Dennis Fliehman to Retire
Lansing, MI – The Capital Region Community Foundation Board of Trustees has named Laurie Strauss Baumer as its new President and CEO as of June 1. Baumer has served as Executive Vice President since 2015 and succeeds Dennis Fliehman, who is retiring after almost 20 years of service.
During her tenure, Baumer has served as chief of staff and operations, worked closely with philanthropists and nonprofits, and led strategic projects such as developing downtown Lansing’s riverfront. She was responsible for the creation of Rotary Park and the upcoming Play Michigan, a universally-accessible playground for children of all abilities.
“I am honored by the Board of Trustees’ confidence in my ability to lead the Community
Foundation and take it to the next level,” said Baumer. “Dennis Fliehman grew the foundation’s
assets from $32 million to almost $150 million during his tenure. We’re now a driving force that
will allow us to lead boldly throughout the region in the coming years.”
For 30 years, Baumer has been dedicated to improving communities through her nonprofit
leadership roles. Prior to the Community Foundation, she served 16 years as president and CEO
of Ele’s Place, a center for grieving children headquartered in Lansing. Baumer successfully
replicated the organization in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Flint. Previously, she held
leadership positions at the Capital Area Humane Society and Celebrate the Children, a W.K.
Kellogg Foundation program.
Baumer earned two degrees from Michigan State University and is proud to call Lansing her
home.
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The Community Foundation is passionate about creating vibrant, thriving communities throughout Michigan’s capital region. The Foundation serves donors to meet their unique charitable goals, supports area nonprofits with grants and coaching, and leads innovative projects that drive community growth. The Community Foundation (also known as the Capital Region Community Foundation) is a tax-exempt public charity whose mission is to lead philanthropic solutions that build vibrant communities in Ingham, Clinton, and Eaton counties.
