Sarah joined the Community Foundation in 2016. Sarah is an experienced nonprofit professional who worked with statewide nonprofit membership organizations prior to joining the philanthropic sector. Sarah has a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from Montana State University and a Master’s of Public Administration – Nonprofit Leadership from Western Michigan University. She is a graduate of Leadership Little Traverse and serves on the board of the Zonta Club of Petoskey. In her free time, you’ll find Sarah enjoying all that northern Michigan has to offer with her husband and two children. Sarah lives in Harbor Springs.

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In June of 2024, Jennifer stepped into the role of Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) for the Community Foundation. Jennifer brings a wealth of experience with her, having served as Director of Operations for Coldwell Banker Fairbairn Realty, in Alanson, MI, for 11 years. Jennifer also holds the position of Clerk-Treasurer for the Village of Alanson. Jennifer earned her BA in Social Work and MA in Public Administration from Saginaw Valley State University. She lives in Petoskey with her husband, Colin, and daughter, Lara.

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Liz joined the Community Foundation in June 2024 as Director of Communications and Donor Engagement. This position extends her 15-year career as a creative storyteller and community connector in the non-profit sector. Before joining the team, Liz previously served as Visual Arts Director for Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey, MI. She was Director, Head Curator for Purdue University Galleries prior to that. Liz holds a BFA from the University of Michigan and MFA from Purdue University. She lives in Petoskey with her husband and two sons.

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Jake joined the Community Foundation in April 2023. Most recently Jake served as a planning and zoning consultant with Beckett & Raeder, Inc. in their Petoskey office, working with numerous municipalities within Emmet County. Jake grew up in Traverse City and, after graduating from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in history, returned to northern Michigan. In his free time, Jake plays drums and stays connected with the northern Michigan music scene (often at Beards’ open mic night). He also enjoys outdoor activities like kayaking, Nordic skiing and hiking.

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Bobby joined the Community Foundation in May 2025 as the Database and Operations Officer. He is originally from Grand Rapids but spent much of his childhood and early adulthood visiting and enjoying northern Michigan. After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in Environmental Science, he decided to return to his favorite place—Petoskey. He began working in the local nonprofit sector as a Guest Experience Associate and, later, as Membership and Volunteer Coordinator at Crooked Tree Arts Center. He spends his free time engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and rock hunting.

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Betsy joined the Community Foundation in December 2025 as the organization’s first Herrick Communications Fellow. Raised in Petoskey, she graduated with a BA in International Relations from BYU-Idaho before spending 12 years working with national brands as an artist and designer. Betsy has also illustrated several award-winning children's books with honors such as a Booklist Starred Review and the Goodreads Choice Award. Betsy and her family love swimming, skiing, and running all over northern Michigan. She also enjoys coaching youth mountain biking, teaching community art classes, and checking out books from the Petoskey Public Library.

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