Six Changemakers Join the Oceana Community Foundation’s Regional Leadership Learning Lab
The Oceana Community Foundation is delighted to welcome six community leaders to participate in a regional Leadership Learning Lab (LLL): Sky Harsch, Hannah Naples, John Medendorp, Amber Rumsey, Phil Santellan and Susan Tippet,. As the sixth cohort of LLL, participants will join Oceana County’s 31 LLL alumni in expanding their leadership skills and networks.
LLL began in 2018 after several northern community foundations, including CFOC, brainstormed ideas to empower leaders and acting changemakers in their communities. Oceana, Mason & Manistee counties make up one of five LLL sites across the state. The program is a collective effort among the Frey Foundation, Rotary Charities, and ten community foundations in northern Michigan. Statewide, 225 individuals have taken part in LLL with 167 alumni continuing to meet and utilize LLL’s learning resources. After its 2024-25 cohort, CFOC will select another new cohort and invites those interested to keep an eye on the Foundation’s communications, as it will announce when the 2025 application opens.
For CFOC, supporting LLL is an investment in Oceana County’s future as its alumni continue to sustain and innovate their work across the County. A full list of alumni is available at the Foundation’s website under the RESOURCES tab at oceanafoundation.org. LLL provides a space for budding leaders and seasoned changemakers to learn from one another. “Each leader brings their own experiences and passion for their work into each LLL session, providing their unique perspective to each conversation. Growing your leadership capacity not only includes developing technical skills, but also listening to and learning from views different than your own. The Foundation continually works to create opportunities for these conversations and learning moments to help our nonprofit, government, and business leaders to better serve our community,” Foundation CEO Tammy Carey explained. In addition, the Foundation added a quarterly nonprofit networking event, to create space for continued collaboration amongst all partners and to share continued education opportunities. To join us for the next Oceana Free Dive event on August 21, register at the EVENTS page on our website.
By connecting leaders from Oceana, Manistee, and Mason counties, LLL works to strengthen the relationships between nonprofit professionals across the region. Participants meet monthly to learn different aspects of management, including storytelling, fundraising, and adaptive leadership. The 2024 cohort participants are each committed to growing their skills to better serve their organizations.
As a Stewardship Coordinator for the Oceana Conservation District, Sky Harsch, ensures the sustainable management and protection of natural resources in Oceana. She has worked at a variety of arts, educational, and conservation nonprofits before starting her current position with OCD. Sky noted, “The Leadership Learning Lab stands out as an ideal platform for me to navigate this journey, offering a nurturing environment where I can explore my leadership style, discover my strengths, and discern how best to contribute to both my workplace and community.”
Amber Rumsey, the Regional Childcare Coordinator for United Way of the Lakeshore, is dedicated to addressing childcare needs in Mason, Lake, Oceana, Newaygo, and Muskegon counties. She leads the Regional Childcare Coalition, working with community members to identify and implement solutions to the childcare crisis. With a background in Cognitive Coaching and Kagan Cooperative Learning, Amber approaches her role with a growth mindset and collaborative spirit. Her participation in the LLL will further enhance her leadership skills, essential for guiding the coalition’s efforts to improve childcare access, staffing, and employer engagement.
Hannah Naples, Program Officer at the Oceana Community Foundation, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of Oceana County residents through philanthropy. With strong professional development support, she has attended several Council of Michigan conferences and training sessions. Hannah believes the LLL will help her better understand the community and build valuable connections. By improving her leadership skills, she aims to support local nonprofits and facilitate impactful community collaborations.
Susan (Sue) Tippet is the Ferry Township Planning Commission and Zoning Board Administrator, deeply involved in the activities and fundraising efforts for the Ferry Township Community Center. She believes that by enhancing her leadership and collaboration skills, she can help the township provide more local services, education, and support to its citizens. Sue’s passion for the Community Center, a vital resource in an area with limited business or cultural centers, drives her involvement in local government. She plans to run for Ferry Township Clerk to further contribute to the township’s operations and future.
John Medendorp is the Pastor of New Era Christian Reformed Church, dedicated to fostering relationships with God, each other, and the community. With extensive experience in preaching and community engagement, John has mobilized churches to contribute meaningfully to local development. Under his leadership, the church runs initiatives like the New Era Farmer’s Market, a community garden, local youth clubs, and a personal care pantry, and collaborates with various organizations for community services. Participating in the Lab will help John develop the skills needed to turn his visionary ideas into actionable community development projects.
Phil Santellan is a Public Health Educator at District Health Department #10, dedicated to promoting community health through prevention and education. He is working towards his Certified Prevention Specialist Credential and coordinates Oceana LEADS, a substance abuse prevention coalition. Phil is eager to join the Lab to gain new skills and enhance his leadership abilities. He values building relationships with local leaders, which is crucial for his work in substance abuse prevention. By participating in the LLL, Philip aims to improve his capacity to lead Oceana LEADS and other community initiatives, ultimately benefiting his organization’s impact on the community.
The Community Foundation for Oceana County envisions an Oceana where everyone has access to resources to thrive. If you would like more information on the Leadership Learning Lab, call CEO Tammy Carey at 231-869-3377.