ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Oct. 19, 2026 - PRLog -- The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) announces the promotions of Karen Shellie, Director of Philanthropy, and Patrick Naswell, Director of Community Investment. In their new roles, Shellie and Naswell will lead two areas central to AAACF's mission: connecting donors with meaningful opportunities to give and investing philanthropic resources in community-led solutions across Washtenaw County.
As Director of Philanthropy, Shellie will lead efforts to build relationships with donors and help connect their charitable goals with community needs and opportunities. She brings more than 29 years of experience across corporate marketing and communications and nonprofit fund development.
"Philanthropy is about more than making a gift," said Shellie. "It's about understanding what matters to people, listening to the needs of our community, and creating connections that turn generosity into meaningful and lasting change."
As Director of Community Investment, Naswell will lead AAACF's work to direct philanthropic resources toward organizations, initiatives, and priorities throughout Washtenaw County. He brings 33 years of experience in higher education administration, nonprofit leadership, and philanthropy, including 21 years working in philanthropy.
"Community investment is ultimately about understanding what communities are telling us they need and working alongside the people and organizations already creating change," said Naswell. "I'm excited to help AAACF continue making thoughtful, strategic investments throughout Washtenaw County."
Together, their leadership will strengthen the connection between donors who want to make a difference and the organizations and initiatives addressing local needs. AAACF advances this work through grantmaking, scholarships, endowment building, donor-advised funds, and impact investing.
"Karen and Patrick bring deep knowledge, strong relationships, and a genuine commitment to our community," said Shannon Polk, President and CEO of AAACF. "Their leadership will help strengthen the connection between philanthropy and community investment, ensuring the resources entrusted to AAACF continue creating meaningful opportunities throughout Washtenaw County."
The promotions reflect AAACF's commitment to listening to the community, building relationships, and connecting people, ideas, and resources to improve economic mobility and quality of life across Washtenaw County.
To learn more about AAACF and its work, visit aaacf.org.
About the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
The mission of AAACF is to improve economic mobility and quality of life for all residents of Washtenaw County, today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. AAACF connects people, charitable resources, and community needs to create lasting impact through philanthropy.
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Source: Rapport.tw, LLC
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