The Sturgis Area Community Foundation (SACF) announced today that Lindsay Aguilar, Executive Director, will be stepping down from her position to pursue new opportunities. Aguilar will remain in her role until March, assisting with the transition to ensure continuity of operations as the Board of Trustees conducts a search for the organization’s next leader.

“The Board of Trustees wishes to express our sincere gratitude for Lindsay’s dedication to promoting the mission of SACF and her instrumental role in greatly expanding the scope and impact of our organization,” said Erin Melchi-Baker, President of the Board of Trustees. “Her leadership has positioned SACF for continued growth and community impact for years to come.”

During Aguilar’s tenure as Executive Director, SACF achieved significant milestones that have strengthened the foundation’s capacity to serve the community:

• Financial Growth: Total assets under management increased from $22 million to $53 million, enabling expanded grantmaking and community investment.
• Strategic Expansion: Successfully oversaw and executed the merger with the Three Rivers Area Community Foundation, ensuring continuity of service, alignment of mission and values, and integration of governance, operations, and financial management.
• Organizational Development: Strengthened administrative capacity by expanding staff, implementing new software systems, and expanding organizational facilities.
• Community Partnerships: Developed key relationships with community partners and organizations, including:
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Michigan – Spearheading the establishment of out-of-school time programs for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade.
  • Child Care Coalition – With funding from the State of Michigan’s Early Childhood Investment Corporation and W.K. Kellogg Foundation, SACF serves as a lead organization for the Southwest Michigan Child Care Coalition alongside partners Southwest Michigan First and Pulse @ the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
  • Sturgis Improvement Association – Partnering with the Sturgis Improvement Association to establish the SIA Community Impact Fund to facilitate local investments in community development.

The SACF Board of Trustees will begin a comprehensive search process to identify the foundation’s next Executive Director. Additional information about the search process and timeline will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information about Sturgis Area Community Foundation, visit www.sturgisfoundation.org or contact sacf@sturgisfoundation.org.