Conway named CEO/COO of Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

Liz Conway. Photo Courtesy of Courtney Jerome Media

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees, in collaboration with the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce, announces the appointment of Liz Conway as the Foundation’s new chief executive officer and chief operating officer.

Currently president and CEO of the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce, Conway will assume her new role at the Community Foundation in late September.  The move follows the departure of former Foundation CEO Alysha Pasquali, who stepped down in June to dedicate more time to her family.

As CEO, Conway will spearhead the Foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Isabella County through local philanthropy and community leadership.

“Liz delivers vision and energy, a vast and growing community network, and a creative ability to engage local leaders and citizens in philanthropy,” said Foundation Board President Matthew Showalter. “Get Liz talking about the community and its opportunities, and her passion is absolutely infectious.”

Conway has generated significant positive impact as Chamber president and CEO during the past two and a half years. Along with an increased focus on membership, she has been instrumental in developing a strategic plan and vision statement that provide clear direction for the Chamber's endeavors, said Jennifer Marar, chair of the Chamber Board of Directors.

Conway’s achievements include establishment of the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to economic growth, community development and educational advancement within the region.

“Liz makes progress happen,” Marar said. “We are sad to see her go, yet we also are proud to see Liz expand her impact through the Foundation. It’s exciting to envision how our two organizations will work together for the greater good of the area.”

Marar said the Chamber will launch a search this fall for its next executive.

Conway’s career in nonprofit leadership spans nearly two decades, with significant experience in fundraising, donor engagement, strategic planning and community impact. She began her career in 2003 with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marquette and Alger Counties. Then she worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lancaster County in Pennsylvania and the Boys & Girls Club of New Haven in Connecticut.

In Michigan, Conway made significant contributions as executive director of the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum and of the Greater Midland Coleman and North Midland Family Centers. She also served as director of membership and underwriting for WCMU Public Media before assuming her role with the Chamber in 2022.

“I’m thrilled to be selected to lead the Foundation and work with its generous donors to create  holistic, long-lasting impact across Isabella County,” Conway said. “I look forward to working with community champions and leaders to address collectively some of the greatest needs in our community.”

Conway has completed several leadership programs, including the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance Institute for Leaders and the Rollie Denison Leadership Institute. She has had numerous board positions, currently serving on the board of the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy and as a trustee with Art Reach of Mid Michigan.

Conway is an alumna of Northern Michigan University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Public Administration. She resides in Mt. Pleasant with her husband, Michael, a professor at the Central Michigan University College of Medicine, and their two sons.

“I love Mt. Pleasant for so many reasons — the nature, how family-friendly it is and of course, the amazing people,” Conway said. “This is our home and I’m excited to help it continue to thrive.”