Our Founders

 
 

Founder & President

Dr. John D. Lincoln

Dr. John D. Lincoln (Johnny) is the Founder and President of LDF. His expertise includes roles in both business and scientific communities, holding board advisor and director positions for businesses, non-profits, and institutes.  He is an active researcher and publisher with interests that span the fields of advanced materials, industrial ecology, and sustainability.  

In 2017, Lincoln founded the Lincoln Dynamic Foundation which seeks to address problems affecting the community, youth, and the environment. In 2020, Lincoln founded the WISDOM Institute at the University of California, with the goal of guiding the development and adoption of sustainable materials through interdisciplinary collaboration with professionals in the fields of business, chemistry, materials engineering, and public health.  Johnny and his wife Bethany enjoy raising their two young boys in Henderson, NV.

 
 
 

Founder

Bethany Lincoln

Ever since she was young, Bethany Lincoln has leaned toward sports and fitness. Early on she won national titles as a competitive all-star cheerleader, which was a platform to secure a spot in the opening ceremonies for the Atlanta Summer Olympics, and later, as a freshman varsity cheerleader at the University of Central Florida.

After leaving her professional career as a top pharmaceutical rep, Bethany has been dedicated to the health and fitness profession:  holding many certifications and training in fitness, yoga, reiki, and more. Most recently, Bethany has pursued education and training as a Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coach. Bethany’s resolve, her training, and her experiences have all shaped who she is today and what she does beyond the mat.  Those who interact with Bethany have experienced how quickly and how deeply she forms connections with others, and how she is a beacon for inspiring others to thrive and to live fully. 

Being a co-founder of Lincoln Dynamic Foundation (LDF), Bethany has brought all the above with her, for which her Henderson family and LDF team are grateful.  Be it in her involvement with foundation strategies, yearly grant processes, marketing, or events in the community, Bethany’s warmth, her heart, her humor, her positivity, and her vivacious nature are all infectious.

 

 
 

 
 

Executive Director

Kat Klehm

Kat Klehm, a Pittsburgh native, exemplifies an unwavering dedication to education, inspiration, and empowerment. Her journey through various professional experiences has culminated in her current role as the Executive Director at LDF.

Kat’s academic journey led her to Las Vegas in 2008, where she achieved her LEED AP certification and Montessori teaching credential following earning her psychology degree. Her ten years’ time as an educator ingrained in her the importance of cultivating a passion for learning and fostering unity across all dimensions of life.

Parallel to her teaching journey, Kat discovered her passion for fitness. Her enthusiasm for wellness led her into becoming a dynamic group fitness instructor, leading engaging sessions in rhythm cycle, barefoot bootcamp, mat pilates, and tread workouts. Her recognition as a lululemon ambassador for Fashion Show Mall Las Vegas stands as a testament to her zest for helping others realize their fitness aspirations.

Guided by an innate desire to contribute positively to the world, Kat ventured into philanthropy, assuming the role of Executive Director at the Lincoln Dynamic Foundation. She adeptly acknowledges the intricate connections between physical well-being, built environments, and giving back. Her steadfast efforts contribute to a comprehensive philanthropic framework, recognizing the pivotal role of health and self-awareness in nurturing strong, sustainable communities.

Beyond her philanthropic endeavors, Kat’s capabilities extend to her role as Project Manager at Lincoln Dynamic Group, overseeing off-property development, team leadership, and holding a broker/salesperson license in Nevada’s real estate sector. Additionally, she serves as the Executive Assistant to Dr. Johnny Lincoln, the founder of LDF. Her recent completion of The Regenerative Practitioner program underscores her commitment to unlocking the potential of individuals and communities.

In 2023, Kat’s contributions were recognized as she earned a place among Las Vegas Weekly’s 40 Under 40, a tribute to her impactful contributions. Fueled by her passion for fitness and adeptness at fostering connections, Kat exudes positivity and kindness. Notably, she also founded her own enterprise, Kat K Fitness, a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit. Whether leading invigorating fitness sessions, spearheading community-focused initiatives, or managing her business, she remains unwavering in her commitment to spreading optimism, compassion, and benevolence. Her guiding motto encapsulates her philosophy: "Making waves through fitness and philanthropy."

 
 
 

Investment & Finance Director

E. Ceylan Ozdemir, CFA

Ceylan is the Investment and Finance Director of Lincoln Dynamic Group and oversees wealth management across global asset classes and manages direct investments in private equity and real estate. Besides managing the assets of Lincoln Dynamic Foundation, Ceylan also participates in the philanthropy activities of LDF, actively volunteers with local non-profits, and serves on the Evaluation Committee for the Annual Grant Program.

Prior to Lincoln Dynamic Group, Ceylan spent 9 years at Borsa Istanbul, the sole securities exchange of Turkey, running investor relations, M&A activities, strategic planning, and ESG/sustainability efforts of the exchange. Ceylan grew up in Turkey and holds an MBA degree with a concentration in Global Finance from Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University and a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Middle East Technical University. Ceylan is a CFA charter holder and an active Board member of CFA Society Nevada, responsible for member engagement and programming.

Outside of work, Ceylan is an alcohol ink & amp; resin artist and runs a small, non-profit art business, where she donates 100% of net proceeds to charitable causes. Ceylan is passionate about sunsets in Las Vegas and likes to go hiking and explore nature with her husband and daughter.

 
 
 

Controller

Wanessa Roham, MBA

Wanessa is the Senior Accountant for the Lincoln Dynamic Group and plays an integral role in all the Group’s enterprise development, accounting, financial planning and analysis, payroll and benefit plan, and risk management processes.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wanessa moved to Kansas City in 2010 to pursue her academic and college athletics dream. She finished her undergraduate degree in Finance at Park University while being a college athlete and humbly brings a competitive, kind, and diverse background to our team. After graduation, Wanessa also enrolled in her Master of Business Administration completing her studies in 2016.

She started her career as an accountant and spent the last seven years within the eCommerce industry working within the accounting and finance area wearing multiple hats throughout the years. Wanessa enjoys reading, working on house projects, and spending time outdoors with friends and family in the Las Vegas heat.

 
 
 

Digital Media Coordinator

Ciara Garden

Ciara Garden was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. From a young age, her life was anything but ordinary. She grew up traveling across North America with the Garden Bros. Circus. This unique upbringing exposed her to a vibrant world of performers and artists, igniting her passion for the captivating arts of aerial acrobatics and hula hooping.

After dedicating 14 years of her life to the circus, Ciara settled in Sarasota, Florida, with a newfound goal of completing her high school education. This decision marked a significant turning point in Ciara's life to pursue her studies and lay the groundwork for a promising future. After completing her high school education in Florida, she embarked on a new chapter in her life. In 2018, she moved to Las Vegas, known as the entertainment capital of the world. The vibrant city offered limitless possibilities and was ready to pursue her dreams further.

In Las Vegas, Ciara found a different facet of her artistic journey. She joined the Lincoln Dynamic Foundation, where she currently serves as their Social Media and Marketing Coordinator. In this role, she utilizes her creativity and graphic design skills to promote the foundation's initiatives and connect with a wider audience. Driven by personal growth, Ciara has recently embarked on a new academic endeavor. She is attending the College of Southern Nevada (CSN), pursuing a degree in Graphic Communications. By delving into the realm of visual storytelling and design principles, she seeks to deepen her understanding of digital media and visual communication strategies. Aside from work, Ciara maintains a well-rounded lifestyle, prioritizing her physical and mental well-being. She stays fit by being a regular gym member, explores different perspectives, and expands her horizons with spiritual and personal growth books.