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Meet Our Team

Our Experienced Staff is Here to Help

We are passionate about the communities we serve and wake up excited to be a part of positive change. We are eager to work with you, to help this area grow and thrive, and we know that our Community Foundation work wouldn’t be possible without the generous support and forward-thinking of our communities. We’re standing alongside you, our donors, leaders, organizations, and visionaries … because we know we are better together.

Shawna Walraven
President and CEO
I serve alongside our board of trustees as a steward of the funds donors have entrusted to us. I enjoy being able to connect people to the causes they care about most.
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Sue Jensen
Director of Finance
I manage the Foundation’s financial accounting and work closely with the president and CEO, and BACF’s Stewardship Committee on investments, operations, and forecasting.
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Rachael Rosas
Administrative Officer
I provide support to the Community Foundation by processing and maintaining the historic integrity of the Pere Marquette Depot building where the Foundation office is housed.
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Aaron Faist
Program Officer
I oversee our scholarship programs, Youth Advisory Committee, Men’s Philanthropy Group, and Dow Community Gives grant program.
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Madi Syring
Program Officer
I connect our nonprofit partners in Bay and Arenac counties with grant opportunities, provide capacity-building support, and cultivate collaborations to strengthen our community.
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Nicole Horn
Donor Relations and Communications Officer
I oversee our donor-advised, designated, and agency funds, and ensure that all communications adhere to BACF’s branding guidelines.
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Frances Moore
Program and Finance Associate
I support our Scholarship Program, assist with financial reporting, and help manage the Pere Marquette Depot and 1904 Room event space. 
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Shawna Walraven

989.893.4438 or email below 

President and CEO

I serve alongside our board of trustees as a steward of the fund’s donors have entrusted to us. I enjoy being able to connect people to the causes they care about most. It is my job to foster awareness and understanding of BACF, promote philanthropy in our community, and participate in and support the work of area leaders and agencies to advance our common goals.

I Can Help You With:

  • Accomplishing the charitable goals of you, your family, your business, or your clients
  • Establishing a fund at the Foundation
  • Building your unique legacy
  • Answering questions about how BACF can help you
  • Exploring how we can build a vibrant community together
  • Understanding community needs and opportunities

Things I Do In My Free Time: As the mom of two busy young kids, you will often find me chasing them around Bay City. I enjoy connecting with friends at many of our great local restaurants. I also love to read and try out the occasional craft project.

Sue Jensen

989.893.4438 or email below 

Director of financeSue Jensen

As director of finance, I manage the Foundation’s financial accounting and work closely with the president and CEO, and BACF’s Stewardship Committee on investments, operations, and forecasting.

I can help you with:

  • Making a stock gift
  • Understanding a fund’s spending policy
  • Your questions about our audit or annual reports

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. 

Aaron Faist

989.893.4438 or email below 

Program Officer

At BACF, I work one-on-one with students to ensure that their postsecondary aspirations become reality. From FASFA and scholarship application completion to counseling on how to navigate the ever-changing postsecondary landscape, I am students’ and parents’ point of contact for anything and everything postsecondary.

I get the pleasure of working with some of the best and brightest young people on our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). They are a group of dedicated 12-18-year-olds in Bay County who assess the emerging needs of area youth, review and award grants to combat those needs, and volunteer to make sure that every young person in our area has a chance to prosper.

I can help you with:

  • General Scholarship Questions
  • Bay Commitment Program
  • Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)
  • Men’s Philanthropy Group

Things I Do On My Free Time: I love going on day trips with my wife and 2 young children. Whether it is a trip to a museum, sporting event, or live show, we love to experience new things all across the great state of 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. 

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.

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.