Board of Trustees

Tom is the President/CEO of Embers Credit Union. He previously served on the Lake Superior Community Partnership Board and on the United Way Board as the campaign co-chair. Tom has been involved in numerous organizations benefiting local nonprofits. He currently serves on the executive committee of the Michigan Credit Union League U.P. Chapter. He was a member of the Kiwanis for many years and served as the pas KI Sawyer/Gwinn Kiwanis Club President. “Having served in various service clubs, nonprofit organizations and working with nonprofits over the years, I have learned how organizations serve a purpose in the community. When organizations work together, a stronger and healthier community is resulted.”

Judy Vonck is a lifelong resident of Marquette.  Judy, her husband Mick, and their three daughters are all Marquette Senior High School graduates. Judy is also a graduate of Northern Michigan University. Judy and her family continue to support education in Marquette County. Retiring in 2019 after having spent 75 combined years in the construction industry, the Vonck Family established the Mick and Judy Vonck Family Scholarship with the MAPS Education Foundation to support the next generation of builders, designers and hands-on tradespeople.Judy’s service and commitment to Marquette area expands beyond education, and includes service on several nonprofit boards and committees including the Marquette Regional History Center and ongoing support of the Beacon House. Having served as the Board Secretary and on several committees, Judy returns to the Foundation as Vice Chair.

Maura Davenport is known throughout Marquette County as a tireless volunteer and advocate. She currently serves on the grants committee for the Community Foundation and is chair of the board of directors of the Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy. She previously served as a trustee of the Marquette County History Museum, now Marquette Regional History Center.  She volunteers for the Citizen’s Advisory Committee for Presque Isle, St. Vincent DePaul, Room at the Inn and St. Michael Church. Davenport has led efforts with several environmental initiatives in Marquette County, including the “red bucket” program with the Superior Watershed Partnership to help prevent cigarette butts from polluting Lake Superior. Working with Emily Whitaker of the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve, Davenport also helped establish and expand the popular household battery recycling program in Marquette.

Kyle was born and raised in Gwinn graduating from Gwinn High School in 2010. As an Excellence in Education Scholarship recipient, he says he still appreciates his influential educator, Amy Anderson whom he had for several classes including biology and anatomy. Kyle attended Alma College and graduated in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in integrated health sciences. Following graduation, Kyle remained with the Alma College men’s basketball program as an assistant coach while attending Central Michigan University in the physical therapy program. He earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree in May of 2017. Following graduation, Kyle joined the team at Active Physical Therapy and served as the clinic director in outpatient orthopedics for four years. During that time, he and his wife continued to grow a real estate investment company that they started in 2010. It has become their fulltime role with the mission of changing the culture of attainable housing in Marquette County.

Gail Anthony served as CEO/President of the Community Foundation of Marquette County for eight years. Under her leadership, the Foundation increased by over $5 million in assets, and distributed over $3.7 million in grants and scholarships in Marquette County. Her 40 years of work experience ranges from finance, higher education and hospitality environments spanning clerical, professional and supervisory positions. Mrs. Anthony is the lead in coordinating and convening the Clean Energy Initiative Committee.
“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve the communities of Marquette County,” said Anthony. “Getting to know and work with the individuals, businesses and nonprofits who share a passion for making our community better for everyone has been incredibly rewarding. I am proud of the work our team has accomplished during my time here, from our special initiatives to expanding our grant programs to developing a professional staff that will continue to deliver on our mission.” 

Mark Canale was born and raised in Marquette. He is a 1975 graduate of Marquette Senior High School, attended Northern Michigan University and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science. He has been serving on the Embers Credit Union board of directors since 1995 where he was past board chair for over 12 years.  He has been actively involved with numerous other organizations including serving on the State of Michigan Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science, United Way of Marquette County board of directors, Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice board of directors, member and past president of the Marquette West Rotary Club, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Shannon Edmark, a longtime resident of Ishpeming, will also serve as a trustee. Edmark helped start the WIC program (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) at the Marquette County Health Department, where she worked for eight years before making the decision to be a stay-at-home mom to raise her three sons. Her contributions to the community included volunteering at her sons’ schools, including the Westwood High School Booster Club and at Christ The King Lutheran Church, in Ishpeming. “I love working with the youth and community on the west end of Marquette County. I first served on the Greater Ishpeming Area Community Fund Board in February of 2001, and I have been the Ishpeming Fund’s YAC (Youth Advisory Committee) advisor since October of 2002.” Shannon continued, “I look forward to working with the Community Foundation of Marquette County Board and staff and supporting them as we address the needs of our community and help the community invest in the future of Marquette County.”

