Our Board
Jeanne Dalba, President
In 2007, Robert Trulaske, Jr. invited his daughter, Jeanne Dalba, to serve as President of his Family Foundation. At the same time, he appointed his eldest daughter, Meghan Miers, his son, John Bechtold, and his wife, Sarah Trulaske, as voting board members. Together, Rob’s family members collaborate with advisors Michael Newmark, Jay Sarver, and Jerome Thomasson to guide the foundation’s mission and initiatives.
Jeanne Dalba, who holds B.S. degrees in Fine Art and Art History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, further honed her expertise by studying non-profit management at Washington University in St. Louis (School of Continuing & Professional Studies). Her dedication to philanthropy is reflected in her extensive volunteer work and leadership roles on numerous non-profit boards and committees. Jeanne has supported a wide range of causes, including the arts, environmental conservation, and community development, through her involvement with organizations such as St. Louis Life, the St. Louis Art Museum, the Kemper Museum, Missouri Philanthropy, Youthbridge Community Foundation, the Green Center, and the Shaw Nature Reserve.
Jeanne proudly leads the Robert J. Trulaske, Jr. Family Foundation by continuing to honor its commitment to making a meaningful impact in the community, guided by the values and vision of its dedicated board members, advisors, and founder.
In Loving Memory
After settling in Maine, Meghan embraced the role of homeschooling her children during the pandemic, nurturing their education with patience and care. A gifted artist, she channeled her creativity into a variety of projects, from handmade clothing and quilts to intricate cards and artwork. Meghan cherished spending quality time with her children, instilling in them a love for the outdoors and learning.
Meghan’s generous spirit extended beyond her family. As a dedicated volunteer, she taught sewing to older adults in Portland, Maine, and served on nonprofit boards, including St. Louis Life. Her philanthropic efforts included significant donations to local organizations and supporting causes close to her heart, such as Ocean Elementary School and the Dempsey Center in South Portland, ME. The Dempsey Center, which provided emotional support to her family, described Meghan as “an inspiring mother with a beautiful heart, always eager to support others on their journeys.”
A true community builder, Meghan found joy in connecting with others—whether through her involvement at farmers' markets, sharing homegrown plants and produce with neighbors, or delivering meals to friends in need. She had a talent for crafting costumes for special occasions and believed deeply in the importance of comfort and self-expression, encouraging others to dress in ways that felt authentic to them rather than conforming to societal expectations.
A generous donation was made in Meghan’s honor to the Portland Public School District. This heartfelt gift will empower teachers to apply for grants, creating unique and enriching experiences for students that extend beyond standard classroom budgets. In a touching tribute, Ocean Elementary School will rename its library in honor of Meghan. The school’s library was a space she cherished and spent countless hours with Jude and Oli, who share her love of reading.
Meghan’s legacy is one of love, creativity, and generosity. She touched countless lives through her kindness, artistic spirit, and unwavering commitment to her family and community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.