Berken will lead M&M Area Community Foundation

MENOMINEE — The Marinette & Menominee Area Community Foundation (MMACF) has named local resident Ashley Berken as its new executive director.

“It’s great to have Ashley join the foundation team,” MMACF Board President Kerry Delgoffe said. “She has extensive knowledge and connections in the community. Ashley is more than ready to help take the MMACF to the next level. I look forward to working with such a dynamic woman.”

Berken brings a breadth of dedication and service to the MMACF, according to a press release. She is a graduate of Crivitz Public Schools and Northern Michigan University. Her volunteer work with local nonprofits gives Berken a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing nonprofit organizations in the twin counties. Her local tenure in area nonprofits include St. Vincent de Paul, St John Paul II Catholic Academy and Great Start Parent Coalition.

Currently, Berken serves as the chair of the M&M Area Community Collaborative and an advisor on the UW-Green Bay Nonprofit Advisory Council.

“Accepting this position with the foundation is truly a dream come true,” Berken said. “To be able to utilize my experience working for and alongside so many area nonprofits to better our communities for generations to come is truly a gift.”

Berken resides in Marinette with her wife and four children who attend Marinette Public Schools. In her free time Berken can be found cheering her kids on at the baseball fields or gardening with her four-pound wiener dog named Peach.

Berken replaces Paula Gruszynski, who announced her retirement in March.