Staff
Zosia Eppensteiner
Zosia was born in Gdansk, Poland, where she earned her Master’s degrees in Math Education and Sociology at the University of Gdansk. In June 2005, she decided to make Marquette, Michigan, her new home.
As the Chief Executive Officer of the Community Foundation of Marquette County since January 2021, Zosia has demonstrated a remarkable ability to cast a compelling vision, strategically plan, and develop strong cross-sector partnerships to fund innovative social impact solutions. During her tenure as CEO, Zosia has overseen all aspects of Foundation operations, from asset development and grant-making to financial management and community relations.
Before becoming CEO, Zosia served as the Director of Finance at the Community Foundation of Marquette County from November 2013 to December 2020. In this role, she managed the Foundation’s financial functions and played a vital role in budgeting, financial reporting, and grant contract management.
Zosia is committed to making a positive impact on her local, regional, and statewide communities through her leadership roles and affiliations within the philanthropic sector. She serves as a Michigan State Housing Development Authority Statewide Housing Partnership Appointee, a board member of the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, and a member of the Council of Michigan Foundations Community Foundation Committee. In addition, she serves as the vice-chair of the Marquette County Climate Adaptation Task Force and is a member of Lake Superior Community Partnership’s Marquette County Ambassadors.
Chief Executive Officer
ceo@cfofmc.org
Kirsten Van De Ven
Kirsten joined our staff in December 2022. Kirsten was born in Yuma, Arizona and raised in Holland, Michigan. She later relocated to Marquette in the summer of 2012, after a camping trip throughout the Upper Peninsula. She fell in love with the area and the people, which later drew her to the Community Foundation.
Kirsten has always loved the strength the community has in the Upper Peninsula and always tells people, “You can’t get through a winter in the U.P without being friendly to the people around you — when you are down and out of luck, they will always come and dig you out.”
Prior to joining the Community Foundation, Kirsten worked for 15 years in the service industry. As a server and bartender, Kirsten enjoyed making connections with locals as well as tourists who shared their mutual love of the Upper Peninsula. She is excited about the involvement opportunities that come with working for the Community Foundation.
A resident of Negaunee Township, Kirsten enjoys hiking, fishing and spending time at camp with her partner, Cole, and their two dogs, Buck and Gizmo. When she is not outside, Kirsten enjoys tending to her many house plants.
Administrative & Finance Assistant
info@cfofmc.org
Emma Schultz
Emma Schultz has been with the Foundation since the beginning of 2018. Emma is a 2017 graduate of Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. As the Program Associate, she handles all aspects of our competitive grant & scholarship cycles, along with serving as an Advisor to our Marquette Youth Advisory Committee.
“I appreciate being a part of the community in Marquette County; from growing up in Ishpeming, working in Marquette and now living in Michigamme, it’s exciting to see aspects of the Foundation all throughout our area. ”
Emma enjoys taking hikes, fishing and spending time with her family, friends, husband, daughters, and three dogs at their house on Lake Michigamme.
Program Associate
program@cfofmc.org
Lynn Hill
Lynn was born and raised in Upper Michigan and graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in Speech Communication. She began her professional career with Public Health, worked for the State of Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, and then transitioned to the Chicagoland area where she worked with Silver Springs Recruiting Firm as a Recruiter for Food and Beverage Manufacturing Professionals.
“I’m so grateful to be back in the UP! The natural beauty that surrounds us is breathtaking, but it’s the people…their strength and compassion for looking out for each other that is an inspiration. I’m excited about my journey as a team member with the Foundation.”
Lynn is always up for a new adventure! She is at her “happy place” when at camp, enjoys line-dancing, live music, reading, and travel.
Lynn lives in Ishpeming with her partner, Lowell, and their dog Harley. She has four grown children, Maxwell, Mia, Micah and Mirielle.
Donor & Community Engagement Associate
development@cfofmc.org
Katie Buhrmann
Kathryn, who goes by Katie, joined the foundation in 2019. Katie is a graduate of Northern Michigan University where she studied English/Writing, International Studies, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Prior to her time at NMU, she was a volunteer member of the Marquette Youth Advisory Committee, serving a term as YAC president in 2009 and Board of Trustees youth member in 2012.
“I’ve spent all 27 years of my life living on a main street in Marquette. I briefly traveled out of the country a few years ago, and really enjoyed myself; however, Marquette will always be home. From the lake to the landscape to the people, the U.P. is the most lovely place I know.”
Katie intends on move abroad to teach English as a Second Language. In her free time, Katie enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with loved ones.
Intern
intern@cfofmc.org