Marcia Gonstead has called the Upper Peninsula home since 1999. In 2006 she settled in Big Bay with her husband Sven Gonstead. Marcia’s passion for volunteer work developed early in life and was accelerated after college when she moved to New York City to work for Project Hospitality serving the homeless. Her more recent volunteer work has been focused in the Big Bay community. Preserving the sense of place and sustainability are the mottos that underlie most of the work that she takes part in. Marcia has held seats on the board of the Yellow Dog Watershed, the NTN and most recently the marketing committee of the Big Bay Stewardship Council. In 2018 the Gonsteads started the Summer Concert series in Big Bay which has since become a function of the Powell Township Parks and Rec committee. She also actively volunteers with the Big Bay Pathway, the Honey Bear Classic, the Big Bay Fall Fest and the Big Bay Community Presbyterian Church.

Andy grew up in Manistique and graduated from NMU. Andy has been in lending his whole 13-year career and has spent 10+ years in leadership positions. He has reported to a Board of Directors throughout his career and believes “the role of a good director/trustee is to help shepherd the institution and to support the management team while providing referrals and input/guidance, when needed”.  Andy is a firm believer in a strong, positive culture, as well as continuous improvement. Andy’s current position is Community Bank President for Upper Peninsula State Bank, which he’s held since 2020. Prior to that Andy was the Executive Vice President for Miners State Bank. During his career, he has covered Marquette, Houghton, Baraga, Delta, Iron, and Dickinson Counties. These roles and areas have left him with a sizable network that he is hopeful will contribute to a role as a Trustee.

Alex Kofsky brings extensive nonprofit work experience to the Board of Trustees. He is the enterprise facilitator for Accelerate UP and owner of the Steinhaus Restaurant. He has also served as the Vice President of 40 Below Young Professionals, is a member of the Upper Peninsula Collaborative Development Council and a member of the Regional Prosperity Initiative. Alex serves on the Marquette-Alger CTE Committee and volunteers at the UP Children’s Museum. “I am passionate about our community and ready to help in the area where my contribution will be the most valuable.”

Lowell Larson Sr. is a lifelong resident of Marquette and is a retired industrial arts teacher and high school assistant principal from Marquette Area Public Schools. Aside from his lifelong education career, Larson is the owner of Lowell A. Larson Builders, Inc. Currently Lowell serves on the Board of Directors for the Economic Club of Marquette and is a former member of Marquette County Conservation District Board. “Being a resident of Marquette County my entire life gives me a unique insight into the needs of the community and its residents”.

Emily Leach has had her fair share of impact on our local communities. While studying Environmental Studies and Sustainability as well as Native American Studies at NMU, Emily also had an internship with the Alger Conservation District. She transitioned to a Program Manager position with Superior Watershed Partnership, and after 6 years she advanced to work as Senior Planner with Marquette County. Previously, Emily worked with CFMC on the Marquette County Master Plan 2040, Our Common Future initiative and grants, and the Clean Energy grant through CS Mott Foundation. Emily’s passions for forestry, recreation, and community development have led her to the position of chairperson for the Marquette County Climate Adaptation Task Force since 2019.

Victoria Leonhardt is the Senior Manager for GivingTuesday’s US + Canada Hub. She supports volunteers that serve as U.S. based Community Campaign Leaders, U.S. based GivingTuesday Spark Leaders, and GivingTuesday Canada’s country campaign. She has over a decade of experience in capacity building, including strategic planning, board development, civic engagement, event management, volunteer recruitment, and campaign coordination. Victoria was previously an Associate at Grow & Lead: Community and Youth Development. She attended Northern Michigan University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing.

She holds a Certifed Nonprofit Professional credential from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance and is an alumni of the American Express Leadership Academy. Victoria is a member of Batchewana First Nation. Victoria lives in Marquette, Michigan with her partner Chris and dog, a Norwegian Elkhound named Echo.

Victoria has been involved with community foundations over the last two decades, including as a consultant with CFMC special projects – Census 2020 and the Statewide Equity Fund.

After teaching for 5 years in Flint, Don and Barb moved to the Upper Peninsula. Don served his last 11 of 30 additional years in education administration as the Superintendent of Negaunee Schools. When asked, “What do you love most about your community and living in Marquette County,” Don had this to say: “Small towns offer such a great environment for raising kids: Safe, amicable, caring and abounding with opportunities through organizations and schools that are the ideal size.” His own amicable and caring nature is evident in his many years of service to various organizations in our community, including our very own Community Foundation of Marquette County and Negaunee Area Community Fund. Don was instrumental in growing the Community Foundation affiliate funds and served on the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundation and is currently an Honorary Board Trustee.  Don has been an active and dedicated visionary community leader, volunteering with Negaunee Lions Club and was recently inducted to the Negaunee Public Schools Hall of Fame for his contributions to the legacy of Negaunee Public Schools.

Dr. Gregory Nyen currently leads the Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Service Agency (MARESA) as its Superintendent. Before assuming this role, he was the Superintendent and K-12 Principal at Burt Township School in Grand Marais, MI. With a career spanning approximately 23 years in Wisconsin, Gregory dedicated himself to various educational roles, including school psychologist, special education director, and superintendent, before relocating to the Upper Peninsula.

Greg believes it is part of his responsibility to give back to the larger community by aligning resources with need.