Initiative Foundation Staff
Matt Varilek | President | | (320) 631-2005
"For more than 30 years, the Initiative Foundation has empowered local people to build thriving communities across Central Minnesota. The Foundation’s staff—working in conjunction with a diverse array of partners—plays a critical role in the important work of making our region an ideal place where people choose to live, work, give and play."
Kristin Ackley
Community Philanthropy Manager
(320) 631-2062
Lynn Bushinger
Chief Financial & Operations Officer, Treasurer
(320) 631-2041
LaRae Foehrenbacher
Fund Development Associate
(320) 631-2007
Don Hickman
Vice President for Community
& Workforce Development
(320) 631-2043
Barb Larson
Accounting Assistant
(320) 631-2017
Carl Newbanks
Grants & Development Specialist
(320) 631-2042
Bob McClintick
Marketing & Communications Manager
(320) 631-2008
Kerie Thoma
Program Assistant
(320) 631-2054
Amanda Whittemore
VISTA & Nonprofit Development Program Manager
(320) 631-2009
Daniel Bullert
Business Finance Manager
(320) 631-2013
Barb Downs
Nonprofit Development Specialist
(320) 631-2018
Yadira Frey
Office & Facilities Coordinator
(320) 631-2020
Abdirizak Jama
Program Specialist for Enterprise Academy
(320)631-2058
Laura Larson
Program Associate for Economic
& Business Development
(320) 631-2064
Michele Miller
Controller
(320) 631-2050
Allison Norgren
Marketing & Communications Associate
(320) 631-2001
Carrie Tripp
Vice President for External Relations
(320) 631-2015
Jeff Wig
Vice President for Economic
& Business Development
(320) 631-2006
Mike Burton
External Relations Officer
(320) 631-2059
Chris Fastner
Senior Program Manager for Nonprofit Development
(320) 631-2019
Brenda Gugglberger
Development Specialist
(320) 631-2061
Brenda Jindra
Business Finance Assistant
(320) 631-2010
MaryAnn Lindell
Executive & Human
Resources Administrator
(320) 631-2004
Braden Moore
Accounting Manager
(320) 631-2049
Kimberly Slipy
Information Systems Administrator
(320) 631-2014
Among our many partners are several certified Community Development Financial Institutions, or CDFIs, that help us meet our goals to empower the people of Central Minnesota.
Lynn Bushinger
Chief Financial & Operations Officer, Treasurer
(320) 631-2041
Barb Larson
Accounting Assistant
(320) 631-2017
