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Press Release – Bay Area Community Foundation Names Shawna Walraven as its Next President & CEO

The Bay Area Community Foundation (BACF) Board of Trustees has unanimously chosen Shawna Walraven as the organization’s next President & CEO.

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Diane Mahoney, President & CEO, Bay Area Community Foundation
(989) 893-4438 | dmahoney@bayfoundation.org


Bay Area Community Foundation Names Shawna Walraven as its Next President & CEO

Bay City, MI –  The Bay Area Community Foundation (BACF) Board of Trustees has unanimously chosen Shawna Walraven as the organization’s next President & CEO. Walraven succeeds Diane Mahoney, who has served the organization for 7 years and is moving to join her husband in Frankfort, Michigan. Mahoney’s last day is September 24, and Walraven will assume the role effective October 7, 2024. 

“We are very excited to have Shawna Walraven join us as president & CEO. Her experience, skill set and passion for Bay City will push us to the next level. The fact that she is a Bay City native,  born and raised here, gives her a leg up in understanding the needs of the community. She was unanimously chosen, and we couldn’t be happier to have her join the team,” stated BACF Board Chair Danielle Krupp.

Following graduation from Garber High School, Walraven attended DePaul University where she received a degree in finance before pursuing her juris doctorate from St. Louis University. She comes to BACF from the County of Bay where she has served as finance director, treasurer and assistant corporate counsel. Walraven has been a longtime supporter of BACF and the community through her years of volunteer service on BACF’s Grants and Standing Scholarship committees and the United Way of Bay County. This involvement has given her a deep understanding of BACF’s mission and vision, not to mention the positive impact her efforts have had on our nonprofit community and area students.

“I am honored to accept the role of president & CEO for the Bay Area Community Foundation.  The magnitude of the position and the organization is not lost on me. I am looking forward to joining a terrific group of staff and volunteers to continue the good work of the Foundation. 

The Bay Area Community Foundation plays an integral role in our community.   In Bay and Arenac counties, we take care of one another.  The Foundation is one of the ways we can address the imperative needs in our community and also take advantage of our unique opportunities,” shared Walraven.

Since joining the Foundation in December 2017, Mahoney has overseen a 43% growth in assets from $42 million to $60 million. At the same time, $15.7 million has been invested in the community in the form of grants and scholarships, including ARPA grants of more than $1 million through a partnership with the County of Bay. 

Krupp stated, “Diane Mahoney has been instrumental in the Foundation’s success during her tenure. She has worked tirelessly on growing the Foundation, fostering donor relationships and implementing actions for the betterment of Bay and Arenac counties. We wish her and her husband, Gerard, all the best and are grateful for all her achievements.”

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The Bay Area Community Foundation is a philanthropic organization working to improve the quality of life in Bay and Arenac counties. The Foundation’s mission is to build community through generosity, leadership and strategic grantmaking. The Bay Area Community Foundation is located in the Pere Marquette Depot at 1000 Adams Street, Suite 200, Bay City, Michigan 48708. For more information, visit www.bayfoundation.org.

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Press Release – Bay Area Community Foundation receives $20,000 Grant to Support Community Foundation Access and Opportunity Grant Program

“We are excited to once again partner with the United Way of Bay County as we work together to provide this opportunity to the education sector.  Following the success of the pilot program, Lifted Voices: Navigating the Challenges Facing ALICE Youth, we will once again primarily focus on the education sector for training in the program.”  Shawna Walraven, President & CEO, Bay Area Community Foundation.

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Nicole Horn

989.893.4438 or email below 

Donor Relations and Communications Officer

At BACF, I am fortunate to contribute to our mission in meaningful and impactful ways. As your main contact for donor-advised funds, I help ensure that each donor’s unique passions are brought to life through their giving—whether this be through designated or agency funds. It is an honor to connect with generous community members, and I am always available to discuss how you can create a lasting impact in our community.  

In addition, I oversee all of BACF’s communications, bringing ideas to life through engaging stories and visuals. While upholding our brand identity, I strive to highlight the remarkable individuals in our community and the collaborative efforts that make Bay and Arenac counties exceptional places to live, work, and thrive.

As a lifelong Bay County resident, I am deeply connected to our people and community. I cherish the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and am committed to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Bay and Arenac counties, ensuring a bright future for generations to come.

I Can Help You With:

  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Agency & Designated Funds
  • Business Sponsorships
  • Give Local Bay and BACF Events
  • BACF Website
  • BACF Donor Portal

Things I Do In My Free Time: You’ll often find me at a local coffee shop in Downtown Bay City and frequenting the area’s local arts and music scene. I also love hiking and exploring parks both in our area and throughout northern Michigan.

Madi Syring

989.893.4438 or email below 

Program Officer

I am proud to serve my community through my role at BACF. As a Program Officer, I collaborate with nonprofit, government, church, and school partners in Bay and Arenac counties to navigate our grant opportunities and find the right funding alignment. From project conception to post-award, I am your main contact for all things grants. Connecting organizations and donors who share the same vision and passion is at the heart of my work.

I am dedicated to supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to improve our community. Additionally, I provide capacity-building opportunities by hosting educational workshops, managing Catchafire—a volunteer platform connecting organizations with professional services at no cost—and offering technical assistance and resources to build strength in our nonprofit community.
 

I Can Help You With:

  • Navigating the Competitive Grant Process
  • Finding Funding Alignment
  • Building Organizational Capacity
  • Technical Assistance

Things I Do In My Free Time: Outside of work, you might catch me on the trail with my dog! I love backpacking, hiking, hunting, and kayaking all over Michigan. I’m also an avid reader, so you might find me at a local library or bookshop. 

Rachael Rosas

989.893.4438 or email below

Administrative Officer

As the Administrative Officer at BACF, my responsibilities include maintaining our comprehensive database, accurately documenting gifts, and collaborating with building vendors to maintain the historic Pere Marquette Depot.

I am committed to establishing well-documented processes that contribute to the ongoing success of BACF. My deep appreciation for the Pere Marquette Depot drives me to preserve this historic landmark as a source of price for our community, ensuring its legacy for future generations. 

I Can Help You With:

  • Making a Gift to One of Our Many Funds
  • Updating Your Contact Information
  • Identifying the Most Helpful Staff Member or Resource
  • Answering General Questions about BACF
  • Providing Information About the Pere Marquette Depot and 1904 Room Event Space

Things I Do In My Free Time: I enjoy immersing myself in flower gardening and various art projects. I love spending time in nature and attending community events, which help me stay connected and get inspired. 

Frances Moore

989.893.4438 or email below 

Program and Finance Associate

As the Program and Finance Associate at BACF, I support our Scholarship Program and partner with the Director of Finance on financial reporting. I also assist in the management of the Pere Marquette Depot and the 1904 Room event space.

I am honored to play a role in helping individuals achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. I am passionate about making a positive impact and am always ready to lend a helping hand to ensure the success of our programs and the betterment of our community. 

I Can Help You With:

  • Scholarship Applications and Award Process
  • Information about the Pere Marquette Depot and 1904 Room Event Space
  • Coordination with Scholarship Committees
  • General Support for BACF Programs and Initiatives

Things I Do In My Free Time: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring Michigan’s beautiful landscapes, camping under the stars, and bike riding through scenic trails.