Community Foundation Welcomes New Directors
The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of six new directors to its Board: Paul Alexander, Joe Fleming, Eileen Jennings, John Jensen, Nancy Ridley and Matthew Showalter.
Paul Alexander is a Central Michigan University graduate residing in Mt. Pleasant with his wife Maryanke. Alexander started Mt. Pleasant Abstract and Title in 1981 and is currently President of 19 offices throughout Central and Northeast Michigan. He helped to found the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation in 1990 and has served as its treasurer. Alexander’s community board experience also includes Art Reach of Central Michigan, the Central Michigan Association of Realtors, and the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce. Alexander said, “It is overwhelming to see the exponentially significant progress the Foundation has made since it was first started in 1990. I’m excited to be back and working with such a passionate and dedicated group of people.”
Joe Fleming was born and raised here in Isabella County. He is President and Co-Owner of Konwinski Construction in Mt. Pleasant. With a construction management degree from Michigan State University, Fleming has more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry. He serves on the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Construction Board of Appeals, and has been active on the Foundation’s Facilities Committee since the renovation of the Hersee House in 2010. “There is always a lot going on at the Hersee House,” said Fleming. “It’s been great to be part of making it the permanent home of the Foundation, and I look forward to learning more about all the ways the organization has impact in our community.”
Eileen Jennings has been an active member of the community since moving to Mt. Pleasant in 1980. A retired attorney, she has served on the boards of United Way, Central Michigan Community Hospital, Pardee Cancer Fund, and Friends of Isabella Seniors. She is currently Vice President of Christmas Outreach, and is a long-time member of the Rotary and Zonta Clubs. Jennings has served the Foundation’s Women’s Initiative Committee as Chair of its Fund Advisory Board for many years, as well as the Scholarship Committee. Jennings said, “I admire the way the Foundation has become a leader in coordinating new ventures to improve our community.”
After graduating from Cranbrook Academy of Art with a master’s degree in Architecture, John Jensen spent eight years as an architect in Detroit before moving to Mt. Pleasant. Here, he joined Wakely Associates as a partner, until retiring in 2001. Jensen has been involved with many organizations through his career, including serving as a founding member of the Michigan Architectural Foundation. He now serves on both the Scholarship and Development Committees of the Community Foundation. “My wife Ann and I have a strong conviction that we must pay it forward. As an endowment fund founder and Legacy Society member, I’m thrilled to serve on the Foundation Board as further demonstration of our commitment to the community.”
Nancy Ridley is a Central Michigan University alumna who began her professional career in finance at CMU as well. After several years, she accepted a new position and spent 17 years as the City of Mt. Pleasant’s Finance Director. In 2014, Ridley was appointed by the City Commission to her current role as City Manager. Ridley enjoys volunteering and has previously worked with the Mt. Pleasant Sport Boosters, McLaren Central Michigan and the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation. Ridley said, “My position with the City of Mt. Pleasant has allowed me to see on a daily basis what an impact the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation has on not only the city residents, but for the residents of Isabella County as a whole.” She is excited to take over the role of Chair for the Foundation’s Grant Review Committee this year.
With a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Central Michigan University, Matthew Showalter has been a commercial real property appraiser for more than 25 years and started The Showalter Group, LLC in 2014. He has served on the Shepherd Public Schools Board of Education since 2007 and is currently serving as Vice President. Showalter was elected in 2014 as President of the Michigan Association of School Boards. He was also elected in 2015 to the Gratiot-Isabella Regional Educational Service District Board of Education. Showalter will continue to serve on the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee and the Shepherd Community Fund in Honor of Robert Bates Advisory Board. “I’m proud of the connections made with our schools and Shepherd community, and I hope to help make them even stronger on the Foundation Board,” said Showalter.
The six new directors join eighteen other community members who represent a wide range of professional expertise and organizational experience: Cheryl Gaudard (Vice President), Dyke Heinze, Al Kaufmann (Secretary), Dave Keilitz, Rick McGuirk, Linda Morey, Lon Morey, Mary Ann O'Neil (President), Marcie Otteman, Emma Powell, Steve Pung, Erika Ross, Brian Rush (Treasurer), Mark Smith, Michelle Sponseller, Jan Strickler, Bob Wheeler, and Bryan Wieferich. The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity that seeks to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Isabella County, now and for generations to come, by attracting and holding permanent endowed funds from a wide range of donors, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.