Learn About Our History

The Hippo Foundation

Hippo Foundation was created in 2022 out of a desire to provide resources to the non-profits in Hutto to fund services that the city could not supply by the City of Hutto.

We strive to distribute of funds to nonprofits despite size, to further their missions to impact the greater Hutto community.

mission & vision

The Hippo Foundation empowers local non-profit organizations by providing grants to achieve their goals through charitable fund-raising events. We value collaborative transparency, integrity, and strive to help organizations thrive to support the Hutto Community.

The Hippo Foundation envisions a future in which the people and the city of Hutto, Texas thrives in all areas

board members

Meet the people who get the job done

Mike Synder

Founder

A dedicated philanthropist and community member, serves as the founder of the Hippo Foundation. With a background in finance and a passion for social impact, Mike brings a determined vision and willingness to help the Hippo Foundation achieve its mission. As a volunteer, Mike leverages his experiences and professional network to ensure the sustainability of the foundation.

Amy Paton

President

As a mompreneur with three adventurous boys, Amy leads the Hippo Foundation, channeling her passion for wildlife, science, and plants. Always eager to support causes and connect with fellow changemakers, she juggles family, philanthropy, and her love for nature, fostering a world where everyone can make a positive impact.

Erin Clancy

Vice-President

A BS in Pre-Law and a finance concentration, boasts a decade-long career in commercial construction. However, her true passion lies in community service. As an ESL volunteer, Big Brother Big Sister participant, and Meals on Wheels contributor, she's dedicated to making a difference. Erin's commitment extends to hosting volleyball tournaments for causes like The Key2Free, SAFE, and Lighter Loads. Presently, she serves as Vice President at The Hippo Foundation and as Secretary for Hutto's Economic Development Corporation. Beyond her philanthropy, Erin enjoys flying planes, traveling, playing volleyball, and exploring trails with her two beloved dogs.

Phong Do

Treasurer

A multifaceted entrepreneur, co-owns Redbud Ranch RV Resort and Spotless Car Wash in Hutto. Beyond his ownership roles, he's an experienced land developer, having spent 16+ years in diverse industries—from startups to Fortune 50 companies. Responsible for due diligence, financing, and construction in real estate, Phong's background spans business management across engineering, operations, and support. His journey began with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Purdue, followed by roles at Dell, Inc. and Advanced Micro Devices. Now residing in Georgetown with his wife and two golden retrievers, Phong indulges in tennis and golf during leisure moments.

Bill Kohl

Secretary

Serves as the Director of Field Service at the Capitol Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, overseeing program growth across 15 Central Texas counties, including Hutto. Relocating from Wisconsin in 2017 for this role, he's honed his skills as a professional Scouter. Since settling in Hutto in 2018, Bill actively engages with Christ the Rock Lutheran Church, where he's held positions as Treasurer and President of the board. He's also contributed to the Rotary Club of Round Rock as the service projects chair. Originally from Minneapolis, Bill and his wife Becky have a daughter, Evangeline, and an English Pointer named Yoshi. During his leisure time, Bill enjoys exploring Austin's breweries, hiking, and camping.

Vanessa Henry

Diversity Officer

Since 2007, Vanessa Henry has dedicated herself to uplifting underserved youth in Hutto through programs focused on civic engagement, technical proficiency, innovation, and entrepreneurship. As the Vice President of The Links, Incorporated, Lone Star (TX) Chapter, and Vice Chair of the Austin Delta Foundation, she facilitates over $20,000 in scholarships for high school students annually. Professionally, Vanessa started her engineering career at Dell Technologies in 2000 and currently serves as a Senior Consultant in Infrastructure and Solutions, specializing in as-a-Service offerings and SaaS platforms. Certified in AQS Six Sigma Black Belt, PMP, and ITIL Foundations, she spearheads initiatives like Women in Tech and Coding for Kids at Dell. With a Bachelor's in Engineering Science from Vanderbilt University and a Master's in Technology Commercialization from the University of Texas, Austin McCombs School of Business, Vanessa, originally from Memphis, TN, balances her career with her role as a mother to Alyssa and Andreas alongside her husband, Victor L. Henry. In her leisure, she enjoys traveling and exploring fine dining experiences.

Debbie Holland

Diversity Officer

An Austin native, relocated to Normans Crossing near Hutto in 1977 with her husband and daughters, seeking a smaller school district. In 1982, they settled in Old Town Hutto, starting a new chapter. With a career solely in medical administration, Debbie held roles like Administrative Assistant at Brackenridge Hospital's residency training program for 9 years, Medical Staff Coordinator at Round Rock Hospital, and Office Manager for a Plastic Surgeon in Round Rock for 13 years. Currently, she manages her husband's psychology practice in Hutto. Debbie's dedication to service led her to serve on the City Council under Mayor Edmund Schmidt from 1985 to 1989 and, after being reelected in 2004, she remained on the Hutto City Council until 2016, serving the last five years as Mayor. She's an active member of the Hutto Lions Club and a board member of Keep Hutto Beautiful, chairing the Peterson Community Garden. Service remains the cornerstone of her life.

Jane Wrinkle

Diversity Officer

A dedicated professional with a passion for education and diversity. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master's in Counseling Psychology from Tarleton State University, Jane has dedicated her career to making a positive impact on the lives of students. Jane's journey in education spans decades, with a rich background in teaching and counseling. Having served as an educator for numerous years, she has witnessed the transformative power of education firsthand. In her retirement from traditional classroom teaching, Jane has transitioned to a dynamic role as an At-Risk Counselor with K12 Online Schools. Furthermore, Jane serves as the Diversity Officer for the Hippo Foundation.

the Hippo Way

Where our passion for positive change fuels our mission. As an organization deeply committed to creating a better world, we stand as a beacon of hope, serving as a catalyst for transformation in our community and beyond.

01

Impact

In its first year, The Hippo Foundation awarded over $45,000 in grants to local non-profits allowing our beneficiary to touch more lives of individuals and families in Hutto, making a tangible difference to the community.

02

Passionate

Our board is driven by a shared commitment to making the city of Hutto a better place for all. Our board, volunteers, and beneficiaries are dedicated, passionate, and united by a common purpose.

03

Transparent

We take our responsibility to our donors, partners, and the community seriously. Our commitment to transparency and accountability ensures that every resource is used effectively and efficiently.

Meet Our beneficiaries

Our 2023 Beneficiaries

the Hippo Foundation

eMAL US:info@hippofoundation.org

Website Created by Virtualware Solutions