Tim Smolenski (L) and Terry Cropper (R).

Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) recently welcomed four new staff members and announced three promotions.

Tim Smolenski was hired as the new Marketing & Events Officer. Before coming to KZCF, Smolenski held the role of Director of Community Relations & Volunteer Services at the Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity. He enjoys connecting with individuals and organizations that want to help others in the community.

Terry Cropper joined the KZCF team as the Executive Assistant to the CEO. During his career, he served as an executive administrator, liaison to board of directors, a compliance officer and recipient rights officer.


Emily Olivares (L) and Garrett Sander (R).

Emily Olivares and Garrett Sander are the newest additions to the Community Investment team. Olivares is the new Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Coordinator. She was previously at a government contracting firm where she worked with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense.

Garrett Sander, coming from the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership where he worked as a Kalamazoo College student, is leading the new Youth Advisory Council. In 2020, KZCF formed a Youth Advisory Council to empower youth to inform grantmaking and other philanthropic activities that advance equity in Kalamazoo County. For 30 years, the Youth United Way partnership between United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region and KZCF has ensured youth have a voice, opportunities to grow, and direct impact in Kalamazoo County. Now, the advisory council will be housed at KZCF.

In addition to new hires, KZCF announces the following promotions:
  • David Feaster as Community Investment Officer
  • Kururama Masomere as Community Investment Officer
  • Laura Galaviz as Donor Relations Officer for Scholarship