Abby Madison Reeg
Advancement & Donor Services DirectorWhat do you do at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation?
I work to proactively manage and improve all aspects of the donor experience for the GHACF constituents. This includes supporting donor relations, fund development, and strategic initiatives.
How long have you been with the GHACF?
I started in October of 2021.
Why do you work at the GHACF?
I work at the GHACF to help positively impact my community. I can’t think of any other organization that has such a broad philanthropic reach! The caring support that has formed the variety of funds and scholarships is an outpouring of our community’s giving spirit. I have worked at nonprofit organizations that have received GHACF grants, I helped start a GHACF fund for a local school, and I have contributed over the years to a GHACF scholarship fund, so I have experienced firsthand how the GHACF makes a difference in the lives of local individuals and organizations.
I like how the GHACF makes it simple for people who care about the community to invest in things they are passionate about. Over the course of 50 years, the GHACF has given to so many worthy programs and projects to impact our community. Through the GHACF, we ARE stronger together.
Education & Experience
I received a B.A. in Communication from Hope College and an M.A. in Organizational Communication from Western Michigan University. My husband, Patrick, and I have lived in Northwest Ottawa County for over 30 years.
I started my career thinking I would work in the corporate communications field, but after an internship with Hospice of Holland, I learned I was cut out for a mission-driven career in the nonprofit sector. I have worked for, started, and/or volunteered for grassroot nonprofit organizations and nationally affiliated nonprofits. I also worked in higher education. Most of my roles have involved marketing, communication, fund development, program development, and strategic planning. One of my favorite projects was coordinating and co-authoring the first Ottawa County health and human services assessment in 2003.
In 2017, I received my Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential. I am currently the program chair and a board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals West Michigan. In 2018, the Intercollegiate Sailing Association presented me with a Volunteer of the Year Award for my work with college sailing teams in West Michigan. I am also a proud member of our local P.E.O. Chapter DS (a philanthropic, educational organization) where I have served as past president, past treasurer, and past state convention co-chair.
Do you have a leisure activity or hobby?
I enjoy hiking (and recently started backpacking), boating, reading, and cross-country skiing.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I know how to play the viola.