The Greenville Area Community Foundation (GACF) Board of Trustees is pleased to announce staff transitions that celebrate years of dedicated service and position the organization for continued leadership and growth. Laura Montoye will succeed Alison Barberi, who has served the organization for the past 26 years in the role of President and CEO. The next chapter of GACF will see Kristen Kohn in the role of Senior Director of Philanthropic Impact and Sally Marshall as the Director of Operations.
“The foundation has grown significantly since 1989,” stated Board Chair Dr. Pete Blinkilde, “Alison has provided outstanding leadership over the last 26 years. We are extremely grateful for that, but we appreciate that she can now look forward to her next chapter. We’ve been so fortunate to have strong, capable, caring staff over the years. That says a lot about our organization to have such longevity and local connections.”
Montoye is a graduate of Greenville High School and received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Alma College and her MBA from Central Michigan University. She joined the GACF staff in 2016 and most recently served as the Director of Community Investment.
“Laura is a perfect fit for this position because she already knows what we do and why and she cares about the opportunities for people in Montcalm County. With her contributions to the organization these past 10 years, she will be a natural at leading GACF well into the future,” Blinkilde stated.
“I am honored to continue the important work of the Greenville Area Community Foundation, and am grateful for the leadership of Alison, whose dedication and vision have helped grow and evolve the foundation,” Montoye shared, “Community foundations play a vital role in bringing people together, supporting local solutions, and investing in a stronger future for all. Our team looks forward to listening, learning, and working alongside our donors, nonprofit partners, board members, community leaders and neighbors to create meaningful opportunities and lasting impact throughout our community.”
To reflect on Alison’s legacy, we also invite you to read this feature from our anniversary story collection: 35 Stories of Philanthropy: Alison Barberi
The Greenville Area Community Foundation (GACF) is a philanthropic organization working to enhance the quality of life in the greater Greenville area. Through its affiliated Lakeview Area Community Fund and Montcalm Panhandle Community Fund, the Foundation’s impact also extends throughout Montcalm County. By connecting generosity with community needs, the Foundation supports grants, scholarships, and initiatives that create lasting local impact.
