CFHZ adds three new board members, nonprofit campaign raises $1.7M

There was a lot to celebrate as the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area held its biggest event of the year.

The foundation (CFHZ) welcomed new President/CEO Patrick Cisler, commemorated a successful campaign that raised funds to help strengthen the local nonprofit sector, and introduced three new members of the board of trustees. 

Announced as president/CEO earlier this year, Cisler will guide the community foundation, with assets of $114 million, through its next chapter of impact and growth. He introduced himself to the community at the sold-out Annual Luncheon on May 25, sharing his excitement for the work of CFHZ and his vision for the future. 

“As someone who grew up in this community, it is truly a privilege to now be leading one of its finest organizations and continuing to build upon the excellent work of my predecessors,” Cisler said. “The foundation has left its fingerprints all over this community through its legacy-level investments — investing in early childhood, affordable housing, mental health services, our local environment, and education. I hope to push the foundation during my time here to think about not just how we invest in buildings, organizations, and programs, but how we invest in the social connection between people.”

Campaign success

Community foundation staff announced the successful conclusion of the Strengthening the  Nonprofit Sector (SNS) campaign, which was launched in the spring of 2022. The campaign raised $1.7 million in charitable donations from local individuals, families, and businesses. These funds will bolster the foundation’s efforts to support programs and initiatives that strengthen the local nonprofit sector. 

New CFHZ CEO/President Patrick Cisler speaks at the 2023 Annual Luncheon. (CFHZ)

So far in 2023, SNS campaign funds have supported leadership development programs for executive directors and nonprofit management staff, and provided program and operating support to the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance and Community SPOKE. A technical assistance fund will be launched in the fall. 

“The past few years provided a living case study that demonstrated the importance of our nonprofits having the support and resources they need to continue to collaborate, innovate, and respond to increasingly complex challenges,” said Colleen Hill, vice president of development and donor services. “The generous support of local donors to the SNS campaign means we can meaningfully increase our investment in the health and strength of nonprofit organizations and our commitment to creating a fully thriving community for all.”

New board members, officers

In addition to a new president/CEO, the foundation’s board of trustees recently elected three new members: Tim Hemingway, Micki Janssen, and Rogen McLean. 

Tim Hemingway is a longtime resident of the Holland area. He worked for SAF Holland for 31  years in various executive leadership roles. Tim has served on numerous local boards, including  Holland BPW, Boys & Girls Club of Holland, and Holland Aquatic Center. 

Micki Janssen was born and raised in Zeeland, where her family owned and operated Janssen Farms. She served as an elementary school teacher for 32 years and has been engaged in the community, having served on the boards of Resthaven and Outdoor Discovery Center.  

Rogen McLean will serve a one-year term as youth trustee and chair of the Youth Advisory  Committee (YAC). She will be a senior this fall at West Ottawa High School and has been serving on YAC since her sophomore year. Rogen participates in varsity soccer and swimming, and is part of the Ski Club in the winter.  

A new slate of officers for the board of trustees was also elected during the board’s annual meeting. Tom Den Herder will serve as board chair. He succeeds Diane Kooiker, who will become past chair. Erin Avery-Zylman will serve as chair-elect, Jasmine Irish will serve as secretary, and Scott Brooks will serve as treasurer.