MEMO 4/5/2012

TO: Advisory Committee Members

FROM: NMF Philanthropy Team

Turnow and Peterson Named Northwest Minnesota Foundation Development Officers

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation announces the promotion of two of its staff members. Caryl Turnow and Lisa Peterson are both Development Officers and will be part of the Philanthropic Services team under the direction of NMF President Nancy Vyskocil.

“Lisa and Caryl bring a deep knowledge of the organization and the region and understand the complexity of providing services for the foundation and our philanthropic fund activities.” says Vyskocil. “They are looking forward to helping local people who wish to make a difference by giving back to their communities and to the regional community foundation NMF has become.”

Turnow has been with NMF for 14 years, serving in a dual role as Program Specialist-Business Development and Philanthropy from a satellite office in Roseau, MN.  She will now serve the region by assisting donors who wish to make legacy gifts, establish donor advised funds or want help with bequests and other gift plans that meet their charitable goals.  Turnow will also be responsible for working directly with donors and advisory committees of Community and Component Funds in the northern tier of counties.

Peterson has been with NMF for 13 years, serving as the Communications Director with responsibility for coordinating the Northwest Minnesota Women’s Fund. She will continue to lead the communication and marketing of the foundation, to now include enhancing and expanding services to the Community and Component Funds.  She will be responsible for working directly with donors and advisory committees of Community and Component Funds in the southern tier of counties. 

Vyskocil said, “We are very pleased about the formation of a new philanthropy team that will better serve the region. One of the core pieces of the NMF mission is to promote philanthropy, helping the region to be an attractive place to live and work.” She said, “Lisa and Caryl are well equipped and qualified to deliver services for donors and our family of funds that will help achieve their goals.”

As we transition to new assignments, we assure you that we can continue to serve all of your needs and provide services in a professional manner. We will be working hard to improve our relationships and hope to become reacquainted with all of our valued volunteers and donors.

Please contact Barb Lien if you have any questions regarding your financial report, completing the Compliance Statement, accessing FundWeb or other general administrative questions. She may be able to answer your questions quickly or direct your questions to one of the NMF Philanthropy Team members.

Thank you for your hard work on behalf of your fund and northwest Minnesota.