Who We Are

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

A Thriving Community

We envision a fully thriving community where all who live or work in the Holland/Zeeland area equitably experience: physical, mental, and emotional health and safety; financial stability; high quality education; access to opportunities to achieve one’s full potential; and a sense of belonging – are respected, valued, connected and have a voice in community decisions.

Our Values

Excellence is the Standard: We address complex challenges, anticipate needs, work to exceed expectations, and practice continuous improvement in the pursuit of being the best community foundation for the Holland/Zeeland area. 

Treat Others How They Would Like to Be Treated: We value the uniqueness of every individual by listening and leading with empathy and being mindful of diverse needs, strengths, and preferences. 

Personable Professionalism: We combine expertise and warmth so that individuals and organizations know they can rely on us for trusted guidance and will enjoy working with us. 

Positive Vibes: We strive to bring uplifting energy to every interaction and embody the belief that positive change is always possible.

Every Act is Stewardship: We honor the privilege of building and nurturing the relationships that are at the core of our work.

Meet our members

Our Staff

Patrick Cisler

President/CEO

Colleen Hill

Vice President

Rob Arnold

Vice President of Finance

Yadah V. Ramirez

Director of Community Impact

Rachel Shelton

Rachel Shelton

Director of Development

Stacy Timmerman

Director of Scholarships

Sydney Santa Ana

Donor Services and Events Manager

Nathan Willit

Finance and Operations Manager

Ellie Davis

Communications Officer

Ebony Roach

Scholarship Program Officer / College Success Coach

Melissa Urieta

Community Impact Program Officer / College Success Coach

Sara Hemsani

Sara Hemsani

Donor Services and Administrative Assistant

Scott Brooks

Chair

Jasmine Irish

Chair Elect

Tim Hemingway

Secretary

Ed Amaya

Treasurer

Erin Avery Zylman

Past Chair

Jessica Arends

Trustee

Tom Den Herder

Trustee

Sue Franz

Trustee

Olaf Huebner

Trustee

Micki Janssen

Trustee

Melissa Kamara Liggins

Trustee

Jonathan Padnos

Trustee

Jean Ramirez

Trustee

Ann VanZalen

Trustee

Yazlén Ochoa

Youth Trustee

Executive

  • Scott Brooks, Chair
  • Jasmine Irish, Chair Elect
  • Erin Avery Zylman, Past Chair
  • Tim Hemingway, Secretary
  • Ed Amaya, Treasurer
  • Patrick Cisler, staff support

Governance

  • Erin Avery Zylman, Chair
  • Scott Brooks, Ex-officio
  • Tom Den Herder
  • Jasmine Irish
  • Diane Kooiker
  • Patrick Cisler, staff support

Audit

  • Jasmine Irish, Chair
  • Scott Brooks, Ex-officio
  • Sue Franz
  • Tim Hemingway
  • Jeff Brouwer, community representative
  • Doug Rotman, community representative
  • Patrick Cisler, staff support
  • Rob Arnold, staff support

Investment

  • Scott Brooks, Chair
  • Tim Hemingway
  • Jonathan Padnos
  • Ann VanZalen
  • Shawn Pacanowski, community representative
  • Ilse Saewert, community representative
  • PJ Thompson, community representative
  • Jim Wiersma, community representative
  • Patrick Cisler, staff support
  • Rob Arnold, staff support

Distribution

  • Jasmine Irish, Chair
  • Scott Brooks, Ex-officio
  • Ed Amaya
  • Sue Franz
  • Olaf Huebner
  • Virchow Dai, youth representative
  • Paul Hillegonds, community representative
  • Bill Hoefer, community representative
  • Diane Kooiker, community representative
  • Phil Perkins, community representative
  • Deborah Sterken, community representative
  • Zahabia Ahmed-Usmani, community representative
  • Yadah V. Ramirez, staff support

Program Related Investment

  • Tom Den Herder, Chair
  • Scott Brooks, Ex-officio
  • Ed Amaya
  • Ann VanZalen
  • Bret Docter, community representative
  • Jim Lilly, community representative
  • Scott Lubbers, community representative
  • Haans Mulder, community representative
  • Doug Rotman, community representative
  • Matthew Wiebe, advisor
  • Patrick Cisler, staff support

Scholarship

  • Deborah Sterken, Chair
  • Scott Brooks, Ex-officio
  • Jasmine Irish
  • Kathi Buma, community representative
  • James Hagel, community representative
  • Diana Hernandez-Garcia, community representative
  • Cathy Lebster, community representative
  • Jessica Lynch, community representative
  • Andrea Mireles, community representative
  • Anne Sailers, community representative
  • Jennifer Slayton, community representative
  • Lisa Smith, community representative
  • Pam VanderKamp, community representative
  • Stacy Timmerman, staff support
  • Ebony Roach, staff support

Promise scholarship selection

  • Deborah Sterken, Chair
  • Jasmine Irish
  • Rodrigo Zavala Cintora, community representative 
  • Liz Colburn, community representative
  • Cathy Lebster, community representative
  • Michael Sandoval, community representative
  • Stacy Timmerman, staff support
  • Ebony Roach, staff support
  • Yazlén Ochoa, Chair
  • Annica Yin, Chair Elect
  • Virchow Dai, Distribution Committee Representative
  • Katelyn Witte, Secretary
  • Xiomara Alonzo, Treasurer
  • Alain Acosta

  • Lexi Brooks

  • Meredith Cook

  • Naomi Crandell

  • Brenda Garcia

  • Yahir Garcia

  • Isabella (Izzy) Gitler

  • Lilliana Gitler

  • Rachel LaPorte

  • Emma Palmateer

  • Delaney Ramsdell

  • Abbi Rozman

  • Taya Schanski

  • Evelynn (Evie) Travers

  • Brighton Walcott

Our Grants

Our grants are focused on partnering with nonprofits. We monitor the ever-changing needs in our community and respond in ways that take advantage of opportunities to make the greatest difference.
Learn More About Grants

Financial Management

The prudent investment and management of assets is a primary function of the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area’s Board of Directors. Our funds are professionally managed to protect and grow principal while maximizing income.
Learn more About Our finances

Celebrating 75 Years of Impact

Learn More