Bronna Kahle named Lenawee Community Foundation president, CEO

ADRIAN — An outgoing state representative is the new leader of the Lenawee Community Foundation.

Bronna Kahle, who is finishing her third and final term as a state representative, has been selected by the foundation's board of directors to be its president and chief executive officer effective Jan. 2, 2023. Kahle will first complete her term as state representative, a news release from the foundation said.

Kahle cannot run for another term in the Michigan House of Representatives due to term limits.

Kahle succeeds Joe Williams, who was named president and CEO of County National Bank in September. Williams is returning to the banking field, where he had worked before becoming the foundation's president and CEO about two years ago. County National Bank is based in Hillsdale and has branches in Lenawee County.

David Hickman, chair of the foundation's board of directors, said in a news release the board feels fortunate to attract someone who is respected and knows the needs of Lenawee County so well.

“Bronna is committed to serving others with integrity and believes that listening to others and delivering results will improve the health, happiness and hope — now and forever,” he said in the release.

“Lenawee County is a tremendous place with generous, caring, and smart people making a positive difference each and every day," Kahle said in the release. "I am grateful and energized to work together with our community to build on the successes of the Lenawee Community Foundation, leading to an even brighter tomorrow for our children and grandchildren.”

Williams will leave the foundation as of Oct. 7, 2022, for his new role with County National Bank, the release said. Hickman said Williams has done an excellent job during his term and leaves the foundation in a strong condition.

"None of us anticipated that he would have the opportunity to return to banking, but it is a great change for him, and we all wish him continued success," Hickman said. "He will continue to live in Adrian and be active in Lenawee County, both professionally and as a community leader."

Hickman will serve as interim president and CEO of the foundation without compensation until the end of 2022, the release said.

The community foundation is a nonprofit organization that manages endowed funds that provide college scholarships and funding for community projects, runs the annual Lenawee Cares fundraising campaign to help fund local nonprofits, operates the local Imagination Library that provides books to young children, connects people to community service opportunities through Volunteer Lenawee and the Lenawee YOUTH Council, and offers training opportunities to nonprofits and boards of directors.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Bronna Kahle named Lenawee Community Foundation president, CEO