Meet Our Trustees and Staff

Learn more about us below. Have questions? Please contact us today.

Stacy Chaput

Stacy Chaput was born and raised in Mecosta County. Though life has taken her a few different places, she has ended up back in her hometown. As a graduate of Chippewa Hills High School and Ferris State University, she knows how important it is to give back to the community. One of the ways she does so is by serving as the current chair of the Mecosta County Community Foundation. The Community Foundation’s endowment allows her to lead the board with confidence that they can provide more permanent funding for organizations. She has been married to her husband John for 18 years. Stacy is a stay at home mom to her daughters Avery and Myah with whom she enjoys sharing her love of horses and being active.

Matt Currie

Matt was born and raised in Big Rapids. As a graduate of Ferris State University with a small business degree, he is self-employed as an equine dentist and assists in managing his family’s store. Giving back to the community is very important to Matt and he is continually looking for ways to do so. He serves on the Mecosta County Fair Board and enjoys racing harness horses. Matt is married to Amanda and they have two children with one on the way. Serving as a trustee for Mecosta County Community Foundation allows Matt to be part of something bigger for his community and provide a better future for his family.

Brad Fath

Growing up in Mecosta County taught Brad the value of community. As a partner at Lerner, Csernai, and Fath Financial Group, he has continued to serve the Mecosta County area. Brad’s work with the Community Foundation has allowed him to instill a passion for community in others and serve the organizations that help the people flourish. Spending time with his family and encouraging positive values in his kids are important to Brad and his wife Sara. They have three children, Ben, Grace and Isabelle.

Dave Hamelund

Dave is a lifelong resident of the Big Rapids area, where he and his wife Nancy still live. He greatly desires to see the area thrive. As President of Hamtech Inc, he continually looks for ways business and philanthropy can integrate to create a better future for Mecosta County. Dave is a part of the Big Rapids Lions Club and the Mecosta County Development Corporation as well as the Mecosta County Community Foundation. Along with his work and volunteerism, Dave also enjoys taking time to go bowling, playing cards, and woodworking.

Scott Hill-Kennedy

Judge Scott Hill-Kennedy has been a part of the Mecosta County community since 1991. As a graduate of Michigan State University and the University Of Arizona College Of Law, he has brought his expertise and time to organizations from all aspects of life in Mecosta County. His experience has ranged from work with economic development organizations, arts and culture and natural resources. Judge Hill-Kennedy believes in Mecosta county and its people and his work with the Community Foundation has allowed him to give back to organizations that are important for the community to thrive. One of the greatest blessings in his life is his wife Merrilee, who uses her gifts with the Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District as a special education teacher/consultant serving many students with visual impairments. Together they have two children, Seth and Abby.

Renee Kent

Renee Kent is a lifelong resident of Big Rapids. She considers it a privilege to have grown up in this small community. As a graduate of Ferris State University and Central Michigan University in education, she has continued in that area benefitting Big Rapids Public Schools with her knowledge and experience. It is important to Renee to help bring a positive change to the community and make it a great place to be. Along with Mecosta County Community Foundation, she volunteers with Ferris State University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. In her spare time, Renee loves to be outdoors and spend time camping, biking, playing tennis and snowshoeing.

Mike Mohnke

Living most of his life in Mecosta County has instilled in Mike a willingness to give back to his community. He is a graduate of Big Rapids High School and Ferris State University. Mike has built his business in Mecosta County and remains involved with Big Rapids Rotary and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Serving Mecosta County with the Community Foundation is a family tradition for Mike and he enjoys carrying on the philanthropic work started by his father. Outside of his work and philanthropic service, Mike enjoys spending time on his farm, skiing and baseball.

Laura Rhoades

In 2010, Laura Rhoades moved from her hometown of Toledo, Ohio to Mecosta County. Her work with Mecosta County Community Foundation has allowed her to get to know her new community and create a better place to live and work in. Laura is a graduate of Miami University with a degree in speech communication, emphasis in public relations. She currently works for the Pioneer Group as the Commercial Sales Print Manager. Outside of work, Laura serves as Vice Chair of the board and athletic director for St. Mary’s School, where her daughters Julia and Emily attend. In addition to work and volunteering, Laura loves to travel and spend time with her girls.

Nick Scheible

It is Nick’s passion to give back to the community he grew up in. Nick is a Financial Advisor at Lerner, Csaernai & Fath Financial Group and dedicated to making Mecosta County are great place to live, work and play. He serves as Vice Chair of Mecosta County Community Foundation and believes in the great resources that are provided to the community through the work of the Community Foundation. Nick also volunteers with his Alma Mater, Ferris State University, on the Athletic Advisory Committee and Hockey Blueline Club. Currently Nick and his wife Melissa live in Big Rapids with sons Rowan and Grady and their dog Bauer.

Steve Sims

As the Technical Services Manager for the Haworth Facilities in Big Rapids, Steve is proud to be able to work in the county where he was born and raised. Steve is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a graduate of Ferris State University. Steve gives back to his community by serving on the boards for Mecosta County Development Corporation and Mecosta County Community Foundation. Serving on the Community Foundation board allows Steve to use his experiences to improve the quality of life for generations to come in Mecosta County. In his free time, Steve enjoys golfing and spending time with his wife Kirstin and their three children, Justin, Keegan and Ally.

Tom Tacia

Giving back to the community is something Tom and his wife Tracie have always made a priority in their lives. Tom has lived in Mecosta County for over 30 years and has built his business, Tacia Wealth Management, as a Financial Advisor. In addition to helping people manage their assets, Tom finds time to volunteer with a wide variety of organizations. These organizations include; the Shamrock Invitational, Friends of Ferris, Spirit of the Season, and the finance committee of St. Mary School. Tom and his wife are passionate about being involved with St. Mary’s School, where their two daughters, Libbie and Torrie, attend. With all of these undertakings, Tom still finds time to go hunting, fishing and get out on the golf course.

Gary Trimarco

Gary and his wife Lynn are recently retired from their business Gary Trimarco Automotive in Big Rapids. After moving to Mecosta County in 2000, they became involved in many philanthropic endeavours. They take pride in the work they do in the community. Gary is active with the Ferris State Foundation and is the past president of the Mecosta County Community Foundation. In his free time, Gary enjoys spending time with Lynn and their dogs and is an avid baseball fan.

Kim von Kronenberger

As Community Bank President and Senior Lender for both Big Rapids and Stanton Community Banks, Kim von Kronenberger takes an active role in supporting the Mecosta County community. Kim holds a master’s degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Management Studies from Indiana University and is a graduate of Stonier Graduate School of Banking. His community activities include serving on the boards of Habitat for Humanity, Artworks, Friends of Ferris, Manna Pantry and Shamrock Invitational. He serves as Second Vice Chair for Mecosta County Community Foundation. Not only does he serve on various boards, he also volunteers his time with Eagle Village, Spectrum Health and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Kim, his wife and four grown children reside in Canadian Lakes. He enjoys white-tail deer hunting, fishing and boating.

Debra Jacks

A long-time member of the Mecosta County community, Debra Jacks has been a long-time member of the MCCF board. She currently serves as the Director of Operations for the Michigan School Vocal Music Association. Since joining the board, she has been helping hands-on with various events and publications.