The Oceana Community Foundation (OCF) is thrilled to welcome the seventh cohort of changemakers into the Leadership Learning Lab (LLL) — a regional program that brings together emerging and experienced leaders from across Oceana, Mason and Manistee counties. In partnership with the Manistee County Community Foundation and the Community Foundation for Mason County, organizers are excited to support the journey of 13 dedicated individuals who are committed to strengthening their leadership skills and deepening their impact within the communities they serve.
Launched in 2018, LLL was born from a collaborative vision among several northern Michigan community foundations, including the OCF, to cultivate leadership and foster meaningful change. Today, Oceana, Mason and Manistee counties represent one of five active LLL sites across the state. The program is supported by a coalition of partners including the Frey Foundation, Rotary Charities, and 10 community foundations throughout northern Michigan. To date, 353 individuals statewide have participated in the Leadership Lab. This sustained involvement speaks to the program’s lasting value and its role in building a resilient, collaborative nonprofit ecosystem.
The Lab is more than a leadership development program — it’s a space for connection, growth and transformation. Over the next 10 months, cohort members will meet monthly to explore topics such as adaptive leadership, storytelling, fundraising and organizational development. Through shared learning and reflection, participants will strengthen their capacity to lead with purpose and navigate complexity in their work. By bringing together leaders from across the tri-county region, LLL fosters cross-sector collaboration and builds bridges between nonprofit professionals, creating a stronger, more connected network of changemakers. Each participant in the 2025 cohort brings a unique perspective and a shared commitment to serving their community with integrity, creativity, and compassion.
The Leadership Learning Lab Seventh Cohort:
• Amanda Nasor - Interim Executive Director, Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters
• Bethany Wise - Girls Camp Director, American Youth Foundation – Camp Miniwanca
• Caleb Ackerman - Museum Engagement Manager, Mason County Historical Society
• Erin Oleniczak - Public Health Planner, District Health Department #10
• Gwen Adams - Executive Director, Sandcastles Children's Museum
• Jenni Payne - 4-H Youth Program Coordinator, MSU Extension-Oceana
• John Jackoviak - Senior Procurement Manager, Peterson Farms, Inc.
• Julie Herringa - Executive Director, Manistee County Library
• Katie Gruenberg - Planning Director, Manistee County
• Kim Corliss - Chief Operating Officer, Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc.
• Laura Ackerman - District Manager, Oceana Conservation District
• Tara Autrey - Community Outreach Specialist, Community Foundation for Mason County
• Tricia Polcik - Clinical Director – Adult Services, Centra Wellness Network
The OCF envisions an Oceana where everyone has access to resources to thrive. If anyone would like more information on the Leadership Learning Lab, call CEO Tammy Carey at 231-869-3377 or visit the OCF website at oceanafoundation.org/resources.
