Initiative Foundation Staff
Matt Varilek | President | | (320) 631-2005
View our Board of Trustee summary statement on diversity, equity and inclusion."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."
Jessy Beto
Program Assistant
(320) 631-2057
Mike Burton
External Relations Officer
(320) 631-2059
Chris Fastner
Senior Program Manager for Nonprofit Development
(320) 631-2019
Brenda Gugglberger
Philanthropy Specialist
(320) 631-2061
Barb Larson
Accounting Assistant
(320) 631-2017
Bob McClintick
Marketing & Communications Director
(320) 631-2008
Carl Newbanks
Grants & Development Manager
(320) 631-2042
Kerie Thoma
Program Associate
(320) 631-2054
Kate Bjorge
Community Philanthropy Manager
(320) 631-2048
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
Laura Larson
Program Associate for Entrepreneurship
(320) 631-2064
Michele Miller
Controller
(320) 631-2050
Allison Norgren
Marketing & Communications Associate
(320) 631-2001
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
MaryAnn Lindell
Executive Administrator
(320) 631-2004
Braden Moore
Accounting Manager
(320) 631-2049
Kimberly Slipy
Information Systems Administrator
(320) 631-2014
Amanda Whittemore
VISTA & Nonprofit Development Program Manager
(320) 631-2009
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.
