in Allen
County’s Race Equity and Inclusion coalition and he served on a national Diversity Equality and Inclusion
committee during his time with Fort Wayne Housing Authority.
J.J. is currently on the Advisory Board for Allen Superior Court Juvenile Probation Detention Alternative
Initiative. He also serves on the board for Habitat for Humanity. He was a co-founder and Co-Chair for
Allen County Real Men Read program from 2007-2010.
J.J. is the author and publisher of the “ Me and C” children’s book series.
Although J.J.’s focus has primarily been in the communities of Fort Wayne, his reputation, relationships
and reach extend far beyond. J.J. was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana and graduated from the University of
South Carolina-Coastal Carolina. He currently resides in Fort Wayne, Indiana.