Remembering Jennifer Dawn Erb: A Pillar of the Interactivity Foundation

​Jennifer Dawn Erb, Vice President of Finance and Operations at the Interactivity Foundation, passed away on January 11, 2025. Over her 35-year career, she became the heart and soul of the organization, known for her meticulous attention to detail, kindness, and ability to connect with others. Outside of work, Jennifer was deeply involved in her community and a lifelong learner, recently earning a degree in Business Administration. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of compassion and excellence. Read more about Jennifer's impact in the blog post below and on IF's site here.

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 A tribute from the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation 

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Jennifer Dawn Erb's passing on January 11, 2025. As NCDD mourns alongside our sustaining partner, the Interactivity Foundation, we celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of their Vice President of Finance and Operations.

Jennifer was, in the truest sense, "the heart and soul of the Interactivity Foundation." Her 35-year journey with the organization began in 1989 as a high school co-op student hired by founder Jay Stern. What started with basic administrative duties blossomed into a career marked by dedication, growth, and immeasurable impact. Before digital search functions existed, there was Jennifer — the person who knew exactly where everything belonged, both in files and within the organization itself.

Her institutional memory and meticulous attention to detail were matched only by her warm spirit and ability to forge meaningful connections. Jennifer kept the foundation grounded while bringing humor into even the most challenging situations. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone around her feel seen and valued.
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Beyond her professional contributions, Jennifer was deeply involved in her community. She served as a board member and Registrar for West Central Soccer Association for over 20 years, volunteered for the Salvation Army, and supported the Parkersburg South High School Thespian Troupe 1540. Her passion extended to being an avid Fiesta collector and longtime member of both the HLCCA and FTCCO Homer Laughlin Fiesta collectors associations.

A proud graduate of Parkersburg South High School, Jennifer recently completed her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with concentrations in management and marketing from West Virginia University at Parkersburg—a testament to her lifelong commitment to growth and learning.

Jennifer leaves behind her husband Michael Erb, daughters Celeste and Willow Casto, son Charles Alexander Casto, stepsons Joshua and Connor Erb, and grandson Drake Casto.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, or Ronald McDonald House Charities. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
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To our colleagues at the Interactivity Foundation, we extend our deepest condolences. Jennifer's legacy lives on in the culture she helped create—one of compassion, excellence, and genuine human connection. The dialogue and deliberation community has lost a quiet but powerful force who understood that behind every successful organization are people who care deeply about both the mission and each other.

Jennifer, the NCDD community joins in celebrating your wisdom, your kindness, and the profound impact you had on all who knew you. Thank you for everything.

Read more on the Interactivity Foundations site here. Jennifer’s obituary can be found here.