Chelsea Holmes Matz, former program coordinator at CMF, is taking the helm for the Gratiot County Community Foundation (GCCF) as their new executive director. 

Holmes Matz was selected over more than 20 other applicants and will replace the retiring Tina Travis, who has held the executive director role for 18 years.

Holmes Matz has deep knowledge of the Gratiot County area as an Alma native and given her previous experience with the foundation.

“Throughout high school, I volunteered as an active member of the Gratiot County Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and was selected to serve as President my senior year,” she shared.

“I helped lead a group of 100 youth to demonstrate a philanthropic spirit, serve their communities and administer an endowment fund awarding grants for youth to implement service projects within the community of Gratiot County,” Holmes Matz told CMF.

She shared that as she was reflecting on next steps in her career path, this position with the foundation stood out as an incredible opportunity and exactly what she was hoping to find. 

“I have spent my career working in the foundation, corporate and nonprofit sectors and I am pleased to be returning to my Gratiot County roots. Growing up in Alma, I saw firsthand the hard-working ethos of this county,” Holmes Matz said.

Holmes Matz shared how serving on the Foundation’s YAC fostered within her a philanthropic spirit and a desire to be a part of a community that values developing a culture of service.

“I am honored and very excited to be returning home to Gratiot County where I got my start in philanthropy as a member of the Foundation’s YAC. It is an incredible opportunity for my philanthropy journey to come full circle to become the Executive Director of the Gratiot County Community Foundation,” Holmes Matz said.

Holmes Matz shared with CMF how philanthropy and service have been instilled within her throughout her life. 

“Growing up, my parents taught me the value of helping others. As I grew older, I developed my own sense of service, involving myself in many different volunteer activities,” Holmes Matz said. 

She shared that she is looking forward to continuing the impact the foundation has made on the community for the past 30 years. 

“2022 marks the 30th anniversary for the Foundation. In the past 29 years, the total dollar value of grants awarded by the Foundation has surpassed $6 million. This investment in our community has truly made Gratiot County a better place to work, live, own a business and raise a family,” Holmes Matz said. 

During her role as program coordinator at CMF, Holmes Matz supported foundations across Michigan and developed programming initiatives, and served as a liaison for five CMF affinity groups in the areas of arts and culture, human resources, aging, women and girls, and environment. 

She was also very involved with community foundations throughout Michigan and Michigan’s 86 YACs, working to engage youth in philanthropy, service and grantmaking. 

“I am very thankful for my time at CMF, and all the wonderful work I was able to support with foundations across Michigan. My experiences at CMF have helped prepare me for my new role and my continued engagement in philanthropy,” Holmes Matz said. 

She is excited to return home and begin working in a community she knows so well.

“In every aspect of my life, the lessons learned from Gratiot County have allowed me to make a difference and be engaged in solving challenges. I am proud to return and be part of the fabric of this great community,” Holmes Matz said.