Foundation launches CEO Search as Pasquali leaves to focus on family

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.”

Give Local Isabella sees fundraising success - More than $60,000 raised for local charitable organizations in 24 hours

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is pleased to announce the success of Give Local Isabella, a 24-hour community-wide fundraising event held on May 7. This year, 241 donors joined forces and raised a combined total of $66,266 in support of 25 local charitable organizations.

Throughout the day, these organizations competed for prizes totaling $5,000. Additionally, $25,000 in matching funds were awarded, sponsored by the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation and Mt. Pleasant Abstract & Title.

The three organizations that secured the highest amount of donations were: Renaissance Public School Academy, Christian Counseling of Mid Michigan and Chippewa Watershed Conservancy.

"The success of Give Local Isabella 2024 highlights the remarkable generosity and unity within our community in supporting local charitable organizations," said Matthew Showalter, President of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees. "The funds raised will leave a lasting impact on the missions and endowments of these organizations, empowering them to continue serving our community effectively. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who participated and contributed to this initiative."

Give Local Isabella will return next year, continuing its mission to support local charitable organizations and make a difference in the community.

For more information, please visit www.givelocalisabella.org.

Community Foundation welcomes Terrence Stallworth, Jr.

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation has hired Terrence Stallworth as its new communication and donor stewardship officer, effective early March.

In his new role, Stallworth will be responsible for overseeing all communication, public relations and donor stewardship activities of the Foundation. He will collaborate closely with the Chief Executive Officer, the Community Relations Committee and the Development Committee to develop and implement the Foundation’s overall strategy.

Stallworth is a recent graduate of Central Michigan University with a wealth of experience in social media, public relations and storytelling. In his free time, he has volunteered his expertise in public relations to other non-profit organizations.

“I am excited to join the team at the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation,” Stallworth said.
“My goal is to creatively communicate the Foundation’s story to our audiences and build strong
relationships with our donors and supporters.”