(STURGIS) - The Sturgis Area Community Foundation has found their next Executive Director.
The Foundation has appointed Ashley Magnus to the position. An accomplished nonprofit executive with extensive experience in philanthropy, fundraising, strategic planning, and community engagement, Magnus brings a proven track record of organizational growth and community impact to the Foundation.
As Executive Director, Magnus will lead the Foundation's strategic vision and operations, cultivate relationships with donors and community partners, and guide the Foundation as it continues its expansion as a countywide philanthropic leader serving St. Joseph County. The Foundation recently experienced significant growth, increasing assets from $34 million to $54 million and expanding its regional impact through strategic partnerships and community investments.
Previously, Magnus served as General Director of Chicago Opera Theater, where she led the organization through a period of innovation and growth, launched a $5 million-plus endowment campaign, secured the largest gift in the organization's history, and oversaw the development of nationally recognized artistic and community initiatives. Earlier in her career, she held leadership positions with Chicago Opera Theater and Utah Symphony | Utah Opera, focusing on fundraising strategy, corporate and foundation partnerships, strategic planning, and organizational development.
Most recently, Magnus served as Executive Director of the Acorn Center for the Performing Arts in Three Oaks, Michigan. During her tenure, she increased annual fundraising by 43 percent, grew the organization's budget from $740,000 to $1.6 million, secured more than $800,000 in capital funding, and expanded community and educational programming through partnerships with schools, foundations, and local organizations.
Magnus says she is truly honored to have the opportunity to serve the Sturgis Area Community Foundation and the community she is proud to call home.
Magnus will assume her responsibilities as Executive Director on October 12, 2026.