Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

For good. For ever.

306 South University Avenue Mount Pleasant, MI, 48858 United States

(989) 773-7322

Our mission is 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.

Foundation launches CEO Search as Pasquali leaves to focus on family

June 28, 2024  /  Terrence Stallworth Jr

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees is launching a search for a chief executive and chief operating officer, following CEO/COO Alysha Pasquali’s decision to dedicate her time and energy to her family.

She and her husband, attorney Mark Pasquali, welcomed their first child, Jude Raymond, in April. The decision to resign was spurred by being unsuccessful in securing daycare, even though they were on several waitlists.

Pasquali will continue to work on a contractual basis during the search and subsequent transition. Her priorities will include meeting with donors, planning the Foundation’s annual community breakfast, finalizing a CEO job manual and updating the organization’s planned giving materials.

Board President Matthew Showalter and Bob Wheeler, one of the Foundation’s co-founders, also will take on some of the leadership responsibilities.

“Alysha and Mark are great parents, and we respect their decision about what’s right for their family,” Showalter said. “Alysha has been a phenomenal CEO, deepening relationships with donors, board members, staff and volunteers. We will miss her and her leadership, though we appreciate her continued support during the next several months.”

Pasquali, a longtime Mt. Pleasant resident, was appointed CEO/COO in March 2023. She has an extensive background in fundraising and served in multiple such roles at Central Michigan University.

“I believe wholeheartedly in the Foundation, the work it does across the community and the positive impact its annual grants will have on citizens across Isabella County,” Pasquali said. “I’ve loved my time here and am committed to helping ensure a smooth, effective transition.”

The job posting will go up on the Foundation’s website soon and will remain there for at least three weeks. The Foundation’s Human Resources Committee will lead the search.

“The Foundation is strong,” Showalter said. “We will continue the momentum that Alysha started. We’re grateful for the trajectory she achieved and for her ongoing commitment to the Foundation and Isabella County.”