As a community foundation, we rely on the wisdom and guidance of our Board of Trustees as we work to carry out the mission of our organization. This year our board members donated their time, energy, and expertise to help us best respond to our community’s needs during a particularly unprecedented time. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing board member and to welcome our new member.
This year, Chad Bush has reached the end of his term and we welcome Natalia Kovicak to the board.
Incoming Board Member
Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Natalia Kovicak has been in West Michigan for 23 years and currently resides in Spring Lake with her family. Natalia is the President of The Economic Club of Grand Rapids, a nonprofit organization for people interested in and contributing to the growing economic health of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area.
Prior to her current role at The Economic Club, Natalia served as the Vice President of Conferences and Events at The Right Place, Inc. — a regional economic development organization in Grand Rapids, Michigan — for 12 years. Natalia also serves on the Board of Directors at the Grand Rapids Symphony and volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House. She is excited to begin her journey as a Trustee at the Grand Haven Community Foundation to enhance the quality of life for all and positively impact the West Michigan community.
We look forward to the impact Natalia will make during her term as a member of the board. See our full Board of Trustees.
Outgoing Board Member
Chad Bush has served the GHACF as a member of the Board of Trustees since 2014 and became Chair in 2020. Chad has also previously served in several Executive Committee roles and has offered his insight on several committees throughout his tenure (Investment, Grants & Program, Governance, Audit). Chad’s financial skills and consistent commitment to the board over the past several years have been an invaluable asset to the Foundation and to our community.
Chad had this to say about his time serving on the board.
“Reflecting on my time at the GHACF, I find that I learned more than I gave. I learned that the foundation is very well run and financially stable, that the programs funding scholarships and need are thoughtfully distributed, and that the foundation is truly representative of the community. Not that I did not give to the foundation, be it time or money, rather, I took away so much more understanding of the foundation’s impact.
“After seven years serving with this organization, I can say this: Get Involved. Getting involved leads to another level of understanding and commitment to positive change in our community. The foundation is made up of fantastic people, both on staff and on the Board, with no shortage of intelligence, engagement, and laughter. The culture of the foundation is that of the community, which is why we live here.
“The 50th Anniversary marks a generational milestone for the philanthropic effort in this community that is truly amazing. I would like to say thank you to the staff and the Board (current and past) for the success of the foundation, thank you to the donors for their commitment to the various causes, and thank you to the community as you engage in helping those around you enjoy a better life.”
We’re grateful for Chad’s years of service to his community and wish him the best as he continues in his philanthropic endeavors.