Content excerpted and adapted from a Capital Region Community Foundation press release. 

The Capital Region Community Foundation has announced Laurie Strauss Baumer as its new president and CEO as of June 1. Baumer has served as executive vice president since 2015 and succeeds Dennis Fliehman, who is retiring after almost 20 years of service.

During her tenure, Baumer has served as chief of staff and operations, worked closely with philanthropists and nonprofits, and led strategic projects such as developing downtown Lansing’s riverfront. 

She was responsible for the creation of Rotary Park and the upcoming Play Michigan, a universally-accessible playground for children of all abilities. 

“I am honored by the Board of Trustees’ confidence in my ability to lead the community foundation and take it to the next level,” Baumer said. “Dennis Fliehman grew the foundation’s assets from $32 million to almost $150 million during his tenure. We’re now a driving force that will allow us to lead boldly throughout the region in the coming years.”

For 30 years, Baumer has been dedicated to improving communities through her nonprofit leadership roles. Prior to the community foundation, she served 16 years as president and CEO of Ele’s Place, a center for grieving children headquartered in Lansing. Baumer successfully replicated the organization in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Flint. Previously, she held leadership positions at the Capital Area Humane Society and Celebrate the Children, a W.K. Kellogg Foundation program.