Recognizing Our 2025 “Graduating” Trustees

Shelly setting up for the 30th Anniversary Celebration.

HCCF values thoughtful and intentional board turnover to continue to represent Huron County. Our current governance structure allows for Trustees to serve a maximum of six years — two, three year terms — on the Board of Trustees. This means that each year we “graduate” a few members of our board. We intentionally use the word “graduate” because, like an alma mater, we hope that our Trustees leave the board with an ongoing affection for HCCF and a continued desire to be an advocate for the organization.

Shelly Gunden, Pigeon, began her board service in 2020. For the latter half of her board service, Shelly was a the Chair of the HCCF Public Engagement Committee and the Vice Chair of the Board. The Public Engagement Committee leads our public outreach, including planning and executing all HCCF events. The Public Engagement Committee, under Shelly’s leadership, hosted our 30th Anniversary Celebration in 2024. Shelly did a wonderful job of leading this committee and bringing new ideas for HCCF’s community outreach. As Vice Chair, Shelly also served on the Executive Committee. At Shelly’s last meeting, she mentioned much she valued being a part of the good work of the foundation.

Samantha delivering her final public remarks as HCCF Board Chair.

Samantha Schnettler, Harbor Beach, began her board service in January 2020. Prior to joining the HCCF Board, Samantha served on the Public Engagement Committee as a community volunteer for four years. This knowledge and engagement with HCCF through committee service allowed her to hit the ground running when asked to join the HCCF Board in 2020. Samantha served as HCCF Board Chair for four of her six years on the HCCF Board of Trustees, leading the Board through an incredible time of growth and transformation. Samantha also Co-Chaired the Capital Campaign Cabinet, a group of volunteers that spearheaded fundraising for the Community Hub project. Samantha’s leadership of the Board, Executive Committee, and Campaign Cabinet created systems to ensure HCCF remains a thriving organization for decades to come. At her final meeting, Samantha shared her appreciation for her fellow board members and encouraged them to continue to act boldly for Huron County.

Maleah Roth, Ubly, began her board service in January 2025. Maleah served as a Youth Trustees on the HCCF Board of Trustees. State of Michigan law allows 16-17 year old students to serve as full voting members on nonprofit boards. Youth Trustees serve a maximum one year term to ensure continued youth representation on the board. Thank you, Maleah, for serving as our Youth Trustee.

Please join us in expressing our thanks and appreciation for Shelly, Samantha, and Maleah’s service to HCCF and our community.

If you’re interested in volunteering with HCCF, please contact Mackenzie at mackenzie@huroncounty.com and she will share your interest with the Governance Committee for future positions.