Dear Friends and Supporters of Make a Difference Michiana:

It is with mixed emotion that I tell you I have accepted a new position as the Executive Director of The Pokagon Fund, a newly created private foundation in New Buffalo, MI, and will begin my new duties on August 1^st.  And while I have to admit, it will be exciting to be on the giving side of philanthropy as opposed to the asking side, it was a hard decision to make.

I will be staying in the South Bend area, and assure you I will remain actively involved in Make a Difference Michiana, serving on the Board of Directors, leading the development and fundraising efforts for the organization, and serving on numerous committees.  

Creating Make a Difference Michiana has been the most rewarding experience of my professional career.  I never planned to be at the helm of Make a Difference Michiana forever.  It was an idea I wanted to create, implement, and grow -- then give to the community as my gift.

At the same time, I’m also excited to announce the hiring of Andrew Lynn as Director of Programming for Make a Difference Michiana.  Andrew is a Notre Dame graduate, with a degree in Political Science and Theology.   Andrew was an intern with Make a Difference Michiana during his senior year at Notre Dame, creating the concept of a Social Networking Program to augment Make a Difference Michiana’s current programs and offerings.  Andrew also has experience in the nonprofit sector working for Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty.  

In addition to overseeing the implementation of the Social Networking initiative Andrew will also assume the day to day administrative duties of Make a Difference Michiana.  Andrew truly has the passion for the Make a Difference Michiana mission and I am certain he will be successful in his new position as Director of Programming.  I personally wish him well and hope you will welcome him warmly as he assumes his new duties!

Thanks to each of you for your support – personally and professionally.  Make a Difference Michiana would not have been met with the success it has without your involvement.  And with your future support Make a Difference Michiana will continue to be the leader in connecting the resources of the community with the nonprofit sector!   It has been my privilege to work with all of you!!

Best regards and warmest thanks,   Mary