Grand Rapids Community Foundation recently welcomed four new members to its Board of Trustees: Karen Dujovny, Lynne Ferrell, James Logan and Laura Radle. Each new member brings a unique professional perspective and passion for community giving. Meet our newest members and learn what shapes their perspectives on philanthropy below.
Meet Karen
Karen Dujovny is chief investment officer of VA Enterprises. An experienced finance professional, Karen has expertise in institutional investing, wealth management, banking, corporate finance and more.
She says “My perspective on community and giving is shaped most deeply by my four kids. Their instinct for fairness and their awareness of who might be left out have pushed me to think more intentionally about equity and inclusion. Because of them, and the volunteering we have done together, I see community as something we build through empathy, fairness, and choosing to show up for others.”
Meet Lynne
Lynne Ferrell is an experienced leader who worked at Frey Foundation for more than 20 years and has served on many nonprofit boards. Lynne is now CEO of Midwest Giving Strategies, specializing in strategic counsel, executive coaching and support to nonprofits and the philanthropic sector.
She says, “Philanthropy honors our collective and often complicated past, while inviting us to be and do better.”
Meet James
James Logan is president and CEO of Wege Foundation. His professional experience includes working with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, municipal government and community legal services.
He says, “We are all philanthropists. We have a duty to help and support those in need. To whom much is given, much is required. I grew up in a family that promoted and honored service. It is embedded in me to give of my time, talent and treasure to those in need and to support causes that are important to our communities.”
Meet Laura
Laura Radle is a partner at Varnum, LLP, specializing in estate planning for families and succession planning for family-owned businesses. Laura has partnered with the Community Foundation professionally for years and is co-chair of the Community Foundation’s Professional Advisory Committee.
She says, “My family has had a large impact on shaping my perspective on community and giving. From an early age, my parents involved myself and my siblings in giving. This awareness of the ability for a community to come together to assist others has made a lasting impact on myself and my husband, and we are now working to instill similar values in our children.”
Volunteer partners on a number of committees help make the Community Foundation's impact possible. See all members of the Board of Trustees and other committees on our Trustees and Committees page.