President and Board Chair

The Ted and Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation

Gwen Haggerty-Bearden serves as President and Board Chair of the Ted and Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation. In this role, she continues her family’s legacy of quiet generosity and community impact. As the daughter of founder Jane Von Voigtlander, Gwen brings a deeply personal commitment to the foundation’s mission.

Growing up alongside her stepfather, Ted Von Voigtlander—co-founder of Discount Tire Company—Gwen witnessed how hard work, humility, and a sense of responsibility could create lasting change. Jane established the foundation in 2006 to carry that spirit forward, and Gwen stepped up to lead it. Guided by her mother’s philosophy to “always help others—you never know when you might need help yourself,” she has focused the foundation’s grantmaking on medical advancements, nature conservation, children’s health, addiction recovery, and local community needs.

Gwen’s leadership defines itself by a hands-on, heart-first approach. She has directed multi-million-dollar grants to advance medical imaging technology at regional hospitals. Additionally, she has championed North Star Reach, where her involvement has come full circle—from volunteering as a camp chaperone to establishing vital matching grants for children with serious illnesses. To this day, she remains personally invested in the impact of every gift.

Gwen leads the foundation alongside her husband, Steven Bearden, who serves as Vice President. Together, they share a deep commitment to the foundation’s mission. In doing so, they ensure the Ted and Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation continues to inspire healing and opportunity for generations to come.