In order to accomplish our work at the Community Foundation, we rely on the leadership and support of our committee members. Earlier this year we welcomed David Betts, Angela DeLaere, Eric Cecava and Korissa Kramer as the newest members of our Finance & Investment Committee whose expertise and insight will continue to help us lead positive change in our community.

Possessing an extensive background in healthcare and leadership, Angela DeLaere is the president & CEO at Visiting Nurse Association and Blue Water Hospice and joined our Finance & Investment Committee last year.

“I wanted to be a part of the bigger picture and help contribute more to giving back to our community,” she said. “I am very proud to be a part of this committee and that decision-making process.”

For nearly a decade, Angela has been an active member of the Midwest Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives and is the current president-elect of its Executive Board. In addition to serving on our Finance & Investment Committee, she also holds Board member positions with the Dementia & Alzheimer’s Resource Committee and the Community First Health Centers.

“I’ve always known about the Community Foundation and the importance of it because I’ve always had a passion for nonprofits and philanthropy,” she said. “I’ve seen firsthand the benefits that nonprofits receive from the Community Foundation, so to be part of the Community Foundation now, it’s very humbling and rewarding because I am able to help other nonprofits in the area as well.”

Outside of work, the St. Clair resident said she and her husband enjoy traveling, being outdoors and recently welcomed Luna and Emma, two chocolate Labrador retrievers to their family.

Korissa Kramer, a partner and associate broker with Kramer Commercial Realty, said she was motivated to join the committee due to her interest in learning more about the Community Foundation’s operations such as how funds are brought in, managed, invested and then used to make an impact.

“The Finance Committee provides an excellent look into the functionality of the Community Foundation,” said the Port Huron resident. “I’ve appreciated the opportunity to be a part of the conversation and participate in the collaboration of community leaders and partnerships through the thought-provoking point of views of the committee – and passionate people.”

In addition to her work with the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees and as a member of the Finance & Investment Committee, Korissa is the current chair of the Blue Water Area Chamber, serves on the YMCA of the Blue Water Area’s Board of Directors and is a member of Port Huron’s Downtown Development Authority. She is also involved with the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County, Blue Meets Green, St. Clair County Child Abuse and Neglect Council, McMorran Commission and the Board of Review for the City of Port Huron. 

For Korissa, she believes the Community Foundation is not only contributing to solutions, but paving the way for them.

“The Community Foundation is involved in critically important initiatives in our community,” she said. “With thoughtful leadership and bold vision, inspired philanthropy occurs. We have diverse needs in the community and the Community Foundation is leading the way in looking at different programs, grants and support that can be provided to make a critical impact in our area.”

President and CEO of McLaren Port Huron, Eric Cecava, also brings his experience and insight to the committee.

With the hospital system’s commitment and Eric’s dedication to areas such as economic growth and professional development aligning with key programs of the Community Foundation, Eric’s involvement in the committee is a natural fit.

“I have been impressed with the commitment to the region and the integrity of the organization,” he said. “I believe their goals match McLaren’s.”

Outside of his work with McLaren and the Community Foundation, the Fort Gratiot resident also serves on the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County and with Blue Meets Green.

Eric said some of the most meaningful work for him so far during his time with the Community Foundation has been helping to support projects that benefit the region and promote entrepreneurs.

“I believe the projects the Community Foundation supports continue to move the region towards growth and diversity,” he said.

A lifelong resident of St. Clair County and father of three, David Betts joined the Finance & Investment Committee earlier this year. He said he wanted to get involved with the committee as a way to help give back to the community that has given them so much.

“It seems to be making a powerful impact on the community and it’s just one of those things that I think until you get involved you don’t really understand the depth of the things that they’re doing,” David said. “When you’re more actively involved, I think you really get a feel for the great things that they’re doing for the entire county.”

David works as a private wealth advisor with Beatty, Betts & Associates and has been an active participant of the SC4 Foundation for several years. Outside of the Community Foundation, David and his family are passionate about supporting causes such as youth, nutrition and recreation. Over the years, he been an avid supporter of Mid City Nutrition and volunteered and served with many local organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Fort Gratiot Little League and the Port Huron Northern Athletic Booster Club Committee.  

“My wife and I both are the products of the Port Huron area and with all of our girls being raised here, we just want the best for our kids and for the kids that come after them,” he said. “So we want to make sure we’re doing the best to build a great community so that our children have a great place to live and the kids that come after our family, we want them to have an even better place to live.”

To see a full roster of all Community Foundation committees and members, visit stclairfoundation.org/about/committees.