Initiative Foundation Staff
The Initiative Foundation is a hybrid workplace. Staff members are in the office on Mondays and available by appointment Tuesday through Friday. Use the staff directory below for email and telephone contact information. Thank you for all you do to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and a lasting culture of generosity in Central Minnesota!
Doug Adams
Business Finance Officer
(320) 631-2063
Jessy Beto
Program Specialist
(320) 631-2057
Daniel Bullert
Senior Business Finance Manager
(320) 631-2013
Mike Burton
External Relations Officer
(320) 631-2059
Lynn Bushinger
Chief Operations Officer, Treasurer
| (320) 631-2041
Brenda Gugglberger
Fund Development Specialist
(320) 631-2061
Don Hickman
Vice President for Community
& Workforce Development
(320) 631-2043
Deb Kurowski
Administrative Assisstant
(320) 631-2020
Barb Larson
Accounting Specialist
(320) 631-2017
Bob McClintick
Marketing & Communications Director
(320) 631-2008
Christine Metzo
Initiators Fellowship Program Manager
(320) 631-2019
Michele Miller
Chief Financial Officer
(320) 631-2050
Ismail Mohamed
Enterprise Academy Program Officer
Carl Newbanks
Director of Development
(320) 631-2042
Allison Norgren
Marketing & Communications Specialist
(320) 631-2001
Mary Kaye Peterson
Entrepreneurship Program Specialist
Donniel Robinson
Entrepreneurship Programs Officer
Robin Skinner
Three Rivers Community Foundation Administrative Assistant
(763) 218-1974
Kimberly Slipy
Information Systems Administrator
(320) 631-2014
Kasey Stevens
Accountant
(320) 631-2049
Zach Tabatt
Community Philanthropy Manager
(320) 631-2015
Kerie Thoma
Community Philanthropy Program Specialist
(320) 631-2054
Britt Vander Eyk
Development Officer
(320) 631-2007
Matt Varilek
President
(320) 631-2005
Carie Verley
Finance Specialist
(320) 631-2010
Brian Voerding
Vice President for Inclusive Entrepreneurship
(320) 631-2006
Courtney Wirz
Three Rivers Community Foundation Administrative Assistant
Matt Varilek | President | | (320) 631-2005
View our Board of Trustee summary statement on diversity, equity and inclusion."For 35 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."
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.