Making an impact in Allegan County: Q&A with Kessie Karg

Kessie Karg is settling into her role as the community impact officer at the Allegan County Community Foundation (ACCF). She’s a familiar face in our nonprofit community, previously working in a variety of roles for the United Way of Ottawa and Allegan Counties, where she worked to strengthen relationships with United Way agencies and collaborative partners. 

Karg comes to her new position with a wealth of experience in philanthropy, community engagement, and strategic planning. Her duties include overseeing the Multi-Agency Collaborative Council (MACC), which promotes effective collaboration and coordination among nonprofits, for-profit, and government entities. In addition, she’s tasked with creating and coordinating nonprofit capacity-building and ecosystem-strengthening activities, helping to identify and promote community priorities, and developing and facilitating key initiatives to positively impact Allegan County. 

The Lakeshore recently caught up with Karg for a Q&A to learn more about her and her work with ACCF. 

The Lakeshore: Can you tell us about your new position and your priorities? 

Kessie Karg: The community impact officer at ACCF focuses on promoting effective collaboration and coordination among nonprofit, for-profit, and government entities to positively impact Allegan County. In the first year, the main focus will be on managing and developing the MACC’s implementation of Allegan County’s tri-annual Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The MACC has workgroups devoted explicitly to this work, focusing on access to medical care, behavioral health, food security, housing, and community information exchange. I also will represent the MACC and ACCF at local and state activities, promote MACC and ACCF activities, and prepare reports for stakeholders.

TL: Can you share your background, and what skills and experience you bring to this role from your previous positions?

KK: I bring a diverse range of skills and experience that are relevant to the role of a community impact officer. As the director of engagement at the United Way of Ottawa and Allegan Counties, I led engagement experiences for donors and community members, managed events, supported collaborative partnerships, and developed volunteer projects. As associate area director at the same organization, I managed relationships with agencies and collaborative partners, including the relaunch of the MACC, oversaw volunteers and the donation center, and facilitated workplace engagement campaigns. My other experience provided me with skills in communication, collaboration, strategic planning, and relationship building.

TL: What attracted you to working with the Allegan County Community Foundation?

KK: First and foremost, I am drawn to the foundation's mission of making a positive impact in the community — sustainably, intentionally, and for generations to come. The opportunity to work toward improving the lives of individuals and families in Allegan County aligns with my passion for social work and community development. Additionally, the foundation's commitment to collaboration and partnerships resonates with my belief in the power of collective efforts to bring about lasting change. The foundation's track record of supporting nonprofit organizations and addressing community needs also impressed me and made me eager to contribute to their work.

TL: Taking on a new position often comes with a learning curve. What were you surprised to learn about the ACCF?

KK: I was and still am pleasantly surprised by the depth and breadth of the ACCF's involvement in the community. I discovered that the foundation has a wide range of initiatives and partnerships aimed at addressing various aspects of community well-being, from education and health care to social services and environmental sustainability. I was also impressed by the foundation's strong connections with nonprofit organizations, local government entities, and other stakeholders. Learning about the foundation's extensive network and the scale of its community impact initiatives has been inspiring and has further motivated me to contribute effectively in my role.

TL: And finally on a personal note, what's one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

KK: I lived in Manchester, United Kingdom, for about two-and-a-half years, and moved back to the United States just before the COVID-19 pandemic. During my time in the U.K., I immersed myself in the vibrant culture of England. I commuted to work by train and cherished the chance to explore the beautiful English countryside. Additionally, living in Manchester allowed me to travel to various European destinations, including Croatia, Italy, and Sweden, where I had incredible experiences and created lasting memories.

Despite having traveled to breathtaking places around the world, one of the most remarkable and awe-inspiring locations, in my experience, is Saugatuck Dunes State Park. It holds a special place in my heart, and I often find solace and inspiration by hiking through its stunning landscapes. The natural beauty of Saugatuck Dunes serves as a constant reminder of the wonders that can be found right in our own backyard in Allegan County.