David 'DJ' Jones, Executive Director

David Jones “DJ” has been with the Community Foundation for the past ten years. He was the Program Officer from 2000 to 2009 and has been the Executive Director since June, 2009.

DJ has a BA degree in International Studies from the University of South Carolina and in 2007 he received his MBA from Lawrence Technological University through the University Center at North Central Michigan College in Petoskey. He is a member and past-president of the Kiwanis Club of Petoskey and currently serves on their board as the treasurer. In 2001, he completed the Leadership Little Traverse program and now serves on the LLT steering committee. DJ lives in Petoskey with his wife, Patricia “T”, and their two daughters.
 

Laurissa Wendland, Finanical and Administrative Officer

Laurie joined the Community Foundation in 1996 as a part-time administrative assistant.  Currently she serves as the full-time Financial and Administrative Officer.  She has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Alma College.

Sara Ward, Program Officer

Sara Ward joined the Community Foundation in 2008, after she learned about the organization through her participation in Leadership Little Traverse (Class of 2007).  She has a Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Michigan. 

She moved to Petoskey in 2005 has loved every minute of learning about this community she calls home.  In any season, Sara enjoys visiting area nature preserves and parks with her husband, son, and enormous dog, daydreaming about renovations to their home, and window-shopping in local downtowns.

Maureen Nicholson, Senior Development Advisor

Maureen attended Goucher College for Women, University of Munich and University of Idaho, graduating with a BA degree in languages and economics. She has served in leadership roles in the local and state nonprofit sector for many years and was one of the founders of the Community Foundation.

After serving as Executive Director for almost 20 years, she transitioned to a part-time role as Senior Development Advisor in 2009. She believes that a Community Foundation is a wonderful resource for the community and loves working with people and their philanthropic goals.